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Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

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Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#431

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The issue is not that a manual review process should catch bugs. The issue is that Android’s permission system allows it.

Who said anything about bugs? The point is to do something proactive to stop apps that don't conform to your policies (whichever they may be - maybe you don't allow collection of data, or using a specific interface, definitely not malware, etc.) instead of just reacting, and even that too late. Apple is at one extreme blocking even legitimate things for obscure and esoteric reasons. Google is at the other, letting al…

The point is to do something proactive to stop apps that don't conform to your policies (whichever they may be - maybe you don't allow collection of data, or using a specific interface, definitely not malware, etc.) instead of just reacting, and even that too late.

I’m saying that with millions of apps in the store and seeing that all app testing is black box testing, the reviewers are not going to catch most things. The operating system itself should not allow certain things. There is no reason that most of the permissions that SpyPhone needs should be allowed by Android.

Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#432

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Users want a single place to Imho, we've got to solve that "single place" problem, because it creates a winner-takes-all situation. Not just with apps, but also taxi-cabs, food-delivery, etc. Perhaps a government should step in and say that you can have a "single place" but only if you don't abuse your power.

It's not something you can solve. People want single apps because having to switch across multiple services and multiple accounts (and pay multiple $$$) and remembering what shows are on what services is a piss poor user experience.

Yes, that's why the "platform economy" might need government intervention. A "single place" or "platform", is too detrimental to the economy to ignore as a construct. One reason is that the company behind the platform will now start regulating the market, which is arguably worse than the government regulating it.

For some more insights and viewpoints, see:

http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/newsroom/image/docum...

Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#433

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You could still have app store and side channels. If you want security and Apple stamp of approval just use default app store. If you want cheaper apps, maybe from trustworthy trusted companies, install them as well. Supporting obligatory 30% tax on any developer work makes my blood boil. If Apple model wins it will be a disaster for innovation and salaries. I will never buy or recommended Apple products for this rea…

The moment a consumer-ready side channel is created, a few major brands will decide that delivering their app that way is better than conforming to Apple's rules and the whole security model comes crashing down. If it can be used by a major brand, some unscrupulous actor will gently guide my parents through whatever convoluted steps are required to enable it for their seemingly useful app loaded with badware. I'm gla…

We've gotten by on MacOS for a long time with relatively decent Security - everyone always assumes that allowing side-loading on iOS will be a wave of viruses and malware. Apples pretty good at securing an OS, but allowing side loading would impact their profits.

Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#434
post #214

I worked on an app that is in the same category as Netflix. A week before launch, Apple chose to reject us in spite of months of meetings and reviews with their app teams and assurances we were in-bounds since we were working with them for launch featuring. It came down to the fact we required an email address and password for IAP so you could bring your subscription to the web or other platforms. While everyone else…

> They're already trying to control the UX with the TV app and are offering companies better rev share rates to do the integration work. To be fair, that’s not the only reason the TV app was created. Most notably: – Users want a single place to keep track of all the shows they’re following across all services. Streaming services weren’t coming up with a cooperative solution for this, so Apple did it instead. – Plainl…

> Users want a single place to keep track of all the shows they’re following across all services.

Isn't that the problem Trakt [0] solves?

[0] https://trakt.tv/

Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#435

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Who said anything about bugs? The point is to do something proactive to stop apps that don't conform to your policies (whichever they may be - maybe you don't allow collection of data, or using a specific interface, definitely not malware, etc.) instead of just reacting, and even that too late. Apple is at one extreme blocking even legitimate things for obscure and esoteric reasons. Google is at the other, letting al…

The point is to do something proactive to stop apps that don't conform to your policies (whichever they may be - maybe you don't allow collection of data, or using a specific interface, definitely not malware, etc.) instead of just reacting, and even that too late. I’m saying that with millions of apps in the store and seeing that all app testing is black box testing, the reviewers are not going to catch most things.…

Then to what would you attribute the fact that the AppStore is much better curated than the Play Store? Fewer application submissions? More honest coders?

It's a two part answer probably: Apple's store policies are discouraging some of the unwanted behavior, and the actual enforcement of those policies is stricter. Not just a second though.

Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#436

Earlier quoted context omitted.

But Apple has had a bunch of problems with crapware in their store. If they were actually vetting stuff, then I'd kind of agree, but as it stands, you are being limited on what you can do with your own device, but without the benefits. Their security feels a lot like the TSA: It's only there to give you warm fuzzies. I agree that Android is worse, but that doesn't make Apple's store "Good".

Apple has crapware in the store, but the crapware can’t do the things that SpyPhone can on Android.

> I agree that Android is worse, but that doesn't make Apple's store "Good".

Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#437

Earlier quoted context omitted.

I think Apple would face backlash from too many of their customers if they boot netflix for this. Netflix is potentially more popular than iPhone as a brand. I could be wrong but it would be amazing to see it play out.

They booted Amazon before for similar. Amazon caved. Edit: actually, it was Google, not Apple. Google Play's brand isn't as strong as the App Store, but Amazon still caved to Google, which only underscores my point. https://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/amazon-... But there was a case back in 2011 where Amazon removed the Kindle Store from their iOS app at Apple's request: https://www.cultofmac.com/105…

Amazon doesn’t have the entertainment brand that Netflix has nor the consumer dedication to the brand. People use amazon because it’s ubiquitous, inexpensive, and has good customer service. People love Netflix.

Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#438

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Which is a valuable lesson - a lesson in learning to be a rational, critical, grown-up human being. Or we could educate them and it might never happen. Also, let's not forget that many closed system are spyware already. Many of us became deeply involved in tech because some person (thanks Pat Volkerding!) or organization gave us a system were we could do whatever the hell we wanted.

>Many of us became deeply involved in tech because some person (thanks Pat Volkerding!) or organization gave us a system were we could do whatever the hell we wanted. Surely you can understand why letting people do whatever the hell they want might not be the best thing when people's personal and financial data is on the line.

The burned hand teaches best.

Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#439

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Who said anything about bugs? The point is to do something proactive to stop apps that don't conform to your policies (whichever they may be - maybe you don't allow collection of data, or using a specific interface, definitely not malware, etc.) instead of just reacting, and even that too late. Apple is at one extreme blocking even legitimate things for obscure and esoteric reasons. Google is at the other, letting al…

The point is to do something proactive to stop apps that don't conform to your policies (whichever they may be - maybe you don't allow collection of data, or using a specific interface, definitely not malware, etc.) instead of just reacting, and even that too late. I’m saying that with millions of apps in the store and seeing that all app testing is black box testing, the reviewers are not going to catch most things.…

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Re: Netflix is the latest company to try bypassing Apple’s app store

#440
Just saying, you all again say that iphone, ipad are easier, etc. but this is wrong. All my friends use Android.

They don't install almost any apps, and if they want they ask me.

My GrandMa can't use any new phone they stick to the old one because the new one are too complex, they want button and not touchscreen.

Apple is the worst.

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