Podcaster Developer Works Around App Store Rejection

• Author: admin
• Filed under: Tech News
• Date: Sep 19,2008

You’ll recall Podcaster, the iPhone podcasting app which was rejected from the App Store because it duplicated pre-existing functionality in iTunes. Of course, what’s amazing about that argument is this is an iPhone app, not something running on the desktop.

Podcaster allows iPhone and iPod Touch users to subscribe to, manage, download and listen to podcasts without first downloading them in iTunes.

The rejection caused a near-revolt in the blogosphere, with some saying they would never write another iPhone app, and others calling for public disclosure of the App Store policies (which have always been vague).

Since the rejection, developer Alex Sokirynsky has been selling his software using the “Ad Hoc” distribution method. Ad Hoc allows a developer to distribute their software directly to up to 100 users per build. It was designed to let developers beta-test their apps, and for enterprise developers to offer custom apps to corporate users for business use.

In order to use this method, Sokirynsky uses your iPhone’s unique identifier (UDID) to compile a custom version of Podcaster. He then emails you the application and a special provisioning file named adhoc_Dist.mobileprovision. The application is installed by simultaneously dragging both the app and the .mobileprovision file to your iTunes library. The application then appears in Applications areas (under Library) and is synced to the iPhone upon the next sync.

It’s possible Apple could either pull Sokirynsky’s developer credentials, or use the “kill switch” to disable the application, but so far they have not. According to Podcaster’s site:

The program should work for a minimum of one year but since Apple can turn it off remotely, the 1 year installation is not guaranteed. We will do everything in our power to keep the program working. All payments are final. No refunds.

Podcaster costs $9.99, but was originally priced for $4.95 at the App Store. Why do I expect this to not be the final entry in this “saga?”