iPhone SDK Details: Apple as Gatekeeper, No Accessories?
iLounge cites several sources "familiar with Apples iPhone and iPod touch software development kit (SDK) plans" to reveal some controversial new details:
iTunes Store as hub - as expected, Apple will require future iPhone and iPod Touch applications to be distributed through Apple's iTunes Store.
Apple as Application Gatekeeper - iLounge believes that Apple will act as a gatekeeper for the applications themselves and will formally approve or deny all software releases:
iLounge corroborates earlier rumors that the final SDK would not be ready for release at Apple's March 6th event. Instead, they echo that a beta will be available then, with the final release to await WWDC in June. Meanwhile, they do expect Apple to announce Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes support at the March event.
iTunes Store as hub - as expected, Apple will require future iPhone and iPod Touch applications to be distributed through Apple's iTunes Store.
Apple as Application Gatekeeper - iLounge believes that Apple will act as a gatekeeper for the applications themselves and will formally approve or deny all software releases:
While one source saw this as a positive for major developers, suggesting that Apple will be choked by application submissions and forced to give priority to releases from larger companies, another source disagreed, stating that Apples current approval processes for third-party products have resulted in lengthy, needless delays.
No Accessory Support - no ability to support dock-based accessories (such as a GPS module), though the iPhone's own phone, Wi-Fi, and camera will reportedly be accessible.iLounge corroborates earlier rumors that the final SDK would not be ready for release at Apple's March 6th event. Instead, they echo that a beta will be available then, with the final release to await WWDC in June. Meanwhile, they do expect Apple to announce Microsoft Exchange and Lotus Notes support at the March event.
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52 months ago
• No Accessory Support - no ability to support dock-based accessories, though the iPhone's own phone, Wi-Fi, and camera and reportedly accessible.
Sigh. I was hoping for a GPS module/software being released at some point :(
52 months ago
It'd be a shame if it didn't include accessory support, but the fact they are reviewing the apps is a plus in my eyes. I think this is a must, especially if we're going to be charged.
52 months ago
I'm not *too* bothered by most of it - some apps are better than nothing, and I've little doubt that the key to allow applications that Apple refuses to still be installed will be forthcoming in hours rather months.
However, no dock access is a major, major ****up. One of the things I've been looking forward to with the SDK is third parties picking up Apple's slack and giving us a working radio remote or an external synced flash for the camera. Possibly even bluetooth keyboard support. I just cannot fathom any reason for not including it, because it's really, really stupid.
It's very, very disappointing news if true.
Phazer
However, no dock access is a major, major ****up. One of the things I've been looking forward to with the SDK is third parties picking up Apple's slack and giving us a working radio remote or an external synced flash for the camera. Possibly even bluetooth keyboard support. I just cannot fathom any reason for not including it, because it's really, really stupid.
It's very, very disappointing news if true.
Phazer
52 months ago
Ugh.. I'm keeping my jailbreak. This SDK release is becoming more and more dismal with each new update.
52 months ago
As a small 3rd party developer I'm just going to refuse to do anything for the iPhone/iTouch platform if Apple acts like a gatekeeper. If iTunes is an option that's fine, if its mandatory and Apple has to approve each app I'm just not interested. Hopefully other developers feel the same way.
52 months ago
It'd be a shame if it didn't include accessory support, but the fact they are reviewing the apps is a plus in my eyes. I think this is a must, especially if we're going to be charged.
I agree actually. Having the apps approved by Apple and available from the iTunes store instantly opens them up to a wider audience - especially those who had never considered adding applications to their phones before.
Having had Windows Mobile, Symbian and Palm based phones in the past I see this as a strong positive step forward.
I just hope Apple get it right.
52 months ago
If true, this is a lot of folks' worst-case scenario. Very unfortunate and short-sighted on Apple's part. This strongly suggests, as well, that free applications will be non-existent. Forget a chat or VOIP application.
The silver lining is that Apple originally didn't plan (or at least didn't tell us) an SDK at all, but here we are. So maybe they'll loosen up over time.
This is really control-freaky, even for Apple.
The silver lining is that Apple originally didn't plan (or at least didn't tell us) an SDK at all, but here we are. So maybe they'll loosen up over time.
This is really control-freaky, even for Apple.
52 months ago
Geez I hope all of this isn't tue, surely Apple can't get it THAT wrong. Apple approving every application? - that's just ridiculous. SDK Take 2 this time next year?
52 months ago
Ugh.. I'm keeping my jailbreak. This SDK release is becoming more and more dismal with each new update.
Of course, when you say update you mean 'possible details' because we know nothing at all for sure yet.
52 months ago
Good for Apple...This means that Apple is still in charge and will control what will be will be. It also gives all of those that love to whine something else to express their anger about...so here we go with ALLLLLL of the pissed off users that just want to whine cause the phone won't be able to "think" and "do" for them.
At least this way, we will continue to have a quality, high end product that won't turn into a cheapend Treo with totally broke software and cheap plastic attachements.
So....lets get on with the show and see how many different ways the cry babies can whine and bitch about the same old missing stuff....Entertain me...let the show begin....lmao!!!
At least this way, we will continue to have a quality, high end product that won't turn into a cheapend Treo with totally broke software and cheap plastic attachements.
So....lets get on with the show and see how many different ways the cry babies can whine and bitch about the same old missing stuff....Entertain me...let the show begin....lmao!!!
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