[hoothoot]

I use the Delicious Library mobile app to keep a catalogue of my collection of long out-of-print collectable books...the vast majority of which have to be entered manually into the desktop app since Amazon does not maintain them in their database. Having the mobile app has been great when going around used book stores...if I were to remove the few Amazon-derived entries from my catalogue, I assume my Delicious Library mobile app would not be violating Amazon's rules? In general isn't there the scope for Delicious Library to simply flash up a warning before you sync from the desktop app to tell you not to go ahead if you have downloaded titles using Amazon's API...much like I think iTunes used to warn you somewhere not to rip CDs you don't own?

[RosscoR]

This must seriously bum out Delicious Monster. Now they can't collect their Amazon affiliate commission from all the iPhone users, like they do with their desktop app.

[uchuugaka]

So WTF happens if/when MacBooks get mobile phone network access? What is the defining difference??
The network connection?!
If Shipley's company was bigger and had deeper pockets, they could probably get this leveled in court. Somebody should.
This is like saying you can't use an API for dial-up or dsl or any number of network connections.
The device is an iPhone which is a computer. All modern phones are literally tiny computers with operating systems, file systems and multiple means of connectivity.
WiFi, bluetooth, USB, IR, micro SD cards, what difference does it make, really?

[phxmacbear]

Actually, Amazon has had their own version of a personal "library" for years...and it even scans barcodes just like Delicious.
It's called "Your Media Library" under your account options in Amazon.
Not saying that makes it okay to block Delicious on the iPhone when it's okay on the desktop, but just wanted to throw out there that they do, indeed, have a similar product!

[George76]

uchuugaka said:

So WTF happens if/when MacBooks get mobile phone network access? What is the defining difference??
The network connection?!

It has nothing to do with the connection type. It's about the device type. The MacBook is neither a mobile phone nor a handheld device. The iPhone is a mobile phone and the iPod Touch is a handheld device, thus apps are not allowed to use Amazon's data without their permission which they aren't giving out at the moment.

Quote

If Shipley's company was bigger and had deeper pockets, they could probably get this leveled in court. Somebody should.

Why? How is this any different than when Apple rejected apps because they "duplicated functionality?" That essentially killed competition against Apple's own offerings. It's Amazon's API, thus people using it must play by Amazon's rules. This is no different than people wanting to make iPhone/Touch apps, you play by Apple's rules or you don't play at all.

[Wondercow]

rab777hp said:

Now this is a classic example of a legal and proper removal, if they want to use the APIs for amazon, then they have to follow amazon's rules, it makes perfect sense, they don't have to give out the APIs, but if they do, it makes sense to not have any competition, its their site/service.

And yet when it comes to Apple's rules for their IP....

[leicaman]

I suppose the solution would be to find a database somewhere else that has the information we want and tap into that.

I'm sure glad I have had the app. Unfortunately, it will eventually get old and unusable as the iPhone OS evolves.

This may be legal, and Amazon might have a right to do it, but it's freaking evil and causes me to think twice about buying things at Amazon now. But unfortunately, they have too much of what I want and little competition. But when I get get it elsewhere, you can bet I'm going to now.

Like the article said, this is STUPID! Flat out shooting themselves in the foot. I'm going to find an email address and write them and tell them. Plus, next time I run into my friend's son who helps run the Amazon MP3 store, I'm going to give him an earful.

[Mac007]

Well I already downloaded the app before this happened so as long as it still works I'm happy. When it quits working then I may look at Amazon's app.

[eddy_k]

Bye, bye Amazon. Will buy books elsewhere.

[LowededWookie]

Amazon's crap anyway.
How do they know that the apps shown in Delicious Library are from their site?
I can tell you this for free that NONE of my collection comes from Amazon because those idiots don't support any region other than America, UK, France, Canada, Japan, and Germany. Every other region is out of luck. As such the only things on my library are manually entered entries therefore why should we be punished because Amazon are being a bunch of jerks?

[rab777hp]

Your loss

[altjeringa]

I'm amazed nobody has gotten this. Can you say Kindle? Amazon doesn't manufacture computers, it does however manufacture a mobile device.

[KBCraig]

doglesby said:

Delicious Library has never done anything but direct more business to Amazon.

And by restricting mobile device use, they're cutting off their noses.

Amazon's profits will always be in physical products, not licensing or selling their APIs. By restricting their data from Delicious Library, they're killing sales from all those iPhone users who might scan barcodes in the local Best Buy, Sam Goody, Wal-Mart, or public library, and order that title on the spot for a lower price.

Stupid move, Amazon. You can't control where consumers do their shopping, but you can certainly drive them away from your stores. Looks like you're on the track to do exactly that.

[jamesf303]

This seems a bit silly.
There are already stacks of other apps (i.e. Itemshelf) that run queries against Amazon via the API.

In fact item shelf is pretty much a clone of delicious monster anyway...