BBC reluctant to commit to iPhone apps due to Apple?
updated 03:15 pm EDT, Tue August 11, 2009
BBC holds on iPhone apps
The BBC is reluctant to commit to iPhone development, a new report alleges. The network already has a small selection of apps available, including ones for Radio Times and Lonely Planet. It is believed, however, to be cautious about going any further, as a result of the terms and conditions imposed on developers at the App Store. Apple's wording would expose the BBC to "unlimited liability," according to claims.
Developers are particularly asked to accept responsibility for "any and all claims, suits, liabilities, losses, damages, costs and expenses arising from or attributable to the licensed applications." While potentially hazardous, it is not certain why the BBC would object to the agreement, as numerous other broadcasters have published titles and no known lawsuits have been filed. The organization is nevertheless said to be negotiating with Apple for terms that would require less money set aside for legal defense.
A BBC spokesperson insists that the company is considering mobile app options, and regularly in talks with potential partner companies.
right...
08/11, 03:47pm reply
Can't be that maybe they don't want to spend the money and time to produce a set of apps only to wonder whether they'll get approved, or be smacked down with an 'adult' label because it connects to something that connects to something that connects to something that has a bad word in it.
No, it must be the terms.
But seriously. The terms are meaningless. All it is saying is if someone tries to sue apple because of, say, copyright infringement and death, Apple has no liability, it is the developer's problem. How is this different than any software? In fact, if Apple said in the terms "You have no legal liability ....", it would be meaningless, since it isn't for apple to say who one can sue or for how much.
In fact, I can't think of any 'terms' apple could offer the BBC that would keep them from being liable, unless they somehow con Apple to signing a deal saying they'll cover all liability over 1 million pounds or something. But Apple wouldn't do that. No company would. That's why you buy insurance people!
testudo
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Wow.
08/11, 04:26pm reply
I just agreed with Testudo...
greenG4
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RE: Wow.
08/11, 04:59pm reply
It's the law of averages, he posts so much sooner or later you'll agree with something.
TiberiusMonkey
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Conflict of Interest?
08/11, 08:40pm reply
Remember that the BBC has hired a number of Microsoft executives to head their iPlayer program. I would think these guys aren't all that interested in getting in bed with Apple. I'm also sure that the BBC has received all sorts of "incentives" to stick with Windows Media Technology. I'm sure that those incentives hinge on blocking out anything Apple.
http://paidcontent.co.uk/article/419-industry-moves-bbc-hires-another-microsoft-exec-to-for-iplayer/
Gone Nuts
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And...
08/11, 08:42pm reply
The BBC doesn't even show up on the iTunes Radio stations list.
Gone Nuts
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I agree...
08/12, 06:39am reply
Sounds bogus to me, too!
Good luck, BBC, developing for any smartphone with those kinds of reservations.
doctor9
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