VLC Accuses Apple Of Infringement, But Does It Make Any Sense?

After VLC's recent release of their Media player for iOS devices, you'd assume things are all fun and games between them and the Cupertino gang, but it seems appearances are deceiving. VideoLAN, which is the mastermind behind the service, has just accused Apple's DRM requirements to be in direct infringement with their app's GPL (General Public License) because they consider software sharing shouldn't have been a limitation. 

VideoLAN's argument is that they offer open source services and that sharing these shouldn't be limited. As it stands, Apple's policies are that you can't share your purchased apps with more than five iOS devices, and it seems they don't like that at all. According to Rémi Denis-Courmont, a developer of VLC, explained that "while the rules for distribution of open-source or “free” (as in speech) software are extremely relaxed, they do exist and have to be abode by." 

The funny parts here are that, first of all, the App is free, so what's the point behind complaining about something that you don't even need to share? By the way, do you own more than five iOS devices for this to be a problem anyways? On the other hand, another funny thing is that it seems VideoLAN is really not aware on who calls the shots on what gets approved and not approved for iOS. I really do wonder where they're headed with these accusations, because as much as I love the VLC app on the iPhone, I do see it being pulled from the App Store in the near future if they don't quit complaining. 

Take our word for it VideoLAN,.. We iPhone users love and need your app to exist, so please,.. just play ball! 


via PocketNow