News
Apple demands secrecy from early iPad testers
By Charles Starrett
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Friday, March 19, 2010
News Category: Apple, iPad
Apple is offering select developers an early hands-on testing period with the iPad, but only under highly-specific secrecy terms, according to a BusinessWeek report. Citing people familiar with the 10-page agreement that must be signed by each developer wanting early access to an iPad unit, Apple is forcing developers to take extreme measures to ensure the secrecy of their pre-launch testing. According to the report, the iPad must be kept isolated in a room with blacked-out windows, and must also remain tethered to a fixed object to eliminate the possibility of it being taken out of the isolated environment. Furthermore, all developers wanting a pre-release iPad for testing must also provide photographic evidence of compliance with the above terms before Apple will send a unit out, and the developers are barred from revealing that they have been given a pre-release unit for testing. Apple will launch the iPad on April 3.
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1
Dang. And I thought the penalties for using a screen-protector were bad!
Could water-baording be far off???
Posted by sb on March 19, 2010 at 11:40 AM (PDT)
2
When will Apple learn nothing can be kept a secret for too long. It’ll probably link out soon anyway, who really cares. The iPad is an overpriced iPod Touch anyways. I won’t be buying it at least until the price comes down.
Posted by DJ on March 19, 2010 at 12:09 PM (PDT)
3
DJ, you don’t get it. Why is apple so successful? Because people want what they can’t get. The picture leaks and rumors are part of marketing. It just makes people more interested. The more secrets there are, the more people will want to find them, and once they do (via controlled leaks), the more they are excited. This is why people have pre-ordered hundreds of thousands of devices they have NOT SEEN IN REAL LIFE
Apple is genius
Posted by N.R. on March 20, 2010 at 1:39 AM (PDT)
4
A recent change to the terms of the preview require that the developer secure the iPad to an explosive device capable of destroying the iPad and any notes that might be in the surrounding area.
Apple takes no responsibility for incidental damages as a result. :D
Posted by Santiago on March 20, 2010 at 11:27 AM (PDT)
5
Apple,
Stop being stupid. Its just a gadget.
Posted by Dale on March 22, 2010 at 8:09 AM (PDT)
6
I don’t really understand the point of Apple having these rules. Haven’t we all seen the videos and pictures of hands-ons with the iPad? What are they trying to keep secret?
Posted by Chris on March 22, 2010 at 12:15 PM (PDT)