VideoLAN Files Copyright Complaint with Apple Over VLC for iOS
VideoLAN Files Copyright Complaint with Apple Over VLC for iOS
Posted 10/30/2010 at 12:06pm
| by Ryan Whitwam
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If you're a user of iOS devices like the iPhone or iPad, you might want to snap up VLC for your chosen device before it's gone forever. Rémi Denis-Courmont, one of the principal developers of VLC, explained that VideoLAN (the foundation that supports VLC) is not pleased with how the app is distributed. They have filed a notice of copyright infringement with Apple that may force the removal of the app.
As it turns out, VLC for iOS is developed by a 3rd party developer called Applidium. Apple's iTunes terms allow VLC to only be installed on 5 devices. This is a form of DRM, and as you may know, VLC is open source and distributed under the GPL. That means Apple's DRM scheme is unacceptable to the VideoLAN foundation.
Apple has, in the past, simply removed apps that fall into a similar category. It's spectacularly unlikely that they'd modify their terms for this one app, even if it is so high profile. Denis-Courmont contends that open source software would not be where it is today if not for licenses like GPL, and perhaps users should be looking for apps on more open platforms.
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Silencer
November 02, 2010 at 2:48am
...the extent to which this is going to screw over *all* of the apple device users. (It's Apple screwing their customers, not VLC.) What is VLC for? Playing every video file on earth. And it's the best in the world, (with like *one* weaker competitor.) That's why we all use it. Hope they all like QuickTime, and iTunes, and *not* watching content!
Is there an XviD codec for iPad?
lol, rofl...
I love VLC! AND, I'm proud of them for sticking up for: FREEDOM! You go VLC! Smack them down!
stradric
November 01, 2010 at 6:02am
This is great. I fully stand behind the VideoLAN folks for enforcing the GPL. Purchasers of Apple devices need to understand why Apple sucks, and this demonstrates it quite well. I just wish there were more developers that had the integrity of the VideoLAN folks and refused to build software for Apple with their hatred of consumers (and exploitation of their wallets).
Jox
October 31, 2010 at 10:08am
I find it unlikely in the extreme that I will ever own an Apple product. Their insistance on iron-grip control over how their customers use the hardware they purchase precludes any chance that I will ever be a customer myself.
Screw Apple!
-Jox
MleB
October 31, 2010 at 6:41am
....because that seemed to flight in the face of Apple's very real desire to control absolutely everything you have on your device - and where that content comes from. That is to say, the iTunes Store. VLC Player allows media content that is not just using Apple's codecs and from sources other than the iTunes Store.
As for the VideoLAN Foundation's view that the nature of the Apple's store breaches the GPL, well, they are absolutely right - and if that causes VLC to be pulled, then maybe that will encourage some users to realise exactly how limited Apple's Content Delivery Devices (Touch, iPhone, iPad) really are.
Deanjo
October 30, 2010 at 1:30pm
This is a perfect example of opensource shooting themselves in the foot. The source of the port is FREELY available on the vlc git hub.
roninnder
October 30, 2010 at 1:38pm
What's your point? It's still covered under the GPL which forbids DRM. Furthermore, how does anyone get shot in the foot? What does VLC have to gain from this illegal port? Other than the violation of the openness of their software by DRM of course.
PCLinuxguy
November 02, 2010 at 7:23am
thank you for posting that, as your reply helps clarify what open source is since the person apparently has no clue. I couldn't have said it better. bravo!
Silencer
November 02, 2010 at 2:56am
Thank-you for your two comments here. Else, I'd have to write them!
roninnder
October 30, 2010 at 1:05pm
"Everyone" doesn't lose, just douches with iPads. That's not even all douches, just a subset of them.
Bullwinkle J Moose
October 30, 2010 at 12:43pm
From the tech news stories these days, you'd think that people who oppose Evil DRM Schemes were the bad guys
Thats just FUNNY!
Evil DRM Schemers in trouble for trying to lock down DRM free products
Hahahhahhahahhahhaa
I mean, LOL
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