Bootleneck | Christian Spanring

I had the brilliant idea to use my iPod touch as eBook reader, since there are all those wonderful applications floating around after the firmware 2.0 update. So I decided to pick an eBook reader at the iTunes App Store, paid for it, downloaded it, and it crashed every time I tried to open an eBook. Sweet.

I emailed the developer about the bug. Within a few hours I received an answer telling me the bug is already fixed in version 1.1, but it’s stuck at Apple’s approval process and he has no information when Apple is going to release his application.

Today, a week later, still no luck reading eBooks. Instead I found a note at the developer’s website.

Just a quick update as many have asked. Version 1.1 of BookShelf was submitted to Apple on the morning of July 15th. It’s been listed as “In review” status since then. My emails to Apple have received either a tracking number or no response at all. I have no idea when 1.1 will be released by Apple.

Sorry that I don’t have more useful information on this. The AppStore experience has been incredibly frustrating so far.

This is indeed frustrating, for me as customer, who bought an unusable product, too. After MobileMess, Apple seems to create a bottleneck at the App Store. I’d recommend developers to release less and release major updates. Expect some time waiting at Apple’s App Store gates, the gate keeper is busy.

http://proud2parent.com Tom Sawyer

How much did you pay for it. For the first time since I’ve been using them (not long) Apple is really falling down on the job. The last two months haven’t been too good for Apple and the problems you are having don’t surprise me. I’m sure it would be a pain to attempt to get your money back until they come out with a new version. Since Apple is the middleman, it seems like all you can do is wait. I know that doesn’t help because it sure wouldn’t help me, but that is all you can do.
http://spanring.eu/ Christian

BookShelf is listed for €7.99 (~$12.50). I think it’s more pain to try to get my money back than just wait until Apple approves the update.

However, what I’ve learned is that I won’t purchase anything at the App Store anymore without being able to test a demo version in advance. And that the jailbreak plus alternative installer and repository does make sense.

I seriously considered downgrading to 1.1.4 (or 1.1.5). Firmware 2.0 crashes on a daily bases, single apps like Safari several times a day. It’s by far the worst piece of software I’ve ever used (worse than Windows Mobile I heard people say who switched from Windows Mobile devices to the iPhone 3G). The only good thing about it is the usability concept, which hasn’t changed since version 1.
http://spanring.eu/ Christian

BookShelf 1.1.903 was released today: 23 days approval time for a minor update, not bad Apple!

Anyways, I’m just glad that I can finally access my eBooks on the iPod touch – BookShelf is a great reader, recommended if you’re looking for one!
http://ipodmarket.com.au anteck

That would be frustrating. Can you get your money back? I guess the developer would be pretty pissed at apple too… this is the constantly upgraded worl in which we live… perhaps you could pay someone to read it out loud?!?