Video game developer Swamiware was surprised to see its latest iPhone app rejected by Apple, and so are we. The application was a harmless game that let you select a known U.S. politician (both republicans and democrats) and have him/her jump a virtual trampoline. You could tilt to control movement, use the head to pop some balloons with the White House or the Oval Office in the background, do some acrobatic flips and shake the device to clear the scene.
That was it.
Now can make an educated guess as to why Apple decided to reject the application, because there are precedents. About a month ago, Tim Burks saw his cartoon being rejected as an iPhone app for likely the same reason the Obama Trampoline was denied:
… it contains content that ridicules public figures and is in violation of Section 3.3.12 from the iPhone SDK Agreement which states:
“Applications must not contain any obscene, pornographic, offensive or defamatory content or materials of any kind (text, graphics, images, photographs, etc.), or other content or materials that in Apple’s reasonable judgement may be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod touch users.”
But does the Obama Trampoline app actually ridicule public figures? It’s not obscene or pornographic of nature, so why was it deemed either offensive or defamatory?
Judge for yourself:
Not so bad, right?
Either way, the app goes in the … not the deadpool, but Mac developer Peter Hosey’s iPhone Applications Graveyard.
Pointless and silly of Apple to reject this. Why? This isn’t insulting or lewd in any way. How about the 50 fart apps on there? Those get on but this gets rejected. Please.
They should add a feature that let’s users with gps declare the Id of the transit line they are currently riding on. Then I could get real time info on where the hell my bus is at. Dude, I’m totally late.
http://tinyurl.com/ahzvtb
They’re playing gate-keeper, and giving larger developers a free pass even when they break the terms. It’s how Google got its app passed while others are seeing theirs pushed out simply because they want to give a sense of high quality to their apps store.
While this may not be that great or exciting or even useful, I really think Apple has a bit of a bloated ego in the way it handles itself most recently.
This could be the most popular app to never make it, after the shoe app! ahahh!
cooljobsalways
http://tinyurl.com/7uj5ay
I think it is funny but I can see where it may open Apple up to unnecessary risk.
Reminds me of the little flash app from a while back where you could make Bush jump around, bounce off clouds, etc
Everyone enjoys making political games but they have to be very careful they do not open up the platforms to unnecessary legal risk…
Could it be that Al Gore did not like this program? Would he like a game that mocks the silliness of the idea that mankind causes “GW?” Humans do breathe oxygen in and carbon-dioxide out. But carbon-dioxide is fuel for plants. And where is GW when you need it? The trampoline is fun.
Well apple come on ! steve jobs will be back soon.
Here come all the moaning ninnies, boo-hoo Apple sucks etc etc
The iPhone SDK Agreement is available to all, if you don’t bother to read it before writing an application and submitting it, for it then to get refused; it’s no ones fault but your own.
Apples’ platform, their rules. Don’t like it? don’t develop for it; for those who’s usual response to that is how it’s not a great way to treat developers who you want to build apps for your platform… Well, Apple seems to be doing just fine to me and hundreds of thousands of developers are writing applications happily, perhaps go try the Android? oh no wait you want to write for the iPhone because… because it’s so successful. Duh.
Regardless of whether you’re right or not about developers who opt for the iPhone platform, the SDK agreement clearly leaves room for a lot of interpretation, and in this case I don’t think Swamiware could have seen this coming.
Yay, let’s ask them to do one with you guys!!!
Yup, Robin, Michael, everybody on to the TechCrunch: Trampoline Challenge (TC:TC for short).
Right now you would say that you don’t care, but if the app came out of the blue you would be mad that someone is using your name and your face even for parody…
Now, do the same game with … ummm… i don’t know… original cartoon characters and i guess the “fun factor” would still be the same. There’s no need to ridicule anybody whether we like them or not. (P.S.: Full disclosure: I like you, TCgang :3 )
@whiskey
The history of the US is filled to the brim with political comedy, thanks to the First Amendment. It’s a deep, ingrained tradition.
Speaking of TC, people do have fun with Michael Arrington. He has a good sense of humor and enjoys it when it’s harmless (e.g. the Arrington bobblehead). He’d probably get a laugh out of being included in some harmless iPhone app. It would only further cement his iconic figure in the world of tech writing/blogging.
On the other hand, comparing other writers who are less known (non celebrities, like the other TC writers) to the likes of *presidents* and *presidential candidates* is absurd. That’s why there are laws protecting free speech BUT ALSO protecting non-public figures. This is merely a case of Apple exercising arrant control over a non-issue, as Apple does best.
This type of arbitrary-authoritarian-capitalism by Apple is actually a great thing. It shows why an open platform like Android is so important. Just as one wouldn’t want Windows or an ISP limiting access to anything legal that might “offend”, so too should go with one’s mobile device. Everything offends someone. And who the heck are these ultra-fragile, delicate people out there who are so easily offended by the same political humor that’s existed for 200+ years? The app didn’t even single out President Obama. Even if it had, who should care? Personally, I’m a ‘treehugging liberal’ and to even remotely find something like that offensive — especially considering US law, culture, and freedom of expression — would be, itself, laughable.
The fact that you are willing to ridicule anybody who is deemed a public figure but would hate to see it done to you (not talking about the TC gang but the maybe average american).
You puzzle me though… You state that Mike has an iconic figure (one statement that I can easily acknowledge as true) yet he is not to be deemed as a public figure.
A person is a person, regardless of it’s status as a figure. But I’m aware that as a Non-American, this might escape my mind’s grasp.
Now, i know it’s just a game, I question if it would be even considered, had they opt to leave out the political satire. Read it as: I fail to see “the funny”, I think they did it just for the controversy it might create, and to make us talk about it and maybe download it.
Where would our world be without a little dignity? We dont need that anymore, do we? Applaud the decision, scorn the inconsistent decision making.
I suspect it is because Apple has its head up the arse of Obama as well…
Wow, look at their website. They make GBA games, iPhone games. Software for USB rocket launchers, Back shaver handles…
What a crazy company.
I somehow feel that Apple should continue to reject apps that dont make much sense. And moreover since Apple’s iPhone platform is not open to all, they are free to set their own rules. Developers should stop cribbing about these rejections.
I tend to agree with you. Consumers and Developers consistently forget that they are not “entitled” to get what they want from companies. Don’t like it? Then make the tough decision to not get that sexy gadget from [insert fav company here] and don’t purchase the products that run on it.
Perhaps it’s because of the unauthorized use of the presidential seal?
It’s a PARODY and just plain funny. They are protected under the first amendment.
This is BS on Apple’s part and a sign of unnecessary nationalistic censorship.
We are seriously in a lot of trouble if we shrug this off.
Tin foil hat to go please.
You are a troll. Go back to your cave.
“We are seriously in a lot of trouble if we shrug this off.”
Dude your priorities are pretty whacked then…
I don’t find that game is offensive? In democracy we are free to make some fun of politicians. It’s not iron curtain or so.
My 1G iPhone would not even let me watch the video clip.
I had no idea Apple’s censorship had such a long reach
We had the same problem with our Obobble Head App seen here: http://accelera...m/obobble-head/
They said it was considered ridicule of a public figure. I thought this was about making money…
The whole idea of attacking/ridiculing leaders just for the sake of it has perhaps come up against a hard place, finally.
I think those who moan ‘censorship’ too quickly perhaps should get out from behind their comfort zones, learn to put on a proper pair of pants and try developing their own leadership and visions of how they want a better world to be.
I can’t wait for something you don’t find offensive to be deemed unfit to exist and thus censored. Learn the difference between attacking and free speech. Maybe you’ll then come to understand and value freedom of expression.
I find it terribly and sadly ironic that you talk about traveling outside comfort zones when it is you who are apparently unable to do so, that you should take joy in others having to conform. There are people and organizations out there who find “radical ideas” like having “a better world” to be worthy of restriction; let’s hope they don’t someday reach their goals to the point of your having to conform.
This is pretty incoherent ‘Zx’. I am glad you are being public about your discomfort though.
Maybe they should port the game over to Android?
“Ridicule of a public figure” is the sort of thing that is illegal — or could otherwise get you beaten, harassed, or boycotted — in places like Egypt, Turkey, and China. While Apple can make whatever policies they want, it’s disheartening to see them hew so close to the policies of repressive institutions. Who does a decision like this protect?
“The whole idea of attacking/ridiculing leaders just for the sake of it has perhaps come up against a hard place, finally.”
Conveniently enough, this has occured after Obama’s election. Suddenly dissent and mockery of leaders is no longer patriotic. Gotta love the silly putty principles of the left.
kjkj
This is another example of Apple unintelligently censoring content.
What happened to freedom of speech Apple?
Where on earth do you people pull this rubbish from? http://tinyurl.com/am8fgd read it, learn it.
no one said this is a breach of first amendment you idiot. they said it is inconsistent with apple’s previous practice, and questionable since it seems obama and bush are being treated differently.
“What happened to freedom of speech Apple?”
Did you even read the thread? jesus save us
bestseller too bad!
Haha… rejected for accuracy. No blue carpet in the oval office since Clinton.
Just put it out on the web for those of us smart enough to jailbreak the thing and be done with it.
I think this issue is pretty obvious. Apple is a far left leaning organization with Al Gore on its board, very open and public support of Obama by Phil Schiller, and a very public condemnation of the proposition 8 issue. Why are they trying to make social statements? Just stick to making great hardware and software Apple!
“Why are they trying to make social statements? Just stick to making great hardware and software Apple!”
The answer is obvious. Because they can get away with it. Old capitalists just wanted your money; new capitalists want your money, your mind and your soul. It’s all about power.
Gawd, I can’t wait for all the Android PDAs to hit the market.
+ a big number for Android
Isn’t it obvious by now that once the initial blitz about the iPhone wears off, Apple will ultimately lose in this market? Their closed-device ways cannot win long term. They proved it with Mac, and they’ll prove it again with the iPhone.
As john said, “+ a big number for Android”
If this app was approved and it ended up outselling the fart game, shouldn’t Obama and the other guys get a cut of the profit?
This app is stupid anyway. Think about the ending of the man-show and make a trampoline game that makes sense.
perhaps they rejected it because it is completely shit!
Well… They should re-develop it so you can use a picture of yourself or a friend (like the dancing elves) instead of using politicians and other public figures…
This is utterly ridiculous! They have apps about HITLER (ebook), farting, burping, puking, but we can’t have politicians jumping on a trampoline or a ebook with curse words in it. WTF?
I find it deeply offensive and am an iPhone user. Apple seems to have correctly anticipated my distress and has acted appropriately according to their rules below. End of argument. Get back to work.
“Applications must not contain any… offensive… content… that in Apple’s reasonable judgement may be found objectionable by iPhone or iPod touch users.”
PS: No, I am not offended by fart apps and have never heard of anyone who is.
stupid!
“Censorship” is government control of political speech. All corporations, newpapers, households, and individuals control, to some degree, the political speech they will tolerate or pass on as part of their culture. It’s called judgement not censorship. Some exercise it poorly while others do so wisely.
There are plenty of outlets in a free society for the ridiculing or making fun of political leaders. It’s not the end of the world if Apple chooses to be silly about what they allow. It will hurt them more than anyone else by making their products less attractive to consumers. We should be far more concerned with the governments attempts to limit speech, such as the FCC’s silly banning of certain words on TV, for example.
John, that’s the old paradigm.
Unfortunately, we no longer have clear separation of business and government (I’m sure you’ve heard of bailouts and stimulus spending.) We’ve crossed the line way into an unholy hybridization of the two. These guys are ALL thick as thieves. Call it corporatism, crony capitalism, whatever — the point is they are all in it together to limit our freedoms, take away our choices and take our cash.
I used to think capitalism was alright because they just wanted my money. This isn’t the capitalism I once knew — these guys want to tell you how to live, what temperature your thermostat should be set to, what parts you can buy for your car, what thoughts you are allowed to think — and then they will sell you the correct product for your life.
Unholy. I know there are a lot of fans of guys like John Doerr here, but these guys with fingers in every pie, government, business, eco-moralizing just creep me the hell out.
If Microsoft would do the same on Windows Mobile (or even worse on Windows) they would have been sued by now. While I respect the iPhone device and service, this platform/ecosystem control is not good for the mobile market and innovation.
For example, would Apple allow Adobe AIR? Probably not, it will just compete too much with Apple platform (SDK and Store).
Are rejection letters no longer covered under NDA by Apple ?
http://www.tuaw...on-letters-too/
Just make this offensive piece-of-shit-largely-worthless-rotten app all words.
Place these words in a melody container with the appropriate title of Obama Trampolinin’.
Get, perhaps, Timberlake to give the melody some shiznit.
It’ll be on your trusty Iphone before ya know it.
Being stupid or offensive ain’t gonna matter to anyone then- much like most of the shit-in-song now.
Just don’t make images… whooooo
Looks like it sucked anyway.
LOL, another totally useless application. I suspect the y rejected it for fear of being sued over using Obamas face without his permission.
RT
http://www.anon...ity-tools.us.tc
Maybe its because it looks like ass and Apple doesn’t want ass-like apps crapping up its device.
Granny Apple.
Before shouting “censorship!” and any other buzzword you can come up with it might be worth thinking about this from business perspective. Apple seems to be pretty good at what they do, which is making money. So it might be worth considering that rather than spending their time working for your first amendment rights by fighting legal battles about the likeness of public figures (regardless of whether or not you think they should), they are using their legal team and $28 billion they have EARNED to take care of their own house. If you are so concerned about first amendment rights practice it through political protest – not by whining on a random comment posting!
Amen.
If it were only Bush on the app, then Apple would have approved it. But because the developer included the Messiah, they rejected it. Bunch of liberally biased buffoons.
Weird.
Hey, it’s their phone, so they can do whatever they want, but who makes the judgment calls?
This is why I will never us an OS, phone or otherwise, that isn’t open.
This guy wrote an application for your phone, that works fine on your phone, and you can’t use it because the manufacturer doesn’t want you to.
That’s stupid.
It’s political satire. It’s no different than a cartoonist making money from a newspaper. Completely legal. I think Apple needs to have some kind of pre-approval process so developers will know weather or not their app will be accepted. Now this is just a bunch of wasted time.
@15
That’s the thing, it’s not their phone, it’s your phone. This is not a way to build a community.
bzzzt wrong. There are a ton of things you cannot do with purchased product. “It’s mine” doesn’t make a difference.
In this case one could argue it’s not about the device at all, but the “service” you choose to use on it.
Apple is free to reject apps, for the terms set forth, to protect their business model. What is so hard for people to get about this? And why is anyone surprised that APPLE, of all companies, would do this?
The reason is simple: this is heresy. Making fun of The One is blasphemy, not pardoy. Remove his face, limit it Bush, Cheney and all the other hateful, closeminded, right wing extremists, and you’re no longer blaspheming and may sell the app freely.
With better proofreading this time:
The reason is simple: this is heresy. Making fun of The One is blasphemy, not parody. Remove his face, limit it to Bush, Cheney and all the other hateful, closeminded, right wing extremists, and you’re no longer blaspheming and may sell the app freely.
I think that if it were titled “Washington Trampoline” instead of using the president’s name, it would have been accepted. However, the developer decided to use President Obama’s name for its commercial appeal, which is the problem.
http://www.bloo...id=aY4JojiQVy4c
White House lawyers want to control the use of the president’s image, recognizing the worldwide fascination about Obama’s election, First Amendment free-speech rights and easy access to videos and photos on the Web.
“Our lawyers are working on developing a policy that will protect the presidential image while being careful not to squelch the overwhelming enthusiasm that the public has for the president,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
http://www.starhotspot.com