I love my iPhone, I really do, but one thing that really just grinds my gears (family guy reference) is Apple’s complete lack of transparency with the App store process. Earlier this week I was asked why there are no apps that would add entries into the calendar app. For example a TV guide app, that at your request, would add a calender reminder for a show you want to watch later. My answer was, um….”Apple doesn’t want you messing with their existing apps”. Why? I don’t know. As a consumer that answer just is not good enough for me. Earlier this week we heard rumors that Apple may not let the new Sling Box app in the App Store, so far that is just a rumor and we haven’t heard anything since. For arguments sake, say they dont let it in. Will they have to give a reason? No! We have seen it before with Podcaster, also know as RSS Player, and countless other apps. All they have to do is spout off a pre written guideline in their development clause and the developer is out of luck. No “Hey if you change this or that, well let your app in”, nope its just a straight thumbs up or down, and that is complete crap!
I know the iPhone platform is not the most “open” platform, but it needs to open up a little bit. Like why cant I have a “today” app that has my calendar info on the lock screen? There is one for jailbroken iPhones and it works fine running in the background. So whats the big deal Apple? Why are they so closed off to the idea of apps being able to take advantage of things that us users clearly want? Is it lack of pressure? I mean the App Store is about to hit one billion downloads in under a year, so they are obviously not having a hard time selling apps. Is it lack of users that actually want this stuff? Do most users not care and are happy with what thety are given? I just see so much potential for the iPhone platform and right now it feels like we are living in a gilded cage. What apps would you guys like to see that currently Apple will not allow? Sound off in the comments if you want to rant along with me! Viva la revolution!!!!!
I agree and disagree. I think Apple just likes to do things right, but to a fault. I’m sure they have messed around with he idea of a Today Screen but just have not figured out how to implement it Apple style. Same goes with apps communicating with one another. Apple’s core mobile OS is still taking shape. I imagine they don’t want to take a leap like that until it is the foundation has completely taken shape. To be honest with you, I do not know what 3.0 has in store yet. 1,000 APIs are a lot. Maybe it is in there already.
I guess all I am saying is that Apple proves (most of the time) that the reason they don’t do a certain thing or are waiting on something is to provide the best possible experience for the user, usually we all benefit from it.
(Note to Apple: Please support Boxee officially)
Just heard ur first podcast which was pretty cool by the way.
I agree with Doss. Apple will open up in time
You make a great point J. If anything, the 3.0 software shows that Apple is listening to us and is making the changes we want. I’m just spoiled and want everything now. LOL
Apple’s approval process is one of life’s great mysteries.
Well, you could always get a Windows Mobile phone, They will shove everything in now.
@Michael Manna I think most of Apple is a great Mystery
LOL Naw Im good without Windows Mobile. Than I would just complain about the lack of Twitter apps! LOL
I agree with J. I think it would be one of the most productive changes to the iPhone OS to open the calendar and appointment database to 3rd party apps. That would automatically make apps like PI actually useful. Just think of the possibilites of a movie application that would allow you to purchase tickets and automatically add it to your calendar and send reminders to any friends you purchased tickets for
I think Apple will eventually get there but it will take time. For now, I just hope they keep refining 3.0 to run as smooth as possible on existing hardware
Great thing about Apple is they won’t take a good idea from someone else and throw it in. They will take the concept and refine it to fit in their overall scheme then get people excited for it and launch it. Which in the end make it their own and not a copy.
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