Egypt Revisited

As a lot of you know, last night I had a strong reaction to Apple and its decision to reject Serotek's Accessible Event app. The exact number of apps that do not make it to Apple's App Store is not documented but is estimated to range in the thousands. When our app fell into that category for a third consecutive time, I admit my reaction was a little hasty.

I understand Apple only wants the best apps to maintain a superior user experience. I applaud Apple for allowing that user experience to be so inclusive of the world's blind population. To that end, I submit my sincere apologies to Apple and to the blind and visually impaired community for having taken my frustrations as a developer to Twitter. If I may, I would like to provide an explanation for my reaction.

My sentiments are not unique among Apple's developer community. Hundreds of blog posts and Twitter feeds point to Apple's obscure approval system. There is no appeal process for rejected apps that meet the company's hardware and software specifications. Though sideloading has provided alternative access to OSX, Apple's sandboxing policy set to start on March 1 raises speculation about whether the company will simply eliminate what it deems inappropriate. Even apps that make the cut face an impending reality of not being able to interact with other apps. Some believe this is necessary to uphold a secure environment. Many others wonder if security is being used to minimize productivity.

Speaking from the position of a developer, I am worried about the direction Apple is taking. I am not alone in my feeling that what we are facing is really Apple's sandbox, and developers just happened to be allowed to play in it with an eye to the big bully who might one day decide he no longer wants some of the kids there. Yes, there are rotten apples that try to take advantage of the system and make things bad for everyone, but we should not dilute the very freedom that made Apple products cool to start.

On a more personal level, I have had time to reflect on the situation since my public blitz. There is no justification for my reaction, and yet I've been wondering about the origins of my feelings. Could it be that I am lashing out against the same oppressive environment imposed by the adaptive technology industry I have been opposing for the past ten years? The traditional players in the industry, after all, have grown comfortable telling blind people what they can or cannot access, and Apple has taken steps that open those old scars, not because they rejected a single app but because their system is being restructured in a way that is more limiting than it is liberating. But now it’s not just the blind community it’s the World. I have worked hard to encourage people to be more than just a company's list of features. I do not want us to wander down a path that excites us about everything that we might be able to do, only to hit a brick wall and discover that freedom is what a company decides it should be.

As you know, Serotek is no stranger to the Apple App Store. In January iBlink Radio was inducted into the AppleVis iOS App Hall of Fame. The app provides access to radio stations, podcasts, and reading services and has gained distinguished prominence among a global audience.

On behalf of Serotek, I apologize for the delay of another in a series of apps that will help blind people be productive in school and in the workplace. It is our desire to continue working in an open environment that empowers people to pursue personal and professional ambitions. We will be publishing instructions on how to sideload the Accessible Event app to work on your Mac.

Until then, stay vigilant. Innovation is about moving out of what previously restrained us.

New Pricing Explained

We have received several calls and emails that indicate some confusion about one of our new pricing packages. Let me take a second to explain it.

If you choose to pay $24.95 per month for 48 months, you are actually buying System Access Mobile and network access on forty-eight month terms. You are paying for:
1. System Access Mobile – a $499 retail value.
2. Neo Speech -- a $49.95 retail value
3. And four years of System Access Mobile Network complete with all software updates at a cost of $129 per year, retail value.

Note: We do not offer this package without network access. Because users would not have access to features like SAToGo and remote computer access. Not to mention our tons of content.

After your fourth year of service, you have completed the purchase of System Access Mobile and Neo Speech. That means starting in year five, you have the option to continue with product updates with no SA Mobile Network services for $60 per year for life or to purchase System Access Mobile Network Services complete with product updates for $129 per year for life.

What do we mean by “for life?” These prices continue for you as long as you maintain an ongoing business relationship with Serotek. If your account misses more than one 30 day billing period, your per year pricing reverts to whatever current users of Serotek products are paying for SA Mobile Network or product updates. If you should decide, after four years, that you don't want System Access Mobile Network or updates, but later decide you do want them, we will only charge you what a current user pays for SA Mobile Network and/or updates. You will not be required to pay in any way for updates you have missed or chosen to skip.

I hope this clears up any misunderstandings you might have about our new pricing option. As always please feel free to call our customer service department at (866) 202-0520 if you have any other questions about this exciting new way to own System Access Mobile with Neo Speech.