Big noise was made this weekend. All iOS users got the possibility to download almost all apps from App Store for free using
Russian in-app proxy server developed by Zond80. And here I'll give you the possibility to read interview with ZonD80 regarding his server.
Apple company
responded that they would close this service in the near future, but I don't think that it would be soon. It is not easy to do. Also it is good advertisement for Cupertino company's App Store. Also you can
visit this page and find out how App Store hack functions studying the scheme.
Famous Russian blog Appleinsider.ru has published
an article on their site about the situation that took place these days concerning App Store and in-app proxy server. It is clear that Russian blog doesn't support this project and have already written the claim to Apple. Also they interviewed ZonD80 and asked him question about the service. So read this interview yourself and make conclusions.
Interview Between ZonD80 and Appleinsider.ru
AI: Good day!
ZonD80: Hi
AI: I have a couple questions about your service.
ZonD80: Ask
AI: Can you briefly explain the principle of in-appstore.com?
ZonD80: The essence in the substitution of the part of App Store. Before confirming the purchase user interacts with the App Store, and then comes in what I made. Also, it is not just a proxy, it's quite an impressive system with a cache of signed responses of App Store statistics and "shopping."
AI: How long have you occupied the implementation of the service and where did this idea?
ZonD80: The idea born from 4 to 12 July. First, it was because of CSR Racing app. It is impossible to play but money is asked from everywhere. Is it an arrogance? That's it.
AI: I honestly do not notice this in this application, but oh well, not about that now. Is it safe for the average user to use the service? The plan is not funneling any contacts, passwords and other personal information into the hands of those who belong to such information should not be?
ZonD80: The password passes through the server uncoded, but it is not stored and shipped directly to the App Store. This confidential data and their storage and sale - criminal offenses. But over in-app purchases, I do not think so, because you have bought the same application in the App Store (with all its content)? The content you have, it is purchased. Why not open it for free? For cheating in Counter-Strike is still no one was arrested. From belonging directly to you identification maintained as follows:
- restriction level of app
- id of app
- id of version
- guid of your idevice
- quantity of in-app purchase
- offer name of in-app purchase
- language you are using
- identifier of application
- version of application
- your locale
And yes, by the way, complaint to the server already exists, so we are moving to the Netherlands is likely to.
AI: But cheating in Counter-Strike does not imply theft. Bypass In-App Purchase - is just the theft. In the App Store applications that contains the In-App Purchase, often extend much cheaper (sometimes free) than applications without in-game purchases. Are you worried about the ethical side of the issue? Bypass purchases actually is harmful to developers who make this
ZonD80: Nothing prevents the same developers write an application on the site, and we simply disable the purchase through the in-appstore.com. Most likely.
AI: And do you use hacked apps, or you buy them in the App Store, if not secret?
ZonD80: All of my legally purchased applications are from the App Store. I'm using not jailbroken IOS. Blatant arrogance of the developers make me to take this step. Have you tried to play in CSR Racing? And yes, I want to say that in-App Store was made only for legally apps purchases.
AI: That means that the Service refuses to work with downloaded games from torrents?
ZonD80: Well, it won't be, I did not even think about that. Apple should check whether and where the application is purchased, but it does not do it. Well, it will be working.
AI: You do not care about the criminal side of the issue? Your service, by its nature, helps users to make theft, even digital.
ZonD80: And for what specifically you want to charge me?
AI: Charges - this is not a well-chosen word. Interestingly your attitude to the legality of such services. I do not think we need to explain that the opportunities offered by the service are absolutely illegal. It turns out that iOS-users receive an easy opportunity to steal thanks to you, if you speaking frankly.
ZonD80: Steal what is already in their hands, and that they have already bought? Let's take the situation. You've come to the store and bought milk. In a closed bottle. Came home, and you hear: "But even pay a dollar to open it." What will you do?
AI: You will agree that this is not the right example. In this case, you need to say something like: "If you like the milk, then pay another N rubles for a new package." The most common freemium-games are free, the developer provides an opportunity to try the product, and if the user likes it, the last vote for a ruble. Thus it appears that everyone is happy - the user tried it for free, and the developer got the money for your time and money. Your service, it turns out, completely removes the last item.
Zond80: Give as paid game or the free and paid versions. What more can I say?
AI: Well, ZonD80, thank you for your time and interesting conversation. However, I want to warn you that your actions violate Article 273 of the Criminal Code of Russian Federation (creation, distribution or use of software or other computer information, deliberately designed to neutralize the protection of computer information can be imprisonment for up to 4 years), so on behalf of the editorial AppleInsider. ru recommend that you discontinue the service. Thank you!
ZonD80: Well, I will give my experience in other hands
That was the end of the interview with ZonD80 so after reading that you can make your own conclusions. As for me I think that it is not a big losses for developers but the main issue in this server is that all your personal data can be stolen (not by the ZonD80 but by some other hackers). Stay tuned with us because we plan to get in touch with ZonD80 as well and get some freshest info concerning his in-app proxy server.
Oh, and leave please your thought in the comment form below. What do you think about all this. Should ZonD80 close his service? But if you don't care about this then
use this link to connect to this Russian in-app proxy server.