Newsletters Welcome, Guest Log In | Register

Governance and Risk

From regulatory compliance to corporate governance structure, everyone is involved

About this Blogger RSS

Subscribe

Sign up now and get the best business technology insights direct to your inbox.

  • Daily Edge
  • CTO Edge Update
  • Business Tools & Templates
  • Aligning IT & Business Goals
  • Maximizing IT Investments

0

iPhone Web Capabilities Built on 'Open Standards,' Apple Says

Posted by Lora Bentley Aug 27, 2008 12:45:39 PM

The UK's advertising authority yanked an iPhone TV ad from the air for misleading consumers, Guardian Unlimited reported Wednesday. The ad "overhyped" the phone's Web browsing capabilities. The Advertising Standards Authority pulled the ad after it received complaints from consumers that the iPhone does not support Flash or Java, but the ad indicates that "all the parts of the Internet are on the iPhone."

 

In its defense, Apple explained that the ad referred to Web site access, or availability, not to "every aspect of functionality," and pointed out that none of the sites used in the ad featured Flash or Java technology. But that wasn't enough for the authority, which determined the ad should not be broadcast again -- or at least not in its present form. (I presume including video of the ad in the Guardian article is fine because the article explains the iPhone's limitations, which the ad itself does not do.)

 

ZDNet UK blogger David Meyer says the authority's decision (to which he links) is "interesting reading," but he takes issue with Apple for using open source/open standards as a defense. He quotes the decision this way:

Apple said... proprietary languages or technologies, such as Flash or Java, were not open source and required a plug-in or individual download in order for content to appear within the specific browser, regardless of whether the access to a site was made from an iPhone or home computer. They said they could not ensure compatibility with every third party technology in the marketplace and, in order to create the best customer experience, had created their platform on open standards.

So basically, Meyer says, Apple won't work with technology in the iPhone that it can't control. So what if the user doesn't get the level of access promised. It's for his or her "own good." Needless to say, Meyer is perplexed. So am I.

Add a comment Leave a comment on this blog post.

There are no comments on this post

Lowering Your IT Costs with Oracle Database 11g Release 2

This white paper identifies the key capabilities a database management solution needs to successfully deliver more information with higher quality of service, make more efficient use of IT budgets, and reduce the risk of change in data centers.

Software Forum: Information On Demand Virtual Experience

This interactive virtual forum presents leading IT experts providing the insights you need to turn your information into a strategic driver for innovation, business optimization and competitive differentiation.

Security SaaS Solutions

Hosted security solutions that not only protect your data, but reduce your security management TCO, as well.

Tape Storage

Disaster recovery and business continuation that includes encryption, all at a manageable TCO.

Network Optimization

Network management tools and tips to increase network speed and efficiency, regardless of office location.

Greening IT with Server Consolidation

Learn how virtualization reduces the TCO of managing your date, while contributing towards your sustainability efforts.

Disaster Recovery & Business Continuity Template Pack

Prepare your company for any type of disaster you can envision and those you cannot. Immediately download this comprehensive set of templates and tools for documenting your business contingency plans.

Learn more >

Windows 7 Upgrade Project Kit

Moving to Windows 7? The Windows 7 Upgrade Project Kit is the ideal support tool for managing all phases of an organizational upgrade to Windows 7. The tools and templates in this kit will help you develop a strategy and map out the implementation tactics which link your Windows 7 deployment to your company's bottom line.

Learn more >