Apple pulled the plug on a controversial application sold in its new iTunes App Store. Last Thursday, Apple removed the $999.99 “I Am Rich” application created by developer Armin Heinrich. Apparently eight idiots with nothing better to do with their money had purchased the “glorified screensaver” before it was removed from sale.
The “I am Rich” application displays a glowing red gem on the iPhone screen for the sole purpose of proving that the iPhone’s owner is either rich or stupid or probably both. That’s literally all it does. Here is the product’s official description: “The red icon on your iPhone or iPod Touch always reminds you (and others when you show it to them) that you were able to afford this. It’s a work of art with no hidden function at all.”
German software developer Heinrich told the L.A. Times, “I have no idea why they did it and am not aware of any violation of the rules to sell software on the App Store.” He has yet to hear from Apple why it removed his application.
One possible reason is that one of the customers had complained very publicly on the Web: “I saw this app with a few friends and we jokingly clicked ‘buy’ thinking it was a joke, to see what would happen. . . . THIS IS NO JOKE. . . . DO NOT BUY THIS APP AND APPLE PLEASE REMOVE THIS FROM THE APP STORE.” Six people from the United States, one from France, and one from Germany purchased the application.
For anyone looking to buy the “I Am Rich” application, I can save you some money. Just send me a check for $500, and I will send you an “I Am Rich and Stupid” certificate in the mail.
Article published on August 11, 2008
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