Nullriver, developer of NetShare, reports on their website:
Looks like Apple has decided they will not be allowing any tethering applications in the AppStore. As such, NetShare will not be available in the iTunes AppStore. We are seeing a lot of similar reports from various developers who’s applications were abruptly removed and banned from the AppStore without any violations of the terms of service. This is all unfortunate news for the iPhone platform end-users.
Source: Nullriver
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “Joe” for the heads up.]
This is getting a tad draconian
That sucks…this is a great app!! I bet Obama even uses it… He rocks!
sucks if you did not buy it in time, great if you have it, now we need to find out ways to get apps on that does not involve jailbreaking
I could have used this application here in Houston this past weekend. AT&T;should at least have a package that allows this on the iPhone
too bad, this app works great. A bit hard to get working first try, but once it was up and running it was great.
Driving through the wine country in NorCal on a recent vacation, my 22 year old son in the passenger seat checking out the web pages of the wineries as we drove by to see which one we might want to check out.
Crap. I’m glad I got it, but it’s a great utility that should be available to all.
Looks like more jailbreaking and unlocking in the iPhone’s future. The genie is out of the bottle…
This is an ATT issue.
HA!!! Mac losers!!! I can still tether with my windows mobile phone!!!
I got Netshare from a buddy who couldn’t use it b/c he didn’t have Leopard on his mac… unfortunately it’s DRM’ed to his iTunes account. Does anyone know how to sync an iPhone to Multiple itunes’s accounts? or better yet… how remove the restrictions so app’s can be swapped b/w users?
As regards the cellular network, AT&T;policy clearly prohibits tethering, so it’s no surprise that Apple would not distribute an app whose sole purpose violates the service contract. (see below)
As for Wi-Fi, it’d be pointless to tether UNLESS the iPhone device was specifically permitted on the Wi-Fi network and the computer was not. That sounds like the arrangement AT&T;is preparing to announce (included free wi-fi hotspots for iPhone users), so it would probably violate the (as yet unknown) terms of that (future, possible) service, too.
Furthermore, plans(unless specifically designated for tethering usage) cannot be used for any applications that tether the device (through use of, including without limitation, connection kits, other phone/PDA-to computer accessories, Bluetooth® or any other wireless technology) to Personal Computers (including without limitation, laptops), or other equipment for any purpose.
Oh wait, but I can’t tether with my Zune. What CAN I do with my Zune? Hmm. It’s already brown.
it maybe ATT’s policy, but Apple’s store. Jailbreaking is the future sad to say.
As regards the cellular network, Rogers policy clearly permits tethering, so it sucks that Apple would refuse to distribute an app which doesn’t violate my service contract solely because it might violate someone else’s.
@ yup:
It it’s AT&T;’s policy not to allow tethering, then it’s very likely that AT&T;put provisions in the contract it has with Apple to not allow tethering. So I’m sure Apple can’t allow a 3rd party app to tether, either.
I’m sure Apple thought about tethering before releasing the iPhone 1G, and AT&T;probably said no then too. That’s a lot of data flowing on AT&T;’s network which it’s not getting paid for, so it’s most likely AT&T;’s decision, not Apple’s.
I assume there different versions of the App store in different countries, as there are different versions of the media stores. Is it possible this is only being removed from the US store because of AT&T;’s policy, but allowed in Canada per the Rogers policy?
That would make sense, so it’s probably not the case.
What AT&T;has to say about the permissibility of tethering is only relevant to where they’re the provider.
Since AT&T;is not only provider in the world for the iPhone, its a localized restriction only. As such, NetShare was denied access to viable and legal marketplace…namely, the world outside of AT&T;.
-hh
Just like the misperception of Apple “choosing” ATT, Apple had better look out for the public beginning to see it’s frequent and perceptually arbitrary pulling of iApps as… Well – Arbitrary, and for sure, frustrating.
Fark Apple. I’m getting a Dell.
Why doesn’t Nullriver put the app on their own website. Heck, if Apple wants to declare it an unauthorized app, so what. Anyone can still develop apps and skip the app store if they want to. I can write an app, and just share it with whoever I want to. I write it, I can give it away, sell it, or whatever. Apple’s just controlling their storefront, which is their right to do, but there are other ways to get something into the consumer’s hands.
@ Ripper
I strongly agree. There is no reason why someone cannot release the app via the ad hoc release system.
Read this:
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/09/15/podcaster-app-distributed-via-ad-hoc-after-apple-rejection/
This is a way for ANY application to arrive on your iPhone or Touch…
My question is will Sir Jobso then use the Vadar-like grip o’ death to delete any “harmful” and “intrusive” software.
I think once it is on your computer and lives on your iPhone that you should have the choice to keep it or delete it.
Cheers.
The “increased data on their network” argument is a straw dog.
If I were to tether, there would not be ONE BIT MORE DATA being transferred to my computer than my phone, I’d simply be using the laptop to access sites REQUIRING plugins/JS not supported by the phone.
If the iPhone supported web features that I NEED, then I’d be using the iPhone to transfer EXACTLY the same amount of data.
Same goes for 3G and the higher priced data plan. I would not move ONE BIT more data than I do with my Gen 1 phone, I’d simply be spending less time getting the same amount of data I’m currently using.
(that’s why I didn’t replace my Gen 1)