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Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

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Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#61

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Netflix and Amazon definitely has exclusivity on their IP which means that there is far more exclusive content on video streaming services than on game streaming services which outside of Microsoft currently which has a few first party exclusives all license content from other publishers - and that content that is available on multiple platforms.

That doesn't matter. Netflix still has to go through the same processes as movie companies regardless if their specific IP is exclusive to their platform. My point was that they don't have exclusivity when it comes to providing that content which is not the case with Microsoft's XCloud, for example. All of that content is only available from Microsoft because every game on the platform has to be licensed by Microsoft…

I still don’t see the difference between licensing an IP for video media and licensing the same IP for a video game the process is identical.

If it’s rating you talk about then again both of them are rated.

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#62
post #6

Whats next iphones only opening approved websites? EDIT: While that seems super sarcastic. Consider this: Game streaming services are in the end just a gateway app to games, in the same way the browser is a gateway to the internet. Furthermore apple already did hinder "browserish" gateways, like apps which are a gateway to more ergonomically reading word-press blogs or message apps which where gateways to a federated…

> Whats next iphones only opening approved websites? Unironically, I think that this could happen soon. That sounds crazy, but here me out. Pretty recently there was an announcement regarding a streamer service, that would allow people to play Fortnite, from their phone, through a mobile safari So, in order to block fortnite form being played on an iPhone, Apple would literally have to do what you are suggesting.

Except that playing Fortnite isn't the thing that's being disallowed. It just happened to contain an in-app purchase system that did not use the Apple-approved method, and Fortnite's developers refused to remove that.

Apple has always clearly stated that this is perfectly fine on websites, just not in apps.

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#63
post #15
post #6

Whats next iphones only opening approved websites? EDIT: While that seems super sarcastic. Consider this: Game streaming services are in the end just a gateway app to games, in the same way the browser is a gateway to the internet. Furthermore apple already did hinder "browserish" gateways, like apps which are a gateway to more ergonomically reading word-press blogs or message apps which where gateways to a federated…

There’s a simple consistent principle in operation. If an app is simply a neutral front end to a distributed set of independent back end services that are not managed by the owner of the app, then the app owner is not responsible for the content. Web browsers clearly match this description as the browser developer isn’t responsible for all the web sites you could visit. But it also applies to email clients, Mastodon…

“There’s a simple consistent principle in operation:” protect our monopoly power over gaming on IOS via the app store by any means necessary.

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#64
post #6

Whats next iphones only opening approved websites? EDIT: While that seems super sarcastic. Consider this: Game streaming services are in the end just a gateway app to games, in the same way the browser is a gateway to the internet. Furthermore apple already did hinder "browserish" gateways, like apps which are a gateway to more ergonomically reading word-press blogs or message apps which where gateways to a federated…

> Whats next iphones only opening approved websites? Unironically, I think that this could happen soon. That sounds crazy, but here me out. Pretty recently there was an announcement regarding a streamer service, that would allow people to play Fortnite, from their phone, through a mobile safari So, in order to block fortnite form being played on an iPhone, Apple would literally have to do what you are suggesting.

[deleted]

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#65
post #27

Wasn't even a year ago that I was singing Apple's praises for focussing on privacy. I don't feel the same way any more, and I've been happier with an Android device since.

I’m on iPhone thinking of making the switch too. Any privacy tips you recommend for Android?

It really depends where you fall between John Doe and Richard Stallman. In no particular order:

- Disable GApps. Note that this can absolutely be done without root [1], as I've done so on my BlackBerry KeyOne and a previous LG G6. This has the additional benefit of a dramatically faster UI on nearly any device.

- Use F-Droid instead of the Google Play Store when possible. If you've disabled GApps like I have, the Aurora Store can be used to fill in the few apps your employer may require.

- Use web versions of apps when possible. mbasic.facebook.com or simply facebook.com is a reasonable alternative to the app, and won't steal you contacts. The former even allows messages to be sent without the app :)

- Use a custom ROM. Note that this will require an unlocked bootloader and either a maintainer for your phone, or to build LineageOS for yourself.

- Minimize permissions you give apps. Don't get thrown when some apps request Location when you don't think they need though: Google has tied Location to Network Access, meaning you must grant Location Access for most apps to see Bluetooth & WiFi networks (which could reasonably be used as a proxy for your location).

- Unless you need it, don't leave Bluetooth on all the time. Retail locations use Bluetooth beacons to ping devices and follow consumers through the store. Bluetooth is reasonably localized, and gives the retailer fascinating data relating to where you went, how long (or if) you lingered in front of junk food, if you had to search for something, where you went first, and possibly payment card information (waiting in line vs walking away after a payment is made at a certain terminal).

[1] https://www.xda-developers.com/disable-system-app-bloatware-...

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#66
post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

How do apps like WeChat are allowed then? There are entire platforms and mini-programs inside.

Section 5.1.2(iii) of the App Store Review Guidelines has a special exception for Apps with a 1 billion install base from a country where the government doesn't give two hoots about your App Store Review Guidelines.

That's simply not true.

To the people saying it's obviously a joke: The App Store Review Guidelines have become huge and I wouldn't have been surprised to find something like this in there, although not in these exact words. Actually, I wish the App Store Review Guidelines WOULD state exceptions like the one mentioned. At least that would be transparent.

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#67

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Section 5.1.2(iii) of the App Store Review Guidelines has a special exception for Apps with a 1 billion install base from a country where the government doesn't give two hoots about your App Store Review Guidelines.

That's simply not true. To the people saying it's obviously a joke: The App Store Review Guidelines have become huge and I wouldn't have been surprised to find something like this in there, although not in these exact words. Actually, I wish the App Store Review Guidelines WOULD state exceptions like the one mentioned. At least that would be transparent.

It's not a real guideline, they were making a joke. But it's true that Apple risks alienating their iOS user base there if they try to ban WeChat now.

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#68

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Section 5.1.2(iii) of the App Store Review Guidelines has a special exception for Apps with a 1 billion install base from a country where the government doesn't give two hoots about your App Store Review Guidelines.

That's simply not true. To the people saying it's obviously a joke: The App Store Review Guidelines have become huge and I wouldn't have been surprised to find something like this in there, although not in these exact words. Actually, I wish the App Store Review Guidelines WOULD state exceptions like the one mentioned. At least that would be transparent.

Seems obvious that was a joke

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#69
post #28

Apple has always wanted to block "browser" type apps. If it can be used to install or view hundreds of other apps, then it's probably not a good fit for the iOS garden. We willingly give Apple money under this premise. I'm not sure why this is surprising.

How do apps like WeChat are allowed then? There are entire platforms and mini-programs inside.

WeChat didn't start like that. Now they have the network effects to stay because Apple doesn't want to risk the backlash of the China market.

Re: Apple blocks game streaming services unless individual games are approved

#70

This includes platforms to stream games from users local PC to clients. As an example RainWay https://rainway.com/ So this ban is broader than the article suggest.

Apple allows the Xbox remote play app functionality. You can play Xbox Series S or X games on your phone from your console.

https://www.xbox.com/en-US/consoles/remote-play

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