[RobIsIT]

This is the biggest issue with App Stores, Marketplaces, etc.

This practice is extremely short sighted of Apple, Google and RIM.

This type of thing will only push more developers out of the boxes they are placed in so that they can have full control over the hardware consumers use.

It's funny how we fight this fight over-and-over again even when companies like Google have an air of openness.

[bermanoid]

This practice is extremely short sighted of Apple, Google and RIM.

What practice? Responding to a properly filed DMCA complaint by taking down the content?

You do realize that doing anything other than what they've done would be against the law, right? The law might suck, but it's not up to Google to decide not to abide by it just because they don't like it, they've got far too much on the line to mess around like that...

[RobIsIT]

"The practice" I'm referring to could have stated with a bit more clarity. Thanks for pointing this out.

I'm talking about the practice of creating a centralized app store.

Providing developers with a way to monetize and market their apps is important. However, creating an environment where one company has complete control over the hardware, operating system and development ecosystem results in issues like these.

The developer in the OP hasn't done anything other than pay homage to the style of Star Trek. However, when issued a DMCA takedown request, the app is blindly removed from circulation with no notice, no appeal process and no options. It's easier for one company with complete control to enforce arbitrary standards that result in the least amount of friction for them.

[sirclueless]

I think the point is he wants there to be lots of viable unofficial channels of distribution so that there is no central market to send a DMCA to in the first place.

[technomancy]

It also helps underscore exactly why allowing out-of-band installation is crucial.