Re: Woz calls for a more open apple

[mdj <mdj.mdj@gmail.com>]

On Wednesday, 16 May 2012 14:48:22 UTC+10, Michael J. Mahon  wrote:

> I'm sure Woz would like that, but I don't think that's what he said. He'd
> be happy just to be able to program an iPad *on* the iPad. 
> 
> Come to think of it, so would I. 
> 
> Not full-blown Objective C, but much simpler "glue" scripting that would
> allow new apps based on existing apps. 
> 
> Apple's corporate allergy to user programming is, I'm pretty sure, a
> consequence of Jobs' inability to program. 

I think it's more that they want you to buy a Macintosh to use as the development platform. The fact that the development toolchain won't run anywhere else is about the only thing that's really 'closed' about the iOS devices IMO, at least compared to the competition.

Android devices do typically allow applications to be installed from arbitrary locations, but any software "worth having" will be on the official application stores.

Early on, a lot of the restrictions could be justified by having to play ball with the companies that owned the networks these devices depend upon. As mobile networking has become more about provisioning internet access and less about the other services on these networks it's been possible to have more open devices. I'm sure necessity will drive Apple further in that direction. Eventually :-)

Matt