So, I heard back from apple this evening.
Here is what was said about geopher:
Hi [Geopher Developer],
Your application, Geopher Lite, cannot be posted to the App Store because it violates section 3.3.5 of the iPhone SDK Agreement; "Applications must comply with the Human Interface Guidelines and other Documentation provided by Apple."
Geopher Lite duplicates the functionality of the built-in iPhone application Safari without providing sufficient differentiation or added functionality, which will lead to user confusion. The app should launch Safari when the "Go!" and "Log" buttons are selected, instead of navigating within the app.
Uhm.... wha?
I am a bit upset at this development. I totally didn't expect this one.
So.
I'll be removing the forward and back buttons from the bottom of the toolbar. I will make the log button take you to safari to enter a log instead of staying within geopher's web pane. And I will resubmit the app with my reasons and arguments for using the web pane for entering target latitude and longitude.
If they still disallow it after that I'm not sure what will happen to geopher. Without that it's... well, it's likely not worth paying for thats fur sure. Or possibly even using -- you lose all the convenience.
How frustrating.
I'll keep you updated.
About Me
- DadGuy
- DadGuy has been working with apple computers since the mac classic. I love games and puzzles and like to solve problems. I'm having a blast developing for the iPhone and iPad.
7 comments:
I am confused. The application Molecules open you up into a web browser of sorts. Is it just because it looks like the Safari browser? I really hope you can get this product out on the app store. Looks very promising.
I am excited to hear what you are doing! Out of curiosity will you be able to look at a map (perhaps google maps on geocache.com) and be able to view all unfound surrounding caches as if you were using a query? Also do you sign in to it like you would on the Twitter or Facebook clients (which are in the app store now)?
vitaminwater
Tom
Hi,
I hope you will manage to get your application approved by apple. I am really looking forward to try it out.
I have one question though, as I do not have a 3G iPhone would I still be able to use the software as an offline tool for paperless caching, e.g. load my gpx file into the software and then use it to get cache descriptions, hints, etc. while using my GPSr to find the cache.
So far I have used iGeocacher, but that is only useful if you have a cell phone signal (also, when being abroad data roaming is extremely expensive). Would your software work in an "offline mode" on an old iPhone?
Many thanks
Robert
Just a few words of encouragement, just found out about the app this morning and it has answered my hopes that someone was working on it.
I take it geocaching.com doesn't have an API to allow more direct integration with your data for recording logs etc?
Anyway, keep up the good work, I'm sure Apple will get you through eventually.
Goblin,
I was wondering the same thing...surely they must have SOAP or some API that can be used for direct access to the data. In the end, that would be a preferable method.
It would be cool to get the IDs from the web But I could live with going to safari and getting the IDs Just having realtime Lat Long and the compass is the best there is no app on the Iphone that dose this if you have to take out the browser part I would still buy this app Keep going let hope Apple get a clue get this app in the store
Hi dadguy,
Please don't be too discouraged. There's a lot of people rooting for you and your application!
There's a thread that's been posted on MacRumors, about Geopher Lite:
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=5841059
As soon as your application gets published, and as you continue to update it and add new features, I KNOW it will be a success. I wouldn't think twice about paying $10, $20, or maybe even $30 for something like this, and I think a lot of people would do the same, as the Geocaching community has been waiting for an application like this for a LONG time!
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