14 DAY TRIAL // It is becoming more and more obvious that Apple is paving the way for the mass adoption of its iPad, the upcoming tablet device set to raise the bar at many ends of the tech-industry. The most recent such move was purging adult content from the App Store, Softpedia believes.
Company watchers estimate that the number of rejected applications such as Wobble iBoobs is in the thousands, accounting for over three percent of the entire App Store lineup. Why would Apple do this, if it's not for protecting future sales of a device that has a bigger screen and is capable of running almost everything in the App Store? We can all agree that adult-oriented apps sell quite well, vacuuming in huge profits for everyone. Yet, Apple has had a change in policy, and is doing away with such apps, starting now.
A Gamasutra report reveals that the creator of the aforementioned app (Jon Atherton) described a new set of content standards set in place by the Mac maker, after speaking to an Apple employee for clarification as to what types of content were no longer acceptable, starting with the banning of his own application. Over at his blog, he posted a list of no-nos, as disclosed by the respective Apple staffer. You can check it out here.
And while Atherton estimates that over 2,500 applications have been deleted in the Entertainment category so far, with over 5,000 explicit apps being yanked in total, he also suggests that the recent policy changes may also be tied to AT&T’s application standards.
However, Softpedia strongly believes the main reason behind this move is the iPad. The device is set to launch not only as an entertainment device, a product that the entire family will be able to use and enjoy, but also as a powerful educational tool. McGraw-Hill’s CEO, Terry McGraw, has already confirmed proceedings towards getting educational content onto the platform, while future steps will most likely include deploying units in schools. iBoobs may return then, but they’ll most likely be viewed in a more scientific manner.
With great power comes great responsibility
Credits: Apple (iPad overview - iWork suite)
It is also worth noting that Apple’s iPod touch is still enjoying a good dose pf popularity among kids. Their parents will not be so keen on buying these portable gateways to adult-oriented content, should Apple continue to approve these kinds of applications. And while the built-in Safari web browser is, by far, the best way to access adult material, the name of the application certainly doesn’t suggest that’s what it’s there for, ridding Apple of any liability in this area.
Finally, a portable device that runs the iWork productivity suite of applications certainly has to be taken more seriously. Keynote, Pages, and Numbers have been completely redesigned by Apple for the iPad, and they’ll be sold individually on the App Store, when the device ships. As noted earlier, it is obvious that a different approach is needed from now on. The iPad, whether or not a future runaway hit, is much more than a toy. Its purpose-oriented nature does not leave room for error, especially with the media showing extremely divided opinions regarding its success.
As usual, this is a subjective take on the matter, but we’ll be delighted to hear your thoughts on this. Don't forget to check out the related links.