The best way for a company to fight back when they’ve felt shafted is to write an open letter and declare to the world that they did nothing wrong. That’s exactly what Grooveshark—an app that allows users to post songs and share them with others, almost like what YouTube does for videos—did when Google removed the app from the Android market.
The Internet behemoth claims Grooveshark was in violation of Google’s policies, which was probably brought on by heat from the Record Industry Association of America.
Grooveshark’s response? Although they admit that they haven’t received licenses from every single label, they say they are totally legit because they comply with laws passed by Congress and operate under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.
The app, which boasts more than six million tracks in its catalogue, appears to have a track record when it comes to questionable dealings: Apple also pulled the Grooveshark app from the App Store in August after Apple received a complaint from Universal Music Group UK, and EMI accused it of copyright violations in 2009, a spat that was settled after the company allowed Grooveshark to license its content.
Grooveshark is requesting that both Apple and Google make the app available again, and we are curious to see how this all plays out.
—Mackenzie Allison
Sesame Workshop and Callaway Digital Arts, interactive publisher of childr
en’s and lifestyle apps for the iPad, announced that “The Monster at the End of This Book” for iPad is now available in Apple’s App Store. This is the first Sesame Street app designed specifically for iPad. Based on the 1971 book, the app is narrated by the Sesame Street character Grover and highlights words to help build beginning reading skills. The app also features tips for parents.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could play golf at work, on the train, or in your own home? As it turns out, you can.
Jump Games has introduced the official Putt-Putt golf to Apple’s iTunes App Store with the release of Putt-Putt Golf 3D for the iPhone and iPod touch. The licensing deal was brokered by ACA The Licensing Group.
Putt-Putt Golf 3D features 90 holes scattered across five courses, as well as five characters based on the original Putt-Putt mascot, Buster. Putt-Putt Golf 3D variations of the mascot include Howdy Partner, Tee Hee Hee, and others, each with its own personality and abilities.
The game offers several modes of play. There’s Quick Play for the novice player, Pass & Play to challenge your friends, Time Trial for that quick game on the go, and Championship for those ready to push themselves and test their skills. Players also have the chance to win virtual medals and trophies. Additional features include the ability to show off high scores and kick up a challenge by posting scores on Facebook and Twitter.
