Nullriver’s brief contribution to the App store, NetShare, an application that allows users to tether their iPhone’s internet connection to a laptop, is unlikely to make a return appearance.
“Earlier in the week, Nullriver received a response from Apple saying the removal of NetShare was a mistake that required “technical review.” It turns out that was a blanket term, because in a phone interview today Nullriver’s CEO Adam Dan said Apple was reviewing user contracts with providers, including AT&T.” via Wired.
Although Apple is forcing Nullriver to await this pending review, conformation from an AT&T spokesperson notes that iPhone tethering is against a clause in AT&T’s Terms and Conditions.
“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.”
NetShare is only one of a few applications that have recently been pulled from the App store. Movie show-time application, BoxOffice, made a rather questionable disappearance only a few days following NetShare’s demise.
The confusing nature of Apple’s behavior has led Nullriver CEO, Adam Dan, to question the App store’s approval process, noting that:
“From what I can tell their approval process is not very strict at all,” Dan said. “It’s more technical than content related is what it seems like to us. I think they run it, start it up and if it doesn’t crash they approve it. They brainlessly click through, and if there’s problems they remove it is what it seems like.”
Dan further added that his views on Apple have changed following his experience, yet remains adamant about developing for the iPhone.
“They’re shooting themselves in the foot these days; they’re probably just understaffed,” Dan said. “We’ll see how it goes. Hopefully they don’t get too much of the bad press and it doesn’t ruin the iPhone, because I want to develop for it.”
Despite NetShare’s unlikely return to the App store, customers who have already purchased the application will be able to continue using it.
[via Wired]
