OzRunways 2.whoa!

[Red Jet]

Shagpile's assertion is confirmed by multiple sources on the Web. This really is an APPLE issue, and i would suggest those angry little Vegemites that are having a go at the developers of OzRunways back off just a tad. Im sure it'll be sorted in a few days. Cheers all.

Marco.org
I’m Marco Arment: creator of Instapaper, technology writer, and coffee enthusiast.
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Corrupt App Store binaries crashing on launch
July 4, 2012 • ∞ •
Last night, within minutes of Apple approving the Instapaper 4.2.3 update, I was deluged by support email and Twitter messages from customers saying that it crashed immediately on launch, even with a clean install.

This didn’t make sense — obviously, Apple had reviewed it, and it worked for them. My submitted archive from Xcode worked perfectly. But every time I downloaded the update from the App Store, clean or not, it crashed instantly.

Lots of anxiety and research led me to the problem: a seemingly corrupt update being distributed by the App Store in many or possibly all regions.

And this is happening to other apps, not just Instapaper, updated in the last few days.

Characterizations of this issue:

The app crashes immediately on launch, every time, even after a delete and reinstall as long as the corrupt file is being served by the App Store.
It doesn’t even show the Default.png before crashing. Just a split-second of a partial fade to black, then back to Springboard.
It may only affect customers in some regions.
If updating from iTunes, some customers might get a dialog citing error 8324 or 8326.
Mac apps might show this dialog:
“[App] is damaged and can’t be opened. Delete [App] and download it again from the App Store.”
The console might show: AppleFairplayTextCrypterSession::fairplayOpen() failed, error -42110
I emailed App Review less than an hour after the update went live and yelled about it on Twitter. About two hours after the update went live, a correct, functional version of it started being distributed on reinstalls. As far as I know, the problem hasn’t recurred since then.

I haven’t yet received a response from App Review, so I don’t know whether the fix was because I made noise, or simply because time passed, which may, for instance, expire a cache with the bad data.

The only fix for people with bad copies, once good copies are being served again by the App Store, is to delete and reinstall the app.

I’ve heard reports of this happening with numerous updates released on July 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Below is a growing list of affected apps.

If you’re a developer, and you have a non-critical update pending release, I suggest waiting a few days for this to presumably get sorted out before releasing it.

Because if this happens to you, all of your most active users, the people who will install updates within hours of them becoming available, will be stopped in their tracks. They’ll think you’re careless, incompetent, and sloppy for issuing a release that doesn’t work. And they’ll leave you a lot of angry 1-star reviews.

And it’s even more serious for apps that store user-created data or game progress locally: if the only fix is to delete and reinstall the app, many users will lose their data.

Apple: This is a serious problem. It’s not isolated. Please fix this.

Known affected apps that are or were corrupted:

Instapaper, obviously
Aboalarm
Al & Joe Bust Out
Angry Birds Space Free
Angry Birds Space HD Free
Apalabrados.org
AroundCal
Autocité Parkings
Big Start
Bird Song Id
Bunker Buster
CarZen
Checkout Helper
Chord Picker
CincyMobile
CLM iPlanner
Cocktailpedia
CommBank Kaching
Cubemen
DocuNotes+
Dolphin HS Browser
Dosecast
Dunno
Face Juggler Free
Face Juggler Plus
Festival d’Avignon OFF 2012
FlattrCast
Flick Soccer
Flight International
Gaia GPS
Gluddle
GoodReader (more)
Heart Booth Free
Heart Booth HD Free
Huffington
iBike Moto
Ice Age Village
iCoyote Europe
iDesign
iMieiFarmaci
iPronto To Do
iPronto To Do HD
iPronto To Do Lite
iPronto To Do Lite HD
iQIF
iQuikDoF
iTankster
Jewel World Skull Edition
L’Equipe.fr
LA Times
Letris 2
Letris Power
Levee en Masse HD
Lords & Knights
Lucky Slots
M6
Mag+ Reviewer
Maps 3D
Maps 3D Lite
Matchbook
Max Payne Mobile
Mayvio Budget
Measure Map
Measure Map Lite
MedCalc
MedCalc Pro
Meetup
Melodies Pro
MemoryBrands
Metronome+
mixi
MoPho
MultiTrack DAW
My Medical Info
My365
OrderPat Server
outdooractive
Pair
PDX Bus
Peekaboo Barn
Phoster
Pinball Maniacs
Please Stay Calm
Quote Unquote
Qwak
Readdle Scanner Pro (more)
Redshift
Samurai vs Zombies Defense
Ski Safari
Skoobe
Simple RSS Push
Sleep Bug Pro
Slotomania
SMARTReporter (Mac)
SmartScan+OCR
Smilebox
Sprightly Pyramid Solitaire
Stack the States
Stat E&M Coder
Synalyze It! (Mac)
Tap Sonic
Tap’N Ride
TEDiSUB
The Early Edition 2
The Magic of Reality
Threadnote
@View
W9
Wakaru
Wind expert
Word Lens
Wrackle
Yahoo! Search
Young Art
Update, July 5: After adding 114 apps to the list with more reports coming in every few minutes, it’s no longer practical for me to maintain the list. Obviously, this is a very widespread problem for many apps updated from July 3–5.

Apple has told a few news outlets that they’re looking into the issue.

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ADS VIA THE DECK

Echograph : A new visual storytelling medium made for iPad.

[Shagpile]

All fixed now with v2.8 anyway. Will be interesting to see if the FAA change their opinion after this. Probably wouldn't affect their guidelines of carrying multiple devices. Companies probably wouldn't be affected if they are using their own internal Enterprise app distribution system.

[Pass-A-Frozzo]

Originally Posted by Red Jet

Shagpile's assertion is confirmed by multiple sources on the Web.

Here is what your link said "Red Jet" & "ShagPile"

Originally Posted by Red Jet

In spite of the fact that Apple had approved the update and published the latest version in the App Store, Arment says the issue affected users in the US, the UK and other markets; though, notably, those Australia weren’t affected, suggesting it isn’t a fully worldwide issue.

Originally Posted by Red Jet

i would suggest those angry little Vegemites that are having a go at the developers of OzRunways back off just a tad.

I'd suggest you read what you're linking to.

Just post a link to Apple citing the Core Data problem.... Why would you cite a random blog referring to a different issue?

Originally Posted by ShagPile

All fixed now with v2.8 anyway.

You've fully removed Apple Core Data from v2.8?

[VH-XXX]

Settle pettle. The guys have clearly said they they will offer subscriptions to those affected. That is more than generous and probably far better than a company like Garmin would do upon having a similar issue.

[Shagpile]

You've fully removed Apple Core Data from v2.8?

Not yet (big job). If you want technicals, we updated the data model & put in try/catch statements to pick up any exceptions as well as detect the persistent datamodel returning nil on init. This nukes the db on startup if XCode caches an old copy into the binary, which we can't test for. Future releases will migrate over to an sqlite store, then completely remove coredata. We cannot just switch it off in one version, or everybody will lose all their data.

Loading…

The entire App Store (dozens of devs affected on the forums) has been stuffed today. Many people not being able to install apps with an error message. I think Apple are working overtime to fix all the issues. It is looking more like the huge issue affecting hundreds of devs is different (a binary encryption issue) but would explain the long review wait time.

[Capn Bloggs]

Some of you guys need a reality check. Just because something looks nice shiny and great on an ipad, doesn't make it either legal or safe. Remember there are other airspace users out there that rely on YOU using the correct data.

If the publishers of the app won't guarantee that the service complies with all official publications accurately, then don't bleat about CASA having it's head in the sand.

[Capt Claret]

Bloggs, two words apply here, Apple Xenophobia!

[Aimpoint]

So question is, what does this make you guys, and also, to be "legal", do I need a WAC sitting on my lap as casa treat this app as "a fun toy for the iPad" or something very similar..?

Regardless whether it is "legal" or not (my view is the hard copies are required), you're asking for trouble not having maps on standby. I love the iPad - it's a great situational awareness tool and displays many charts brilliantly - however there are a few times over the last 12 months when either an app hasn't loaded properly, the iPad is playing up (less likely) or Bluetooth/GPS isn't working. In those situations I've been very happy to have the hard copy charts on standby.

[baswell]

That's a question only CASA can answer!

We are more than happy to guarantee our data is correct, but that is completely irrelevant. What matters is whether or not CASA accepts our guarantee.

The documents or equipment you carry is something entirely between yourself and CASA. We can only lobby CASA to get them to approve products such as ours like the FAA has done.

And we are. (And so are AOPA and various other groups)

[Homesick-Angel]

The way I read the regs, there is nothing stopping me using the iPad for VFR flights as long as I carry all approved docs and a plan able to cover the planning requirements..

As long as good Situational awareness is used, it has to be one of the most accurate ways aside from tso approved devices to get position fixes.

Running it alongside the Garmin gps in the aircraft it has been as accurate without failure..

Contacting CASA may give you five different answers. That's fine by me because if they are ever to try and make a strong statement or stand on such devices, they'll have to sort themselves out first.

My expectation is that full vfr approval in an outward way will not be far away, as the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks..

[John Eacott]

I know this has been discussed before in Using iPad in place of DAPS, but I can't see what the fuss is all about. Nowhere do the Regs dictate in what format the charts and documents should be, simply that they must be current and carried for the flight. All the faffing about carrying paper back ups for the iPad are as relevant as carrying two sets of charts in case one flies out of the window in flight: and yes, it has happened to me. Very hard to read a chart when it is stuck on the sponson brace of a Sea King, let me tell you

FFS, CASA even issue regs in electronic form these days, and it is a legal option not to carry the Flight Manual in flight if the Company Ops Manual is carried instead; with no mention that the Ops Manual has to be in paper format.

I saw a report last week that Qantas are planning to issue their pilots with iPads bluetoothed to the cockpit electronics within six months, depending on CASA approval. If the red tailed rat can't get that approval then it will not happen for us, but when they do get approved I expect iPad use to become the norm throughout GA: as it should be

[Capn Bloggs]

Nowhere do the Regs dictate in what format the charts and documents should be, simply that they must be current and carried for the flight.

Only because the regs haven't caught up with the technology. Do you really think it's a good idea to blast off with a made-in-china domestic-grade ipad only with no guarantee an app isn't' going to freeze or otherwise disable it, on an IFR flight, with no backup? You're crazy. Battery failure? Did you check that the latest ios update didn't stuff your Ozrunways/Jepp View?

Sure, they work most of the time; so does the aviation-rated gear in my aeroplane that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to do the same thing, and with which I cannot fly if some go belly-up, despite what I believe to be adequate backup. As I said, some people need a reality check.

[VH-XXX]

Don't go throwing IFR into the commentary, that's a different kettle of fish.

Qantas must have gotten a special deal on iPads as they are giving them to all passengers on the 767's now, streaming content to them.

[blueloo]

Qantas are planning to issue their pilots with iPads bluetoothed to the cockpit electronics within six months

Just the iPads. No Bluetooth allowed on Flightdeck. Bluetooth allowed behind bullet proof door.

[Shagpile]

Bluetooth allowed behind bullet proof door.

Ha! Has anybody tested whether the bluetooth penetrates the blast door?

They need to install one of these bad boys...

[baswell]

Qantas must have gotten a special deal on iPads as they are giving them to all passengers on the 767's now, streaming content to them.

Not streaming yet, the contents are on the iPad. Streaming to 100 iPads over WiFi wouldn't work very well I don't think. But I would imagine in future they will use WiFi for multi-player games and some more dynamic data. (like destination weather, gate info, etc.)

[baswell]

Do you really think it's a good idea to blast off with a made-in-china domestic-grade ipad only with no guarantee an app isn't' going to freeze

TSO equipment now comes with a guarantee it doesn't freeze? That's the first time I have heard of that!

The iPad is *extremely* reliable. Apple has both a reputation to uphold and if you are selling hundreds of millions of them, you get very good at making sure they don't fail because returns are expensive.

I can honestly, 100% certain say that not a single customer has ever contacted us to say they our app crashed in flight and wouldn't come back due to either our or the iPad's error. (We have had people email us to say their TSO glass failed and the iPad saved their bacon.)

If it doesn't work in flight, it is always operator error in not having downloaded everything they should.

And of course at times people have had GPS problems, but that depends on the aircraft and where the pad is kept and people find out pretty quickly if they have a "problem aircraft" and buy an external GPS.

I am not advocating our product could or should replace certified equipment, just pointing out that non-TSO does not mean "unreliable". (And as especially early users of GA glass cockpits will attest, just because it is certified, doesn't mean it doesn't crash in a way that can't be fixed in flight.)

[John Eacott]

Originally Posted by Capn Bloggs

Only because the regs haven't caught up with the technology. Do you really think it's a good idea to blast off with a made-in-china domestic-grade ipad only with no guarantee an app isn't' going to freeze or otherwise disable it, on an IFR flight, with no backup? You're crazy. Battery failure? Did you check that the latest ios update didn't stuff your Ozrunways/Jepp View?

Sure, they work most of the time; so does the aviation-rated gear in my aeroplane that costs hundreds of thousands of dollars to do the same thing, and with which I cannot fly if some go belly-up, despite what I believe to be adequate backup. As I said, some people need a reality check.

OK, so you think I'm crazy: we'll agree to differ, but Qantas seem to think the same as me. (I thought it was bluetooth but the connection will be WiFi):

Australian airline Qantas has announced that it will be giving its pilots iPads for use during flights.

Qantas has teamed up with mobile provider Telstra to bring more than 2,200 64GB iPads to the cockpit, to enable pilots to access operational information digitally, replacing paper charts, flight plans, manuals and forms for good, reports GeekZone.

Currently, Qantas prints around 18,000 pages a day, a figure that will be reduced to just 3,000 pages with the introduction of iPads. Plus, the weight of the paper on board will drop by 20 kilograms.

Each of the iPads will have two apps that have been developed specifically for use by pilots. One app is for flight charts and the other is developed by Qantas itself for other flight information.

“The revolutionary capabilities of iPad technology, combined with the powerful customised apps, give our pilots the ability to replace cumbersome hard copies – saving time, resources and costs,” said Qantas Technical Pilot, Captain Alex Passerini.

Several other airlines have also been scrapping paper for iPads over the past couple of years, including Alaska Air.

Macworld

IT wasn't so long ago that news Qantas was giving its pilots tablets before they took off would be enough to cause passengers to rush for the emergency exits.

But the flying kangaroo is set to become the world's first airline to issue aircrew with iPads, which they will place in holders inside the cockpit to interact with their aircraft's flight and navigation systems.

Virgin have already introduced wireless tablet entertainment to some passengers while Qantas is trialling iPads through its QStreaming program.

But now aircraft crew will no longer have to lug through the airport heavy cases full of navigation charts, weather information, aircraft manuals, flight plans and forms which they have studied, as all will be available on their third-generation 64-gigabite iPads.

The airline plans to give 2200 pilots the iPads with wireless connectivity, installed with its own Manual Library, Forms & Flight Plan app.

It will also be installed with the Jeppesen Mobile Flight Deck Pro app, providing terminal and route charts designed to work with Boeing aircraft.

Boeing 737 pilots will get iPads first followed by B767, B747, A330 and A380 pilots.

The tablets will cut save $500,000 in printing costs but equally importantly, cut a precious 20kg off the weight carried - in paper - on each flight.

It comes as manufacturer Airbus this week unveiled its own iPad app for pilots, a "Fly Smart with Airbus'' which puts manuals and operating systems designed with work with the specific aircraft - the A320, A321, A330 and A380 in Australia - which the crew will be flying.

Licenses for the "Electronic Flight bag'' app is available exclusively to Airbus customer airlines and have been ordered for its flight test and training crews.

But Qantas has already taken a step ahead and hopes to begin issuing its own iPads by September, subject to approval by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Virgin Australia is still examining how well iPads can perform.

Qantas will do simulator tests and trials on flights without passengers will be completed first.

Herald Sun

[John Eacott]

Originally Posted by baswell

Not streaming yet, the contents are on the iPad. Streaming to 100 iPads over WiFi wouldn't work very well I don't think. But I would imagine in future they will use WiFi for multi-player games and some more dynamic data. (like destination weather, gate info, etc.)

bas, it is WiFi streaming:

Qantas will put an Apple iPad 2 in every seat on planes in its domestic Boeing 767 fleet, using wireless streaming to beam movies, TV shows and music to the tablets.
The airline's 'Q Streaming' system, which was trialled on a single aircraft earlier this year, will be rolled out across the 767 fleet, with the devices offered free of charge to travellers in business and economy.
The 767s lack individual per-seat video for passengers: there’s just a few small screens in the bulkhead and hanging from overhead.
Qantas says the first Boeing 767 with the new system will roll out in the fourth quarter of this year and will predominantly operate on east coast 'triangle' routes between Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, as well as the five-hour trek to Perth.
However, it seems that the iPads won't make their way across the Red Roo's entire 21-stong Boeing 767 fleet.
When Australian Business Traveller sought clarification on how many aircraft would be fitted with the technology, a Qantas spokesperson told us that while the airline "plans to roll out Q Streaming across the B767 fleet, we’ll continue to review retirement options for some of the B767s and will have a definitive number in due course."
All passengers on an iPad-equipped 767 will find an iPad 2 sitting in their seat-back pocket, while those in business class will also get a flexible stand which can be used on the fold-down meal tray.
The planes will carry one tablet for every seat, with several spares on hand.
A special ‘Q Streaming’ app loaded onto the iPad act as the front-end for 'on demand' content broadcast from a central server on the aircraft.
Qantas says the iPads are "locked down", bypassing Apple's normal home screen and booting straight into the Q Streaming app.
Video: Q Streaming in action

Earlier this year Australian Business Traveller took to the skies to try Q Streaming in the trial, which used technology provided by Lufthansa Systems.
Although Qantas has opted to roll out Q Streaming using a different platform provided by Panasonic, the basics of streaming content via WiFi to the iPad will remain the same, although some aspects such as the look and feel of the Q Streaming app will change.
The video below, and the photos and report which follow, are based on the original Lufthansa Systems' implementation of Q Streaming.

etc etc: follow this link

[baswell]

Interesting, my contact at Apple told me otherwise.

I am still highly skeptical, though. 250 passengers over 5 access points all watching video at the same time no problem? I doubt it.

More likely is that they use 64 GB iPads which do a lot of caching. Probably even some pre-caching before they put them in the aircraft. 80% of people will probably all watch the same 20% of total content, so that would work really well, while giving the impression of true streaming and from a user's point of view it makes no difference; they just want to watch movies!

Gotta love marketing!