Delicious Library for iPhone runs afoul of Amazon's API terms, pulled from App Store

Update: As one might expect, this API restriction has also hit Pocketpedia; the app is now pulled as well (as of 7/17).

Sudden removal of an item from the App Store isn't unheard of; sometimes an app has a hidden bug or a content problem, and if Apple hasn't seen fit to take it off the store shelves then the developer can take matters into his, her or its own hands. Even applications that would seem to be wholly gratuitous and obvious ripoffs of other companies' IP might make it past the first round of Apple's scrutiny, only to be abruptly pulled under threat of litigation.

Apps that leverage content from websites and online services have another hurdle to clear: they may run afoul of trademark or licensing restrictions that prevent them from doing particular things with data from those third parties... things like, ferinstance, using that data on mobile devices.

This all brings us to Scenario D: the 'D' is for Delicious, and it's Delicious Monster's iPhone version of Library that's undergoing an unwelcome and rapid yanking from the App Store -- and believe it or not, Apple has nothing to do with it. Earlier today, Head Monster Wil Shipley announced that the iPhone app is on indefinite suspension and is no longer for sale; this is the consequence of a particular clause in the Amazon API terms and conditions. Part 4(e) of Amazon's agreement, which Shipley is a party to due to the desktop DL app's reliance on Amazon for book and DVD data, reads as follows:

(e) You will not, without our express prior written approval requested via this link , use any Product Advertising Content on or in connection with any site or application designed or intended for use with a mobile phone or other handheld device.

Amazon gave D-M an ultimatum: pull the iPhone app, or lose the API access for the desktop version of Library. Despite Shipley's requests for a mobile device exception, the big A did not relent. It's not 100% clear why Amazon chose to enforce this clause now, nor why the company is not providing exceptions to developers. We have an email in to their press office to inquire.

If you've got DL on your iPhone already, enjoy. If not... it could be a long wait.

Anvil photo from flickr: fboyd and remixed via CC license.

View Tags

Source: https://affiliate-program.amazon.com/gp/advertising/api/deta…

Categories

Analysis / Opinion App Store

Update: As one might expect, this API restriction has also hit Pocketpedia; the app is now pulled as well (as of 7/17).Sudden removal of an...

Add a Comment

Sign in »

42 Comments

Filter by:

aazippo2

Wow, I think you might just be onto semething here dude!

RT
www.real-anonymity.pro.tc

July 09 2009 at 7:22 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

weatherman

Ugh! I just got back from vacation and this app was on and off the Store! And I missed it!

Boo Amazon!

July 08 2009 at 7:58 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Does iTunes query the Amazon API when it grabs album artwork?

July 08 2009 at 12:21 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to DS's comment

Macskeeball

No, the iTunes store has album art.

July 09 2009 at 11:14 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Noah Ramon

I'm very, VERY glad that I downloaded the app before the yank - it's limited in what it can do (by design, really), but what it does do is one of the primary things I'd need it to do.

Bruji looks like it's not bad, but (A) I'd wonder how it gets around this same problem, and (B) I like the all-in-one-ness of Delicious Library rather than the modularity of Bruji. Even with the 4-pack deal pricing, it's still separate apps on the Mac side, right?

July 08 2009 at 12:16 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Bill H

I think Delicious Library is a very good looking app saying that I started using DVD Pedia which may not be as pretty but works great for me. The best part is that the iphone version pocket pedia sync's wirelessly with my desktop library making it the best choice for me.

If you can't wait for Delicious Library then take a look at DVD pedia

July 08 2009 at 10:44 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Martin

Sounds like a lovely soap opera. Are you at all connected to these people?

July 08 2009 at 10:37 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

Martin

I think that Amazon will grant exception licenses. They have nothing to lose by allowing this, and sales to gain.

July 08 2009 at 10:36 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

jonwil2002

Its not just Amazon, AOL has/had a restriction in their SDK for AIM that prohibited writing apps for mobile devices (although I think that was pressure from the phone carriers who wanted to control whether AIM was on their devices or not.)

July 08 2009 at 8:27 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

hmurchison

Enough with the "Delicious Monster hasn't been the same since Mike Matas left" Mike's not a programmer folks he's an art guy. You want to talk about what Will had to deal with how about losing guys like Mike Lee or Lucas Newman, Drew Hamlin and Scott Meier to Apple? Will didn't excessively whine about it either he did what he needed to get DL out. Some of you are clueless.

July 07 2009 at 11:09 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply

daranger1

Actually, I have been using Delicious Library and was overjoyed when the ipod app came out. Not sure how it violates any api as it appears to get info from the desktop library.

I think the Delicious Library 2 is only 39 USD and it comes with a book, dvd, video game, and music catalog capabilities. Bruji is 54 for only 3 of those.

July 07 2009 at 11:01 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Reply