PC Magazine recently featured what it considers to be Apple’s most controversial apps. Under the thumb of Steve Jobs, Apple has maintained a high standard by taking a prudent approach to content. However, despite Apple’s meticulous review and approval process, there are still a few bad apples among its offering of useful and good, clean fun apps.
The magazine covers a spectrum of apps that are controversial for varying reasons.
First on their list is Baby Shaker, the iPhone app that simulates infanticide. Apple has faced an intense uproar from users and the media who accuse the app of encouraging shaken baby syndrome. As a result, Apple has since apologized and removed the app.
Next is Exodus International, an app that many have said boasts it can “cure gayness.” In response to public outrage, Exodus International has stated it does not claim to cure anyone through the app, but instead provides mobile access to information on its Web site. Under pressure, Apple pulled the “anti-gay” app reasoning it violated developer guidelines by offending a large group of people.
Both controversial and dangerous, a variety of DUI checkpoint apps like Checkpointer, Buzzed, and .Tipsy. also made the list. Senators have asked smartphone companies to remove the applications citing them hazardous, but currently RIM is the only company to remove them.
While not perilous, apps like Booty Shaker and iBoobs have been considered both offensive and sexist. The apps give users the ability to wiggle a woman’s body parts via touchscreen. For the more advanced “wigglers”, iBoobs takes it one step further by allowing users to adjust size breast size and jiggle speed.
The Android/Google operating systems have taken a more liberal approach to the content they permit becoming an equal opportunity offender. For all you men who have been wondering how to enhance your “alone” time, the Android app Wank-o-Meter is here to help. Wank-o-Meter is a mobile app that enables men to track and enhance their solo sexual performance. With Wank-o-meter on its market, one should also not be surprised that iBoobs is also available with Android. On top of controversial apps, the systems have also recently faced criticism due to malicious malware finding its way into user’s systems.
