Tuxkids

I sent this letter to Apple after finding out that the refused to admit the application Podcaster into the iTunes App Store:

I am very disappointed that Apple would arbitrarily not allow the application Podcaster into the iTunes App Store. This functionality should have been built into the the iPhone already since it has WiFi and a 3G internet connection. I believe Podcaster is the killer app for the iPhone, and would increase its functionality 100 fold. This is mainly because the syncing functionality of the iPhone takes a ridiculously long time, and almost always fails at least once.

As far as Apple's excuse for rejecting Podcaster, I believe "duplicating functionality of iTunes" is an empty argument. Obviously, there are many programs available in the App Store that duplicate iTunes functionality: Last FM, Pandora, Stitcher, WeatherBug, are a few I have installed. However, I believe the application Simplify is the most extreme case of duplicating iTunes functionality. With it, you can listen to your own music library or without even installing iTunes.

I believe John Gruber hit the nail on the head in his Daring Fireball article: http://daringfireball.net/2008/09/app_store_exclusion As an engineer, I can't fathom spending my blood, sweat and tears working on a product in order to have it rejected from the only avenue of distribution. This guarantees the exclusion of quality, original applications and encourages the duplication of a few "safe" apps. Ultimately, this is going to hurt sales of the iPhone.

I've decided to not buy any more applications from the iTunes App Store until Apple becomes more transparent in admitting applications and Podcaster is admitted.

Thanks for your time,

Chris Atkins

BTW, if you would also like to complain to Apple, more information about the Apple Walled Garden Petition can be found at http://fdossantos.tumblr.com/post/49954917/apples-walled-garden-petition .