Apple shuts OpenClip: No more copy-and-paste

Well, that didn't take long. As soon as people started to get excited about open-source OpenClip, and its ability to bring copy-and-paste functionality to the iPhone, Apple found a way to shut it down with its 2.1 firmware.

Of course, OpenClip is open source, and perhaps enterprising developers will find a way around the 2.1 firmware. Or maybe (gasp!) Apple will actually deliver the copy-and-paste functionality many have demanded.

But for now, its ClosedClip, not OpenClip. Even communities must apparently bow to Apple. Code is law, to borrow Larry Lessig's phrase, and Apple controls the iPhone code.

[fantasticjack]

Looks like Apple REALLY doesn't want us to have cut-and-paste.

[bubblebathgirl]

No, Apple just wants it done right.

[ducttape36]

apple wants it done right? its COPY AND PASTE! how hard can that be?!? too hard for apple to take on apparently.

[The_Decider]

This is exhibit A on why the iPhone is nothing special, nor is it advanced. There are far cheaper phones that have all the functionality that the iPhone lacks, while not missing any important iPhone features.

IPhone: All hype

[bubblebathgirl]

You are exhibit A of why mothers shouldn't drink while pregnant.

[migroschrott]

Right..., so you have hard evidence that Apple did shut down OpenClip's copy & paste on purpose? I don't think so, so don't make any statements as if it would be fact. Besides, even Zac White from the OpenClip project doesn't think so;

"P.P.S Also, some seem to think that Apple is squashing OpenClip specifically. I don't really believe this to be the case. Even though I debuted to concept before the newest beta was release, I'm sure Apple had been planning to kill this kind of thing for a while."

Maybe you want to read the whole blog post to understand WHY Apple is making restrictions -> http://openclip.org/main.php

"...and Apple controls the iPhone code". Uh yes, it's their product, their platform, it's not open source. Apple will implement the feature when they have time to implement it and find a way to make it easy enough for the user. Apparently, there are currently other features and functionalities that need to be taken care of first. - Always funny how people seem to judge others and how they would make it better. Well, do so and then we can talk again. There has yet to be a competitor that can produce a device like the iPhone. Apple said they were couple years ahead of the competition when they released it. It's been a year now and it will take a least another one until anyone comes close...

[Vegaman_Dan]

Is ths really any surprise to anyone? It's Apple, of course they wouldn't allow a third party to come along and offer something that makes them look bad for failng to have copy/paste functionality that has been on every PDA from even the earliest Palm and Newton days.

[turoa76]

There are rules. People try to break rules and complain when they are not allowed to do so. Boo hoo.

If you believe rules are meant to be broken, then good luck. Or just move along and get over it.

[cwkoller]

OpenClip will have been successful - as a sacrifice technology - if it prods Apple into action and brings about the official solution from Cupertino.

[Aquia33]

"This is exhibit A on why the iPhone is nothing special, nor is it advanced. There are far cheaper phones that have all the functionality that the iPhone lacks, while not missing any important iPhone features."
Please provide links to support your claim. All browsers are not equal on phones as much as "equal" functions are not quite equal.

[The_Decider]

All it takes is five minutes. Here is one that is older then the iPhone and far more advanced: Nokia E70, it has a great browser, SSH access, easy controls, a built in camera, and it can copy and paste.

Stop being a mindless drone. I think OSX is solid, but the iPhone is overhyped trash.

[zen&stimpy]

The irony is that many folks that rail against the current administration for squashing their freedoms in the name of safety and security ("we know what's good for you") are only too happy to buy an iPhone from Apple, which operates on the same philosophy...

[t26l]

well said

[MCOjerry]

That was a VERY poor analogy and you know it. They are nothing alike.

[moretroops]

That's not at all ironic. You seriously see a parallel between the iphone and BushCo's systematic supression of rights? W.T.F.

[t26l]

I love how the Apple fanboys cant see the truth here. Their beloved company is just as bad all the rest when it comes to controlling their products. Fanboys choose not to see it, and defend Apple, because they're distracted with Apple's (admittedly) beautiful engineering... But I don?t want to buy a pile of shinny dog crap. It may be the most slick looking dog crap, but what good does it do me if it is inefficient??
Not implementing cut/paste in the first place is a HUGE oversight on Apples part. Not implementing a cut a paste after 2.0 is daft. The only reason people are not balking about this more is Apple rarely screws up like this. Get off your high-horse and dont let Apple get away with delivering, and failing to correct, a product you paid hundreds of dollars for.

[cmfnyc]

I just wish bloggers would not photocopy every provocative (but possibly not entirely well reported) story. In the news business, you always wanted to get the story first. If you didn't, you wanted to at least do it better. Unfortunately, all most blogs seem to do (this one included) is photocopy. I don't mean they plagiarize. I mean it in the photograph sense of making an imperfect copy. One way to do it better would be to contact the developer or have another Apple developer who has access/knowledge of the latest build verify that it was more than a benign closing of a known security hole. Instead your post comes off as a mere headline grab.

[john55440]

Business as usual, for the most closed, proprietary, control freak, company in the computer industry.

[tehviking]

cmfnyc is right: this was a hack based on a security hole, one which was widely known to be closed in the 2.1 firmware before any openclip apps were launched!

This is not to defend Apple; I bristle at the idea of a company taking 100% editorial control over a 3rd party developer ecosystem.

But this is kneejerk journalism, and deserves better homework than this reactionary piece offers. A quick Google search (or subscription to Daring Fireball) would have kept this misinformation out of my RSS inbox.

[ikramerica--2008]

Apple doesn't want half a$$ed implementations of core features, even if they have yet to deliver them. But expect cut and paste very soon.

[setgo]

Only Exhibit A Decider? You've been posting on a lot of threads about the iPhone. You've got to be up to Exhibit ZZ by now. Some people protest the war. Some speak-up on genocide but you've got the iPhone. Hmmm.

[cyclelogicpress.com]

2.1?

[softwaredesignengineer]

My oh my...doesn't Apple look much worse than and more emperor-y than Microsoft huh?

And to see all the fanboys come here to Apple's rescue.... yuk yuk yuk... giggle giggle...giggle gackle...