Comments on: Podcaster: So good, Apple won't let you have it

Despite what Apple says, it does not duplicate iTunes functionality. It does much more.

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by A-Non-Muse September 15, 2008 6:27 PM PDT: I can understand to a point where cell phones need to be regulated like this, but I can't wait for the day where they are free from restrictions from the companies who make them (at least close to a PC is where you can download any program you want). That will be the day when the cell phone is completely customizable. I have an AT&T account, but I don't think I'll get an iphone anytime soon. I'll stick with my Samsung Blackjack, at least I know I can put any game/app I want.

Cell phones have so much potential, but are being heavily restrained. I'm sure its all based on the network, and the vulnerability of the networks to be overloaded with streaming data, and constant downloads. We just have to wait out the wireless networks to be abundant and capable of handling larger amounts of data.; Like this Reply to this comment


by MSITHero September 15, 2008 9:00 PM PDT: Apple thinks they can do anything... We all need to support the anti trust law suit against apple. But it needs to cover more then just the Mac. It needs to cover the iPhone and iPod touch.; Like this Reply to this comment


by elgarak September 15, 2008 9:15 PM PDT: First off, It seems that the Podcaster violated the rules that Apple published for developers. Look up section 3.3.3.

Because this function was explicitly forbidden, Podcaster could not access the podcast section. Which means that podcasts from Podcaster did not show up in iTuned or the iPhones iPod section. Which means that a user had to switch over to Podcaster for getting podcasts. Which makes it difficult for users to keep track of podcasts, if they subscribe to them with both iTunes and Podcaster. Which means double downloads, and when you're listen to one in one program, this status does not get transferred over. In short, the program does not achieve the quality that Apple strives for.

The iPhone is not a computer. It needs clear definitions to keep the user interface simple, and information easily accessible. As such, I'm more likely to side with Apple.

If you don't like this, you have to jailbreak. Then you can do whatever you want.

Which also means that Apple or AT&T can refuse service if you do so. Your choixe.; Like this Reply to this comment


by DesertKoala September 15, 2008 9:32 PM PDT: Hilarious.; Like this Reply to this comment


by vaibhav92 September 16, 2008 1:26 AM PDT: @elgarak

I beg to differ at your point. Duplication of functionality doesn't means that you have to axe something which is better then whats already there. Without doubt Podcaster has something which is better then the native iphone app and if people find it useful then they will completely switch it. They wont go for the native app hence no confusion.

I think if apple has something like this in their contract then its a backdoor to protect their market or applications from developers outside. And from my prospective its lame, something that even Microsoft hasnt resorted too ever.; Like this Reply to this comment


by ppapageorgiou September 16, 2008 1:55 AM PDT: The key question is what are you buying when you buy an iPhone. Are you buying a fancy phone that can run apps, or a pocket computer that can make phone calls?

I want the latter. Firstly, I hate phones: They promote what's good for the carrier or the manufacturer rather than the owner. They tend to have weird limitations in what they can do imposed by the carrier. They are a limited software ecosystem that eventually stagnates. I like pocket computers: They let you run web, mail, games, and creative things such as writing or blogging anywhere. You can count on on the software ecosystem to release any kind of app that would be popular. And it's handy for pocket computers to also have a phone and camera so I don't have to carry these separately.

I think Palm did this right with Treo (which dominated the smartphone market at one point), Microsoft does this right with Pocket PC, and Apple is doing it wrong. They cling to the idea of selling phones when clearly consumers want pocket computers, and they're breaking trust: Users trust the software ecosystem to meet their future software wishes, and Apple breaks this.

I have four macs, and yet I refuse to buy an iPhone so far. The iPhone isn't earning Apple any goodwill from me, quite the opposite.; Like this Reply to this comment


by doc_normal September 16, 2008 2:23 AM PDT: Just want to make sure everyone gets the opportunity to hear Alex's side of the story:

http://media.libsyn.com/media/kaos/CamiKaos-StrangeLove-Episode039.mp3

Cami Kaos
Dr Normal
www.strangelovelive.com; Like this Reply to this comment


by dave_in_boston September 16, 2008 2:52 AM PDT: Many podcasts are well over 100Mb in size. If downloaded over the air (on 2G or 3G), these podcasts will lead to more battery life consumption and data performance (speed degradation due to loading) issues than are already being reported. Radio data networks shall take time (and possibly even new technology advances) to be ready for this much data volume. In the meantime, maybe Appe can at least allow this application to work over WIFI?; Like this Reply to this comment


by AppleSuxLeo September 16, 2008 5:07 AM PDT: See Apple for what they really are... constraints, secrecy and negativity. And see Jobs as an old woman using a leaf blower and fixing a blown head gasket. Genius ! Warning: Might go right over the head of a Mac user. http://www.tgdaily.com/content/view/39294/118/
Apple: nothing but Dijon mustard and extra cheese.; Like this Reply to this comment


by BooMaya September 16, 2008 6:37 AM PDT: Apple = Nazi; Like this Reply to this comment


by September 16, 2008 9:40 AM PDT: Regarding the fact that this application supposedly "duplicates" existing functionality. Leaving aside the fact that it actually *extends* existing functionality, making it more useful, the real problem here is that it is not the only application to tread close to or over this line and yet, it is the one singled out for removal.

So what we have is a set of very vague rules which Apple apparently feels they can interpret however they want, whenever they want. In one sense of course, they can - their playground, their rules. But if that is how they are going to chose to do business they need to be viewed in the same light as other monopolists such as Microsoft.

Here's hoping that the upcoming Google entry into this market will provide for some real competition (though I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical on that point).; Like this Reply to this comment


by September 16, 2008 9:42 AM PDT: Regarding the claim that this application supposedly "duplicates" existing functionality. Leaving aside the fact that it actually *extends* existing functionality, making it more useful, the real problem here is that it is not the only application to tread close to or over this line and yet, it is the one singled out for removal.

So what we have is a set of very vague rules which Apple apparently feels they can interpret however they want, whenever they want. In one sense of course, they can - their playground, their rules. But if that is how they are going to chose to do business they need to be viewed in the same light as other monopolists such as Microsoft.

Here's hoping that the upcoming Google entry into this market will provide for some real competition (though I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical on that point).; Like this Reply to this comment


by jaydude101 September 16, 2008 7:55 PM PDT: Apple will learn their lesson when Android is established in the market, at the moment they have no reason to do anything they don't want to do. As for the podcaster app, Apple go @#%$ your self!; Like this Reply to this comment


by brandenwan September 17, 2008 12:11 PM PDT: If you have gotten PODCASTER from Alex and have fears of Apple tinkering inside your iphone to cripple it, and you have a JAILBROKEN phone, download BossPrefs from Cydia and KILL Apples killswitch, and then you should be ok for at least a year, or until Apple sneaks something else horrid into your firmware. :-); Like this Reply to this comment


by David Gerard September 20, 2008 3:52 PM PDT: Seriously, Microsoft is really losing it in the evil stakes these days. They used to be really good at evil. Now Apple is <a href="http://tinyurl.com/4roxbf">kicking their backsides</a> for evil. When Steve Jobs goes "MuWAAAhahahaha!", the brainwashed minions listen. His henchmen are really loyal, not just getting paid to be. Poor Ballmer.; Like this Reply to this comment


by limweiseng September 28, 2008 1:55 PM PDT: Developers said they will boycott and not building new apps.
If boycott is really their means, they should withdraw all the apps currently available in store.; Like this Reply to this comment