So What if iPhone Applications Are DRM-Protected?
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When I read Joe Wilcox's Microsoft Watch missive on Apple's use of DRM on AppStore applications for the iPhone, I have to admit, my initial (and continuing) reaction was: "So what?" What exactly is the reason for the DRM? It is not to keep people from using the application on other (non-Apple) devices, as this is a nonissue. Since the application is specifically written for the iPhone, which runs an operating system that no one else uses, it's not like you can directly port it over to an AT&T Tilt or BlackBerry. Maybe the DRM is there to enforce a software license, so, for example, a user can't move the app from their old 4GB iPhone to their brand new 3G iPhone. I don't know whether or not this scenario is true, as the AppStore hasn't come out. But in the past, Apple has not gotten in the way of moving Fairplay-protected content to multiple devices -- as long as the devices are synced to the same iTunes account. And moving it to a device maintained under a different user account would, presumably, violate the software license anyway -- so does it differ in any way from Microsoft Activations and Genuine Advantage? One may ask that, since no other device can accept an iPhone app, why bother having the DRM then? Well, I'm sure Apple has its reasons, and here's my guess as to the public one it will offer: It wants to protect the iPhone experience. Apple implemented the whole SDK and AppStore system so it could control what gets on the iPhone -- and what goes on under the covers. It wants to ensure that applications aren't going to hog CPU, unduly drain the battery or block the core functionality (making a call) of the device at inopportune times. The company has created the whole development ecosystem around the iPhone - and ensured that Apple is the final arbiter of what goes on the device -- in order to protect this experience (and yes, take a cut off any profits that arise from applications). Without the DRM, Apple quickly loses control of the ecosystem once people start cracking open applications and modifying them to suit their needs. Apple can no longer provide that level of assurance that the battery is not going to run down or the core functionality won't be sluggish due to a runaway process. And while I am surely aware that Fairplay has been broken before, and surely will be again, some protection is better than nothing as far as Apple is concerned. You know what? I'm comfortable with this level of assurance even if it is (that accursed) DRM providing it. I did not like my iPhone as much when I cracked it because certain applications just killed the device performance and caused crashes. I know that I have different expectations about the ways I can use and consume software versus the ways I can consume media (open-sourced software not withstanding), and I'm not going to take a knee-jerk reaction that DRM = Evil until it passes some litmus test where my rights of fair use are being revoked. With the knowledge we have at hand, I don't feel we've reached that point. My concerns instead are around what the DRM itself does to the performance of my iPhone. I've heard persuasive evidence that iPod batteries drain faster when playing Fairplay-protected content than when playing a regular MP3. If I spend a lot of time in the DRM-protected AppStore application, will these same symptoms be in effect on my iPhone? Does it even matter, if all the standard applications on an iPhone are likewise protected? Because in that case, the battery drain due to DRM is the norm rather than an exception. And how does this affect custom applications created by enterprises for in-house use? Does the DRM apply here, and if so, isn't that a good thing, since enterprise developers may appreciate a little more security wrapped around their intellectual property? |
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Comments (7)
MAC is so good at promoting, and every one just falls on there tail.
But Apple/MAC needs to do better.
Yes the phone is great looking, but what’s new, faster internet ?, is the camera much better ? why is there no video call’s ? Actually the new things is still OLD. Can I change my battery ?, No the iPhone is the same old phone, wit a faster internet, still stone-age technology, in this business
No Apple, has done this again. People like my self got the first one, and was happy with the internet and mail, but in a business you need copy / Paste, but this are you still not getting. Apple's discussion forum, is no good, all you will hear is ” the iPhone does not do this or that” so get the new iPhone 3G and get ready to get disappointed
Posted by Jesper | June 10, 2008 9:09 PM
unless you jailbreak your new iPhone like the old one. I would not have bothered with the iPhone if I could not add 3rd party apps, but thankfully they rolled out a few weeks after release. And hey its MY phone so I should get I decide what apps are worth performance hits and the like, not Steve Jobs. Why not just make it an open platform? Then the customer would be happy and sales would go up. But that's just my 2 cents
Posted by p sorensen | June 11, 2008 7:20 AM
I'm not sure that the copy/paste issue is so big that you wouldn't want to purchase a specific device. Hmmmm! Is that such a productivity-killer?
There are two sides to every coin and Apple needs to protect the investment of those developing apps for the IPhone, but I can see the need to transfer apps from an old IPhone to a 3G one - without paying again or messing with a license.
In our case, our app will be for the enterprise and will not be found on the Apple apps store. When you purchase our ERP system and you are a mobile sales person, we aim to give you access to Sales Orders, Customer history, Inventory availability and pricing, as well as being able to place an order while right in front of a customer. That's on the IPhone... to a Windows ERP system!
http://www.softrend.com/solutions/mobile.htm
So, the issue of digital rights we hope, is less of an issue, as the application won't be able to be used by just anybody. You'll need our financials to use the app.
It seems as though this is the start of Apple thinking of the IPhone as a business device. How far will they go? How far will we go at Softrend Systems Inc.? Well... let's find out. Time will tell.
Posted by Sandy Milne | June 19, 2008 2:47 AM
Steve Jobs' dictator act is the single largest reason why I refuse to allow any Apple software in my home or in the large environments I manage.
The desire to have Apple control all content and experience smacks of imperialism or socialist dictatorship and should be recognized as such by all citizens.
The Dept of Justice needs to take a good hard look at Apple's model - forcing software developers through their hoops of fire, and customers to use their crappy device management application (iTunes...phhht!) should remind some of why the DOJ looked at MSFT not that long ago.
Posted by Kev | July 7, 2008 12:07 PM
WOW! What a pointless rant, I think I'll have a pointless rant too..
Kev, that is the most garbage I've read in ages, imperialism? socialism? Do you even know what Socialism is??
What planet are you on? I would recommend you stay WELL CLEAR of Apple products because Steve Jobs may creep into your house one night and kill you!! I mean, Steve Jobs is at worst the anti-christ isn't he? or at least a megalomaniac?!? Maybe he caused America to invade Iraq? Maybe he is behind 'flying saucers'.. Jeez!
When you buy a Mac, iPod Touch or iPhone etc, you're buying into the entire user experience in both hardware and software terms. It's what separates Apple from other PC makers, so you have plenty of other brands to choose from and winge about. OK Apple may not get it right at times but thats just life!
So, rather than acting like a 14 year old and bitching and ranting to deaf ears, keep away from Apple and buy up some generic PC hardware and MP3 player. Then you will be all happy and jolly, I'd also make an appointment with a doctor or a qualified psychotherapist - because you're sounding like a lunatic. Cud be A.D.D. or something, but don't worry, Jesus still loves you.
Posted by FJD | July 22, 2008 11:27 AM
I'm almost sure that iPhone apps are wrapped in DRM only to prevent piracy. If they didn't have DRM, they would be shared just like MP3's often are.
Posted by Dave | July 22, 2008 3:00 PM
@Dave
I think you are right there mate. However, for free apps I dont think they should bother applying the DRM. As I understand it, 3rd party devs send the app to Apple and THEY apply the DRM before putting it on AppStore.
I'd also like to see some kind of method of installing 3rd party apps, straight from the developers (say for instance something open source/GPL'd) without having to go through Apple with DRM/Fairplay etc. Apple could make an installer for such applications.
I know I -could- Jailbreak it, but that isn't something I'd like to do personally.
@Jesper
Your arguement that business NEEDS copy/paste clipboard functionality gave me such a laugh I almost dropped my Macbook and spat my coffee out. LMAO..
Posted by FJD | July 23, 2008 7:39 AM