Return 7 developer of iPhone Apps such as CastCatcher and BillMinder has recently published a post on their blog claiming that Apple has rejected a version update to their CastCatcher radio app due to excessive bandwidth consumption over cellular network.
Apple has rejected or banned quite a few iPhone apps from the App Store but this is the first time we have heard about a version update being rejected by Apple.
CastCatcher Internet Radio app streams shoutcast streams directly to your iPhone.
As per CastCatcher 1.3 release notes, the version update is expected to fix some bugs along with some additional features:
- Adjustable buffer size (see Preferences on your iPhone)
- Experimental AAC+ support (works w/ 2.0.2 but not 2.1 - bug report filed w/ Apple for assistance - this feature is NOT supported)
- Minor fix around Icecast metadata
- Fixed crash on downloading invalid playlist files
The iPhone Developer, Return 7 has claimed that Apple has rejected their iPhone app due to excessive bandwidth consumption over cellular network.
"CastCatcher Internet Radio cannot be posted to the App Store because it is transferring excessive volumes of data over the cellular network, which as outlined in the iPhone SDK Agreement section 3.3.15, is prohibited."
Return 7 has emailed Apple and are hoping that this issue gets resolved quickly.
The interesting thing to note about the rejection is that Apple has approved three previous versions of the iPhone app. The iPhone developer also claims that CastCatcher does not burden cellular networks any more than any other radio applications that are available on the App Store.
So it looks like Apple might have got some pressure from carriers recently which is forcing them to be more stringent in approving iPhone apps that use excessive bandwidth.
However, I don't see the point of rejecting the version update, when the previous version of the iPhone app which consumes similar amount of bandwidth over the cellular network is still available on the App Store.
What do you think?
[Mac Rumors via Return 7's blog]
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I honestly hate AT&T. They've got everyone paying 30 a month for "unlimited" data usage, but it's far from unlimited. I believe that if I'm paying for it, I should be able to use any app, or any amount of my data plan that I want.
Granted, this is my first smart phone type of device with internet. So I don't completely know how it all works. But if I'm paying for it, I shouldn't have any restrictions.
Generally unlimited means more than what is expected within normal usage. if you use alot more that normal usage then you are not covered by unlimited.
From Dictionary.com the definition of unlimited:
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) – Cite This Source – Share This
un⋅lim⋅it⋅ed [uhn-lim-i-tid] Show IPA Pronunciation
–adjective
1. not limited; unrestricted; unconfined: unlimited trade.
2. boundless; infinite; vast: the unlimited skies.
3. without any qualification or exception; unconditional.
Bottom line, is when you go with an "unlimited data plan" this is what you should get, unlimited, meaning without any qualification or exception, in other words unconditional.
Y'all make me laugh. I always like the comments that come along with these type of postings.
Since when has anyone believed marketers? C'mon, don't get all righteous…it's been known since before AT&T that "unlimited" doesn't mean unlimited. I blame dictionary.com…they should update it with the common use as used by major corporations in marketing their services to Joe 12-pack Americans.
I'm a realist…I know that if it was truly unlimited our data plans would probably soar to $100/mo. Have to pay for that network somehow. It's not as if we have the population density of Korea, where utilities can get more bang for their buck.
If you truly believe (as the righteous do) that you have been deceived, our system of justice provides an avenue for relief. Just file a lawsuit under the deceptive trade practices act. It's been done before and AT&T has lost for various other issues in several states over the years.
Ok this is my idea with all of this, first is there any were on AT&T's contracts/fine print that it says what unlimited is defined as for them or what restirctions there are except tethering? because if not then techinically speaking they can be tookn to court and have a huge lawsuite against them. Im very tempted to f**k with them and consecitivly dowload large volumes of files/pages/viedos anything really constently till they try to slap fees on me at wich point since i never tetherd and have legitimately used data within thier regulations i can take them to court for all their worth. Any body wanna join in? Teach AT&T a lesson? lol but no seriousely is there any lawyers out there that can check this out?
I just had an app which is basically an RSS reader which streams .mp4 videos rejected for the same reason, despite the fact that several applications with identical functionality, including a Consumer Reports app which lets you stream video product reviews, are in the AppStore.
My first response asking Apple to clarify resulted in a boilerplate "thanks for your support request – please send screenshots, etc." like the support engineer didn't even bother reading my reply.
I've reached out to them again seeking answer to specific questions and their answer to why other apps with the same functionality have been approved and mine has not.