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SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone Wi-Fi Only?
By Dave Peterson | April 3, 2009
Earlier this week, word came that Sling Media had submitted their SlingPlayer Mobile software to the iTunes App Store for approval. Techie hearts soared as the thought of being able to forward television content to our iPhones seemed that much closer to reality. Today, AT&T joined the party by splashing some cold water in everyone’s faces: According to new terms of service, “customer initiated redirection of television or other video” will now be blocked on the AT&T mobile data nework. That’s a fairly perfect description of what Sling Media does. So, when SlingPlayer Mobile gets the okay at the App Store, it will likely have the same Wi-Fi-only caveat that accompanied the Skype for iPhone roll out. In the graphic above, from Sling Media, the phone is shown as being on Wi-Fi. There’s nothing like freedom to watch your video anywhere you want, within very tightly defined limits. Remember the days when we thought what we’d be able to do with our gadgets would be limited only by our mastery of technology? We never considered the overriding corporate lawyer effect.
Update: Well, this has suddenly become a “never mind” story. AT&T has issued a retraction, saying the change to the terms of service was a mistake, and has been removed.
Updated Update (April 29, 2009): And now the terms are back in, making the post correct to date, and making the whole “it was a mistake” lame excuse, issued previously, even lamer. It should now be read as “We meant to do it, then we got yelled at so we backed down, but then decided we didn’t care if we got yelled at and did it again.” Good to know AT&T’s contract attorneys are being kept off the streets.
Topics: iPhone Apps | No Comments »