14 DAY TRIAL // Rogue Amoeba’s Airfoil Speakers Touch application allowing iOS devices to stream content to one another over AirPlay was rejected and then approved back in the App Store after the developers agreed to remove the app’s key feature.
It now only allows a few speaker manufacturers to access the streaming standard, as well as the Apple TV. Rogue Amoeba is not content. Far from it, in fact. But Apple’s SVP of Product Marketing, Phil Schiller, claims they haven’t wronged the developer. Via Cult of Mac:
Thank you for your email and question about this application.
The story as I understand it is simple, and not accurately recounted on Rogue Amoeba’s website. Rogue Amoeba’s app added a feature that accessed encrypted AirPlay audio streams without using approved APIs or a proper license and in violation of Apple’s agreements. Apple asked Rogue Amoeba to update their app to remain in compliance with our terms and conditions.
Your assumptions as to Apple’s motives and actions are simply not correct. We have an Airplay licensing program explicitly to assist companies in creating AirPlay capable products. Apple never said that we would pull the rug out from anyone, we in fact worked with this developer to ensure they update their app and remain on the App Store.
Sincerely,
Phil
Rogue Amoeba’s response to Philip Schiller countered the claim that their app’s key feature was made “without using approved APIs.”
The developer specifically said, “There are no APIs, approved or otherwise, to enable the functionality Airfoil Speakers Touch provided. All the code used to receive AirPlay-compatible audio was written internally by Rogue Amoeba.”
The company further attacked other claims made by Schiller, leaving the issue at heart unaddressed.