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General discussion

Why hacking the iPhone/iPod Touch can be justified.

Nov 21, 2007 10:50AM PST

Ever wonder why Apple locks down, or tries to, the iPhone and iPod Touch platforms with each update? Well, they say that they don't want people messing with their new OS due to security issues, however, this turns Apple into a gang of hypocrites. Why?

Think of it this way. When you get a Mac or a PC, you have the options of buying third-party software to use and install at your own risk. You can edit and add in whatever software you want. Linux is a better example of that, but the point is, why not be able to do the same on an iPod or iPhone? You could justify this by saying they are just PDAs running OS X (which they are), so "hacking" or modifying them should be accepted. They are sort of portable, low-powered, laptops/handhelds. But is it because they are handhelds that makes them exceptions (license agreements and warranty issues aside)? And that doesn't go for just Apple technology. Sony had a similar cat and mouse game with the PSP.

Apple allows you to install countless things on their computers while they say it is wrong to put a text editor on the iPod or a NES emulator on the iPhone. Even installing your own themes and backgrounds becomes wrong too! But you can do it all on a Mac or PC. Hello Apple? Where have you been? And yes, I know these portable devices aren't computers, but we are coming to an age where portables have become more like them than ever before. My iPod Touch has a faster CPU than an old Dell laptop I have from 90's. And more storage and memory. Again, if I can install stuff on this old, Dell machine that is nowhere near as capable as the iPhone or iPod Touch, why should I not put stuff on them too? Apple seems to be making poor judgements. Or the guys in Cupertino have been getting high in their garages with their original Macs. LOL. Come on Steve!

Who agrees?
-BMF

Discussion is locked

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Never wondered why.
Nov 21, 2007 11:11AM PST

But I did work on cell base station designs and such for Motorola so to me it all makes sense. To convey the full story (?s) make take a few kegs so I'll just write that to understand this may confound those that are not in the inner circle.

Bob

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Well I understand that point of view,
Nov 21, 2007 11:14AM PST

but to the average consumer, you will wonder why you can't apply computer software and methods to handhelds. Still, I'm talking from that perspective and the basic stuff. Anyone care about that part?