In a move that was as potentially significant as it was intriguing, TechCrunch recently published a fascinating exposé on Facebooks intention to ride into Apple's iOS town and set up a market stall all of its own for app developers.
According to the writer MG Siegler, The Social Network's marketplace, codenamed 'Project Spartan', would be delivered by HTML5 and therefore be compatible with the iPhone and iPads mobile browser, Safari.
Siegler's report on an unannounced (yet seen at first hand by the writer) app distribution platform apparently stirred the loins of Facebooks PR team, who attempted to dampen any speculation by informing tech writers that there was essentially 'nothing to see here, you can move on'.
Damage limitation
In response, Siegler has written a follow-up piece, suggesting that Facebook may be concealing this project to avoid raising Apples ire
at least for the moment.
"One source familiar with the relationship between both sides compares Apple's treatment of Facebook to an 'abusive spouse'," Siegler notes.
"Facebook has pissed off Apple in the past, and it has had ramifications. They have to tread lightly here."
The strange thing is, though, that Apple is reportedly not only aware of Facebook's Project Spartan plans - despite not knowing its "full extent" - but is also "lending some minor support" to the HTML5-based service.
Trojan War
If Apple wasn't necessarily cognisant of Facebook's overall objectives with Spartan, which stretch to in-app purchases via Facebook Credits, then it certainly will be now.
Any danger of Facebook's HTML5 app store posing as a Trojan Horse rolling into Apple's carefully curated platform then has presumably been eradicated.
Before it's even crept into Cupertino.
[source: TechCrunch]
News
With a degree in German up his sleeve Richard squares up to the following three questions every morning: FIFA or Pro Evo? XBox 360 or PS3? McNulty or Bunk?
Top Stories
News
1 hour, 25 minutes ago
PocketGamer.biz Week in Mobile Games E14 -Supercell's Squad Busters goes global and why Steam does discoverability better than mobile
News
May 31st, 2024
Week in Views - Squad Busters goes global, broken app stores, and Hill Climb Racing gets the LEGO treatment
News
May 31st, 2024
Mobile Movers: All the latest appointments and job moves from around the industry
Events
Indie Game Fest & Indie Campus 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
Indie Craft K-Game Festival 2024 | Europe | May 31st |
BostonFig Online 2024 | Jun 1st | |
GameSummit Summer 2024 | Jun 1st | |
Gotland Game Conference 2024 | Nordic | Jun 3rd |
Games Mental Health Summit 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Dev Play Conference 2024 | Europe | Jun 3rd |
Tribeca Games Festival 2024 | North America | Jun 5th |