Since I am trying to make a living developing iPhone apps, I'd prefer people pay the 99 cents for my app rather than steal it. So, in my recent Time Bomb app, I included some code to detect when an app was running when it hadn't been purchased. I figured I'd be obvious about it and I pop up a message on the offending iPhone or iPod Touch and tell the user that the app was stolen and it won't function properly. And then, as promised, the app won't function properly.
Surprisingly, I just discovered that my app was in fact pirated and
Ah, the joys of software development. Never a dull moment, that's for sure!
I wouldn't be surprised if some pirate with a bit of free time on his or her hands will take the time to work around my anti-piracy code. And then, I suppose I'll add a few more counter-measures to the next update of my app, requiring a pirate to spend a bit more time to crack it. All this for something that only costs 99 cents, too.
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4 comments:
That Cnet mention is pretty cool. I mean, it stinks that you're a victim of piracy, but at least you're on the cutting edge! :-)
Brian, try to get in contact with the author of that CNET article so that you can report on your anti-cracking efforts. The article is practically asking for a follow-up given that fourth paragraph: "It is unclear whether..."
As JD says, the media mention and link to your site is a big plus. All publicity is good, and all that jazz...
That last comment was mine, but I hit the "return" button a tad early.
Hmmm...these makes me feel bad for the CD's I burn from other people. I never thought about it as someone's livelihood.
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