Let's get the facts straight about Apple.

[SolarGalaxa]

I've seen some posts (here & on reddit) which bash Apple for their Bitcoin app ban. Firstly, Apple has not banned Bitcoin. If they did, then why are "read-only" Bitcoin apps still allowed? That has no logic in it at all. Secondly, according to the Developer Guidelines, the app's content and/or service(s) must be legal everywhere the App Store serves apps. Thus:

1) Bitcoin has shady legal status in several overseas countries. India has declared Bitcoin an Ponzi scheme (yeah, right!), and others have outright banned Bitcoin. Thus, if Apple were to offer these apps in those countries, then because Apple is the world's most valuable billion dollar company category and thus, the largest then those governments have the opportunity to sue Apple.

2) The reason why Blockchain was removed is because Blockchain updated the app and provided false screen shots. Providing screen shots that do not match the app itself is against the Developer Guidelines. Another violation of the guidelines is the fact that the Blockchain's app description made no mention of the sending and receiving Bitcoin.

In conclusion, Apple is just protecting their collectively large asses from money hungry governments.

[Swordsoffreedom]

1) Closed Ecosystem
2) They didn't allow the Blockchain app on purpose it doesn't do anything but have a QR code to a Bitcoin Wallet through blockchain
3) Read only apps are work-arounds made by the community to help the apple user who want to use Bitcoin
4) Apple wants to maintain its monopoly 30% revenue share from the App store and does not see Bitcoin giving it a share of the cut

In conclusion Apple is just protecting its monopoly status and does not give a damn about the end user especially after Jobs died.

But I'll link to another thread to back me up
https://bitcointalk.org/index.php?topic=559611.msg6100672#msg6100672

[SolarGalaxa]

1) Closed Ecosystem
2) They didn't allow the Blockchain app on purpose it doesn't do anything but have a QR code to download a Bitcoin Wallet
3) Read only apps are work-arounds made by the community to help apple user who want to use Bitcoin
4) Apple wants to maintain its monopoly 30% revenue share from the App store and does not see Bitcoin giving it a share of the cut

In conclusion Apple is just protecting its monopoly status and does not give a damn about the end user especially after Jobs died.

1) I agree.
2) So, they let this app slide by for two years and 100k+ downloads. Yeah, right.
3) So, if I develop a reader service, I'm creating a "work-around" even thought that's not my original intention?
4) Does Apple get a 30% cut from the PayPal API? Nope.

I do NOT agree with your conclusion. If Apple wanted to protect it's monopoly status, then why allow the PayPal API?

I would argue that it's actually easier for end users to use iTunes for IAP and not have to worry about their purchases becoming "lost" or damaged. I certainly find it easier not having to worry about all the stuff that could go wrong with 'independent' in-app-purchase systems.

[Swordsoffreedom]

1) Closed Ecosystem
2) They didn't allow the Blockchain app on purpose it doesn't do anything but have a QR code to download a Bitcoin Wallet
3) Read only apps are work-arounds made by the community to help apple user who want to use Bitcoin
4) Apple wants to maintain its monopoly 30% revenue share from the App store and does not see Bitcoin giving it a share of the cut

In conclusion Apple is just protecting its monopoly status and does not give a damn about the end user especially after Jobs died.

1) I agree.
2) So, they let this app slide by for two years and 100k+ downloads. Yeah, right.
3) So, if I develop a reader service, I'm creating a "work-around" even thought that's not my original intention?
4) Does Apple get a 30% cut from the PayPal API? Nope.

I do NOT agree with your conclusion. If Apple wanted to protect it's monopoly status, then why allow the PayPal API? I would argue that it's easier for end users to just use iTunes for IAP and not have to worry about their purchases becoming "lost" or damaged. I certainly find it easier not having to worry about all that stuff.

2) Bitcoin simply put did not get much attention until recently so its possible they were unaware of it hard to tell
3) Not necessarily if you read the other thread you can see what I meant by that  its from the coindesk article more or less
http://www.coindesk.com/unofficial-apple-ios-store-to-allow-bitcoin-wallet-apps/
4) Incorrect they do get a cut just not directly
While consumers can send payments to each other and link PayPal to fund their iTunes account, developers selling in the App Store are forbidden in accepting PayPal directly due to Apple’s 30% cut.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jonmatonis/2012/06/13/why-apple-is-afraid-of-bitcoin/

Full Part:
PayPal is a unique and interesting exception. Having been in the App Store since the very beginning, PayPal has the volume and clout to the point of where rejecting it would harm Apple more than PayPal. Also, PayPal holds consumer accounts and processes only national currencies so they are more like a bank and card company combined. However, Apple still hugely regulates what can be done via PayPal. While consumers can send payments to each other and link PayPal to fund their iTunes account, developers selling in the App Store are forbidden in accepting PayPal directly due to Apple’s 30% cut.

So back to my original conclusion
Apple is just protecting its monopoly status and does not give a damn about the end user especially after Jobs died.

[Bitcoin Magazine]

maybe they know of a better coin (AppleCoin) and don't want people to lose any more money in BTCitcoin

[bitpop]

Fuck you and Fuck Apple. Fuck off.

[SolarGalaxa]

Well, I was right

This "community" is one-sided when it comes to cold, hard, facts. Farewell, one-sided Bitcoin community, it's been nice knowing ya.

Fuck you and Fuck Apple. Fuck off.

When you get sued for something, I'll just root for the suer How's that for a "Fuck You Back"?

[bitpop]

Bye shill

[Swordsoffreedom]

Well, I was right

This "community" is one-sided when it comes to cold, hard, facts. Farewell, one-sided Bitcoin community, it's been nice knowing ya.

Fuck you and Fuck Apple. Fuck off.

When you get sued for something, I'll just root for the suer How's that for a "Fuck You Back"?

What facts all you did was give a one sided opinion that I pretty clearly proved incorrect
Farewell

[Bit_Happy]

Apple is evil?

At best they do not allow their users enough privacy.

[iraszl]

Earlier I argued that Apple doesn't allow Bitcoin sending because they are preparing their own payment system and it would be a competition to them.

But now I think the reason is security. If people had fat bitcoin wallets on their iPhones it would paint a giant red target on Apple's back. They don't want to be on the front page of newspapers with people complaining they lost $10K worth of bitcoins due to an iOS vulnerability.

[ArticMine]

I've seen some posts (here & on reddit) which bash Apple for their Bitcoin app ban. Firstly, Apple has not banned Bitcoin. If they did, then why are "read-only" Bitcoin apps still allowed? That has no logic in it at all. Secondly, according to the Developer Guidelines, the app's content and/or service(s) must be legal everywhere the App Store serves apps. Thus:

1) Bitcoin has shady legal status in several overseas countries. India has declared Bitcoin an Ponzi scheme (yeah, right!), and others have outright banned Bitcoin. Thus, if Apple were to offer these apps in those countries, then because Apple is the world's most valuable billion dollar company category and thus, the largest then those governments have the opportunity to sue Apple.

2) The reason why Blockchain was removed is because Blockchain updated the app and provided false screen shots. Providing screen shots that do not match the app itself is against the Developer Guidelines. Another violation of the guidelines is the fact that the Blockchain's app description made no mention of the sending and receiving Bitcoin.

In conclusion, Apple is just protecting their collectively large asses from money hungry governments.

As someone who has been bashing Apple on these forums for over two years, and on other forums before Bitcoin even existed, I consider that this post deserves a proper reply rather than just an f bomb directed at the OP and Apple.

The first issue to realize is that Apple's business model for IOS is based upon censorship and oppression. This is because in order to collect rents form the works of others Apple must tightly control how an IOS device is used. What is so fundamentally wrong here is that Apple uses DRM to prevent an app from a store other than their own from being installed on IOS devices. This is fundamentally no different from a furniture manufacturer dictating to someone who purchases a bookcase that all books to be placed on said bookcase must come from a book store the manufacturer owns.

The net effect of the above is to turn the normal polices that a store would use to determine where or not to stock an item into a tool for censorship and oppression. The polices of the store become irrelevant. Apple is always in the wrong regardless of what the polices of their store say.

To understand this issue better let use look at the issue of legality. One the surface saying that a store only sells items that are legal in all the jurisdictions they do business is a perfectly reasonable policy; however when it is combined with the DRM above it serves to greatly magnify any censorship or oppression a government may apply by extending that same censorship or oppression across the world. So for example if the government of China decides to suppress and censor the teachings of the Dalai Lama Apple will then by their policy extend that suppression and censorship to countries like The United Sates, Canada, Western Europe etc. One the flip side an app say depicting deaths by US drones, and this displeases the US government, Apple will now extend the censorship to say China, or the Middle East etc.

Now when it comes to Bitcoin, I see the censorship of Bitcoin by Apple in many ways as a blessing in disguise. Apple will not be able to stop Bitcoin, but what will most likely happen is that as a result of Apple's censorship of Bitcoin, Bitcoin will bring down Apple's IOS business model resulting in a major contribution by Bitcoin to freedom and liberty around the world.

[casinocoin]

Apple will turn it's head and either adopt or create.
They're simply..Not ready yet, and have a thousand other things in line before this.

I would love to be able to purchase apps with Bitcoin, and would accept them in seconds, but this would also call for all developers to accept BTC or Apple would be in the dilema of exchanging the bitcoin to fiat to pay developers etc etc.

[HCLivess]

Apple? APPLE? They don't allow me to pick a 2$ cable to charge my iPhone, instead I have to buy one for 30$.
I hope these slavemongers appoint Karlepes for CEO

[hodlmybtc]

Fuck Apple and their overpriced products

[Bit_Happy]

Apple? APPLE? They don't allow me to pick a 2$ cable to charge my iPhone, instead I have to buy one for 30$.
I hope these slavemongers appoint Karlepes for CEO

Are you going to be buying another iPhone in the future or changing brands?

[crunchynut]

i like apple. it's all so convenient and fast. of course, if i was poor and couldn't afford all this convenient, good looking tech-shizzle i would have a different opinion which i would express in an internet forum using long sentences and bold formatting. that's what poor people do.

[Satosh¡ Slot]

Well, I was right

This "community" is one-sided when it comes to cold, hard, facts. Farewell, one-sided Bitcoin community, it's been nice knowing ya.

I don't mind facts. Sure, Apple has a reason for removing Bitcoin apps and it can be explained. So what?

The fact is that it's best to stay away from Apple, no matter how their behaviour is explained, it's still a fact.

[MessyCoin]

Was a long time iPhone user but just purchased an android phone today. Because whatever Apple's reasons for removing Bitcoin wallet apps, they are legal in many jurisdictions - so I feel strongly that I should be allowed to install them without "jailbreaking" my phone. And for a long time I've also disliked Apple's removal of educational programming apps, emulators, etc which they don't allow on their appstore either. I don't think they are doing it to protect their asses from govt but just purely in selfish interest. The Bitcoin issue was the last straw that made me decide to leave Apple's ecosystem. Although I don't like Google's approach to world domination either, there sadly doesn't seem to be much choice these days. I'm looking forward to the Ubuntu phone or just more "opensourceness" of phones in general.

Perhaps Apple could solve this by allowing other competing appstores, but we all know the chances of them ever doing that are next to none.

[SmithsonJim]

Apple company policies affect our decisions way too much. It is even a bit sad that android is more liberal here.

[G440T]

Earlier I argued that Apple doesn't allow Bitcoin sending because they are preparing their own payment system and it would be a competition to them.

But now I think the reason is security. If people had fat bitcoin wallets on their iPhones it would paint a giant red target on Apple's back. They don't want to be on the front page of newspapers with people complaining they lost $10K worth of bitcoins due to an iOS vulnerability.

I never had the Blockchain app so I don't know, but did you have to log in every time you logged in?

Also it would be cool if they implemented TouchID to keep your Bitcoins safe.

[Timo Y]

Thus, if Apple were to offer these apps in those countries, then because Apple is the world's most valuable billion dollar company category and thus, the largest then those governments have the opportunity to sue Apple.

This problem is entirely Apple's making though.  If Apple sold universal computing devices rather than closed platforms then it wouldn't need to worry about any of this, because it could plausibly argue that it is the users who are liable and not Apple.

For example, Microsoft and Intel don't need to worry about getting sued if someone uses a Microsoft/Intel laptop to do something illegal.

The demise of the the universal computing device is a threat to innovation, democracy, and diversity that goes far beyond Bitcoin, and Apple is a major contributor to this trend. This is why people should avoid Apple, not because it blocks some specific app.

[superresistant]

Apple is for weak minds.

[ChuckBuck]

Don't you mean "Sheeple"?

I like to think for myself and not get hypnotized by the herd mentality.

Closed source, closed ecosystem, unnecessary censorship of apps, forced upon products and accessories.  NO THANKS!

[jabo38]

I've seen some posts (here & on reddit) which bash Apple for their Bitcoin app ban. Firstly, Apple has not banned Bitcoin. If they did, then why are "read-only" Bitcoin apps still allowed? That has no logic in it at all. Secondly, according to the Developer Guidelines, the app's content and/or service(s) must be legal everywhere the App Store serves apps. Thus:

I have had a few iphones, and many ipods, and an Apple computer.  I like their products, but this is very upsetting to me.  There are soooo many apps for dealing with Bitcion on Android and that seems to be just fine.  Make excuses all you want, but the fact is, Apple isn't allowing people to send bitcoins in its ecosystem.  Final.  This is bullshit, and I will not buy another Apple product until this changes. 

1) Bitcoin has shady legal status in several overseas countries. India has declared Bitcoin an Ponzi scheme (yeah, right!), and others have outright banned Bitcoin. Thus, if Apple were to offer these apps in those countries, then because Apple is the world's most valuable billion dollar company category and thus, the largest then those governments have the opportunity to sue Apple.

Apple has an app store for each and every country that sells iphones and no app store for countries without iphones.  Each app store follows the rules of that country.  Look at South Korea for instance.  They made some stupid laws in South Korea about certain games on certain phones.  Apple pulled all the game apps affected by this law in the South Korean app store, but left them in all other countries that apply.  Also, again South Korean laws are very strict about monitoring locations and taking pictures of maps.  South Korea is the only country you can't "find my iphone" or use street view like apps because of the laws.  Your argument has no validity. That simply isn't how it works.  Bitcoins are legal in every state in the US and even taxable, so therefore the US app store should legally be find hosting Bitcoin apps.  If it is banned in India, and somebody in India uses a bitcoin on Coinbase, is India going to imprison Coinbase? The only thing India has jurisdiction over is the Indian App store.   

2) The reason why Blockchain was removed is because Blockchain updated the app and provided false screen shots. Providing screen shots that do not match the app itself is against the Developer Guidelines. Another violation of the guidelines is the fact that the Blockchain's app description made no mention of the sending and receiving Bitcoin.

  Maybe this is true and if it is true, then it was Apple's right 100% to pull the app, and should.  Apple should require full honesty and transparency from its app developers.  Do you have a press release saying this was their reason?

In conclusion, Apple is just protecting their collectively large asses from money hungry governments.

 
No, they aren't.  Coming from a guy who loves all my Apple products, they aren't being fair about it at all. 

[b!z]

I've seen some posts (here & on reddit) which bash Apple for their Bitcoin app ban. Firstly, Apple has not banned Bitcoin. If they did, then why are "read-only" Bitcoin apps still allowed? That has no logic in it at all. Secondly, according to the Developer Guidelines, the app's content and/or service(s) must be legal everywhere the App Store serves apps. Thus:

I have had a few iphones, and many ipods, and an Apple computer.  I like their products, but this is very upsetting to me.  There are soooo many apps for dealing with Bitcion on Android and that seems to be just fine.  Make excuses all you want, but the fact is, Apple isn't allowing people to send bitcoins in its ecosystem.  Final.  This is bullshit, and I will not buy another Apple product until this changes. 

It's a business decision that makes complete sense. If people were paying for in-app purchases etc. with Bitcoin, then Apple wouldn't be making a cut of the $.

[jabo38]

Furthermore Apple allows a Ripple app for sending and receiving XRP.  The app also claims that it can be used to send and receive bitcoin, but since I don't know about Ripple very much, can somebody confirm this?

[b!z]

Furthermore Apple allows a Ripple app for sending and receiving XRP.  The app also claims that it can be used to send and receive bitcoin, but since I don't know about Ripple very much, can somebody confirm this?

You can trade Bitcoin IOUs, but not Bitcoins themselves.

[jabo38]

You can trade Bitcoin IOUs, but not Bitcoins themselves.

Thanks

[kokojie]

Who cares, if you use Apple products, then you hate freedom period, therefore you do not need to know why Apple banned this or that, because you already submitted to their role as your master. Apple will decide what you are allowed to see, hear and use.

I have no interest in knowing why Apple banned this or that, since I have zero Apple products and will keep it that way

[DooMAD]

I think this was the last Apple product I actually liked.  All seemed to go pretty rapidly downhill from there.

[zolace]

The apple is rotten we all know the one who pravails is the one who dont set limits for there products

[bitsmichel]

Apples interest is money, nothing else.
Proof:

[Swordsoffreedom]

Ah forgot that they also must be compliant with US scare tactics and prism

[BitCoinDream]

I've seen some posts (here & on reddit) which bash Apple for their Bitcoin app ban. Firstly, Apple has not banned Bitcoin. If they did, then why are "read-only" Bitcoin apps still allowed? That has no logic in it at all. Secondly, according to the Developer Guidelines, the app's content and/or service(s) must be legal everywhere the App Store serves apps. Thus:

1) Bitcoin has shady legal status in several overseas countries. India has declared Bitcoin an Ponzi scheme (yeah, right!), and others have outright banned Bitcoin. Thus, if Apple were to offer these apps in those countries, then because Apple is the world's most valuable billion dollar company category and thus, the largest then those governments have the opportunity to sue Apple.

2) The reason why Blockchain was removed is because Blockchain updated the app and provided false screen shots. Providing screen shots that do not match the app itself is against the Developer Guidelines. Another violation of the guidelines is the fact that the Blockchain's app description made no mention of the sending and receiving Bitcoin.

In conclusion, Apple is just protecting their collectively large asses from money hungry governments.

Do your basic research before posting such bullshit. When on earth India declared Bitcoin as Ponzi ? Show me an authentic source.

[BillyBobJoe]

Well, you seem to be quite the fucking asshole. How is that for a first post?

Fuck you and Fuck Apple. Fuck off.

[ChuckBuck]

Well, you seem to be quite the fucking asshole. How is that for a first post?

Fuck you and Fuck Apple. Fuck off.

Please elaborate.  Didn't get the point!

[Bit_Happy]

Let's get the facts straight about Apple.
What are the facts?

Apple has a small/moderate market share. (small for pc's, bigger for phones)
They make huge profits since their products are much more expensive.
You get below average privacy and little control over the devices you paid big $$$ to own.
I'll pass...

[btcxyzzz]

Fuck you and Fuck Apple. Fuck off.

This. OP is stupid prick.

[bitpop]

Fuck you and Fuck Apple. Fuck off.

This. OP is stupid prick.

Probably just a shill

[coinits]

Apple is fucking disgrace. All of the tech giants and social media are a fucking disgrace.

Why?

For the backdoors they created for N.o S.uch A.gency.

Fuck Apple

[SolarGalaxa]

Fuck Apple and their overpriced products

Overpriced? Yeah, right.

HTC One (M8) 32GB: $829
Samsung Galaxy S5: $649 - $749
Apple iPhone: $649 - $849 (32GB is $749 which is actually CHEAPER then HTC One M8)
Nexus 5: $450 total for a 32GB ($50 shipping. Meanwhile, Apple charges $0 for orders over $50)


Computers:

Windows PC: $799 + Blacktop Protection (consumers) + Anti-Virus (5 yrs, $200+ total) + Microsoft Office / 365 Subscription (5 yrs, $99/year $500 total) = $799 + $100 + $200 + $500 = $1599. You need to factor in Windows 9, which will undoubtedly cost $119, and then future part upgrades, which would cost at least $300. So, in total, $1599 + 119 + 200 =2018. Even if you take out the 365 subscription, the total cost over five years is $1518, give or take part upgrades, OS upgrades, and even monitor upgrades.

iMac: $1299 + AppleCare + iWork/iLife (Free) + Free OS Upgrades = $1299 + 99 = $1398.
Mac Mini: $799 + Monitor = $999, $1099 with AppleCare.

So, in reality, you actually pay more when buying a PC, albeit over five years.

[bitpop]

Libre office, free

[SolarGalaxa]

Libre office, free

iLife / iWork: Free.
OS X Upgrades: Free

Apple is fucking disgrace. All of the tech giants and social media are a fucking disgrace.

Why?

For the backdoors they created for N.o S.uch A.gency.

Fuck Apple

Yep, and your beloved Google / MS / Other doesn't, right? LMAO LMAO. You are fucking pathetic and so stupidly naive to think that Google / MS / Other don't sell your info and have backdoors. Hell, didn't Relient OS developers find a "backdoor" in the Galaxy line of phone and the Nexus One? Yep! They did. Wow, I wonder who uses it. Let me guess; some three letter ass hat office call the NSA.

[ChuckBuck]

Libre office, free

iLife / iWork: Free.
OS X Upgrades: Free

Apple is fucking disgrace. All of the tech giants and social media are a fucking disgrace.

Why?

For the backdoors they created for N.o S.uch A.gency.

Fuck Apple

Yep, and your beloved Google / MS / Other doesn't, right? LMAO LMAO. You are fucking pathetic and so stupidly naive to think that Google / MS / Other don't sell your info and have backdoors. Hell, didn't Relient OS developers find a "backdoor" in the Galaxy line of phone and the Nexus One? Yep! They did. Wow, I wonder who uses it. Let me guess; some three letter ass hat office call the NSA.

How much do you get paid at the Apple store, MAC Genius?   

[cryptoanarchist]

iphones are for old people, little girls, and toddlers.

[SolarGalaxa]

How much do you get paid at the Apple store, MAC Genius?   

I swear. Every time I spit out the truth people say this.

iphones are for old people, little girls, and toddlers.

Weird....... The iPhone users I see are adults..


Oh, and according to a recent survey: http://www.piperjaffray.com/private/pdf/Taking_Stock_Teach-In_Spring_2014.pdf (http://www.macrumors.com/2014/04/08/iphone-still-popular-with-teens/)

[ArticMine]

Fuck Apple and their overpriced products

Overpriced? Yeah, right.

HTC One (M8) 32GB: $829
Samsung Galaxy S5: $649 - $749
Apple iPhone: $649 - $849 (32GB is $749 which is actually CHEAPER then HTC One M8)
Nexus 5: $450 total for a 32GB ($50 shipping. Meanwhile, Apple charges $0 for orders over $50)


Computers:

Windows PC: $799 + Blacktop Protection (consumers) + Anti-Virus (5 yrs, $200+ total) + Microsoft Office / 365 Subscription (5 yrs, $99/year $500 total) = $799 + $100 + $200 + $500 = $1599. You need to factor in Windows 9, which will undoubtedly cost $119, and then future part upgrades, which would cost at least $300. So, in total, $1599 + 119 + 200 =2018. Even if you take out the 365 subscription, the total cost over five years is $1518, give or take part upgrades, OS upgrades, and even monitor upgrades.

iMac: $1299 + AppleCare + iWork/iLife (Free) + Free OS Upgrades = $1299 + 99 = $1398.
Mac Mini: $799 + Monitor = $999, $1099 with AppleCare.

So, in reality, you actually pay more when buying a PC, albeit over five years.

Start with Windows PC: $799.00 Defenestration $0, Install GNU/Linux $0 Keep for 10 years or so $0. Upgrades over 10 years $0 Over 10,000 Floss Applications $0 Total cost over 10 years $799.00.  

[ArticMine]

iphones are for old people, little girls, and toddlers.

Age has nothing to do with this. By the way I first developed my loathing for DRM in the 1980's when it consisted of deliberatively creating bad sectors on 5.25in floppy diskettes. Ever heard of the term "Defective by Design".

[kokojie]

Fuck Apple and their overpriced products

Overpriced? Yeah, right.

HTC One (M8) 32GB: $829
Samsung Galaxy S5: $649 - $749
Apple iPhone: $649 - $849 (32GB is $749 which is actually CHEAPER then HTC One M8)
Nexus 5: $450 total for a 32GB ($50 shipping. Meanwhile, Apple charges $0 for orders over $50)


Computers:

Windows PC: $799 + Blacktop Protection (consumers) + Anti-Virus (5 yrs, $200+ total) + Microsoft Office / 365 Subscription (5 yrs, $99/year $500 total) = $799 + $100 + $200 + $500 = $1599. You need to factor in Windows 9, which will undoubtedly cost $119, and then future part upgrades, which would cost at least $300. So, in total, $1599 + 119 + 200 =2018. Even if you take out the 365 subscription, the total cost over five years is $1518, give or take part upgrades, OS upgrades, and even monitor upgrades.

iMac: $1299 + AppleCare + iWork/iLife (Free) + Free OS Upgrades = $1299 + 99 = $1398.
Mac Mini: $799 + Monitor = $999, $1099 with AppleCare.

So, in reality, you actually pay more when buying a PC, albeit over five years.

What the heck is this? how do you compare price without mentioning any hardware specs?

Windows has built in AV, plus many freely available AV product. What the heck is blacktop protection?

MS Office is not a requirement for using windows. You could use LibreOffice. Both are better than the shitty "iWork", even most Mac users prefer LibreOffice over iWork.

Remove these bullshit $800 from the PC equation, now the Mac suddenly seem expensive, huh?

[genjix]

how anyone can talk about freedom and use apple is beyond me.

[bountygiver]

Fuck Apple and their overpriced products

Overpriced? Yeah, right.

HTC One (M8) 32GB: $829
Samsung Galaxy S5: $649 - $749
Apple iPhone: $649 - $849 (32GB is $749 which is actually CHEAPER then HTC One M8)
Nexus 5: $450 total for a 32GB ($50 shipping. Meanwhile, Apple charges $0 for orders over $50)


Computers:

Windows PC: $799 + Blacktop Protection (consumers) + Anti-Virus (5 yrs, $200+ total) + Microsoft Office / 365 Subscription (5 yrs, $99/year $500 total) = $799 + $100 + $200 + $500 = $1599. You need to factor in Windows 9, which will undoubtedly cost $119, and then future part upgrades, which would cost at least $300. So, in total, $1599 + 119 + 200 =2018. Even if you take out the 365 subscription, the total cost over five years is $1518, give or take part upgrades, OS upgrades, and even monitor upgrades.

iMac: $1299 + AppleCare + iWork/iLife (Free) + Free OS Upgrades = $1299 + 99 = $1398.
Mac Mini: $799 + Monitor = $999, $1099 with AppleCare.

So, in reality, you actually pay more when buying a PC, albeit over five years.

Also office 365 $99/years is 5 PCS/Macs + 1 iPad which all gets newest upgrade when Office 2016 is released (and android tablet in the future) and 1 hour international call to non-internet phone + 20 GB cloud storage + is totally optional because not everyone needs the full feature hence they can use free alternatives like Office Web Apps/Google Docs
And free antivirus smokes paid anti virus big time

And Mac OS upgrade is not free, the 10.5.x upgrades are equivalent to service pack in windows which costs the same, $0

And I want to laugh at the 'future part upgrades' that you don't account for Apple Computers, oh wait! Apple computers lock the hardware up so you can't upgrade!

[SolarGalaxa]

.....

.....

And Mac OS upgrade is not free, the 10.5.x upgrades are equivalent to service pack in windows which costs the same, $0

And I want to laugh at the 'future part upgrades' that you don't account for Apple Computers, oh wait! Apple computers lock the hardware up so you can't upgrade!

10.9 was released to the world for $0.

There are guides on how to upgrade your Mac Mini's storage. Oh, the latest Mac Pro is also "upgradable". It's just the "consumer-aimed" machines that aren't upgradable.

[ArticMine]

how anyone can talk about freedom and use apple is beyond me.

Many people who care about freedom and civil liberties are not knowledgeable about technology, software and computers at all. So they end up using Apple or Microsoft products because they are not even aware of the issues and alternatives. They may be experts in other areas such as organic farming and the evils of GMOs. In some cases it can be as simple as "Free Software" is to "Organic Seeds" as "Apple" is to "Monsanto".

[freedomno1]

how anyone can talk about freedom and use apple is beyond me.

Many people who care about freedom and civil liberties are not knowledgeable about technology, software and computers at all. So they end up using Apple of Microsoft products because they are not even aware of the issues and alternatives. They may be experts in other areas such as organic farming and the evils of GMOs. In some cases it can be as simple as "Free Software" is to "Organic Seeds" as "Apple" is to 'Monsanto".

True enough an unawareness of these sort of privacy issues is a problem in my opinion towards a truly open society, then again what you don't know can hurt you
But I like to put it in rap form so people can understand
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o66FUc61MvU

SIRI sure is a nice software cough or should I say IRIS 

[coinits]

Libre office, free

iLife / iWork: Free.
OS X Upgrades: Free

Apple is fucking disgrace. All of the tech giants and social media are a fucking disgrace.

Why?

For the backdoors they created for N.o S.uch A.gency.

Fuck Apple

Yep, and your beloved Google / MS / Other doesn't, right? LMAO LMAO. You are fucking pathetic and so stupidly naive to think that Google / MS / Other don't sell your info and have backdoors. Hell, didn't Relient OS developers find a "backdoor" in the Galaxy line of phone and the Nexus One? Yep! They did. Wow, I wonder who uses it. Let me guess; some three letter ass hat office call the NSA.

You obviously can't read what i wrote so I must conclude that you are a fucking idiot!

[jonald_fyookball]

Had a MacBook once. Hated it.  On the other hand,
I do like my iPad.  But I don't like that I can't buy a
New battery for it and install it myself, that is bs.
And I definitely don't like the fact that Apple is
Blocking bitcoin apps, so next  time I want to buy
A tablet, I will try to avoid apple.

[meawleir21]

I agree that apple is trying to avoid any unnecessary fines/concerns but this too caused them to lose any popularity among most BTC users. Though they might have their products I think they are more possible to change now than before.

[bryant.coleman]

Should we organize an Apple boycott? How many people will join?

Personally, I have never used any of the Apple products. But I know plenty of people who are addicted to them. So will any of the "addicts" will be ready to switch to another brand?

[HCLivess]

I forgot to mention they removed podcasts for iOS 6 (which is any Apple phone below version 4)
Give power to a single person and it will be misused

[SolarGalaxa]

Libre office, free

iLife / iWork: Free.
OS X Upgrades: Free

Apple is fucking disgrace. All of the tech giants and social media are a fucking disgrace.

Why?

For the backdoors they created for N.o S.uch A.gency.

Fuck Apple

Yep, and your beloved Google / MS / Other doesn't, right? LMAO LMAO. You are fucking pathetic and so stupidly naive to think that Google / MS / Other don't sell your info and have backdoors. Hell, didn't Relient OS developers find a "backdoor" in the Galaxy line of phone and the Nexus One? Yep! They did. Wow, I wonder who uses it. Let me guess; some three letter ass hat office call the NSA.

You obviously can't read what i wrote so I must conclude that you are a fucking idiot!

This just proves my point. You love Google / MS so much that you can't see they too, sell your data. Your also blind to the fact that there are backdoors in the Galaxy series and the Nexus One.

No wonder there are no "bad news" articles about Google/MS. If there were, the poster would be called a fucking idiot.

[ChuckBuck]

Quick lineup!  It's time for the new Iphone 6 with improved Siri, twin selfie cameras, and butthole sensor!

[bitsmichel]

This just proves my point. You love Google / MS so much that you can't see they too, sell your data. Your also blind to the fact that there are backdoors in the Galaxy series and the Nexus One.
No wonder there are no "bad news" articles about Google/MS. If there were, the poster would be called a fucking idiot.

Yes, these companies all sell your data behind your back. Apple, Microsoft, Google, Facebook and many others.
You can live a perfect life without them.

[Swordsoffreedom]

This just proves my point. You love Google / MS so much that you can't see they too, sell your data. Your also blind to the fact that there are backdoors in the Galaxy series and the Nexus One.
No wonder there are no "bad news" articles about Google/MS. If there were, the poster would be called a fucking idiot.

Or maybe they don't burden of proof is with you when you make accusations
Ok I'll admit they probably do lol

[bitsmichel]

Once your information goes online its very hard for it not to be abused by companies, criminals and governments.
 Strong encryption can make the line secure for some years;

[kokojie]

Who cares, if you use Apple products, then you hate freedom period, therefore you do not need to know why Apple banned this or that, because you already submitted to their role as your master. Apple will decide what you are allowed to see, hear and use.

I have no interest in knowing why Apple banned this or that, since I have zero Apple products and will keep it that way

Well, looks like not only Apple will decide what you see, hear and use. Apple will also monitor what you see, hear and use:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/07/22/every-iphone-has-a-security-backdoor/

[beetcoin]

there are bigger multinational corporations to hate more than apple, but that doesn't mean i don't hate apple. every time i have to use itunes to fix someone else's phone, i just think "i fucking hate this shit." there are so many things that apple does that just gives the middle finger to consumers, and people still buy their shit.

[jbreher]

Who cares, if you use Apple products, then you hate freedom period, therefore you do not need to know why Apple banned this or that, because you already submitted to their role as your master. Apple will decide what you are allowed to see, hear and use.

I have no interest in knowing why Apple banned this or that, since I have zero Apple products and will keep it that way

Well, looks like not only Apple will decide what you see, hear and use. Apple will also monitor what you see, hear and use:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/07/22/every-iphone-has-a-security-backdoor/

Did you read the article that you posted, or just scan the headline? :

The wider problem is Apple is far from alone in acting in such an autocratic manner. On Android, for example, ‘Google Play Services’ also runs silently in the background and officially has an innocent agenda “to update Google GOOGL -0.84% apps and apps from Google Play”.

In reality Play Services has limitless access to virtually every aspect of an Android phone and can even grant itself new permissions as and when needed (grabs above had to be spread over five screens). The user is never prompted and while Play Services can be easily disabled the vast majority of Android services and apps will not run without it making it unfeasible to ditch long term.

[kokojie]

Who cares, if you use Apple products, then you hate freedom period, therefore you do not need to know why Apple banned this or that, because you already submitted to their role as your master. Apple will decide what you are allowed to see, hear and use.

I have no interest in knowing why Apple banned this or that, since I have zero Apple products and will keep it that way

Well, looks like not only Apple will decide what you see, hear and use. Apple will also monitor what you see, hear and use:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/07/22/every-iphone-has-a-security-backdoor/

Did you read the article that you posted, or just scan the headline? :

The wider problem is Apple is far from alone in acting in such an autocratic manner. On Android, for example, ‘Google Play Services’ also runs silently in the background and officially has an innocent agenda “to update Google GOOGL -0.84% apps and apps from Google Play”.

In reality Play Services has limitless access to virtually every aspect of an Android phone and can even grant itself new permissions as and when needed (grabs above had to be spread over five screens). The user is never prompted and while Play Services can be easily disabled the vast majority of Android services and apps will not run without it making it unfeasible to ditch long term.

What's your point?

1. Google Play Service has not been proven to have a backdoor.

2. The article is actually dead wrong about Google Play being required. You are free to choose to NOT use Google Play if you wanted, there's a ton of 3rd party app markets you can install on your android. For example, in China google play is not installed on 99% of the android devices, everyone use the local Chinese app markets.

3. Android itself is free and opensource, you can even flash your android device to a 3rd party distro like cyanogen mod.

[Yakamoto]

there are bigger multinational corporations to hate more than apple, but that doesn't mean i don't hate apple. every time i have to use itunes to fix someone else's phone, i just think "i fucking hate this shit." there are so many things that apple does that just gives the middle finger to consumers, and people still buy their shit.

Agreed.

In fact, Apple (Now this hasn't been confirmed, but evidence leads to it) was thinking of forcing people to buy custom headphones just to be able to use headphones at all. They're considering abandoning the standard headphone jack and replacing it with a smaller cable, or changing it to their lightning-30 of whatever cable that is used for USB connections. Their purchase of Beats would make this a very real possibility.

So yeah, Apple is inconsiderate.

[beetcoin]

there are bigger multinational corporations to hate more than apple, but that doesn't mean i don't hate apple. every time i have to use itunes to fix someone else's phone, i just think "i fucking hate this shit." there are so many things that apple does that just gives the middle finger to consumers, and people still buy their shit.

Agreed.

In fact, Apple (Now this hasn't been confirmed, but evidence leads to it) was thinking of forcing people to buy custom headphones just to be able to use headphones at all. They're considering abandoning the standard headphone jack and replacing it with a smaller cable, or changing it to their lightning-30 of whatever cable that is used for USB connections. Their purchase of Beats would make this a very real possibility.

So yeah, Apple is inconsiderate.

they have their own proprietary cables so they can charge you $29.95 + S&H for it.

the whole itunes ecosystem is a way to trap consumers into being locked in to them. apple's file transfer system is inconvenient and stupid, but it makes them a lot of money so they continue to do it. they've also, in the past, withheld new technologies so they can give it to you in the following year and then tell you "this. changes. everything."

[jbreher]

Who cares, if you use Apple products, then you hate freedom period, therefore you do not need to know why Apple banned this or that, because you already submitted to their role as your master. Apple will decide what you are allowed to see, hear and use.

I have no interest in knowing why Apple banned this or that, since I have zero Apple products and will keep it that way

Well, looks like not only Apple will decide what you see, hear and use. Apple will also monitor what you see, hear and use:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/07/22/every-iphone-has-a-security-backdoor/

Did you read the article that you posted, or just scan the headline? :

The wider problem is Apple is far from alone in acting in such an autocratic manner. On Android, for example, ‘Google Play Services’ also runs silently in the background and officially has an innocent agenda “to update Google GOOGL -0.84% apps and apps from Google Play”.

In reality Play Services has limitless access to virtually every aspect of an Android phone and can even grant itself new permissions as and when needed (grabs above had to be spread over five screens). The user is never prompted and while Play Services can be easily disabled the vast majority of Android services and apps will not run without it making it unfeasible to ditch long term.

What's your point?

1. Google Play Service has not been proven to have a backdoor.

2. The article is actually dead wrong about Google Play being required. You are free to choose to NOT use Google Play if you wanted, there's a ton of 3rd party app markets you can install on your android. For example, in China google play is not installed on 99% of the android devices, everyone use the local Chinese app markets.

3. Android itself is free and opensource, you can even flash your android device to a 3rd party distro like cyanogen mod.

What is my point? From the information in the article you posted, one cannot infer that iOS is backdoored any more than is android.

OK so one does not _require_ Play. Are you indicating that verizon, AT&T, or whomever does not have the ability to remotely activate elements within your phone?

[LostDutchman]

I've seen some posts (here & on reddit) which bash Apple for their Bitcoin app ban. Firstly, Apple has not banned Bitcoin. If they did, then why are "read-only" Bitcoin apps still allowed? That has no logic in it at all. Secondly, according to the Developer Guidelines, the app's content and/or service(s) must be legal everywhere the App Store serves apps. Thus:

1) Bitcoin has shady legal status in several overseas countries. India has declared Bitcoin an Ponzi scheme (yeah, right!), and others have outright banned Bitcoin. Thus, if Apple were to offer these apps in those countries, then because Apple is the world's most valuable billion dollar company category and thus, the largest then those governments have the opportunity to sue Apple.

2) The reason why Blockchain was removed is because Blockchain updated the app and provided false screen shots. Providing screen shots that do not match the app itself is against the Developer Guidelines. Another violation of the guidelines is the fact that the Blockchain's app description made no mention of the sending and receiving Bitcoin.

In conclusion, Apple is just protecting their collectively large asses from money hungry governments.

Apple sucks balls Cum Laude.

[inBitweTrust]

Overpriced? Yeah, right.
 Computers:

Windows PC: $799 + Blacktop Protection (consumers) + Anti-Virus (5 yrs, $200+ total) + Microsoft Office / 365 Subscription (5 yrs, $99/year $500 total) = $799 + $100 + $200 + $500 = $1599. You need to factor in Windows 9, which will undoubtedly cost $119, and then future part upgrades, which would cost at least $300. So, in total, $1599 + 119 + 200 =2018. Even if you take out the 365 subscription, the total cost over five years is $1518, give or take part upgrades, OS upgrades, and even monitor upgrades.

iMac: $1299 + AppleCare + iWork/iLife (Free) + Free OS Upgrades = $1299 + 99 = $1398.
Mac Mini: $799 + Monitor = $999, $1099 with AppleCare.

So, in reality, you actually pay more when buying a PC, albeit over five years.

Let's stick with reality:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834231595
ASUS Taichi31    749 Shipped (For a brand which tends to beat apple in reliability reports)
-------------------Specs---------------------------
Intel Core i5 3337U (1.80GHz) Dual-core
4GB Memory
128GB SSD
13.3" 1920 x 1080 Dual Screen


http://store.apple.com/us/buy-mac/macbook-air
MacBook Air 999 shipped
-------------------Specs---------------------------
1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
4GB memory
128GB SSD
13" 1440 x900 single screen

So you are paying 250 dollars more for less resolution, less reliable, and slower processor. Additionally, Mavericks is a disaster just like windows 8. I am having to rollback many of my friend's macs back to Mountain Lion because of all the bugs within Mavericks; some of which are devastating(Last one had the screen going black intermittently where many other users had similar complaints right after upgrading- WTF). It has been almost a year as well since Mavericks was released and many problems still persist and with windows 8 you can install a free dock to make it function like 7.

The best windows Antivirus programs are free, and if you believe that OSX is immune to mall ware and viruses than you are very naive. I don't need to pay more to be apart of your fanclub of hipsters; I run OSX and LINUX just fine from my PC sir...

[alani123]

there are bigger multinational corporations to hate more than apple, but that doesn't mean i don't hate apple. every time i have to use itunes to fix someone else's phone, i just think "i fucking hate this shit." there are so many things that apple does that just gives the middle finger to consumers, and people still buy their shit.

Well, buying apple is now a trend and I feel like apple perfectly took advantage of it. But for now, it's only the phone industry that apple is coming first in. If bitcoin's future is transaction from smartphones, well that's when we should be worried.

[inBitweTrust]

there are bigger multinational corporations to hate more than apple, but that doesn't mean i don't hate apple. every time i have to use itunes to fix someone else's phone, i just think "i fucking hate this shit." there are so many things that apple does that just gives the middle finger to consumers, and people still buy their shit.

Well, buying apple is now a trend and I feel like apple perfectly took advantage of it. But for now, it's only the phone industry that apple is coming first in. If bitcoin's future is transaction from smartphones, well that's when we should be worried.

Apple has slowly been losing Marketshare against android and iOS definitely isn't 1 in smartphones.

http://www.idc.com/prodserv/smartphone-os-market-share.jsp

Period    Android    iOS           Windows Phone       BlackBerry OS    Others
Q1 2014    81.1%    15.2%        2.7%                      0.5%             0.6%

Apple is a company who's business strategy is focused on clever marketing, locking in clients in their walled garden with a 30% tax, repackaging other peoples inventions and than suing their competition.

[NotAtOld]

Apple had previously removed any bitcoin wallets from their app store... They've since let up on their restrictions (no longer banned).
Apple products by design are a bit oppressive in that there's not a lot of customization allowed and they try to do everything for you. I'm under the impression that that alone grinds the gears of bitcoin types.

[NotAtOld]

 Apple is quickly becoming the new Microsoft, a company that everyone loves to hate.

[alani123]

Apple has slowly been losing Marketshare against android and iOS definitely isn't 1 in smartphones.

http://www.idc.com/prodserv/smartphone-os-market-share.jsp

Period    Android    iOS           Windows Phone       BlackBerry OS    Others
Q1 2014    81.1%    15.2%        2.7%                      0.5%             0.6%

Apple is a company who's business strategy is focused on clever marketing, locking in clients in their walled garden with a 30% tax, repackaging other peoples inventions and than suing their competition.

What about Smartphone Subscriber Market Share

Here's the global one:


And the US one:


Apple is still the leader the US, most people who own a smartphone there own an apple one.

[inBitweTrust]

And the US one:


Apple is still the leader the US, most people who own a smartphone there own an apple one.

Your numbers seem to indicate that while apple is dominant brand in the US, over 58% don't use apple phones, thus most people in the US do not use apple. Its good to see they are losing marketshare in the US too.

[Swordsoffreedom]

Apple is quickly becoming the new Microsoft, a company that everyone loves to hate.

I think it reached that point a while ago the apple hate is strong.
But it's still far from a Microsoft  
Although when the mobile phone market is pretty much two companies and a few minors its hard to not hate on something.

[cccarnation]

Apple sucks, people hate apple.

[inBitweTrust]

Apple sucks, people hate apple.

Love or Hate.

 I actually have a long list of positive things to say about their products along with the negative but.... out of principle I do not appreciate their business strategy by controlling and restricting their clients. It is rather absurd that any Bitcoin fan chooses to love Apple because they are antagonistic towards many of the key principles that embody the purpose and design of Bitcoin.

[allthingsluxury]

Apple has suicide nets installed around their production facility's in China

[unpure]

Fact is, there is still no bitcoin application on apple store.

[S4VV4S]

Apple is quickly becoming the new Microsoft, a company that everyone loves to hate.

I think it reached that point a while ago the apple hate is strong.
But it's still far from a Microsoft  
Although when the mobile phone market is pretty much two companies and a few minors its hard to not hate on something.

Common guys, you cannot honestly compare Apple with Microsoft.

Let me tell you something.....

Microsoft actually feeds billions of people.
Yes they do, because anybody can develop an app or game for Windows, publish it and sell it as much as they see fit, it is worth their time.
With Apple, they decide IF and how much your app will sell, and they get approx 30% of your sales.

Sure Windows are not safe, then again.
Lets say you are a developer, what would be your choice of platform?

Linux?
The average joe does not use Linux.

Apple?
The average joe will not pay an arm and a leg for something that only costs a finger nail

Windows?
Yep, it is what the majority of the world is using therefor your app or game will have more exposure.

Also, I will agree with the person that said that something is up with Google Play Services as well.

After their last update all of my (AIR based) apps have stopped receiving ads from their adMob platform.
In fact, all available adMob ANEs out there have stopped working.
And the funny thing is that most of the top games listed in Google Play are Flash based.
I wonder why there is a problem now....
Maybe Google wants to expand even more by buying off Adobe?

Anyway, back to my original point.
How many people does Apple provide jobs for (not directly I mean)?

Think about it

I know you hate Microsoft but let's be honest, they are number one for a reason.
Their software is easy to use and you are not restricted on what to add to them.

Plain and simple, they are number one because they deserve it.

PS: I would prefer it if it was Linux, but its not is it?

Also, I will leave this post with a joke I have heard once.

There was a Mac guy and a Windows guy.
The Mac guy was making fun of the Windows guy because there are thousands of viruses hitting Windows.

Then he asked the Windows guy, so what are you doing now?
The Windows guy responds I am playing a game.
The Mac guy said, yeah? which one?
The Windows guy - ALL OF THEM!!!!!  

Also, please dont get me wrong.
I use Windows in order to use the software I use for work.
I use a customized version of Debian for everything else

[Swordsoffreedom]

Apple is quickly becoming the new Microsoft, a company that everyone loves to hate.

I think it reached that point a while ago the apple hate is strong.
But it's still far from a Microsoft  
Although when the mobile phone market is pretty much two companies and a few minors its hard to not hate on something.

Common guys, you cannot honestly compare Apple with Microsoft.

I know you hate Microsoft but let's be honest, they are number one for a reason.
Their software is easy to use and you are not restricted on what to add to them.

Subtract all the good will from the donations they send

Insert a thing called Windows 8  

I commend their charity work but sometimes you just mess up  with the operating system.
And there's no real time slip you can use once an OAS you like goes out of commission and service it yourself.
A user is subjected to constant relearning curves, to find where the things are at.

Pretty much what happened when Windows 8 broke from the tradition of every other windows platform to that date and made a lot of rage.

And whose bright IDEA WAS IT TO KILL MY START MENU!~!!
^_^
(Mumble) Still uses 7 could download the 8 toolbar app but na will wait for a Win 9 to purify itself.

Its all about UI (User Interface) and while I agree MS deserves its role not really much out there but apple and linux doesn't mean we can't hate on it XD.

(Although if someone makes a whole Platform OS decentralized somehow I might be interested)
Install an App loads from there and becomes a fully customizable interface that switches between Operating Systems and has its own internal stuff.

Not the App store though but like using a Windows PC - All Versions and then deciding what features you like then taking the stuff you like from the Linux PC or Apple PC and putting it all in one browser together.
One can dream

[tigeRshoes]

Y so many bitcoiners don't like Apple THAT much?!

[alani123]

Your numbers seem to indicate that while apple is dominant brand in the US, over 58% don't use apple phones, thus most people in the US do not use apple. Its good to see they are losing marketshare in the US too.

Those are not my numbers. You can click on the images for the source.

[Intaryna]

Apple sucks, people hate apple. And you must be apple employee?

[Lauda]

Y so many bitcoiners don't like Apple THAT much?!

Why? Why??
There is nothing to like about Apple.
Anyone who likes Apple is either ignorant or delusional.

[superresistant]

 
I you use Apple products, you are a whore.

Even a real prostitute deserve infinitely more respect than a Apple fan.

[S4VV4S]

-snip-

(Although if someone makes a whole Platform OS decentralized somehow I might be interested)

-snip-

I kind of like that idea but how would that work?
It would mean that your personal documents will be stored everywhere.....

UNLESS, we as a community build an operating system that loads all necessary (OS) files from online (decentralized) sources and the whole thing is open source.
Much like Bitcoin.....
Still, several things, like network adapter drivers should be loaded before everything else, right?

Hmmm, I like this idea.
But it needs work.

We could however start with the best out there, and that is Linux.
Yet, to make it worldwide accepted, we would have to make it user friendly, like windows.

Not a bad idea, but a very diffucult task.

[Swordsoffreedom]

-snip-

(Although if someone makes a whole Platform OS decentralized somehow I might be interested)

-snip-

I kind of like that idea but how would that work?
It would mean that your personal documents will be stored everywhere.....

UNLESS, we as a community build an operating system that loads all necessary (OS) files from online (decentralized) sources and the whole thing is open source.
Much like Bitcoin.....
Still, several things, like network adapter drivers should be loaded before everything else, right?

Hmmm, I like this idea.
But it needs work.

We could however start with the best out there, and that is Linux.
Yet, to make it worldwide accepted, we would have to make it user friendly, like windows.

Not a bad idea, but a very diffucult task.

Well it's still a ways down the road but there are building blocks being built now that are laying that foundation.

Bitcoin and its cryptography does wonders for various applications it's just that we haven't thought them all out yet and the underlying technology that could implement it is still being developed in different forms.

One possible implementation would be, maidsafe with its decentralized storage mechanism, that would keep your personal documents secure and safe so that your private documents are stored everywhere and yet nowhere since its secured by cryptography and no one can see whats in there.

In addition if Ethereum can really do what it claims it has the potential to do then it could probably run as an OS far in the future.
Just build enough apps for it, inside the ecosystem like a browser becoming a full feature package then an OS.

That or someone could build a Bitcoin sidechain once some smart developers figure out a solution to that puzzle, its really hard to say what could happen since its predicting the future of where cryptography can go.

But your right at this point its still a very difficult task to do that said it could become a reality if enough related technologies are created and made to accompany it so one step at a time.

http://maidsafe.net/overview

The SAFE (Secure Access for Everyone) network can be best described as a fully distributed data management service. This network manages static and dynamic data as well as communications. Importantly the data held is either :

    Encrypted by clients
    Cryptographically signed by clients

In either case the network cannot decrypt any of the data on the network. This can be thought of as a decentralized server that performs the tasks of today's httpd, ssh, scp, ftp, smtp, pop3, imap etc. servers.

The SAFE network is made up of unused hard drive space, CPU and communications capabilities of commodity computers. These computers are likely owned by the very users of the system, but need not be limited to that. Each computer will effectively mine for credits which can be traded for many other goods and services. These credits are called safecoin.

https://www.ethereum.org/

Ethereum is a protocol that is open to all. Any programmer should be able to write smart contracts and Ethereum apps in languages they already are familiar with.

Programmers should also be able to implement the entire specification with relative ease, in order to minimize the influence that any specific individual or group could have on the protocol.

The Ethereum protocol should be as simple as possible, and optimizations which add complexity should not be included unless they provide a very substantial benefit.

[S4VV4S]

Swordsoffreedom, I like you and I hate you man/woman.

You have me thinking now......

This could actually be possible, yet, I cannot afford to think about it right now coz I have work to do.

None the less you have me thinking....
And this is probably going to stay in the back of my mind until I basically make a decision if it's possible or not.

Right now, I think it is, but I still need to look at all possible failures that can happen.
Haven't found one yet, so if you do please point it out

Thanks

EDIT: CryptOS  - how does that sound to you? 

[fonzie]

APPLE>BITCOIN

END OF STORY

[Lauda]

APPLE>BITCOIN

END OF STORY

What are you trying to pull here fanboy?

[superresistant]

APPLE>BITCOIN
END OF STORY

You must be a top class prostitute. How much ?

[colinistheman]

5 dolla

[Buffer Overflow]

APPLE>BITCOIN

END OF STORY

Greater what?

[ChuckBuck]

APPLE>BITCOIN

END OF STORY

Very informative statement, with lots of evidence and backing to support your statement. 
 
I'm sold!   

[kokojie]

Who cares, if you use Apple products, then you hate freedom period, therefore you do not need to know why Apple banned this or that, because you already submitted to their role as your master. Apple will decide what you are allowed to see, hear and use.

I have no interest in knowing why Apple banned this or that, since I have zero Apple products and will keep it that way

Well, looks like not only Apple will decide what you see, hear and use. Apple will also monitor what you see, hear and use:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/gordonkelly/2014/07/22/every-iphone-has-a-security-backdoor/

Did you read the article that you posted, or just scan the headline? :

The wider problem is Apple is far from alone in acting in such an autocratic manner. On Android, for example, ‘Google Play Services’ also runs silently in the background and officially has an innocent agenda “to update Google GOOGL -0.84% apps and apps from Google Play”.

In reality Play Services has limitless access to virtually every aspect of an Android phone and can even grant itself new permissions as and when needed (grabs above had to be spread over five screens). The user is never prompted and while Play Services can be easily disabled the vast majority of Android services and apps will not run without it making it unfeasible to ditch long term.

What's your point?

1. Google Play Service has not been proven to have a backdoor.

2. The article is actually dead wrong about Google Play being required. You are free to choose to NOT use Google Play if you wanted, there's a ton of 3rd party app markets you can install on your android. For example, in China google play is not installed on 99% of the android devices, everyone use the local Chinese app markets.

3. Android itself is free and opensource, you can even flash your android device to a 3rd party distro like cyanogen mod.

What is my point? From the information in the article you posted, one cannot infer that iOS is backdoored any more than is android.

OK so one does not _require_ Play. Are you indicating that verizon, AT&T, or whomever does not have the ability to remotely activate elements within your phone?

Which part of this sentence you didn't understand? "Apple has issued a formal statement acknowledging the existence of services running on iOS which can bypass encryption to access user data (the classic ‘backdoor‘), but claims they do not compromise user privacy or security."

Apple has admitted they intentionally developed a backdoor in their system. Google play has not been proven to have a backdoor, nor has Google admitted to having it.

Not sure what you are talking about Verizon or AT&T's remote access, do you have an article about that? I use an android phone I bought from China (xiaomi phone, no Google Play), on AT&T's network, it works just fine. I'm not sure how AT&T can "remote access" my phone.

[phillipsjk]

Not sure what you are talking about Verizon or AT&T's remote access, do you have an article about that? I use an android phone I bought from China (xiaomi phone, no Google Play), on AT&T's network, it works just fine. I'm not sure how AT&T can "remote access" my phone.

The network operators reserve the right to push new firmware to your phone/device. You did read the fine-print of your contract, right? This lets them brick phones with a specific IMEI if it appears to be mis-behaving.

Your Device must be compatible with, and not interfere with, our Services and must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. We may periodically program your Device remotely with system settings for roaming service, to direct your Device to use network services most appropriate for your typical usage, and other features that cannot be changed manually.

You agree that you won’t make any modifications to your Equipment or its programming to enable the Equipment to operate on any other system. AT&T may, at its sole and absolute discretion, modify the programming to enable the operation of the Equipment on other systems.

- AT&T Wireless Customer Agreement

[kokojie]

Not sure what you are talking about Verizon or AT&T's remote access, do you have an article about that? I use an android phone I bought from China (xiaomi phone, no Google Play), on AT&T's network, it works just fine. I'm not sure how AT&T can "remote access" my phone.

The network operators reserve the right to push new firmware to your phone/device. You did read the fine-print of your contract, right? This lets them brick phones with a specific IMEI if it appears to be mis-behaving.

Your Device must be compatible with, and not interfere with, our Services and must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. We may periodically program your Device remotely with system settings for roaming service, to direct your Device to use network services most appropriate for your typical usage, and other features that cannot be changed manually.

You agree that you won’t make any modifications to your Equipment or its programming to enable the Equipment to operate on any other system. AT&T may, at its sole and absolute discretion, modify the programming to enable the operation of the Equipment on other systems.

- AT&T Wireless Customer Agreement

Only if you choose to buy an android phone from AT&T with their firmware pre-installed. AT&T can do no such thing to my Xiaomi Phone, the only thing they could do is deny service to my phone. There's no way for AT&T to "brick" my phone nor "push new firmware" to my phone, since my firmware isn't from AT&T. Unlike the iPhone iOS, there's no "magic backdoor" in the Android OS for AT&T to just remote access any android phone without pre-installing AT&T firmware.

[Buffer Overflow]

Not sure what you are talking about Verizon or AT&T's remote access, do you have an article about that? I use an android phone I bought from China (xiaomi phone, no Google Play), on AT&T's network, it works just fine. I'm not sure how AT&T can "remote access" my phone.

The network operators reserve the right to push new firmware to your phone/device. You did read the fine-print of your contract, right? This lets them brick phones with a specific IMEI if it appears to be mis-behaving.

Your Device must be compatible with, and not interfere with, our Services and must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. We may periodically program your Device remotely with system settings for roaming service, to direct your Device to use network services most appropriate for your typical usage, and other features that cannot be changed manually.

You agree that you won’t make any modifications to your Equipment or its programming to enable the Equipment to operate on any other system. AT&T may, at its sole and absolute discretion, modify the programming to enable the operation of the Equipment on other systems.

- AT&T Wireless Customer Agreement

Only if you choose to buy an android phone from AT&T with their firmware pre-installed. AT&T can do no such thing to my Xiaomi Phone, the only thing they could do is deny service to my phone. There's no way for AT&T to "brick" my phone nor "push new firmware" to my phone, since my firmware isn't from AT&T. Unlike the iPhone iOS, there's no "magic backdoor" in the Android OS for AT&T to just remote access any android phone without pre-installing AT&T firmware.

I do believe that NSA/GCHQ has backdoors in phones so they can access microphone, camera, data etc, but this would be lower down than the OS. Actually inside the hardware chips.

[phillipsjk]

Only if you choose to buy an android phone from AT&T with their firmware pre-installed. AT&T can do no such thing to my Xiaomi Phone, the only thing they could do is deny service to my phone. There's no way for AT&T to "brick" my phone nor "push new firmware" to my phone, since my firmware isn't from AT&T. Unlike the iPhone iOS, there's no "magic backdoor" in the Android OS for AT&T to just remote access any android phone without pre-installing AT&T firmware.

Thank for pointing this out. I tried searching for examples of carriers pushing firmware to phones: and only came up with a Slashdot story about Rogers requiring a specific firmware version for service. This makes me slightly less reluctant to own a cell-phone.