Another iPhone app pulled: this time it's PhoneSaber
Earlier this week, I told you how the $1000 do-nothing application called I Am Rich had been pulled from the iTunes app store. While I doubt many people miss that particular bit of software, the latest app to be removed from the store was actually kind of fun: it's PhoneSaber, a lightsaber simulator for your iPhone. It uses the accelerometer in your device to respond as you swing your phone, making noises straight out of Star Wars. It was also free.According to TheMacBox, the creators of the app, "I've had a chat with a guy from THQ Wireless (who own the rights for Star Wars apps on mobiles) and as we were always expecting, PhoneSaber is not allowed to be on there." Apparently THQ discussed the idea of an official, licensed PhoneSaber app, which could be tied to Star Wars advertising. TheMacBox is being given access to the original saber sounds to develop the new app, and they're pushing for it to remain free. If you have PhoneSaber already, you're probably safe: since the creators removed the app voluntarily, Apple probably won't remotely delete it from your device.
[via Macenstein]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Espiox said 5:16PM on 8-09-2008
Actually the rumour about Apple being able to remotely delete apps was debunked.
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Jay Hathaway said 5:19PM on 8-09-2008
I actually just read that! It turns out the blacklist has to do with Core Location, not with disabling apps entirely. Thanks for the catch!
Eric said 4:14PM on 8-09-2008
Why does every app I remove from my iPod touch end up removed from the store?
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Brian! said 12:06AM on 8-10-2008
Lame. I mean, I get that THQ Wireless wants to protect their IP rights, but seriously... it is a free piece of software.
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Peter said 11:12AM on 8-10-2008
Brian! - The fact that it's free is irrelevant. If you make copies of copyrighted works and give them away for free, it's still infringement. Profit motive is only one of many tests for infringement.
AndyMcM said 5:16PM on 8-11-2008
The delete Apps from iPhone is actually true, Steve Jobs has talked about it in a NYTimes article. Just hit the blogs a couple hours ago.
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kevjohn said 10:44AM on 8-12-2008
So is that the business plan of 2008? Create an app that's an obvious violation of intellectual property rights, then try to finagle your way to a deal with the real rights owners. That's very scrabulous of TheMacBox.
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