Not long after the iPhone and iOS was launched back in 2007, a bunch of hackers created jailbreak tools for the Apple device, Apple’s CEO, Steve Jobs’s response to the hackers was pretty clear, and he wasn’t too happy about the jailbreakers unlocking the iPhone.
When any new platform launches, there will always be attempts to hack it, this happened recently to Microsoft’s new Windows Phone 7 platform with the release of the ChevronWP7 tool.
Microsoft seems to bee taking a different approach than Steve Jobs did with the iPhone, as they have been in discussions with the developers of the ChevronWP7 tool, and about bringing homebrew applications to Windows Phone 7.
Microsoft’s Brandon Watson, Director of Developer Experience for Windows Phone 7 contacted the Chevron WP7 developers, and it looks like the developers have decided to pull the tool for now.
The developers did not pull the tool due to threats of legal action, instead the reason it was pulled is because Microsoft quickly realised that homebrew apps will get onto Windows Phone 7 one way or another, so they decided to get the hackers on their side instead of working against them.
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.
This is a pretty smart move by Microsoft, instead of playing cat and mouse with the hackers, like apple does with the iPhone jailbreakers, why not work together to deliver a better user experience to Windows Phone 7 users.
via ChevronWP7
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.