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CBS forces developer to pull DiagnosticPADD app
CBS is using trademark and copyright violations to force the removal of a Star Trek-themed diagnostic application from the App Store. DiagnosticPADD uses an interface similar to the fictional computer operating system showcased in select Star Trek series to display details such as IP address, available storage, battery status and more. CBS is exerting its ownership of the trademarked PADD name and the copyrighted LCARS computer interface used in the application. In the Star Trek: The Next Generation series, LCARS is a graphical user interface used on the instrument panels of the various ships and the portable PADD (personal access display device) device used by characters in the show. CBS claims the use of these elements in the DiagnosticPADD app confuse consumers and lead them to believe this app was officially sanctioned by CBS. Unfortunately, Park Bench Software, the company behind the DiagnosticPADD app, is a small firm and lacks the resources to fight a media giant such as CBS. The small company confirms it will comply with CBS' request to pull the app from the App Store. As of the writing of this post, the 99-cent app was still available so grab it while you still can.
Palm issues takedown for TealOS
If you're a fan of TealOS (you know, that fairly striking webOS-aping launcher for Palm devices), you're in for some bad news. According to a post on the company's TealTalk support forum, a rep tells users that Palm has issued a takedown of the lookalike. In their words:I'm sorry to say that at Palm's request, as of this upcoming Monday, March 30, we will no longer be selling or distributing TealOS.While we can certainly understand the motivations on Palm's part behind wanting to scuttle this copycat, we do find it a little odd. When we met with a Palm rep to retrieve the Pre earlier in the month, he actually had the software installed on his phone and seemed pretty excited about its existence. Our money here is actually on Palm's legal department being a bit hair-trigger, though we hardly think TealOS is posing a threat to the company's bottom line. Bottom line? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.[Via PalmInfocenter; Thanks, Herman M.]
