macnn
02/15/2008, 1:35pm, EST
Friday, February 15th
Apple working with jailbreakers for legit SDK apps?
In what appears to be a move on Apple's part to sway current iPhone and iPod touch jailbreak developers into becoming legit, Tiny Code announced that it would no longer be updating its iPhone Repo application. The developer said that due to a closer relationship with Apple, and use of the official software developers kit, it will abstain from creating software for jailbroken 1.1.3 iPhones. Supposedly Tiny Code will wait for the 1.1.4 firmware before introducing any more software.
A note on Tiny Code's website reads: " Tiny Code no longer produces fixes or applications for firmware 1.1.3. We can't say much, but we are working with Apple and with their SDK for the next firmware release and SDK applications and we shouldn't be missed for long. We will no longer update our Installer.app repo for legality reasons and you should see us soon on iTunes."
Filed under: iPod, iPhone, software, developer
Other story tags: Touch, SDK, firmware
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They aren't sell outs either. If their main purpose was to push apple to open the iPhone to 3rd party apps they've succeeded. Why not reap additional benefits at this point?
I actually see this as a great development, to see them (and more) jumping on the SDK bandwagon. Seems to me that not only will the SDK be a fine thing, but distribution will (as expected) happen via iTunes.
Good development, I say!
Um, what is the difference? Wouldn't they have "jumped" on the SDK when it was released (whenever the hell that will be)? Is there something about using the SDK vs. not using it that makes them oh-so-much-better now?
Opening up the iPhone isn't having an SDK that only a few developers can use, who then must distribute their apps via iTunes. That's not open, that's perpetuating the Apple hold over content and control.
The lesson here, is that companies like Apple don't have to lie and falsely manipulate people into believing that unlocking a phone that they purchased is illegal...when its not only legal, its specifically protected under the law...
instead they can create a compelling environment for developers, and developers will naturally flock to the more compelling environment.
Its carrot vs. stick. Carrot works....
lying, manipulating, and promoting the entirely false idea that unlocking iphones is somehow not legit, was never necessary, didn't help...and people who promote those ideas, especially journalists, are sad...they don't check any facts, and they present ideas to their readers when they are not true.
It wasn't illegal and I don't remember Apple every saying so. What they said is they do not support those kind of modifications and if future updates break functionality, they are not responsible. You also can drive over your iPhone, but don't expect the warranty to cover it.
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