Apple pulls EyeTV app from App Store due to 3G live TV streaming

Apple has pulled Elgato’s EyeTV app for iPhone from the App Store. Why? I like to think it’s because the app was too awesome, but they say the official reason is due to its hidden ability to stream live TV over 3G. Mind you, EyeTV for iPhone doesn’t actually appear to stream live TV over 3G to the casual user. In fact, I was unable to verify this feature myself until…

Sorry, I’m back. I just had to check “something.” Like I said, it’s not immediately apparent how to get this to work. So let me tell you! When the notification that you aren’t allowed to do this pops up, all you have to do is miss the “OK” button and tap the text above it instead.

The whole business here is actually some leftover testing code that was never removed before submission being submitted to the App Store. They weren’t trying to circumvent AT&T, but it seems they have done so by accident. Elgato made a Press Release today about all of this silliness, and here it is for your reading pleasure:

Some test code that enabled live TV streaming over the cellular network was accidentally left in the the EyeTV App. Apple requested that we remove the code since their agreement with AT&T does not allow redirecting TV signals over the cellular network. The code was removed and a 1.0.1 version of the EyeTV app was submitted. We expect EyeTV to return to the App Store when the 1.0.1 version is approved.

Honestly, this is quite silly, and here’s why. The EyeTV app streams prerecorded videos over 3G, so why the big fuss over live TV? Does it really matter that it happened only a few seconds ago? The video still has to be converted by your machine. The process of streaming prerecorded media and live media are very much the same. As far as I can tell, no more or less data are transmitted with either method.

While AT&T is not directly to blame for the pull from the App Store, I’d like to place all of the blame right on their shoulders. Once again, AT&T is letting their true colors show. They might be cool with you making VoIP calls over 3G, but darnit, if you want to watch live TV, you’re SOL. Just to say thanks, I totally won’t be streaming live TV to my iPhone all night. Remember, the “upgrade” will likely make it to the App Store soon. Though, AT&T likely won’t disconnect your iPhone if you don’t upgrade. Just sayin’.

UPDATE: Looks like the original version of EyeTV is once again available on the App Store. A change of heart from AT&T? Probably not, but you might want to grab it ASAP if streaming live TV is your thing.