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16 Oct 2009 16:16

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Tech: The iPhone App Store’s new free app policy is a win-win for all

  • We’ve always been big supporters of the freemium model, but an upsell from within your free app is just so much easier than trying to get your users to the app store again to purchase your premium version.
  • Inedible Software co-founder Eddie Marks • On Apple’s new policy to allow in-app purchases on free apps. Why is this a big deal? Well, a few things: Software makers only have to get one app approved, as opposed to two (if they’re selling a game), it fights piracy of full apps, and it’s easier to upsell from within the app as opposed to forcing people to go to the app store again. • source

05 Oct 2009 22:18

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Tech: Adobe comes up with a workaround to the Flash-on-iPhone problem

  • Apple has been resistant to Flash showing up on its baby – you know, the iPhone. It’s gone out of its way to prevent the otherwise-ubiquitous software, focusing instead on platform-specific apps. source
  • In its new version of Flash, Adobe allows you to convert Flash files into iPhone programs. Soon, we expect Steve Jobs to show up on Adobe’s property with a shotgun, screaming belligerently. source

28 Sep 2009 22:07

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Tech: First Google Voice, now health care? Apple’s app bans get political

  • I feel like politicians already have a megaphone and Apple is making it worse instead of making it easier for a regular guy to get an application into the store.
  • iPhone app developer Red Daly • Describing his frustration with Apple declining his app iSinglePayer for political reasons. The app, which explained to people the benefits of a Canada-style health care system and gives those users ways to contact their representatives, was blocked by phone specifically because it pushed a political opinion. For Daly, he says it was defeating because he “went to the app store because I felt like I didn’t have much of a voice in other spheres.” Eventually, all these arbitrary bans are going to catch up with Apple. • source

30 Aug 2009 22:07

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Tech: Got a Fwix on a big story? There’s an iPhone app for that

  • Journalism now fits in your pocket. With a new iPhone app coming this week, hyperlocal startup Fwix is ready to get in on the journalism-as-it-happens game. The app allows regular people to file news reports (which can include photos and videos) onto the company’s Web site, allowing for a kind of journalism that Twitter kind of allows already, but pushed even further. Are we replacing professional journalists with iPhone apps? Good question. Maybe a necessary one to ask. source

21 Aug 2009 23:22

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Tech: Apple’s all like, we didn’t deny that Google Voice iPhone app yet

  • They say it might confuse users. Despite the fact that 1) It’s already being used elsewhere, 2) It’s a Google app and 3) There’s extreme criticism from end users over the app’s denial, Apple is still debating the Google Voice app. It wrote in its letter to the FCC that the app replaces “the iPhone’s core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voice mail.” Duh. One other note: Apple apparently doesn’t discuss apps with AT&T, as was feared, but agreed not to allow VOIP apps like Skype. The FCC’s looking into that, too. source

01 Aug 2009 14:22

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Biz, Tech: AT&T: Don’t blame us for Google Voice. Blame Apple.

  • AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store. We have received the letter and will, of course, respond to it.
  • AT&T • In a statement to Mashable regarding the controversy circling the Google Voice iPhone app. While AT&T themselves may not have forced the hand of Apple, agreements put in place may have directly influenced it.  • source

21 Jul 2009 11:12

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Tech: Are Apple’s random App Store rules hurting the iPhone?

  • It’s one thing to delay a homebrew project like mine, but it’s another thing to shut down a team of developers burning real cash. Apple should be worried when real programmers shrug off the rejections by saying, ‘It’s just a hobby.’
  • Infoworld columnist Peter Wayner • Describing the hoops he’s had to go through – along with the months of waiting – just to get an iPhone app version of his book onto the App Store. He’s still trying to get a pay version on – with proceeds that go to charity – after four months. • source
 

24 May 2009 11:36

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Tech: The latest iPhone app news we got to offer to the masses

  • Apple’s policy of rejecting apps based on some minor content flaw continues, this time with an eBook reader featuring a book on Kama Sutra.
  • Finally, have you tried out the USA Today iPhone app? It’s freaking amazing. It’s easily the high standard as far as newspaper apps go. It freaking rules, kids.

11 May 2009 22:21

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Tech: What could possibly be offensive about this Jesus iPhone app?

  • Apple turned down Me So Holy, which allows you to take any photo in your library and put an iconic religious figure’s frame around it. Catholics (and 2 Live Crew) must be up in arms.source

03 May 2009 11:09

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Music, Tech: Trent Reznor’s NIN app got rejected. The reason? His music.

  • “The Downward Spiral” was cited as the specific reason for rejection. The latest version of Trent Reznor’s iPhone app, “NIN Access,” was blocked from the App Store for its content. Which is strange because the content is largely the same as the original version of the app. When Reznor heard the reason, he responded (via Tweet), “Not even sure where to start with that one.” The iPhone App Store’s rejection process has long been criticized for this specific reason. source