More than 100,000 iPhone owners break out of jail
The release of an easy-to-download method of opening up the iPhone to third-party applications prompted almost 150,000 downloads of the software in three days.
The iPhone of an anonymous CNET employee now has a few third-party applications, thanks for the AppSnapp installer.
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)Our friends over at iPhone Atlas spoke with Nicholas "Drudge" Penree, one of the programmers of the AppSnapp "jailbreak" application, who provided the number. AppSnapp was released Sunday to allow iPhones and iPod Touches running the latest version of Apple's iPhone firmware to run third-party applications. Penree thinks the 144,000 downloads of the program reported since Sunday translates into around 100,000 devices that are now free to run applications developed outside of Apple.
Apple and hackers have been playing a cat-and-mouse game over the screen real estate on the iPhone almost since the day it was released. Apple CEO Steve Jobs initially told developers that the iPhone would be closed to native application development, saying that Web applications would be the initial venue onto the iPhone. That didn't sit well with many developers who were captivated by the promise of the iPhone's touchscreen interface and built-in accelerometer.
Hackers then managed to develop several methods of getting outside applications onto the iPhone only to be thwarted by Apple's OS X 1.1.1 software update. That erased all third-party applications from the iPhone, and caused all kinds of problems for people who had used the jailbreaking software to download applications in order to unlock their iPhones from AT&T's network.
Apple is clearly worried about unlocked iPhones. Chief operating officer Tim Cook offered an unsolicited estimate last week that 250,000 iPhones have been purchased with the intention of unlocking them, and the company recently enacted a credit-card only policy and a two-iPhone limit for sales through its stores with the goal of discouraging unauthorized resale.
But Apple knows just how much demand there is for third-party application on both the iPhone and the iPod Touch. Earlier this month, Jobs announced plans to release a software developer's kit for both devices by February of next year.
That SDK will pave the way for safer and more reliable iPhone and iPod Touch applications. Some security experts are worried about the security implications of the fact that all iPhone applications run as root, while others feel it's a question of priorities at the moment.
Still, the only way to get applications to run on the iPhone or iPod Touch is to take advantage of a security flaw (which the AppSnapp folks did take the time to patch for everybody), and that's far from ideal. As always, only install things on your iPhone or iPod Touch that are coming from sources you trust.
Tom Krazit writes about the ever-expanding world of Internet search, including Google, Yahoo, online advertising, and portals, as well as the evolution of mobile computing. He has written about traditional PC companies, chip manufacturers, and mobile computers, spending the last three years covering Apple. E-mail Tom. 
Now granted, all the cellphone makers are guilty of something, but Apple has really reached new heights of asshatery.
Sorry Apple; you lost this one.
I've been writing apps for Windows mobile for years. I'm sure Palm allows you to do the same. Linux based phones? Ya, you get the picture.
When you, the consumer, BOUGHT IT, you signed away your rights to do it your way. It's Apple's way or the highway.
Apple is not to blame; you agreed, it is your fault.
If you want it to end, stop buying from companies that insist on ordering about their customers. It is YOUR choice.
So, YES - you can do _what ever_ you want with your iPhone, but outside it's intended use - THE RESPONSIBILITY IS ON YOU.
That's how it is, so if you don't like it, don't buy it.
Screw their overpriced iPods, iPhone, & Macs. Screw iTunes, and the entire Apple organization.
Until I have the choice I want, I will use wireless internet and VoIP with a Linux tablet PC. Sometimes a little bulk and overhead is the price to pay for freedom. I say it's worth it.
As for polices and "limitations" (what ever they may be?), they are made very clear from the start and should be included in your decision making of what product is best for you.
I think your problem is that you're absolutely in love with Apple products; a bit like some sexy blonde who makes you feel great, who's reliable and stable, but doesn't let you spend much time with your mates or let you go camping too often. You're just upset Apple doesn't make your decision easier.
that is worth voiding my warranty. But then again, I've owned
several Nokia smartphones and never loaded any addl apps on
them either.
If you don't like the limitations Apple & ATT have placed on the
phone, don't buy it.
If you want something to play with, there are plenty of dusty
Windows mobile phones setting around in stores waiting for
people to buy them.
Then you can use your upgraded iPhone and laugh at people like you, so proud, about what..that you can tie your shoes like Mommy taught you?
- law school flunkee need not apply
- by rdupuy11 November 1, 2007 8:12 AM PDT
- the phrase 'attended' and 'graduated from' have two different meanings. The fact that you attended a law school, means that you are not qualified to give legal advice. Had you graduated, and are licensed as an attorney, more qualified.
- Like this Reply to this comment
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(22 Comments)But you are still wrong. You are focused on the software, and the iPhone is hardware. You can buy an iPhone and do what you want with it.
You are correct in stating the IP to the os running on the iPhone is still apples.
You are wrong in thinking apple's ownership of the IP of an os they pre-installed in the iPhone, binds an iPhone owner to every whim of Apple.
They are not bound.