macnn
07/25/2008, 12:05pm, EDT
Friday, July 25th
Installer 4 for iPhone nearing completion
Installer 4 -- the next version of the unofficial iPhone app utility -- is nearing completion, according to one of its developers. The team working on the project says it is mainly attempting to connect the new graphical interface of the software to the functional component, after which repository authors are expected to come on board for testing. As with earlier versions of the program it is expected to be available with a future version of PwnageTool, but could also appear on Cydia and/or as a stand-alone offering.
Aside from a new interface, Installer 4 is said to use a new repository structure, which should reduce traffic problems for both iPhone owners and repository operators. Each ZIP package is now expected to include a descriptive .plist file, which ise inserted by the repository engine into a number of key locations. Developers can also specify a custom URL for package information, enabling elaborate web-based presentations.
Filed under: iPhone, hacks, iPhone apps
, 
, 4
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, 
Top
subscribe to comments
for this article
Third party installers
Instead of developing apps for a third party installer requiring the user to hack their iPhone thus voiding Apple's warranty I'd like to see more developers working to port their apps to the App Store. If the app is useful (ie: video recording, digital camera zoom, etc) then the developer could charge a small fee. Not everyone expects apps to be free. Even with installer.app some apps had a one time license fee to enable full functionality past the trial period.
Hacks are good
Well, I'd much rather developers focus on open source applications - which require the third party installer.
And developers who aren't working on open source should also seriously consider using this tool - it will allow them to develop apps with functionality that Apple would prefer the iPhone not to have. They also get the added bonus (if they want to charge money) of getting to keep all of what they're charging.
And this CANNOT legally void the iPhone warranty. The hack required is purely software, and does not permanently change the phone. Any voiding of warranties would place Apple in violation of federal law.
Re: third-party
First, most of the software to be installed would be free, so you're basically saying "Hey, charge for it. It would be better for everyone!"
Second, you're making the assumption that these apps would be allowed by Apple. Since Apple makes the decision what to allow and not allow, if they don't want someone selling a video recorder, they can just say "Sorry, you've been denied".
Third, maybe some of these developers don't want to, or can't afford, to spend the $100 needed to become 'official' developers in order to sell apps.
And fourth, you're even assuming they can become developers (has Apple actually expanded their developer base? They were very limited in them earlier).
Maple Syrup
1) More than half the App's in the installer are illegal to own...Example) Emulators and roms. Apple wouldn't allow that, I want that.
2) Installer has a range of open app's, a hell of a lot more than the app store. The Installer can be expanded and can reach the thousands in app quanity. The app store has about two and a half hundred app's and cannot except sources like the installer.
3) The App store is a great bonus even if you have the installer. The App store has a large quanity of incredible 3d games and radios that of which I know the Installer doesn't have.
While the Installer is much better than the App store, and is kind of a needed thing if you use your Iphone a lot, the App store is as well really good.