This recent article in mocoNewsnet points to some of the problems and tensions surrounding mobile computing, which are also metaphors for other forms of governance in a networked world. The article basically rehashes some of the gripes developers have had with Apple’s approach to the iPhone App Store — basically, that they are too tight-fisted, and developers never know if their apps will pass the test — and sets against Android’s model, which is much more open. The comparison doesn’t work as stated, as the examples given are of Apple’s content censorship (no boobs or booty) on the one hand, and the potential for malware in Android. The relatively open structure of Android does seem to open the door for potential malware, but Apple’s content restrictions do not guard against that sort of thing — it is just plain censorship. The tight controls on other aspects of applications, like access to the GPS or the home screeen probably do guard against malware, but at what cost? I imagine the number and diversity of apps for Android will explode while the iPhone, which has a headstart, will stagnate, being limited to clones of apps that already exist.
This dichotomy between open and closed systems is not new. Proprietary software vs the free/open source software movement has been a long-fought battle over intellectual property rights, profit margins, quality control and safety. The entertainment industry has been sturggling with issued of “piracy” as well as competition from more open, grassroots models. Ultimately, I think Apple will have to loosen its restrictions and Android will have to find a way to guard against malware without going the Apple route.
