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More SDK Details: Apple To Restrict SDK Apps, Launch Full SDK In June

Submitted by Edward Kirk on February 29, 2008 - 11:22am.
in

iLounge claims that "several sources familiar with Apple's iPhone and iPod touch software development kit (SDK) plans", the March 6th event will include several potentially controversial limitations on development and publishing.

The least controversial detail is that Apple plans to use iTunes as a "hub" for all iPhone SDK-related applications, with users using the iTunes store to find and download the applications.

The most controversial detail is that Apple is retaining the right to formally approve or deny all SDK-based applications, deciding which are worthy of release and which are not, prohibiting the later from being published. This would give them complete control over what kinds of applications would be available. This would be particularly problematic in the case of applications that Apple or AT&T may not want on the device, like a data-based IM chat application that bypasses the costly SMS app for free.

Apple is also planning to limit the SDK developers from utilizing external hardware that connects through the iPhone's dock port. Sources say that this could cripple development of new accessories like physical keyboards or traditional add-ons. Another source described the limit as a way for Apple to make sure that applications stay as limited as current web apps (I would wager it's in part to keep customers from turning their iPod touch into an iPhone with external hardware). However, developers will have access to the existing built-in hardware of the iPhone and iPod touch, like the iPhone's camera, Wi-Fi, and phone, adding functionality.

Sources also say that the SDK to be announced on March 6th will be a beta, and that the full SDK promised this month won't be released until Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco in June.

Other announcements they may make at that time are the addition of enterprise features like Lotus Notes and Microsoft Exchange support.

[via iLounge]

Submitted by iTelefono on February 29, 2008 - 11:40am.
As long as the hacking community keeps jailbreaking the iPhone, we can laugh at Apple's stupid decisions. I unlocked and jailbroke my phone because I refuse to do business with the ATT monopoly (not far from it) and I disapprove Apple's greedy money making attitude. If it were for them, you'd have to pay each time you switch the iPhone on... just look at the ringtone extorsion scheme... pay for the song, and pay again for the same song to become a ringtone. Apple... GTH...

Dissapointing.

Submitted by rommelz0rz on February 29, 2008 - 12:53pm.
I was really hopefull in the beggining when they announced SDK. I though it would be legitmate way to get nice applications and client based services like IM chat onto my phone without the trouble of Jailbreaking and worrying about my phone turning into a brick. I bought the phone early this month with big hopes and patience for it to release on the 26th. Now hearing all this news about paying for services with control of appz being managed by att and apple. This news will force me to jailbreak my phone knowing it will be a few months till there is even a chance to legitimately getting appz. I hope apple listens to it's customers and let the software developement kit truly be something worth waiting for.

I smell bull poop...

Submitted by sleepy_ghost on February 29, 2008 - 1:27pm.
Seeing as to how the market works, I guarantee you that in a few months (maybe a year tops) Apple will decide to turn the SDK into an open tool rather than what they are making it to be right now. The bottom line is that between delays and false promises, I am glad, I hacked my phone.

Apple used to be such a good value company... sorry to say that they are beginig to think and act like the enemy they've battled for years... I can ionly hope their products remain of the same quality cuz if they dont, I'ma have to start my own computer empire and show them how its done.

What a JOKE!!

Submitted by madscientest on February 29, 2008 - 1:37pm.
WHAT THE FUKC! why cant apple just be upfront with its customers, that is the most disappointing part of this whole thing. I will never pay apple for anything. You know not everyone can use web apps! for instance at work i HAVE to turn my iphone to airplane mode because the data signal interrupts all the radio and stereo signals. If i walk around the office with the phone on everyone knows exactly where i am due to the lack clicking in office radios.

The only feature i need in my iphone to be happy is AD2P. I am so sick of apple pushing everything back everytime, like they have no clue what the fukc is going on. Just give us, copy/paste, MMS, and AD2P and you can bet that most iphone users would be perfectly happy.

As an apple customer for the last 10 year, im jumping ship and will NEVER purchase another apple product. This whole iphone experience has opened my eyes to how apple really thinks of its customers.. as $ signs.

The phone I traded in to get the iphone was an HTC 8125, why I did this I have no idea, but you can bet it will never happen again...

one very pissed off ex apple user!!!!!! FUKC APPLE - there is nothing worse than a rotten apple!

Sleepy Ghost- your so right

Submitted by madscientest on February 29, 2008 - 1:42pm.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sleepy_ghost View Post
Seeing as to how the market works, I guarantee you that in a few months (maybe a year tops) Apple will decide to turn the SDK into an open tool rather than what they are making it to be right now. The bottom line is that between delays and false promises, I am glad, I hacked my phone.

Apple used to be such a good value company... sorry to say that they are beginig to think and act like the enemy they've battled for years... I can ionly hope their products remain of the same quality cuz if they dont, I'ma have to start my own computer empire and show them how its done.
as i was typing my last reply i was thinkin about getting all the pissed off iphone users and making our own computer empire that you speak of. fukc apple and microcrap!!!

THAT IS THE BEST IDEA IVE HEARD IN A LONG TIME, sign me up! You can be the CEO and ill be the COO, and together we will bring them down. anyone else want in???

Submitted by chr1s60 on February 29, 2008 - 2:20pm.
I hope the dock access part isn't true. I was looking forward to a GPS or something that would connect through the dock.

As far as Apple reviewing apps goes, I don't mind. At least with them reviewing them, anything bad that might happen to the phone because of an app will be covered. It also lowers the risk of downloading random applications made by anyone who wants to make one.

the dock access port

Submitted by madscientest on February 29, 2008 - 4:27pm.
I have seen some AD2P dongles that use the dock connector to give the iphone its missing AD2P. Now if apple disables that port, that would be a very bad decision on apples part(not that they have made any good decisions about the iphone yet), but to deliberately stop working hardware would only show how money hungry and greedy they really are. anyone else loose all faith in apple?

--ad2p Challenge--

Submitted by madscientest on February 29, 2008 - 4:55pm.
Ill give a $100 donation to the first person who successfully makes an AD2P software application on the iphone. I am in desperate need of this feature and obviously apple is not going to do it.

Again i am 100% serious and will give you $100 donation if it works.

I can be reached at madscientest[at]charter[dot]net and have a crisp new 100 bill in my pocket(or bank account to wire transfer to you)

PLEASE HELP ME, and thank you in advance.