Many of you have reported bugs and made requests for updates to WiFinder. I’ve dutifully logged, and already fixed most of them. However, I should let you know why it’s taking so long. But first, some background…
On Private Functions (or APIs – Application Programming Interfaces)
I worked for many years at Microsoft. We generally had a policy with our third-party developers: if it’s public and you use it, we’ll do our best to support that use forever, even if it’s on the fringes of how we intended it to be used. If it’s an undocumented function or something from one of our other binaries, we prefer you don’t use it, but we’re certainly not going to prevent you if you need it. But we reserve the right to break your application.
Many of these APIs exist, both at the OS layer (as here: http://www.inlumineconsulting.com:8080/website/nt.sekrits.html) and at the application layers. There’s nothing malicious about them – they’re just code that needed to be exposed for others to use that wasn’t at a quality level or a support level that we wished to keep For All Time. Stop with the conspiracy theories!
On WiFinder
OK, I’ll admit it. WiFinder uses APIs from a private framework (Apple80211). So does an application released shortly after WiFinder (WiFiFoFum) and one released in just the last couple of days (WiFiTrak). AFAIK, we all released and got our apps through the review process just fine.
Unfortunately, I have been asked to remove the API usage. Bit of a shock, but I let them know that I’d be happy to if they provided me with a public interface. Until that happens, though, I’m in a bit of limbo, and no updates can go through the process.
The Consolation
At least for now, they haven’t removed my application (or any of the others!). So I’m not really complaining. Well, I’m complaining that another product came out, mimiced all my features, polished them up, and released – when I’ve had a better version than that sitting on my machine for a long time! But certainly, by the terms of their license agreement, I’m in the wrong (as is anyone who uses undocumented APIs on the Microsoft platform). I just wanted to let folks know why there hasn’t – and may well never be – an update to WiFinder or any of the other WiFi applications.
November 10, 2008 at 10:35 pm |
Wifitrak reached version 1.1 on November 7th. Still hope for Wifinder?
November 11, 2008 at 11:54 am |
If only there were a way to know! Apple does as Apple does.
November 18, 2008 at 2:16 pm |
Could you post an update to apple for bugfixing immanent issues your customers have while you are working on the major overhaul removing the API usage.
Surely they might pass it through.
November 18, 2008 at 2:26 pm |
Sorry, Scott – already tried that approach. They won’t even let me do a UI-polish-only update!
Given my frustration with that issue, I feel badly continuing to charge for the product. I’m dropping the price to free so that future folks don’t feel ripped off by the lack of updates, at least until Apple allows me to resume updating it.
Sorry again about this; the whole interaction process with Apple has been more than a bit unpleasant.
June 15, 2009 at 1:33 am |
were can i donwload it because i really need it and i cant find it on the app store
July 9, 2009 at 8:33 am
Hi Mark,
Search for Wifi Checker in the app store. It’s not working yet on 3.0 though…
November 18, 2008 at 5:22 pm |
Is there any merit in us commenting within the AppStore in support of your attempts and frustrations trying to provide updates, but being blocked?
I have really appreciated the App, and even though it is currently free don’t grudge the (very small amount of) money spent in order to support your work so far!
November 27, 2008 at 2:01 pm |
any news / updates on your end lars?
November 27, 2008 at 4:14 pm |
Nah, it’s still back-and-forth with the Apple review employees. Those conversations are still unfortunately under NDA (though the SDK isn’t anymore!), but trust that I’m continuing to attempt to work things out.
In 2.2, they’ve begun removing some of the private APIs – in Preferences, for example, they removed the WiFi on/off functions, so who knows what will happen. They may just remove the exported functions from the libraries we’re all using and break *all* the apps
November 29, 2008 at 8:44 pm |
Hey.. Just a quick question. How come WifiTrak has been able to have two updates if it runs the same API stuff as your application. Don’t get me wrong I found your app really useful. It is just when I bought it I hoped there would be updates. I am just starting to wonder if WifiTrak can update, might it be worth just paying the money to have that application? Especially in light that there “might never be an update” to WiFinder.
November 29, 2008 at 9:05 pm |
It’s a very good question! I’ve talked with several of the folks up the AppStore chain at Apple, and they’ve said they’re going to try to be more consistent. Whether that means barring all such programs or allowing all of them is beyond me! My hope is that they’d just shift all those APIs to public and let us all write applications. But who knows? Apple is still new to the whole “a popular platform for third party developers” business.
They recently approved Easy WiFi for AT&T which also uses the same APIs, so I’m inclined to think they’re going to loosen their restrictions. Again, though, it’s hard to tell.
December 5, 2008 at 4:19 pm |
I just downloaded the latest wifinder. Its great but i still cant connect with a password. Do you have another version submitted to apple? Have you and apple resovled your api issues?
December 8, 2008 at 6:25 pm |
Keep up the good work! It’s an app many of us enjoy or have enjoyed!
Steve
December 16, 2008 at 10:36 pm |
I had it installed on my touch but accidentally deleted it. and now when i try to re download it it says it is not compatible with my ipod?
December 18, 2008 at 3:59 pm |
dear lars,
your wifinder-app works fine for me. i adjusted the channel-no of my WLAN to avoid possible problems to my nabourhood.
thanks for your invested effort.
but you should include (either at appstore or a small help screen inside the app) what your app does (connect to open networks) and dont (cant connect to secured networks even when password is known).
and i missed info about what is checked to distinguish between open and redirected (clever method!) and what the two different red signs are meaning.
thanks.
December 29, 2008 at 6:04 pm |
Thanks again for such a great app! Too bad that Apple won’t allow you to update it, but it’s a great tool! Appreciate all the work you’ve done on this!
January 13, 2009 at 7:49 am |
Dude, your app rocks! It is one of my favorite apps. I use it all the time for quick WiFi scans. I appreciate all the work you’ve done. Putting it on my top 10 of must have apps.
January 28, 2009 at 5:22 pm |
Well, it seems that I can no longer use the program after the latest iPod Touch 2.2.1 firmware update, I get , I wonder if the other 2 programs stopped working as well.
January 28, 2009 at 5:23 pm |
The error message is : Waiting for Next Scan – WiFi is off or no networks in range
February 6, 2009 at 8:06 pm |
I just upgraded my iPhone to 2.2.1 and WiFinder stilll works for me…
I was looking for the app to install for a bunch of friends of mine since its one of the most useful apps installed on my iphone!!!!
And noticed its been pulled from the Canadian store at least… (BASTARDS!!)
February 8, 2009 at 5:32 pm |
Why has this been pulled from the App Store?
February 19, 2009 at 2:59 am |
Not on the french store anymore…
February 23, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
Hey Lars,
I wish I could help you through the nitemare of dealing with apple’s app store folks. Sadly I am no lawyer so there isn’t much I can do. I want to let you know that your app is definitely my favorite of the available ones. I’m hoping you’re able to make it available again. Best of luck.
-Zander
March 19, 2009 at 12:47 pm |
[...] original WiFinder got taken down (apparently) because it used private APIs. There’s a bit of controversy here because Apple seems to be [...]
May 8, 2009 at 3:56 pm |
Lars,
Since Apple won’t play nice, have you considered building this for Windows Mobile. I bought your program and use it almost daily. IT”S GREAT! It helps me at my job ( cell phone / AV support ), and in the real world for my Ipod Touch.
May 30, 2009 at 7:11 am |
error codes, can you tell me what they all are? email me back? kazzykid@hotmail.co.uk
June 15, 2009 at 1:29 am |
why cant i find wifind on the app store is fer a new name, could you tell me where i can get it
June 19, 2009 at 4:07 pm |
WiFinder was really useful. It stopped working when I updated my Touch to 3.0
Thanks for a great App Lars. I hope it returns someday.
June 22, 2009 at 6:25 am |
Hi, I use your app so much and it finds everything. I just upgraded my iPod to 3.0 and your app does not work any more and I read about all the problems you had with apple. So I will wait for an update and hopefully it is sooner rather than later.
June 23, 2009 at 5:52 pm |
heya… i’d just like to add to the chorus of people saying they hope you’ll do an update to wifinder for iphone 3.0
and, err, maybe a new icon also?
June 23, 2009 at 5:59 pm |
Don’t I wish I could! And I’ve had a new icon for more than 8 months at this point
June 25, 2009 at 11:57 am |
Hi Lars,
I have been a happy purchaser an user of WiFinder on both my gen.1 iPhone and gen.1 Touch. Ws so impressed I started telling some of the senior folks and partners i work with (world’s biggest IT Consulting/outsource company) and they all started to look for it to use – only to find it has been removed from the Australian store.
There is a big demand for it – it’s a pity Apple seem to randomly pick who they will let play and who they won’t in the AppStore.
FYI – Stumbler+ (for brave souls who gaol-break) also no longer works once the device has been upgraded to v3.0.
June 26, 2009 at 3:34 pm |
Hi Lars,
I love your app and used it ALL the time but now with 3.0 I have nothing. I just read the posts and now I understand. I really hope Apple get’s your release out soon! Any new news?
July 16, 2009 at 12:54 pm |
WIFinder is now known as wifi checker in the apps store
July 18, 2009 at 5:06 pm |
Why not submit a 3.0 version to Cydia?
July 24, 2009 at 5:22 pm |
So far, there is no application that duplicates your app’s functionality for free. I know this because I’m cheap and Asian
(As of 7/24/09)
September 18, 2009 at 5:28 pm |
hi
i dont see your software on the appstore anymore is it changed?
please update
October 1, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
Read the article. Apple has been “reviewing” the app for months and months.
October 1, 2009 at 8:20 pm |
Loved WiFinder and it worked great. I used it in the Hong Kong airport over the summer… perfect. I used it in Manila in the Philippines… no problem. I updated my ipod touch software to version 3.1 and now WiFinder opens and immediately shuts off. What did I do wrong?
October 1, 2009 at 10:14 pm |
Read the article. 3.0 broke the compatibility by moving a framework.
October 2, 2009 at 4:52 pm |
This is so sad
1) the private framework you are using is Apple80211, wifimanager or an other ?
2) are you sure that the only way to scan wifi Networks is to use this private framework ?
November 15, 2009 at 8:28 am |
have you any idea about what the diffrent between Apple80211 and WIFIManager?
October 23, 2009 at 10:01 pm |
The problem is that apple has red flagged that app. Apple did the same to me and I made a new app new name, changed the looks a little and changed the info playlist. Basically repackaged it. Apple had no clue that it was the same app. Also, put it in business, medical, or entertainment, don’t put it in utilities because there are different app reviewers for different categories. The utility category looks at code more than the entertainment app reviewers do.
If you did this and it works I would gladly pay $3.99 for the new app and forgo the update to the existing one. This app was so useful I still have it on the front screen waiting for an update.
This worked for me I hope that it works for you.