Re:Apple approves previously rejected HKMap.live app
by spunker540 on Friday October 04, 2019 @06:10PM
(#21162335)
Personal computers are probably the only reference point in favor of “install anything you want”. Walkmans, TVs, game consoles, MP3 players, household appliances, automobiles, flip phones etc all come without the ability to run custom software. I think the only reason PCs didn’t start with an App Store model is that they predate the internet, so there was no way for them to really control distribution.
Frankly I think there’s a reason why no more open model is succeeding — the demand is not there and the app stores provide the utility most people want. I used to jailbreak my iPhone but there’s really no need anymore.
Re:Apple approves previously rejected HKMap.live app
by noisem4ker on Friday October 04, 2019 @07:05PM
(#21162643)
Many electronic devices simply lack the technical features or input channels that would allow third party software to run. I find it much more worrying when the devices have all the infrastructure in place to do so, but their manufacturer decides to actively restrict the users' freedom in that regard.
Printer cartridges used to be dumb and replacable by mechanically identical 3rd party products.
> And walled gardens aren't weird. It has always been the default. I can only install console games approved by Sony, Nintendo etc for example.
Those are gaming devices, not general purpose edge computing devices under which smart-"phones" fall for all intents and purposes. Personal computers are a much better reference point.