| |
| META TOPICPARENT | name="WebPreferences" |
|---|
READY FOR REVIEW | | | *Testing the Theory* | |
<
< | With the iPhone 4, Apple introduced FaceTime, a feature allowing users to video chat with other iPhone users. To this day, Apple restricts the great potential of FaceTime? , permitting its use only over Wi-Fi connections. Kim Streich, a third party programmer, quickly developed 3G Unrestrictor, an application enabling FaceTime? over 3G connections, allowing users to video chat on the go, instead of only in stationary, Wi-Fi-connected locations. This application is clearly useful and would greatly enhance the user experience, but Apple swiftly rejected 3G Unrestrictor from the App Store. The application quickly found its way into Cydia, an unauthorized app store, in the form of a paid app. Streich stated, “people are so annoyed by Apple and their shit, and if you give them the opportunity to go around it, then they’ll even pay for it.” Within just two weeks of its introduction into Cydia, the app garnered $19,000 in sales. This demonstrates that if Apple embraced the jailbreak community, thereby permitting apps like Unrestricted to be sold in the official App Store, Apple could profit. Creators are not deterred from using the App Store in favor of Cydia because of Apple’s fees. Cydia creator Jay Freeman, like Apple, charges 30% per app sale. Thus, creators are deterred simply because the App Store, as it currently operates, implements arbitrary restrictions which hinder achievement of optimal functionality. Without arbitrary restrictions on functionality, there would be no reason for unofficial app stores. | >
> | With the iPhone 4, Apple introduced FaceTime, a feature allowing users to video chat with other iPhone users. To this day, FaceTime? is restricted to use only over Wi-Fi connections. Kim Streich, a third party programmer, quickly developed 3G Unrestrictor, an application enabling FaceTime? over 3G connections, allowing users to video chat on the go, instead of only in stationary, Wi-Fi-connected locations. This application is clearly useful and would greatly enhance the user experience, but Apple swiftly rejected 3G Unrestrictor from the App Store. The application quickly found its way into Cydia, an unauthorized app store, in the form of a paid app. Streich stated, “people are so annoyed by Apple and their shit, and if you give them the opportunity to go around it, then they’ll even pay for it.” Within just two weeks of its introduction into Cydia, the app garnered $19,000 in sales. This demonstrates that if Apple embraced the jailbreak community, thereby permitting apps like Unrestricted to be sold in the official App Store, Apple could profit. Creators are not deterred from using the App Store in favor of Cydia because of Apple’s fees. Cydia creator Jay Freeman, like Apple, charges 30% per app sale. Thus, creators are deterred simply because the App Store, as it currently operates, implements arbitrary restrictions which hinder achievement of optimal functionality. Without arbitrary restrictions on functionality, there would be no reason for unofficial app stores. | | | *Should Apple Care?* | |
<
< | Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, reported that over 250 Million iOS devices have been sold worldwide. In China, Apples second largest market (16% of sales), over 35% of iOS devices are jailbroken. If Apple removed arbitrary restrictions on functionality, formerly unauthorized applications could be available on the official App Store, for 100% of all iOS users to purchase. The 35% of Chinese users would convert to the official App Store for purchasing their applications, as there would be no need for any unofficial app stores. Further, many people purchase non-iOS devices specifically because Apple is a “closed system” with arbitrary restrictions. Removing arbitrary restrictions will induce people to convert to Apple and iOS, and as a result, Apple would sell more handheld devices and applications. Thus, Apple stands to profit substantially from embracing the jailbreak community. Moreover, the user experience will be greatly enhanced; innovation and efficiency will develop unfettered, thus achieving Apple’s stated goals. | >
> | Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, reported that over 250 Million iOS devices have been sold worldwide. In China, Apples second largest market (16% of sales), over 35% of iOS devices are jailbroken. If Apple removed arbitrary restrictions on functionality, formerly unauthorized applications could be available on the official App Store, for 100% of all iOS users to purchase. The 35% of Chinese users would convert to the official App Store for purchasing their applications, as there would be no need for any unofficial app stores. Further, many people purchase non-iOS devices specifically because Apple is a “"closed" system” with arbitrary restrictions. Removing arbitrary restrictions will induce people to convert to Apple and iOS, and as a result, Apple would sell more handheld devices and applications. Thus, Apple stands to profit substantially from embracing the jailbreak community. Moreover, the user experience will be greatly enhanced; innovation and efficiency will develop unfettered, thus achieving Apple’s stated goals. | | | *Possible Complications* |
|