Crackulus Lets Users Break Protection On Downloaded Official Apps, Undermines App Sto

[Edward Kirk]

<div id="inlinead" class="inlinead"><IFRAME src="http://adserver1.backbeatmedia.com/servlet/ajrotator/13894/222/viewHTML?pool=13886&type=3158&pos=20&zone=5000" width="300" height="250" align="middle" frameborder=0 marginwidth=0 marginheight=0 scrolling=no><script language="JavaScript" src="http://adserver1.backbeatmedia.com/servlet/ajrotator/13894/222/viewJScript?pool=13886&type=3158&pos=20&zone=5000"></script></IFRAME></div><div class="nodecontent"><img src="http://www.iphonealley.com/images/storyimages/february09/crackulous.jpg" align="right"/>

If Apple didn't think they had a reason to thwart the jailbreaking movement among iPhone owners before, they sure do now. Crackulous, a new unofficial app that was released to Cydia not long ago, claims to be able to remove the copy protection from App Store apps installed on your iPhone. If true, it would allow a single user to simply buy an app to put it into illegal circulation. <!--break-->

With the exception of the occasional repairing of the occasional security flaws and a few other spare tires thrown in the Dev Team's direction, Apple has been somewhat lax when it comes to the jailbreaking and unlocking communities. This, however, might be enough to push them over the edge, as it undermines the App Store and means a few hard-working developers won't get the money they've earned.

[ <a href="http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2009/02/02/crackulous-released-promises-to-bust-iphone-app-protection-sche/" target="_blank">Engadget</a> via <a href="http://www.funkyspacemonkey.com/crackulous" target="_blank">Funky Space Monkey</a>]</div>

[Kevin Dunahee]

Hey. Did you guys see the article on Gizmodo where the author of Crackulous got upset with Gizmodo for linking to a pirated version of the app. Yes, the author was upset if he was going to get ripped off but not at all concerned that his program was the tool used to rip off thousands of other authors. If somebody was to pirate his pirating software, then that just wasn't cool. Excuse my attitude, but what a dirtbag. I'm not a developer by any means, nor do I have any of the skills to potentially be one but this really gets me irked.

Subject: INACCURATE: Crackulous article

Crack Ulous Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 4:14 PM
To: adam@gizmodo.com

Adam, you are linking to a pirated version of the app. Please link to REMOVED (the official Crackulous site) instead of supporting the pirates in the crackulous article. Thanks.

Adam Frucci Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 4:16 PM
To: Crack Ulous

Are you serious? This isn't a joke? You're seriously trying to stop
an app designed to pirate apps from being pirated?

Crack Ulous Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 4:21 PM
To: Adam Frucci

No but I need people to support my work... I deserve appreciation.

Adam Frucci Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 4:23 PM
To: Crack Ulous

But the people who have legit apps that Craculous will help pirate
don't? You honestly don't see the irony here?

Crack Ulous Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 4:24 PM
To: Adam Frucci

Yes.. but Adam, all I ask is that you link to REMOVED in your article because some people still buy and support. Some people in the scene appreciate my work. Is it too much to ask? :)

Adam Frucci Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 4:34 PM
To: Crack Ulous

No.

Crack Ulous Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 4:35 PM
To: Adam Frucci

Ok if you could please do that I would be very appreciative. Thanks.


[via Gizmodo (http://i.gizmodo.com/5144751/crackulous-allows-for-app-store-piracy)]

[Kevin Dunahee]

So this was all a case of imposter pirates against pirating?

Whew, what a relief.

[warlock]

at 4:35 pm the article on Gizmodo was updated, once again, stating that the guy who claimed to be the real developer of the Crackulous app is NOT really the developer. He is actually an independent developer against Crackulous. This is what was posted on Gozmodo after the "developers" true identity was revealed. I know its confusing, but check out the actual Gizmodo story for the full schabang.

Update #2: The jackass above was a developer trying to screw over the people behind Crackulous. He wasn't the real developer, nor was he a scammer. He made no money from this. Moral of the story is still this: don't pirate apps. And this guy is a douche.

[Kevin Dunahee]

So let me get this straight. We've gone from legitimate developers, to pirates, to pirates against pirating, to imposter pirates against pirating, to legitimate developers posing as imposter pirates against pirating. Sounds simple enough.

[madscientest]

So let me get this straight. We've gone from legitimate developers, to pirates, to pirates against pirating, to imposter pirates against pirating, to legitimate developers posing as imposter pirates against pirating. Sounds simple enough.

thats awesome. there is only one problem i see. and that is the fact that you have to pay for the app to distribute it for free. and as we all know none of the 15,000 so called app are worth a penny. i wouldnt even pay a penny to give the app away to a million people. now thats lame.