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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]
Comments
7
Subscribe to commentsEspioxAug 9th 2008 5:16PM
Actually the rumour about Apple being able to remotely delete apps was debunked.
Jay HathawayAug 9th 2008 5:19PM
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!
EricAug 9th 2008 4:14PM
Why does every app I remove from my iPod touch end up removed from the store?
Brian!Aug 10th 2008 12:06AM
Lame. I mean, I get that THQ Wireless wants to protect their IP rights, but seriously... it is a free piece of software.
PeterAug 10th 2008 11:12AM
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.
AndyMcMAug 11th 2008 5:16PM
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.
kevjohnAug 12th 2008 10:44AM
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.