Apple has denied updating the App Store rules regarding in-app purchases – and which Sony fell foul of with their Reader for iPhone app – claiming instead that it is merely enforcing a rule that has been in the guidelines for some time. “We have not changed our developer terms or guidelines,” Apple spokesperson Trudy Muller told AllThingsD. “We are now requiring that if an app offers customers the ability to purchase books outside of the app, that the same option is also available to customers from within the app with in-app purchase.”

The rule in question is believed to be 11.2:

11.2 Apps utilizing a system other than the In App Purchase API (IAP) to purchase content, functionality, or services in an app will be rejected

It, along with Muller’s statement, implies that Amazon could continue to sell ebooks via its current method – opening up the regular Amazon webpage in the Safari browser – but if so it would also be required to offer an internal system using Apple’s in-app purchasing system. Since IAP items are treated as just more app store content by Apple, that might mean Amazon had to individually submit each ebook for approval, as well as handing over 30-percent of the takings in an iTunes tithe. It’s also unclear whether Amazon would then allow Kindle users to re-download – from their own servers – the IAP content on Kindle ereaders or non-iOS versions of the app.

If anything, the clarification has made the situation a little more confusing; Apple looks to be pushing for a bigger cut of the content pie, and since Sony’s Reader app looks to have used the same browser-based purchasing system as Amazon’s, that implies Amazon may well have to tweak the Kindle app too. Apple has also been using rule 11.2 to crack-down on emagazine subscriptions; according to Monday Note, publishers have been told that they have a “grace period” up until June 30 2011 to enable the required IAP support:

“For existing apps already on the App Store, we are providing a grace period to bring your app into compliance with this guideline. To ensure your app remains on the App Store, please submit an update that uses the In App Purchase API for purchasing content, by June 30, 2011″

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If flinging turds at island invaders hasn’t helped you get out your pent up aggressions, help is on the way. Soon you will be able to use a spiky catapult to fling cows at angry Englishmen in flimsy wooden huts, all on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch. This is thanks to the popular physics puzzler, Monty Python Cow Tossing.

The game seems to be loosely based on the popular Angry Birds, but it has several additional features. For example, there are Holy Grail and other power-ups on each of the 80 levels of the game. You can also purchase upgrades for your catapult and use different types of animals for throwing, including the African swallow.

Monty Python Cow Tossing will be available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and select mobile handsets in the next few weeks. No price has yet been released.

See the video of the iPhone game here.

[via PocketGamer]

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No word on what’s inside it just yet, but Apple has just released iOS 4.3 beta 3 (build 8F5166b) to developers, so we’re sure we’ll be getting plenty more details soon enough. If recent beta versions of the OS are any indication, there’s likely to be at least a few surprises in there.

Update: It turns out it’s not specific to beta 3, but App Advice has discovered that iOS 4.3 includes another new feature that hasn’t been documented so far: the ability to cancel App Store downloads.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Apple releases iOS 4.3 beta 3 to developers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No word on what’s inside it just yet, but Apple has just released iOS 4.3 beta 3 (build 8F5166b) to developers, so we’re sure we’ll be getting plenty more details soon enough. If recent beta versions of the OS are any indication, there’s likely to be at least a few surprises in there.

Update: It turns out it’s not specific to beta 3, but App Advice has discovered that iOS 4.3 includes another new feature that hasn’t been documented so far: the ability to cancel App Store downloads.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Apple releases iOS 4.3 beta 3 to developers originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s been quite a while since Apple’s tight reins on the App Store were a subject worth discussing, but they’re back in the spotlight now following the company’s rejection of Sony’s Reader app for iOS. The reasons given to Sony were that Apple will not no longer accept applications that permit in-app purchases of content that don’t go through Apple itself, and, moreover, will not tolerate apps that access material purchased through external content stores. So the Sony Reader Store is out — but wait, doesn’t the Kindle app spend its time serving up Kindlebooks? No comment has been offered on the matter from either Apple or Amazon, while Sony’s Reader Store page describes the situation as “an impasse” and promises to seek “other avenues to bring the Reader experience to Apple mobile devices.” In the mean time, you can get the Reader app for Android or just read your ebooks on a device dedicated to that task.

Update: As noted by Harry McCracken over at Technologizer, it has actually been Apple’s longstanding policy to forbid in-app purchases — the Kindle and Nook apps send you to a browser — so Sony’s desire to do so will have been the major cause for the Reader application’s rejection. That doesn’t invalidate the second concern expressed in the New York Times article, that Apple will no longer tolerate content brought in from external stores, which is a displeasing development, if true.

Update 2: Looks like McCracken nailed it — Apple’s come out with a statement pointing out that the App Store guidelines require that apps that allow content purchases must also allow them in-app through Apple’s official iTunes-backed system. We can’t imagine that Sony is thrilled with the idea of cutting Apple in on Reader content, but if they want to play ball, they should be able to score an approval. Notably, Apple says that they are “now requiring” this even though the guidelines haven’t changed, suggesting they’re just now getting around to enforcing it; the effect on iOS’ Kindle and Nook apps isn’t yet known, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Apple started nudging them in the direction of pushing updates. More on this situation as we have it.

Apple rejects Sony Reader app, really doesn’t want you buying content from others (update: Apple says it needs official in-app purchases) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 12:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apple has rejected Sony’s Reader for iPhone application, with the New York Times [subscription required] reporting that Apple now insists that from now on all in-app purchases must go through its own systems. According to the report, developers have been told that they can “no longer sell content, like e-books, within their apps, or let customers have access to purchases they have made outside the App Store.” It’s unclear at this stage what this means to existing titles, like Amazon’s Kindle app, which allows users to load ebooks bought on other Kindle devices or software into the iPad version.

Currently, ebook purchases made for Kindle on iOS devices like the iPhone and iPad are made not using Apple’s in-app purchase system – which would see Amazon handing over a 30-percent tithe on all transactions – but by loading up the Amazon store page in the browser. New titles can then be downloaded in the Kindle app itself; alternatively, all ebooks purchased from Amazon are accesible in a cloud store, even if they were not bought in the iOS browser.

It seems that Apple is changing the rules, however, so as to ensure that it gets a share of the purchase action in future. A similar push was reported back in January, when magazine and newspaper publishers were told that they would no longer be allowed to bundle inclusive digital access to iOS versions of their content with a print subscription.

According to a Sony statement, the company is “exploring other avenues to bring the Reader experience to Apple mobile devices” but has “reached an impasse at this time”:

Reader for iPhone

We would like to update everyone on the status of our Reader™ for iPhone® mobile application. We created an app that we’re very excited about, which includes all the features you’ve come to expect from a mobile reading application – including access to your existing collection, synching with your Reader Daily Edition™ and purchasing new content as is possible on other mobile platforms.

Unfortunately, with little notice, Apple changed the way it enforces its rules and this will prevent the current version of the Reader™ for iPhone® from being available in the app store. We opened a dialog with Apple to see if we can come up with an equitable resolution but reached an impasse at this time. We’re exploring other avenues to bring the Reader experience to Apple mobile devices. We know that many of you are eagerly awaiting the application and we appreciate your continued patience.

[via TechCrunch]

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Had enough of seeing grids and folders of static (Calendar app excluded, of course) icons on your iDevice? Well, here’s one option to relieving your tedium: a Windows Phone 7 theme for the iPhone and iPod touch. You’ll naturally need to jailbreak your iOS handheld in order to restyle it quite so dramatically, but once you do, you’ll have all your precious apps sorted in a neat alphabetical pile on one screen, with the other waiting patiently for your customizations and live tile choices. It’s a good looking little mod, we have to say, and it’s currently going through beta testing, so why not grab your iPhone and see if it can survive a lick of Microsoft paint without self-combusting?

Continue reading Windows Phone 7′s live tiles turned into a pretty convincing iOS theme (video)

Windows Phone 7′s live tiles turned into a pretty convincing iOS theme (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 03:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First, let’s talk about what Macworld is briefly – it’s a trade show where all sorts of Apple enthusiasts can show off their wares in an almost completely non-fruit-free environment. This used to be where Steve Jobs set up shop to show off Apple’s newest wares until 2009 when they began hosting their own events (which we basically always attend.) This convention has been going on since 1985 and is generally accepted as being sort of “past it’s prime” but is still going relatively strong. This year’s Macworld took place January 25th through the 29th, and dismissed the idea that no Apple keynote means no Macworld FOREVER!

One of the main things of note at this year’s convention is, of course, the amount of iPad cases on the floor. The amount of cases for iDevices of all sorts – iPod Touch and iPhone included, are essentially countless, in color, design, shape, and function. In previous years, giant amounts of iPhone cases and earlier on iPod cases reigned supreme.

There’s also Mac stuff, too, incase you forgot that Apple produced laptops and desktops, sellers slinging Time Machine backups, document and video converters of all kinds, and even Windows virtualization were there to remind you. Third-party devices were also in attendance, especially those working with speaker systems, hardware for storage, and basically everything else you’d find in an Apple store, but from other brands more than likely hoping to find their way in.

Amongst the winners of the treasured Best In Show award were the following:

• Awind McTiVia acts as an intermediary between your Mac and your HDTV in a way the Apple TV SHOULD.

• BusyMac BusyToDo is a to-do list that works with iCal (already installed on your Mac) and MobileMe and syncs them all in real-time. Thus, when an item is marked as done on your iOS device, it’s marked in iCal at the same time.

• Dane Elec myDitto Key Working with myDitto Server, this USB key allows you access to your server files from any computer, anywhere. No software need be installed on the computer to make this work.

• Global Delight Boom App which turns your Mac’s volume up to 11. Works with streaming videos, video conferencing, iTunes music, and basically anything else on your Mac.

• OWC Mercury Aura Pro Express Solid State Drive Made specifically for the folks who purchased a MacBook Air who are now wishing they had more flash storage. Go for 180GB ($500), 240GB ($580), or 360GB ($1,180) for a massive upgrade.

• Rain Design iRest for iPad Both foam cushions for resting the stand on your lap as well as a torque hinge that lets you adjust the angle so you might have as comfortable an experience as possible sitting on the ground, your bed, or your coutch with your iPad.

• Scosche myTrek Pulse Monitor and iOS app Two LEDs and an optical sensor measure variances in blood density while Bluetooth sends data to your iPhone. App helps manage your training to stay fit.

• TenOne Design Fling Joystick to attach with suction cups to your iPad screen to play virtual joystick games. No more infititely painful thumb for you.

• Web Information Solutions Pocket Informant 2.0 Personal information manager [App] for iOS with a fresh interface, calendaring, appointments, and task features to keep you on task all day, every day.

• Zagg ZaggMate with keyboard iPad case with a built-in Bluetooth keyboard, turning your iPad into what’s basically a laptop. Shut the case and your device is protected from harm.

These were the top items, the greatest of the great – that were chosen. Of course there were hundreds if not thousands of other items that deserved recognition, and certainly we hope they’ll get what they deserve in the coming weeks via press releases, underground message spreading, and good old fashion tweeting, but do take a look at the winners as they represent the atmosphere of the show this year.

Another note that’s important to make here is that last year there appeared to have been a general air of “is this it?” This was because it was the first year Apple did not plan on attending with an official booth or a fabulous keynote speech and release of items. What the atmosphere this year was like, in contrast, was “hooray, we’re still here, let’s do this!” Indeed it even seemed to some people to be a better event than ever because the people in attendance weren’t just there to see Steve, they were there to see everyone. Let’s hope this is the dawn of a new era for the Macworld trade show – on into the future!

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Let’s take a look at a few statistics before we begin a day of releases and leaks, shall we? First, AT&T finances reveals that thus far, 4.1m iPhones & 442k tablets have been activated. Then, Qualcomm First Quarter Results Report reveals $1.17 Billion in Net Income, that being up a whopping 39% since last year. Next, there’s some big reveals coming your way from Sony: Sony PlayStation Suite & PS Store for Android gaming and Sony NGP is “next generation portable” PSP2. Looks like a day for gaming if you ask me. How about one from the makers of Final Fantasy – Square Enix announces Crystal Defenders for Android. That font treatment remind you of anything? It’s squaring up to be a colorful day here on SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up!

R3 Media Network

Editor’s Choice
NOOKcolor firmware v1.1.0 adds pinch-zoom, more
Sony PlayStation Suite brings gaming to Android
Official Android 3.0 Honeycomb Logo Revealed
Square Enix announces Crystal Defenders for Android [FINAL FANTASY FOREVER]
HTC smartphone caught in wild ahead of MWC 2011 debut

SlashPhone
Sony Confirmed Bringing PlayStation Suite for Android Smartphone
Google US Accepts Mobile Number Porting to Google Voice Service
Samsung Galaxy S 2 Unveiled on MWC

Android Community
HTC Verizon smartphone latest to leak
Awesome Super Mario Android wallpaper
NOOKcolor firmware v1.1.0 adds pinch-zoom, more
Android app for ATM repair techs launches
Square Enix announces Crystal Defenders for Android
HTC smartphone caught in wild ahead of MWC 2011 debut
Sony PlayStation Suite brings gaming to Android
Official Android 3.0 Honeycomb Logo Revealed

SlashGear
Pandora open-source console goes on general sale
Qualcomm First Quarter Results Report $1.17 Billion in Net Income, Up 39% Compared to Last Year
OWC Media Center bundle turns Mac mini into a home entertainment system
Facebook denies HTC phone rumors
Skype for Mac drops beta, charges for group video calls [Video]
Nokia “must build, catalyse or join a competitive ecosystem” says CEO
Verizon HTC Android phone latest to leak
RIM insists “no possibility” of BlackBerry backdoor for India
Assero Defender will make you look like an asshat
Apple will support TD-LTE standard says China Mobile
AT&T finances: 4.1m iPhones & 442k tablets activated
Trimble Ranger 3 rugged outdoor computer debuts
Yahoo Mail gets YouSendIt integration
Parrot names Horizon Hobby as distributor for AR.Drone in the US and Canada
Tesla launches battery recycling program in Europe
iKit AutoCharge + USB keeps USB gear powered on the go
MSI GT680R-008US Gaming Notebook uses Sandy Bridge
Nokia market share drops; needs to “change faster” says new CEO
SAVANT unveils new 16-channel multi-room amp called AMP-1640
Scosche flipSYNC II keychain charge cable ships
New HTC Android phone caught in wild: HTC Desire replacement?
PS3 update v3.56 released; blocks unofficial firmware
Renesas 16MP smartphone SoC does Full HD, 15fps stills
Ballistic trots out new cases for Droid X, HTC Evo, and Samsung Fascinate
Sony’s first bizarre NGP PSP2 trailer revealed [Video]
Everything Everywhere contactless phone payments due Q2 2011 in UK
Hulu facing free show cull as “virtual cable operator” plans considered
Motorola sales dip under Verizon iPhone 4 pressure
MacBook Pro stock shortage could point to imminent Sandy Bridge refresh
Sony unveils 82-strong NGP studio support list
Sony PlayStation Suite & PS Store for Android gaming
Sony NGP is “next generation portable” PSP2

To see more Daily Slash posts, click here: [The Daily Slash] or here: [SlashGear Morning Wrap-Up]

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iOS 4.3 hasn’t been publicly released yet, but Apple is already approving apps with direct support for the updated version in the App Store. TIPB spotted StreamToMe v3.5 [iTunes link] had been approved, complete with “support for AirPlay video (requires iOS 4.3), seemingly a sign that Apple is looking to push out the new iOS version sooner rather than later.

Whereas normally beta releases for developers are distributed on a two-weekly basis, we’ve seen just one week between beta one and beta two with iOS 4.3. Assuming no significant bugs are spotted, that might mean that the new version could be pushed out before the end of the month.

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