Software Imperium Microsoft appears to think that the autocratic controls of Apple have something to offer.
A top Windows Phone executive has blabbed to the press that the Imperium could follow Apple in blacklisting users that unlock Windows Phone 7 to allow third party apps.
While Microsoft released Windows Phone 7 OS it lacked features found under the bonnet of other phones on the market. However the phone has such a nice interface that people still want it.
Now that the phone has been unlocked, by Rafael Rivera, Long Zheng and Chris Walsh it seems that Microsoft is going to go on the attack against those who have jailbroken it.
ChevronWP7, was released as an "unlocking" tool that allows unauthorized third party apps to run on Windows Phone 7 handsets.
Zhen claims that the tool will allow the homebrew community the ability to develop for the platform, without paying for licensing or official development tools. However, some developers seem upset with the move as they believe that it opens the door to pirated apps.
But the Imperium is furious. According to MobileTechWorld writer Makran Daou, Microsoft may opt to blacklist unlockers.
He writes he won't be surprised to see a WP7 update in the near future "fix" this potential security hole.
A SpokesImperium was quoted as stating, "We anticipated that people would attempt to unlock the phones and explore the underlying operating system. We encourage people to use their Windows Phone as supplied by the manufacturer to ensure the best possible user experience. Attempting to unlock a device could void the warranty, disable phone functionality, interrupt access to Windows Phone 7 services or render the phone permanently unusable."
Banning users who have unlocked apps is exactly what the Imperium does with the Xbox so we should not be surprised.
However the bad PR that comes from such a move is a little strange. Microsoft is an also ran in the industry and it should be bending over backwards to get users onto its platform. After all a jailbroken OS is still software that has been paid for and money in the bank for Redmond.
Plans to blacklist Windows Phone 7 unlockers
A bit of objective journalistic research would have revealed that the following blog-post by the developers in regards to a dialogue they has with MS: "Through this discussion, we established a mutual understanding of our intent to enable homebrew opportunities and to open the Windows Phone 7 platform for broader access to developers and users. To pursue these goals with Microsoft’s support, Brandon Watson has agreed to engage in further discussions with us about officially facilitating homebrew development on WP7. To fast-track discussions, we are discontinuing the unlocking tool effective immediately.
How does that saying go? "Opinions are like..."