Nudged

9 September 2010 By Robert Cyran Follow @rob_cyran

Regulators have grown increasingly worried by Apple’s monopolistic potential in the mobile market. The company’s decision to publish rules governing its online store, greenlight Google to advertise within apps and allow developers to use Adobe may forestall government action.

This content is for Subscribers only

Context News

Apple has relaxed restrictions on the creation of applications for its mobile devices. It now allows developers to use Flash tools created by Adobe as long as the resulting program doesn't download any code. Flash software is commonly used in Internet video and advertising.

Apple will also publish the rules that govern its App Store for the first time. Developers had complained the company allowed or prohibited the sale of programs in an unclear and arbitrary manner.

Furthermore, Apple will now formally allow "nonindependent" ad networks to place ads within apps. This means Google's AdMob subsidiary can now place advertisements within apps that run on Apple's devices.

The moves come as the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice were examining whether Apple's decision to require developers of applications for iPhone and iPads to use Apple tools is anticompetitive.

Email a friend

Please complete the form below.

Required fields *