Seattle, Washington (The Weekly Vice) -- When Apple Inc. says "There's an app for that", it's referring to the slew of new applications that have been released for it's product, the Apple iPhone. Want to silence a baby by shaking it to death? There's apparently an app for that too.
Amid a firestorm of criticism, Apple Inc. removed it's "Baby Shaker" program from the iPhone App Store Wednesday. An apology was then issued by the company on Thursday.
The game, developed by software company Sikalosoft, features a fussy baby that seems bent on annoying it's owner with ongoing cries. When the phone is sufficiently shaken, the crying stops and the baby's eyes are covered with two red X's.
The Apple iTunes website included the following description:
"See how long you can endure his or her adorable cries before you just have to find a way to quiet the baby down!"
Outrage ensued shortly after the software's release. The National Center on Shaken Baby Syndrome and the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation both condemned Apple for approving the software for sale.
Apple spokesperson Natalie Kerris confirmed the game's approval for sale, but confirmed that it had been removed on Wednesday. No comment was given as to why it was approved or how many times it had been downloaded by users before it's removal.
The Weekly Vice Opinion:
I've always remained an ardent Apple fan, even during Apple's dark ages in the 90's. A 20 year old Apple Macintosh SE was my first Apple product - and it still works.
Seeing applications like this even considered, let alone approved, is nothing short of asinine. We hope Apple reconsiders the job of the department head who thought this might be "fun" or "entertaining."
Getting Fired! Is there "An App For That?"
Danny Vice
The Weekly Vice
http://www.theweeklyvice.com
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10 comments:
I think it really stinks that Apple maintains a stanglehold over what others are allowed to program the iPhone product to do. Sure, you may find this one offensive, and I might find some apps offensive out there for different reasons, but that's still no excuse for censorship.
If Apple decided to stop letting their computers access and display material someone or other found "objectionable," The Weekly Vice would certainly lose its Mac-using viewers. Surely that would be asinine, as readers are fully able to choose for themselves what to access. Why shouold the iPhone be any different?
when a publicly held company practices self censorship, its no vice
Apple did the right thing...
Rob, considering the number of 'flatulence' apps out there, it stands to reason that Apple's standards have been quite liberal on the matter. But shaking a baby to make it stop? You do realize why people are upset don't you?
We don't run many baby shaker stories, but I find them every single day.
I must repeat though. This product was being sold on Apple websites - and it was Apple's decision to remove it. No one forced Apple to take it off.
This is absolutely appalling. I think now I'm going to think twice about purchasing any Apple products.
I'll be honest, I was expecting something way more tasteless....
Hmmmm....more tasteless you say.I think you need to see a fucking therapist people are just killing coz they can't stand a noise is asinine!! Please don't have children there is far too much child abuse as it is. Maybe your mother should have shaken you. Seriously, did you like the Houston woman killing all 5 of her children.....or should I really have to ask. It sickens me to the core and so do you!
Did you even see the app? I have seen some horrible things, this is just lame. I don't advocate baby shaking, but this isnt as horrible as people make it out to be. Or is it just the idea of baby shaking that have you angry?
I'm sure the number of real baby shaking incidents have at least doubled since this app came out.
I'm sure, this is the trigger that will make baby shakin' all the rage....
that's hilarious... but i agree tasteless
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