Apple nixes OpenClip copy-&-paste attempt for iPhone

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 6:07am — Jonny Evans

We're saddened to report an Apple move has stymied attempts to create a copy-&-paste solution for the iPhone.

We recently introduced the developers at OpenClip who are attempting to create a way to copy-&-paste text between applications on an iPhone. They had a simple plan - Open Clip would essentially save copy you select within an area of the iPhone’s memory which can then be accessed by other apps. And the roll call of developers then planning to use and support the solution includes: Dial Zero, Twittelator, Wordpress, Cocktail, Ultralingua and more. And we looked forward to being able to blog a little better using the device.

But things have changed. Apple's iPhone Software 2.1 prevents OpenClip's solution copying and pasting between applications, though it will still be possible to store data inside the application, meaning that copy and paste within the app will still work fine.

The move's explained on the developer's blog, where it says, "However, even though apple is killing the concept behind the current OpenClip, that doesn't mean we can't change the concept. A shared clipboard could be stored in an Address Book card or even on a remote server. Those solutions aren't as good as the OpenClip implementation, but they aren't bad. "

The developer intends creating such a solution, in hope it's enough to convince Apple that introducing support for copy-&-paste on an iPhone is something people want.

OpenClip doesn't believe Apple's 2.1 move is an attempt to specifically prevent the application, saying, "I don't really believe this to be the case. Even though I debuted to concept before the newest beta was release, I'm sure Apple had been planning to kill this kind of thing for a while."

( Filed Under:

iPhone - iPod

)

Comments

Even without copy and paste

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 6:23am — 9to5Mac Noob (not verified)

Even without copy and paste the iPhone still rules. Just like the iPod, each update brings exciting and improved functionality.

A good thing

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 6:23am — Just Cause (not verified)

Imagine the issues introduced by having two frameworks for copy&paste. Although I commend the effort, it's better if Apple does this.

daringfireball and RD had it

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 8:13am — tom (not verified)

daringfireball and RD had it right - wait for Aple implementation - the openclip idea wasn't fundamentally sound - by trying to access contents of other sandboxes for a start.

Sigh!

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 8:58am — Khürt (not verified)

I want copy/paste! And if Apple can not or will not provide it then someone else should.

I guess this is not a

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 8:59am — Watcher (not verified)

I guess this is not a situation to worry about... I guess Apple will give us this feature themselves... Let's wait and see...

Tired of waiting

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 9:41am — Macguier (not verified)

I don't think we should wait and see. We've been waiting to see for more than a year. At least once a day I come across a situation in which I could use copy and paste and get frustrated because I can't. I mean, my old Sony Ericsson from 2004 could perform this function easily.

Now I have seriously started

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 11:33am — 9to5Mac Noob (not verified)

Now I have seriously started to wonder that if there is any difference between Apple and Orwellian Big Brother.
Apple is beating even Microsoft there.

USE THE ADDRESS BOOK.

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 12:27pm — James Katt (not verified)

The address book can be used as a temporary clipboard site for text.

An entry can be made called named "Clipboard".

This can then be used by every application on the iPhone for text.

If anything, the main thing we need is a place to share text.

The address book is one such area.

hire more people....

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 1:13pm — 9to5Mac Noob (not verified)

Apple should hire more people.

Stupid Steve

Mon, 08/25/2008 - 2:25pm — 9to5Mac Noob (not verified)

The new iPhone may have some nice things, but it is an embarrassment because of its lack of truly basic features. Copy/paste is only one of the minor ones, although one that would be useful.

Only Steve could be so stupid as to put out something this screwed up. It is time for him to go as he is so obviously out of it that he is damaging the company, not helping it.