Stanza e-reader downdated because Apple demanded removal of USB syncing option [iPhone App Updates]
Stanza, my favourite e-book reader on the iPhone, has been downdated. It’s hard to call this newest version of the app an update when all it does is remove one feature. Granted, I’ve never actually synced a book over USB (wi-fi is fast enough), but that option will be gone for new users from here on out. Existing users don’t have to update, but since there’s no “ignore app update” button in iTunes, they’ll have to deal with the app update badge always teasing them about one more update.
TechCrunch tried to do a bit of follow-up with Stanza about why the change was made, but they hit up a legal brick wall pretty quickly. Stanza can’t seem to talk about anything that goes on behind the curtain. This news could simply be Apple being a little grumpy about USB syncing (they don’t really like apps doing this), but when you consider that Stanza is now owned by Amazon, it does sound a little fishier. Then again, there’s also the John Gruber school of thought, which argues that Apple is in this for the hardware game and doesn’t really give a hoot who is selling the books – as long as they’re being read on iPads. Amazon does make the Kindle, but they also have a Kindle iPhone app.
Honestly speaking, most of this is just news to me. Little bits of info to post about. As long as they don’t mess with Stanza’s amazing wi-fi syncing and great in-app bookstore, my Pitchfork of Righteousness and Ranting is going to stay in the shed.
Doesn't the update info suggest there was some sort of USB sharing option for books? I thought this might mean there was a way to share purchases with friends.
most certainly does suggest that – though I never used it. not likely a sharing option, but rather a syncing one that could be used for sharing…then again, you can use wi-fi syncing for that, too. it's even easier.
Now I realize why there is no USB port on the Ipad. To prevent from being sued by the stupid DMCA laws. DMCA should have NEVER existed in the first place.
Instead of people pointing the finger at Apple and putting a negative spin on the Ipad, put the blame where it really belongs. And that's on the government and big name corporations that control the government.
Don't forget the alien overlords that control the big corporations.