An iPhone 'sports' app called 'SendMeToHeaven' (SMTH) has been removed from Apple's iOS App Store. The idea behind the app was that it would bring iPhone users hours of fun hurling their smartphones skywards aiming to achieve the maximum possible altitude as recorded using the device's sensors. Of course there was a social aspect to the game as users could partake in league tables and challenge friends to beat their scores. Apple has decided to remove the app as it was "encouraging behaviour that could result in damage to the user's device".
The SMTH app required users to agree to a disclaimer saying that playing the game would be completely at the owner's own risk. The game developers also offered pre-play hints for safer smartphone throwing fun "Hints: Be careful not to injure yourself or others. Be always aware that there is enough space above you and around you. Do some training to learn right skills to get best results." After practice and having built up your projectile skills there are national and city league tables and challenges in which a user, GPS turned on, can partake.
At the time of writing the SMTH app is still available for Android device owners. What this says about the difference between the two rival mobile platforms and their app stores is open to interpretation. Unfortunately it won't work on your redundant desk-drawer handsets that run Android versions older than 2.2. Also on Android the app only supports ARM v7 phones.
Apple iDevice charger trade in scheme
Following various deaths and injuries to iDevice users who have opted for cheaper, perhaps lower quality, chargers Apple has responded by announcing a trade in scheme. Under the new 'USB Power Adapter Takeback Program' any owner of an iDevice and a third party charger can pop in store and get a genuine charger for US$10 or the local equivalent.
Apple wrote that "Customer safety is a top priority at Apple. That’s why all of our products — including USB power adapters for iPhone, iPad, and iPod — undergo rigorous testing for safety and reliability and are designed to meet government safety standards around the world."
Take in your iDevice, along with your suspect charger, to get this offer. The offer, limited to one charger per iDevice, runs from 16th August to 18th October in the USA but dates may vary by region.
