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Apple reverses decision on widget policy, PCalc in the clear
Yesterday, PCalc developer James Thomson revealed on Twitter that his top-rated app had been hit with a request from Apple asking for its widget functionality to be removed. The reason offered -- that a widget can't be allowed to perform any calculations -- seemed a bit strange, but the odd decision was no less heartbreaking for its developer. Today, it seems that PCalc may be allowed to function as its creator intended. After speaking with an Apple representative, TechCrunch is reporting that calculator widgets will be allowed to remain in the App Store without any changes. It seems that turning a widget into a quick-access calculator wasn't one of the possible uses Apple had dreamt up when it introduced widget functionality, and it seems to have caused a bit of confusion within the App Store review team. Nevertheless, PCalc appears to have been granted a new lease on life, which is great news.
Apple asks PCalc devs to remove app widget due to obscure rule
PCalc is one of the most popular utilities on the App Store, and since it made the move to iOS 8 and added Notification Center widget functionality, it got even better. Apple seemed to agree at first, and even promoted the app on its Featured page. Now, PCalc developer James Thomson has revealed on Twitter that Apple is forcing the removal of the app's widget due to a rule that is either brand new or hasn't been enforced thus far. Apple has told me that Notification Center widgets on iOS cannot perform any calculations, and the current PCalc widget must be removed. - James Thomson (@jamesthomson) October 29, 2014 "Apple has told me that Notification Center widgets on iOS cannot perform any calculations, and the current PCalc widget must be removed," Thomson wrote, adding that making the PCalc widgets perfect for iOS 8 was one of the most challenging parts of the most recent update. Apple later clarified to Thomson that a widget could only be allowed to accept a formula, but not actually perform a calculation. It's one thing for an app to run afoul of an obscure Apple guideline, but it's much less common for that to happen to an app that was not only approved but also promoted by Apple. We'll have to wait and see how this one pans out.
Venerable PCalc app gets an upgrade to version 3.0 for iOS 7
PCalc may not be the longest-lived app in the Apple world (I believe ProVUE Development's Panorama database for Mac may be the winner at 25 years old), but the scientific calculator app from developer James Thomson is pretty darned close. The Mac version of PCalc will be old enough to drink legally in most states -- 21 years to be exact -- in December of 2013, and it has a younger sibling in the iOS world that just received a new coat of paint and a major tuneup for iOS 7. PCalc 3.0 (US$9.99, universal) can now be switched into a new default iOS 7 theme called "Samurai" that brings the thin, flat minimalism of the new OS to light. Other themes that you've grown used to in the past are still available, however. But the looks aren't all that have changed for PCalc. On the iPhone, there's now a "smarter display" that uses a larger font size for entries and results if there are fewer lines of data to display. That should make it much easier to read numbers on the small screen as you're using a Lorentz Transformation to calculate tips at your favorite restaurant. The list of improvements goes on and on, so I've added them to the "Press Release" button below. If you need more than just a four-function calculator for your favorite iOS device, definitely check out PCalc 3.0. And if you've been using PCalc for iOS, be sure to load the update as soon as you can. Show full PR text What's New in Version 3.0 Added full support for iOS 7, including a new minimalist look for PCalc. Added a new default iOS 7 theme, "Samurai". The other themes are still available in the settings. Smarter display on iPhone, uses bigger font size when there's fewer lines of data to display. The tape now shows all operations including functions, conversions, and constants. Added a two new layouts on iPhone that let you have the tape permanently on-screen. Added support for speaking actions and results on iOS 7. Added new digit display options. Added "Gas Mark" to the "Cooking" section of the unit conversions. Added an option for constant functions in algebraic mode - press equals to repeat the last calculation, or enter a new value and then press equals. Added an option to greatly increase the size of the text on all buttons. Added an option to use dynamic type on iOS 7. Added an option to hide the status bar. Added an option to switch off all animations. Added an option to switch off changing the number of display lines by swiping. Added a button to change all settings back to their default values. You can now double-tap the 2nd button to lock it in the on position. You can now set the current layout via the PCalc URL scheme - useful with apps like Launch Center Pro for launching PCalc in different setups. Usage is pcalc://layout/name. PCalc now inserts an implied equals if you start entering a new number mid-calculation. On the phone, tapping the display at the bottom while in settings, conversions etc. will quickly return you to the main calculator. Fixed a problem with user constants not syncing correctly via iCloud. Fixed a crash when editing functions and conversions. Improved startup speed.
