Bitcoin has been dealt another blow again, as Apple has pulled what is allegedly the last remaining Bitcoin wallet app on its App Store, Blockchain, the company behind the app reveals (hat/tip Wired).
This essentially means that access to the crypto-currency is now no longer available to users via iOS apps, as Apple has rejected or pulled most other Bitcoin-related apps as well. Though Blockchain also has a HTML5 Wallet and there’s another open-source HTML5 Bitcoin wallet, Coinpunk.com, which users can access via Safari on the iPhone, access to these HTML5 apps may be limited as they aren’t native to the iPhone.
Blockchain shared the email that it received from Apple, which cites an “unresolved issue” around Bitcoin. The Blockchain team disputes this as it says there was no communication before the app was removed, no indication of any problems, and in turn no opportunity to redress any issues.
The Blockchain team believes Apple is removing Bitcoin wallets because it sees them as a threat to its efforts to monopolize the payment systems on its platform.
The Blockchain application is the same one that has been on the App Store for 2 years, with more than 120,000 downloads, no customer complaints, and a broad user base.
The only thing that has changed is that Bitcoin has become competitive to Apple’s own payment system. By removing the Blockchain app, the only Bitcoin wallet application on the App Store, Apple has eliminated competition using their monopolistic position in the market in a heavy handed manner.
It could also be argued that Apple may have concerns about Bitcoin’s international regulations. Though it’s not actually illegal anywhere, governments all over the world have either been rejecting Bitcoin as a legitimate currency or issuing warnings about the use of it — including India, Norway and South Korea just last month, following in the footsteps of statements from the central bank in China and Thailand in July.
However, in comparison, the Blockchain team says that unlike Apple, Google has accepted “hundreds” of Bitcoin-related apps. Google has said it has no current plans regarding Bitcoin, though a rumor suggested it was seeking to incorporate the virtual currency into its payments system.
“The response of users to the restrictions placed on Bitcoin applications have led thousands to flee to Google’s Android mobile OS, which offers a much more open environment for innovation,” the Blockchain post says.
In response to Blockchain being pulled from Apple’s App Store, Kyle Drake from Coinpunk has spoken up to ask users to take a stand against Apple and sign a petition to allow Bitcoin wallets on the iPhone.
Headline image via George Frey/Getty Images
Earlier this week, we wrote about a Microsoft Store deal offering to buy your smartphone or tablet for up to $250, and speculated that “device-specific deals” would come later. The first one is already here: you can now get a new Windows Phone (Lumia 1020 or Lumia 1520) in exchange for your iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, or Galaxy S2.
As you can see, Microsoft has included a cute image of the Android and Apple logos in the trash. The deal is only valid until March 2, 2014, or “while supplies last.” There are also some important caveats worth noting (we’ve highlighted the important parts in the following fine print):
To be eligible for trade-in, product must power on and be in fully functional, working condition without broken/missing components, cracked display/housing or liquid damage, cannot be password protected, and include original chargers/accessories. To receive maximum trade in value, you must purchase an eligible Nokia Lumia 1020 or Nokia Lumia 1520 with a qualifying new or renewal mobile contract or upgrade (2 years) at the same time.
Any appraised value will be determined at trade-in and provided as store credit, subject to Microsoft’s discretion and approval. All trade-ins are final. Not valid on prior orders or purchases; cannot be transferred or otherwise redeemed for cash or gift cards. Not combinable with other offers. Discount does not include taxes, shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time.
If you have old devices lying around, you can either get a fairly recent Lumia device in exchange, or some in-store credit. As has been pointed out a few times with these deals, however, you’ll need to find a store (US and Canada only) that is close to you, and make sure the deal is available.
This is a smart strategy for Microsoft, though it also highlights the company’s problem in retail: it doesn’t have many stores.
See also – Microsoft wants to buy your smartphone or tablet for up to $250 and Microsoft offers $100 towards an Xbox One if you trade in your PS3 or Xbox 360
Motorola isn’t the only one giving iPhone exiles an easy way to transfer data to a new Android phone — Sony today announced its Xperia Transfer app which does the same, and a bit more too.
The Android app builds on Sony’s first Xperia Transfer service — then just for desktops and Macs — by making it super simple to import a range of data from iPhones and other Android devices, including: contacts, calendar, SMS, MMS, bookmarks, notes, photos, music and videos.
The app connects via WiFi or a cable, and even supports the transferring of apps from an iPhone. Any iOS apps with Android support will be installed on the Xperia device, while Xperia Transfer will suggest similar apps when there are iOS apps that are not available for Android.
➤ Xperia Transfer app | Via Sony Mobile Blog
Image via David Becker/Getty Images
Rumors of Amazon developing an Android game console have recently been making the rounds after VG247 reported on it last week — and they’re only set to mount after it was revealed today that Amazon has acquired video gaming studio Double Helix Games (hat/tip TechCrunch).
Amazon confirmed the deal to us with a statement:
Amazon has acquired Double Helix as part of our ongoing commitment to build innovative games for customers.
Double Helix Games is behind the Xbox One exclusive launch title Killer Instinct, announced by Microsoft at E3 and released in November last year.
Amazon first threw its hat into the games ring back in August 2012 with the launch of Amazon Game Studios, when it also debuted its first title called ‘Living Classics’, a Facebook game that was eventually retired in October 2013. Subsequently, it went on to launch a handful of other titles, but the division has not been gaining that much traction — and it seems like bringing in Double Helix Games, even if it may not lead to a game console, signals a renewed push by Amazon to focus on games.
Image via David McNew/Getty Images