You're right, but only because average consumers don't know what the hell is going on. When I show them how I can run multiple apps they are impressed, or something as simple as managing my Wifi in a hurry by tapping the stausbar, or how my Pre handles notifications. The iphone is completely capable of doing these things and its up to tech heads to get the info out there so somebody can complain and get Apple to meet their needs.

Maybe Apple should open an optional 'crApp' store for those who don't appreciate Apple's inner control-freak.

I'm glad that Apps are tested for bugs and security. Although I don't like them limiting functions, making moral judgements and restricting the potential of the iPhone. I understand it is their product and they will do as they please, but I'm paying them.

I have support for developers leaving the iPhone if it will, in the long term, make the iPhone a better product.

@Joel Comm

Nice video and good luck, maybe your 'Ka-Ching' reviewer had a bad day. Maybe a counter would help, you could market it as a sales counter. How about 'Ziiing', 'that's what she said' or 'there's an App for that' buttons.

Well said.

Quote of the year award:

I love how people say “if you don’t like it, LEAVE” are the same people who tell others to “grow up.”

And more importantly, those shouting LEAVE tend to be under 18, have never run a business, or done any software development, had their mom and dad buy them the phone, and still live in their parent's basement.

People have a right to biTch about products, because that is how things get improved.

People look at 100,000 apps and leap the the conclusion that all is well and nothing needs improvement,

In almost no other aspect of life does sheer numbers equate to perfection and the justification for shouting down anyone with a better idea. If it Microsoft would be the ONLY software company, and Bill Gates would be GOD.

No other hardware of software manufacturers get this Like it or LEAVE ranting from the fanboys. Its a cult I tell you. Jim Jones and the koolaid. Sun Young Moon, Job's Jihadist.

You expect Rene to be something more than an average enthusiast, but even HE said: > I thought Rene said it best:

Talk to your developers. Get a dedicated developer point man like Palm has. Take questions about the App Store (especially at WWDC). Spend less time with BusinessWeek and more talking to the great developers, so end users get those great apps. B’okay?

Links with underscores do not work on this blog for some reason.

http://www.joelcomm.com/anopenappealtostevejobs1.html

In the adult world, if you like some aspects of a product, but not others, you do what you can to make your voice heard with the producer. Taking your money elsewhere is the last (and yes, most effective) option, but not the only one. For the vast majority of customers facing early termination fees, that option is not realistic more than every 18 months. Could they have not bought the iPhone in the first place? Sure, but a) Apple does not say what you can and cannot do before you buy the phone, but applies rulings on an ad hoc basis, and b) for the people complaining, that is water under the bridge; the money is spent. Voicing complaints publicly is therefore their only alternative.

More to the point, it has been shown the only effective way to prevail upon Apple. The RogueAmoeba timeline is an instructive example:

1) Apple says RogueAmoeba cannot misuse trademarks.

2) Developer makes application, and uses public standard APIs implemented by Apple to call another Apple device remotely, and that remote Apple device transmits an image identifying itself.

3) Apple rejects app as a misuse of trademark, without explanation or clarification.

4) With US law (Lanham Act) firmly on their side and specifically referring to this sort of use as non-infringing, the developer thinks this is a mistake, and, and, after hearing no explanation, resubmits.

5) Apple rejects again, again without clarification. Months pass.

6) Developer complains publicly.

7) Apple "reconsiders" and accepts the app as is, indicating that it is NOT infringing, and 100% reversing their decision of 3 months prior and subsequent affirmations, also without explanation or clarification, just 3 months of wasted time and frustrated customers.

So, from this we can conclude:

1) If Apple even understands their own rules, they apply them inconsistently and on their own schedule.

2) Most importantly, when bit by #1, working through Apple channels does not work, and complaining publicly (or "whining" as people here put it) appears to be the only way to get the job done.

That is why developers take such issue with the inconsistencies of the App Store approval process; they're completely depending on Apple to allow for the delivery of their software. If Apple creates inconsistent policies, then developers can't effectively deliver software to the end-user.

That being said, this issue really isn't about developers, it's about us, the end-users. We support the iPhone, in large part, because of its apps. Our relationship with the device really hinges on the App Store and its complete transparency (in terms of policies), and how it relays that to developers.

You're absolutely right, however this isn't some service where Apple gets money from govt contracts..its for customers! So when customers are complaining (like about streaming tv over 3G) the business has to make moves to alleviate those issues, otherwise Joe Hewitt and Rogue Amoeba are only the beginning.

Plenty of problems with the store and the approval process, but a "boutique" attitude isn't one of them. No self-respecting boutique would have so many screened-but-largely-worthless products.

@Brian Ratings on Apps can fix the parents being made about nudity part. If your kid is downloading 18+ apps with nudity and they're only 13 or 14, that's your problem not Apple's. All developers have to do is warn that there is sexual content and throw 18+ in the description.

You shouldn't need to Jailbreak to be able to customize your phone. My crappy throw away phone can be customized, but not the iPhone...

The idea that apps must be approved for anything at all is a failure.

Look at the application count, the total downloads, the frequency of big-name software releases, the revenue, and the profit margin. Then compare that to Palm, Android, Windows Mobile, and Blackberry. Apple's App Store is a failure?

Morons. The reason why they're not changing the system is because it's working EXCEEDINGLY well. The negatives of the current situation are far surpassed by the drawbacks of opening up the platform. That's why they won't do it.

Nice apocalyptic list there, without any backing whatsoever. I especially like how you even threw in a "won't somebody think of the children" at the end there, to make sure you cover all bases. If you actually are a parent, and you trust any third party -- much less something as opqaue and poorly run as the App Store review process -- to protect your kids from "nudity" on the internet, you have already failed your children miserably.

I shouldn't have to jailbreak my phone to change the background, add lock screen notifications and twiddle with my hosts file.