4 ms·

>no other computer in history I’ve heard of had operated in such a closed garden I'm pretty sure all the big videogame consoles do.

HumblyTossed 5y ago
iPhones are closer to a multipurpose computer than a video game console is.
- threatofrain 5y ago
  But why should it remain that way? Is this distinction capricious or does it find some inherent basis? Video game consoles are starting to become social meeting spaces with web browsers and audio chat. If anything, it is more obvious to the user just what they're missing out on by selecting one console over another; for example, Breath of the Wild is basically there to sell the Nintendo Switch. If you don't buy the Switch, you will never get Breath of the Wild. What's a metaphorical Breath of the Wild that's available on Android but not on iOS? Isn't it often the reverse, where iOS gets a hot app, and Android users wonder when or if they will ever get the same? Also, how do we get a situation where users can choose Apple as the intermediary where they wish, versus a scenario where we say "Isn't this your fault that you voluntarily accepted all of Walmart's demands?"
- askafriend 5y ago
  I want my phone to be closer to a video game console than a multi-purpose computer. I’m glad iPhone gives me that option.
  - ralfn 5y ago
    Apple is selling being a government. Controlling a market, and by extension society. We do not get to vote on the representatives that decide the app store rules. We do not get the right to hold them accountable in the execution of such rules. They play judge, jury and executioner, while hiding their internal discussions, goals and actions in secrecy. A democratic and free state would be wise not allow a competing for profit government. It shouldn't share the right to regulate a market with other entities anymore than they should share the monopoly of violence. I understand you are likely living in a country with a subpar government, but your mentality is short sighted and inconsistent. If you like regulated markets so much why don't like you want the democratically elected government to regulate a market? And if you like free markets so much why are you using an iPhone? And why don't you want the government to protect that free market from anti competitive undermining? Companies shouldn't be allowed to regulate a market as they see fit, anymore than that a property owner can administer Sharia law. Nobody is an island. All our actions affect others. The fact that your personal wellbeing or displeasure is the first thing that comes to your mind speaks to the quality of your character.
- bydo 5y ago
  The two big consoles are literally x86 PCs. One even runs Windows; the other one runs a locked down version of FreeBSD. Why should they be allowed to do that but not smartphones? Their business model is a deliberate choice, and if sideloading on a gaming console breaks that, why should I care?

HumblyTossed 5y ago

iPhones are closer to a multipurpose computer than a video game console is.

threatofrain 5y ago
But why should it remain that way? Is this distinction capricious or does it find some inherent basis? Video game consoles are starting to become social meeting spaces with web browsers and audio chat. If anything, it is more obvious to the user just what they're missing out on by selecting one console over another; for example, Breath of the Wild is basically there to sell the Nintendo Switch. If you don't buy the Switch, you will never get Breath of the Wild. What's a metaphorical Breath of the Wild that's available on Android but not on iOS? Isn't it often the reverse, where iOS gets a hot app, and Android users wonder when or if they will ever get the same? Also, how do we get a situation where users can choose Apple as the intermediary where they wish, versus a scenario where we say "Isn't this your fault that you voluntarily accepted all of Walmart's demands?"
askafriend 5y ago
I want my phone to be closer to a video game console than a multi-purpose computer. I’m glad iPhone gives me that option.
- ralfn 5y ago
  Apple is selling being a government. Controlling a market, and by extension society. We do not get to vote on the representatives that decide the app store rules. We do not get the right to hold them accountable in the execution of such rules. They play judge, jury and executioner, while hiding their internal discussions, goals and actions in secrecy. A democratic and free state would be wise not allow a competing for profit government. It shouldn't share the right to regulate a market with other entities anymore than they should share the monopoly of violence. I understand you are likely living in a country with a subpar government, but your mentality is short sighted and inconsistent. If you like regulated markets so much why don't like you want the democratically elected government to regulate a market? And if you like free markets so much why are you using an iPhone? And why don't you want the government to protect that free market from anti competitive undermining? Companies shouldn't be allowed to regulate a market as they see fit, anymore than that a property owner can administer Sharia law. Nobody is an island. All our actions affect others. The fact that your personal wellbeing or displeasure is the first thing that comes to your mind speaks to the quality of your character.
bydo 5y ago
The two big consoles are literally x86 PCs. One even runs Windows; the other one runs a locked down version of FreeBSD. Why should they be allowed to do that but not smartphones? Their business model is a deliberate choice, and if sideloading on a gaming console breaks that, why should I care?