Two stories, the first from the February 16, 2009 NY Times Technology section: "Could You Go to Jail for Jailbreaking Your iPhone?" Jailbreaking (I guess it's supposed to be more intimidating than hacking) simply put is centered around adding third party applications to a device. Apple's issue is that their copyright on the cell phone's software is violated when mere mortals, iPhone owners, find ways to go around the technical barriers meant to keep them from changing the phone's software. So, if you have paid your hard earned money ($100-$500+) for this must have gadget does Apple have the right to tell you how you must use your new toy through a user agreement? The story points out that user agreements would be governed by contract law, which would force Apple to sue users and prove actual damages, and the user could incur fines and jail time, resolution of this could eventually make its way before congress, and we know how well they solve problems.
Second story, The Register, February 16, 2009 19:42 GMT: "Apple sued over iPhone smooth scrolling" Picsel Technologies, a Glasgow, Scotland based firm specializing in mobile software solutions, is suing Apple claiming Apple is illegally using the display technologies Picsel developed and is infringing on its US patent. Hey, looks like karma to me.
My point in selecting these two stories is not to diminish the importance of copyright laws or protecting what one has created, after all I would not want anyone using my photos without my permission or better yet payment. However, Steve Jobs, Bill Gates or any developer worth their salt has hacked or if you prefer jailbreaked because they saw something better, were possibly told it couldn't be done, or revolted against restrictions and limitation and like so many before them took the risks necessary to make things happen.
Can't never did do nothing does not solve our problems, take risks, provide new jobs, create new/improved products or hopefully make life better for everyone.
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