Former Facebook for iPhone developer Joe Hewitt has weighed in on the Steve Jobs re-ignited “openness” debate with a cogent argument that Android isn’t much more open than iOS, at least not in the true spirit of the term. Here’s what he posted (mostly via Twitter for iPad, for those keeping track at home):

How does Android get away with the “open” claim when the source isn’t public until major releases, and no one outside Google can check in? [@joehewitt]

Compare the Android “open source” model to Firefox or Linux if you want to see how disingenuous that “open” claim is. [@joehewitt]

Until Android is read/write open, it’s no different than iOS to me. Open source means sharing control with the community, not show and tell. [@joehewitt]

The comparison to Mozilla is something our own Phil Nickinson of Android Central made during our recent podcast bonus feature on openness and it’s a good one. Hewitt famously walked away from developing Facebook for iPhone because he didn’t like Apple’s closed Apple Store, whether or not he’s secretly working on a secret Facebook phone right now alongside former Android lead Eric Tseng, he makes an interesting case.

And it goes back to what we’ve been saying for a long time — at the end of the day it isn’t hyperbole that matters, not about open or closed, fragmented or integrated, uncontrolled or restricted, it’s about who makes the best phones for consumers and who provides the best platform for developers (either to write the code they want or make the money they need to feed their families). That’s echoed in a great discussion between David Barnard of App Cubby and Liessen on Twitter:

“Open” is an emotional argument pandering to the philosophy of developing in a perfect world where it’s about freedom not money. [@Lessien]

Maybe it’s the circles I run in, but I don’t know many coders who can eat, drink, or find shelter in this freedom you speak of. [@drbarnard]

So let’s worry more about the end user product and less about the philosophies of the OS and manufacturing companies, okay?

Developers weigh in on Android vs. iOS openness is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Grooveshark is an online music search engine and music streaming service which allows users to search for, stream, and upload music free of charge that can be played immediately or added to a playlist with the option to cache files for offline play.

In the past, an iPhone app was available on the iTunes App Store, but was quickly removed as it appeared to violate Apple’s iTunes Store Terms of Service. It has now returned on Cydia for free, however the app requires a VIP subscription ($3/month through Grooveshark). However, the app does allow for 50 free plays before the subscription service is required.

If you’re using it, let us know how it’s working for you!

by Farbod

Grooveshark brings streaming music with search to Jailbroken iPhones! [Jailbreak] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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The good folks over at Nationwide Network Cellular (Hong Kong) have a brand new metal backing that replaces the standard black glass that comes on iPhone 4. If you tired of having to slap a case on hiding your brand new iPhone 4, if you tired of having to be extra careful when you put your iPhone 4 down, then they might just have your cure for a mere $12.99.

This new cover has a black bevel around the edges with a nice metallic finish insert. The camera lens and the camera flash lens are included and are pre-installed to make installation easy. You will need to remove the 2 screw on the bottom of the iPhone using a Phillips #00 screwdriver. Next you just slide the back panel off by pressing up with your thumbs. Finally line up the metal panel, slide it down and replace the screws. It is that simple!

So if you want to stand out from the crowd or you are still bitter you had to buy a black iPhone 4 since the white ones are even rarer than unicorns, pick one of these up and show off your iPhone 4 to all your friends like you just got it all over again!

[iPhone 4 Metal Back via Unplggd]

by Brian Tufo

Add a metal back to your iPhone 4 is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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RIM’s co-CEO, Jim Balsillie has also fired back at Steve Jobs, who said during Apple’s Q4 2010 conference call that RIM would need to change into a software company to catch up to iPhone and iPad. Balsillie’s statement:

“For those of us who live outside of Apple’s distortion field, we know that 7″ tablets will actually be a big portion of the market and we know that Adobe Flash support actually matters to customers who want a real web experience. We also know that while Apple’s attempt to control the ecosystem and maintain a closed platform may be good for Apple, developers want more options and customers want to fully access the overwhelming majority of web sites that use Flash. We think many customers are getting tired of being told what to think by Apple. And by the way, RIM has achieved record shipments for five consecutive quarters and recently shared guidance of 13.8 – 14.4 million BlackBerry smartphones for the current quarter. Apple’s preference to compare its September-ending quarter with RIM’s August-ending quarter doesn’t tell the whole story because it doesn’t take into account that industry demand in September is typically stronger than summer months, nor does it explain why Apple only shipped 8.4 million devices in its prior quarter and whether Apple’s Q4 results were padded by unfulfilled Q3 customer demand and channel orders. As usual, whether the subject is antennas, Flash or shipments, there is more to the story and sooner or later, even people inside the distortion field will begin to resent being told half a story.”

It’s strong words that, like Kevin says, is fast becoming a real tech soap opera. However, it’s odd that Balsillie hangs so much of RIM’s hat on the tired old rack that is Adobe Flash, especially when they have the new QNX OS-based hotness in the pipeline.

Does Flash answer the challenge of becoming a software-driven company, especially considering Flash doesn’t currently run on BlackBerry either, and won’t until the PlayBook ships next year?

[CrackBerry.com]

RIM co-CEO Jim Balsillie fires back at Steve Jobs, Apple is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Iain Dodsworth, CEO of TweetDeck, follows Andy Rubin with Twitter comments refuting what Steve Jobs had to say during Apple’s Q4 2010 earnings call:

Did we at any point say it was a nightmare developing on Android? Err nope, no we didn’t. It wasn’t.

This in response to Jobs’ statement that TweetDeck (he called it TwitterDeck) recently launched their Android app, and the “daunting challenge” of having to contend with 100 different versions of software on 244 different handsets.

Dodsworth added:

We only have 2 guys developing on Android TweetDeck so that shows how small an issue fragmentation is.

The flip-side of open source and multiple handset choice is fragmentation, there’s no denying it. We’ve heard from developers that it definitely is more challenging to code and sell Android apps than iOS apps, but Dodsworth’s point is that the difference is negligible. Any developers who work with both Android and iOS care to weigh in?

[@iaindodsworth, tip of the hat to Phil Nickinson]

by Brian Tufo

TweetDeck to Steve Jobs: Android wasn’t a nightmare is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Griffin Elan Passport case for iPhone 4 is beautifully crafted wallet-style case that protects your phone while providing convenient storage for cash and credit cards. It comes in two color designs, platinum and black, but for men considering using it as a… European carrier, be warned that lilac accents and paisley inner lining means only the most confident need apply.

Interested to see if the function lives up to the form? Stay with us after the break!

The Griffin Elan Passport stays securely closed with a snap, but flips open easily to give you access to your iPhone 4, your favourite credit cards and some cash (and maybe even a Pogo stylus!). The inner lining will protect your iPhone 4 from scratches caused by almost anything that your might carry in your purse or briefcase. I really liked the feel of this case and the meticulous design. It even has a chrome accent on the front of the case which was a nice finishing touch.

Your dock port stays accessible and should fit most cables. There’s also a camera cut out that allows you to take pictures with your iPhone 4 still inside the Passport case, something many wallet-style cases forget.

The only thing that I felt could have been better executed was the manner in which the home button works. The case has the home button covered instead of being cut out. They added a small metal piece to the fabric to help depression but I did find it takes a bit more effort to turn on your phone.

Overall, the Griffin Elan Passport for iPhone 4 is perfect for anyone who wants the convenience of a wallet and case in one, with easy, elegant access to phone and funds alike. Pick one up today from the TiPb iPhone 4 accessory store for the man or woman you love!

Pros

• Stylish
• Able to take pictures in case
• Good protection for iPhone4

Cons

• Only holds about 4 cards
• Need to press hard for home button
• Sorry boys, the lanyard only comes with the platinum case

Rating

Griffin Elan Passport case for iPhone 4 – accessory review is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Is Apple currently in the “AP” field testing stage — the final stage before the product is to be released — for the much-anticipated and often rumored Verizon CDMA iPhone? One of BGR’s sources seems to think so:

For starters, we have been told that iPhone model 3,2 — what everyone is assuming to be the Verizon (or at least CDMA-compatible) phone — just hit the "AP" testing stage. This is the very last stage before retail release; final hardware, almost final software. Here is the odd thing, though… the iPhone 3,2 unit, we have been exclusively told, contains a SIM card slot.

And that’s where it gets interesting, because pure CDMA devices do not have SIM card slots.

Could it be a “world phone” with both CDMA and GSM? Could it be using that new Qualcomm hybrid CDMA/GSM chipset that we previously assumed wouldn’t be coming until June next year? Or could it just be a new hardware revision of the existing GSM (read AT&T) iPhone? (Maybe with an antenna fix?)

Speaking of next June, BGR’s source also said the next-generation iPhone 5 was now in EVT, the engineering verification stage before the DVT phase. It seems like most of us (14.1 million at least) just got our iPhone 4, are things really moving this fast now?

[BGR]

by Andrew Wray

Verizon iPhone hits final testing stages? is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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webOS 2.0 review, Palm Pre 2

HP/Palm have officially announced webOS 2.0 and the Palm Pre 2. Dieter, covering it for our sibling site PreCentral.net, says:

WebOS 2.0 is without question the biggest webOS update we’ve seen since Palm first unveiled webOS at CES in January 2009. You could argue that the main features — Stacks, Just Type, Exhibition, improved speed, and a bevy of developer tools are mainly evolutionary and you wouldn’t be wrong. However, the sum of these updates adds up to an OS that is coming into its own. Rather than try to play catch-up with Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android, HP chose to bolster webOS’ advantages over those platforms. webOS 2.0 is not a me-too operating system.

Odd, though, that HP/Palm dumped it in a press release, and once again right before an Apple event (though iOS and iPhone shouldn’t have much, if any role to play tomorrow). The original Palm Pre and webOS unveiling at CES 2009 deservedly won best of show, and Palm out engineered Google at their own game last year — creating a web-based, connected, mobile device. HP can solve the money problems, Palm can solve the carrier problems, but now they both have to solve the momentum problem.

Check out Dieter’s webOS 2.0 in 10 minutes video, then come back and let us know what you think.

HP/Palm announces Pre 2, webOS 2.0 [the competition] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Andy Rubin has responded on Twitter to Steve Jobs’ remarks about Android’s openness — how Google is using it as a smokescreen for fragmentation — made during the Apple Q4 2010 earnings call yesterday.

“the definition of open: "mkdir android ; cd android ; repo init -u git://android.git.kernel.org/platform/manifest.git ; repo sync ; make

During the live call, where Apple announced their over-the-top results to shareholders (and everyone listening along on the web), Steve Jobs expounded on Apple’s integrated business model and software focus, and how that’s parlayed directly into the success of the iPhone and iPad. In markets that were previously considered slow-moving when it came to innovation, and not particularly user-friendly before Apple came along, Jobs singled Google out for requiring Android users to be their own systems integrators.

Does Rubin’s tweet, while a perfectly nerdy, open-source software response (the commands needed to view and compile Android’s code), really do much to counter that notion for the mainstream?

[@ARubin via SlashGear, Android Central]

by Andrew Wray

Android father Andy Rubin responds to Steve Jobs about “openness” is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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Apple’s Back to the Mac October 2010 special event is tomorrow, and we want to know what you think Steve Jobs and company will announce?

The invitation betrays Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, but what about iLife ‘11 and iWork ‘11? What about FaceTime for Mac… and for Windows? A new MacBook Air is the hot rumor, is there any chance it could have a multitouch screen, and iOS layer instead of Dashboard and Front Row?

Could the elusive white iPhone get a mention? And what about the device of mass destruction, the extinction level announcement — the Verizon iPhone? Could Apple want to tease that before the holidays?

Give us your votes in the poll above and share your predictions in the comments below.

What will Apple announce at the Back to the Mac event? [Poll] is a story by TiPb. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

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