Well, NOW what is everyone going to complain about?!

Steve Jobs sez iPhone (and iPod touch) SDK is coming in February.

It will take until February to release an SDK because we're trying to do two diametrically opposed things at once--provide an advanced and open platform to developers while at the same time protect iPhone users from viruses, malware, privacy attacks, etc.

Jobs says Apple is working on digital signature technology such as Nokia uses to trace applications to known developers. The Macalope is not a security expert (he doesn't even play one on TV, although he has had several walk-on parts in Life is Wild), but he's glad to see Apple being careful about this.

[tigermarc]

Complaint #1

OK. Now, I can't buy an iPod touch fast enough!

Gotta go! I'm running to Best Buy!

[The Real John Muir]

Kaching!!!

Sounds like they'll be sold via iTunes like iPod games and essentially all other
content. Nice.

I wouldn't be at all surprised if Apple did the old "developer's switch" trick on
the iPhone / Touch platform whereby a certain pinch grip dance will enable a
hidden preference for developers to unlock their own test phones to try out
their code.

Hint: this trick will be made public and every knowledgeable geek never has
to think about unlocking their phone again because this is it.

All the solution I could have wished for!

[STrRedWolf]

A reason why they may be doing that...

From a jailbroken iPod touch, via a terminal and transcribed by ye six fingered hands:

Last login: Wed Oct 17 09:59:45 on ttyp0
# whoami
root
#

Um, whoops? iPod Touches and iPhones (same firmware) run as root 100% of the time. Big design flaw for Apple.

[Mr. Blister]

uhm, the complaints were warranted...

I resent your assumption that those wanting an SDK were complaining for the
sake of complaining. I want to love Apple.

Now, all is forgiven. No more complaints from me. Although...it would be very
cool to see an Apple-TV SDK...(!)

[Macalope]

I resent your resentment!

@Mr. Blister:

Ah, so now we're going to complain about those who thought we were complaining about...

Uh...

Wait, what?

Hey, we ALL wanted third party applications.

@STrRedWold:

Indeed. The Macalope had read about that and was hoping there was going to be something done about it.

[abramcove]

Protecting users

I wonder if Apple is going to protect iPhone users from VOIP and IM clients.

[sputnikzygote]

i guess the complaining worked...

you're welcome;)

[apple4ever]

Depends on what Apple does

There are still questions about the SDK. Can anybody do it? Will Apple block
certain apps? Will it be free or paid?

I'm not too concerned about the signing of apps- as long as its only a way to
TRACK developers, not as a way to LOCK OUT developers. I don't want to pay
a fee to develop for the iPhone. Its not needed.

I also don't buy the security and virus BS. The iPhone and iPod Touch are both
running OSX. There have been no viruses for OSX, nor either mobile OSX.

[ripragged]

Warning: OT Comment

Have you heard the screaming start? People who bought their Macs before the cutoff are going to have to pay full price for Leopard. Let the weeping and keening and wailing and gnashing of teeth begin. I may break down in tears, just from laughing.

On the iPhone SDK: Some people in some places are saying that Apple reversed course by announcing the SDK. Short (probably selective) memories are responsible for that misinformation. His Steveness has not said, ever, that there would not be third party apps.

[NS DOOM]

No Freakin Way

I love that show!!

OMG, which one are you?!?