[Eug]

VLC developer claims App Store infringing VLC license | iLounge News

It would seem that anything licenced under the GPL doesn't qualify for the App Store.

Isn't there some way Apple can not have DRM on these apps? Or is it just way too much of a headache to deal with freely distributable apps in something as locked down as the App Store?

[moonmonkey]

This is an issue with the GPL license not the iTunes rules.
According to linkedin Rémi Denis-Courmont (who officially reported this to Apple) currently works for Nokia...

[Eug]

Sounds to me (in my very uneducated skim of it), it's a problem with both, with iTunes being (intentionally) too strict.

[moonmonkey]

I don't really see the effects of the DRM on free apps, anyone can download vlc for free directly onto their machine at any place at any time, what changes or advantages would removing the DRM have?

[The Final Dakar]

My guess is a lack of DRM means you could move the app around however you like (i.e., disregarding iTunes). Not surprised Apple would be against that.

[mduell]

Since VLC is GPLv2 not GPLv3 (which adds the anti-TiVo clause) the only issue I can think of is that the developer who submitted the app didn't include (or was prohibited from including) an offer in the app store listing to obtain the source code.

[Spheric Harlot]

Originally Posted by moonmonkey 

I don't really see the effects of the DRM on free apps, anyone can download vlc for free directly onto their machine at any place at any time, what changes or advantages would removing the DRM have?

This is about iOS.

[moonmonkey]

Yes, this is clear from the article...