Source: Tom's Guide US | Keywords: Apple, App, BASIC, Commodore, 64 | Themes: The Internet, Software, Smartphones, Digital Entertainment, Audio/Video Players, 3GSM
Apple approved and removed another app, this one emulating the Commodore 64.
As an (apparent) fan of the iPod Touch 2G and iPhone, it's always sad when a cool app comes and goes without warning. The approval procedure not only brings humorous drama to the App Store soap opera, but extreme annoyance for both consumers and developers. While the latest case of "post-n-yank" may be somewhat disappointing for some consumers, apparently Apple deemed the latest offending app in need of a revision for apparent security reasons.
Manomio's C64 app originally emulated the old-school Commodore 64 personal computer. Costing $5, the app actually supported bundled, licensed game images such as Dragons Den, Le Mans, Jupiter Lander, Arctic Shipwreck, and Jack Attack. Manomio planned to release additional images later for about $0.99 to $2.00 each. However, the app also provided a special, non-obvious bonus: the ability to run BASIC 2.0.
According to Apple's iPhone SDK agreement, applications are not allowed to install or launch other executable code "by any means," nor can code be downloaded and used in an application. Because the C64 application included BASIC, Apple initially rejected the first submission, however the developer claimed that BASIC was removed in the next submission, and was thus published on Apple's App Store. That wasn't the case however, as consumers could still access the prompt by following a simple set of instructions.
But now that Apple has caught on to the workaround, the company has pulled the app. "Unfortunately, Apple has pulled the C64 Application from their store as it was discovered by some users that it was possible to enable the Basic program through the interface," Manomio said. "We have now fixed the issue and our application has been re-submitted for approval by Apple." Bummer.
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It's to protect them. I agree with "applications are not allowed to install or launch other executable code "by any means"
Commodore 64? Man that was a long long time ago.
This hurts to say but... Apple... done good...
Seriously though... basic? How harmful could it be? It's self contained within the app and doesn't allow code to leave the app environment or access network connections.
I would buy an Iphone if I could run MULE on it.
That's too funny - they are worried about running Commodore 64 version of Basic?! Games for the C64 were never written in Basic anyway, they were coded in assembler (often hand-coded in hex too!!).
I still like MULE. I play it with my brothers occasionally. Like someone else said, I can't imagine BASIC doing any harm.
Commodore BASIC is like an "Application inside and Application".
Even using "Peek" and "Poke" commands, you will stay in the app environment, like others have said.
I suppose someone will think Atari 2600 Basic is also a threat.
Actually, games WHERE programmed in Basic too. Not awesome games of course... but games yes. Its a C=64 emulator. BASIC is pretty much part of the OS.
what exactly to they expect someone to do with BASIC in a self contained piece of software that doesnt have access to anything outside of the app itself.
are they worries someone is going to pirate apple software by re-writing allready released games line for line in BASIC?
apple need to quit pulling stuff with these stupid excuses.
ffs... when people will finally realize that Apple is another Microsoft... except they are not the current Microsoft... they are the Microsoft from 10 years ago... stupid, stubborn and exploiting you!
Morons - stop buying apple products - maybe they will get the point eventually..
Apple sucks Sh*T
C64 BASIC wont hurt sales in any way. Its basic! It allows people to be creative on the devices. Its emulated, i don't see how it could be a security risk.
Anyways, its just about time someone should sue Apple, as far as I am concerned I bought a $700 PC in my hands, and I should be allowed to do what I want... I had no idea when I bought the iphone that Apple would f**k me over so much.
Apple can go Shove their one button mouse up their arse.
No wonder why people jailbreak their iphones.
Apple sucks Sh*TC64 BASIC wont hurt sales in any way. Its basic! It allows people to be creative on the devices. Its emulated, i don't see how it could be a security risk.Anyways, its just about time someone should sue Apple, as far as I am concerned I bought a $700 PC in my hands, and I should be allowed to do what I want... I had no idea when I bought the iphone that Apple would f**k me over so much.Apple can go Shove their one button mouse up their arse.No wonder why people jailbreak their iphones.
Yeap, stop bitching, and jailbreak it.
Simple enough. =D
If Apple sheep keep going along with crap like this, pretty soon you will all be wearing Apple approved clothing, driving Apple approved cars to Apple approved jobs where you work in an Apple approved building. You are giving your life to Apple. Ok so I am being overly dramatic...but the point is valid nonetheless.
I still like MULE. I play it with my brothers occasionally. Like someone else said, I can't imagine BASIC doing any harm.
Oh man, that takes me back! I loved MULE! The C64 was such a cool computer for its day. It's too bad that Apple is so threatened by a C64 emulator just because of the BASIC programming language/command interpreter.
Speak of the C64, I remember the big controversy of that time was the practice of cutting a notch on the left side of a 5.25" disk to allow use of the back side for storage.
Looks like Apple has not gotten over the C64 - Apple II+ wars of the 1980s....There just jealous that no one want a II+ emulator!
Actually, games WHERE programmed in Basic too. Not awesome games of course... but games yes. Its a C=64 emulator. BASIC is pretty much part of the OS.
Telengard was B.A.S.I.C
All your BASIC are belong to us.