The cull begins, as Apple removes another volume shutter app "REAL-CAMERA" from the App Store
Monday, August 16, 2010 at 7:48PM | Glyn Evans Well it was only a matter of time before Apple begun removing from the App Store photo apps that enabled the iPhone volume button to trigger the camera shutter. This time is was the turn of REAL-CAMERA from the aptly named developer "vanishlab", and comes hot on the heels of Camera+'s removal.
Whilst both apps enabled this "volume snap" feature, REAL-CAMERA was slightly diffrent to Camera+, in that the "VolumeSnap" feature found in Camera+ was a backdoor hack, whereas REAL-CAMERA was an app designed exclusively to use the iPhone's hardware to trigger the shutter, with features like:
- TAKE PICTURE using volume button of your iPhone.
- TAKE PICTURE using volume button of your earphones.
- TAKE PICTURE using proximity sensor
- ZOOM using volume button of your iPhone.
- ZOOM using volume button of your earphones.
Now whilst there have been app approval issues in the past, the approval of REAL-CAMERA brings in to question yet again the quality of Apple's approvers/testers, as there is no way this app should have been approved based on Apple's terms, and yet it was.
Just as in the past, the approval of REAL-CAMERA with its volume snap feature gave out mixed signals to other iPhone developers who then thought is was OK to add this feature, even if it was through the backdoor.
Unless Apple reverses its decission on apps interacting with the iPhone's hardware, then REAL-CAMERA is not likely to return, where as Camera+ will hopefully return very soon.
Camera+, REAL-CAMERA in Discussion, News
Reader Comments (11)
Justice has been served.
STILL, Apple should allow this functionality. Oh well.
Was REAL-CAMERA all that great? Now I kind of regret that it wasn't one of the six dozen camera apps I installed. I guess you want what you can't have.
@ KC I believe 'All In One Camera Bag' is still in the appstore with a volume shutter feature, So if your willing to accept a sub par app experience in exchange for added function go get it while you still can!
I will have a difficult time deciding to update Camera+ as I really like the volume snap feature. Apple, who has always been sensitive to the intuitive nature of their interface and software, are just being stubborn on this feature. It *is* intuitive to use the volume as a shutter, especially in landscape orientation.
That was my biggest complaint about the iPhone camera as one bumbled and stumbled to find the shutter button. Now it is so easy. Yes, there are apps that shutter release when touching the screen but using the volume button is so much easier. I hope Apple eventually reverses themselves on this decision or design that feature into a future model and then allow developers that option for the app.
I like the volume button shutter of Camera+ so much that I will not update Camera+ in case a new version appears where this feature is removed! F.U. Apple!!
Personally, I don't really like the VolumeSnap feature as it messes with the overall volume level of the iPhone and I hate having to readjust it every time I finish taking photos. All my other photo apps use the press and release software, so I'm used to the motion and don't mind it. It's what makes the iPhone unique instead of like every other camera. If I want to push an actual button, I will go to my point and shoot.
I respect Apple's decision to monitor their software. It's their product and the developers who snuck in backdoor ways around it knew what they were doing was illegal. While some may disagree with Apple's heavy hand and cal it "censorship" I think it does retain the quality of Apple's apps (unlike the jumbled and cluttered Android Marketplace which is a disaster).
@Mikkers you know where Apple would be today without all those third-party developers that write great and innovative apps for the iPhone? Let me tell you: NOWHERE! And in return Apple pisses on those devs as a thank you!
@loungy. Really? Apple is pissing on these developers? Like it or not, the App Store is a closed system with Apple as the gatekeeper. Like it or not, its their sandbox with their rules. No one is being forced to used the iPhone or the App Store or to develop iOS apps. Want no rules or oversight? Then go to Android.
@RVL in fact more and more devs will probably move over to the Android because it's a more convenient platform for them. Like it or not.
@loungy,
there are plenty of successful third party developers who are abiding by Apple's rules and raking in the cash. If a developer doesn't like the rules, they can take their toys elsewhere. I just think it's a bit underhanded to sneak an illegal modification in and then cry foul when you get punished.
A better solution that having your app pulled because it contains illegal software is to petition Apple to let those modifications become legal. Laws get passed in the real world because people use the system, not abuse it.
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/203350/opinion_dont_blame_apple_for_enforcing_its_rules.html