Verizon will block apps that use lots of data in new app store.

[matrix2004]

Its not really a big deal to those of us that know you can get the apps at other places, not just Verizon's app store. However this will affect those customers that don't frequent forums like this and think they have to get all their apps directly from Verizon. Similar to how it it with ringtones.


http://www.informationweek.com/blog/...SSfeed_IWK_ALL

[markj73]

So I guess Slacker is not too much of a hog?
Since Verizon pushed down a link to my phone to download it... hmmm
If 128kbps music is OK then Voip should be fine

Maybe just no Sling?

[hwertz]

Oh no I can't get bittorrent on my phone?
But seriously, I'll decide if this is a big deal or not when the time comes and see how restrictive it is.. here's my view of a likely sliding scale of app categories (by most data usage to least).

1 it'd be odd to run something like bittorrent on a phone, but it'd really burn through the MBs... I suppose technically you could torrent to an SD card but it's certainly not a normal thing to do.

2 If it required video streaming to just be efficient it'll only affect inefficient apps, requiring them to be efficient -- for instance, streaming 1920x1080 (or even 640x480) video to a phone with a 320x200 screen is very inefficient. So they could require the app store version of slingbox (for example) to shrink video before streaming (this is an option with it anyway so it wouldn't require new code.)

3 Banning slingbox and other video streaming apps outright would be troubling, at phone resolution keeping the bitrate down should be really easy.

4 Banning audio streaming apps as well would REALLY be a shame.

5 Finally, restricting other data like apps that are a subscription to news, comics, etc. I find this very unlikely, this stuff's just not that big.
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I expect it likely category 1 would be banned, and category 2 won't surprise me at all. I hope they don't get as far as category 3, but who knows, it is after all an easy target. Category 4 and 5 I would think are unlikely. Although, within category 4, maybe they'll claim VOIP is too intensive (note, it's not -- telecom-grade audio is 64kbps *uncompressed*... in reality this'll just be an excuse to protect call minutes-based revenue.)

[MrSpock2002]

So is this VCast App Store supposed to take over the Get It Now? Or is the App Store only for smart phones? I know BlackBerries (Except Storm and Tour it seemss.. I know it was on my Curve) and Windows smart phones currently have the VZ App Store...

So what the hell is this VCast App Store supposed to be??

And I see they partnered with RIM. Uh so why is RIM pushing the BlackBerry App Store? Just does not make any sense to me....

[hwertz]

Yeah I think it's to replace GetItNow. I've been hearing vague rumblings that BREW is on a decline of late. I think VZW personally would be OK with just keeping GetItNow, but if it loses it's "buzz" there just won't be enough new apps for it. I don't know if Verizon's working on this replacement alone, or if it's something Qualcomm's working on as well. I hope it uses J2ME so I can stick a few of my own apps on there.. my screens a bit small for ssh or vnc but it'd be nice to have anyway.