After using legal action to block alternative developer conference AltConf from streaming the Monday, June 8th Worldwide Developers Conference keynote to its attendees, Apple has reversed course and will allow the conference to go on as originally planned. In a phone call today, lead AltConf organizer Rob Elkin told us that Apple has now agreed to allow his conference to stream the WWDC Kickoff Keynote and the State of the Union address geared toward developers to his audience…
As we reported earlier this week, Apple sent multiple legal letters to AltConf prohibiting them from streaming Apple’s content to attendees. Originally, Apple Legal chose to pursue the matter with AltConf after they believed that the alternative conference was charging people directly to watch the Apple stream. After receiving clarification that this was not the case, Apple continued to prohibit AltConf from showing the stream until now. Apple will continue to not allow AltConf to stream individual developer sessions at WWDC through the week.
“We’re really happy that we can resolve this for the benefit of the community,” Elkin told us. “It’s the best thing for everyone involved, and we hope we can add some brilliant content and add to the community during the week just like Apple does with WWDC,” he added.
Elkin did not comment on how the new agreement with Apple was reached, but it likely stems from the public commentary following the news earlier this week. AltConf says 1000 seats will be available to watch the stream. The keynote begins on Monday at 10 AM Pacific time/ 1 PM Eastern time. Those not attending the WWDC conference can also watch the live stream via Apple’s website on Apple TVs, Macs running Safari, and iOS devices.
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Hopefully they reverse their alleged decision to not unveil the new apple tv
I don’t see the difference between going to a bar and watching CBS or FOX stream the news on TV and AltConf streaming WWDC. What’s the harm. Just Apple being controlling again.
Does your bar have a cover charge to get in? No.
Also, bars and restaurants do pay special licensing fees to have those channels since it is a commercial setting. Your analogy is completely incorrect.
“Originally, Apple Legal chose to pursue the matter with AltConf after they believed that the alternative conference was charging people directly to watch the Apple stream.”
I think this is the problem, not because Apple won’t let AltConf stream it for free.
Often traditional TV networks have similar prohibitions on public performance/rebroadcast, whether they choose to enforce them or not. (Bars, for example, pay license fees for showing premium content.) As I understand it, AltConf was going to go beyond publicly available content (such as the keynote) and ALSO rebroadcast private, registered-developer-only sessions. Apple, it’s customers, developers (like myself), as well as shareholders and partners have an interest in ensuring Apple’s work isn’t just free R&D for the rest of the industry. Google, Samsung, and Microsoft all have limitations on what new IP can be shared publicly. To Apple and AltConf’s credit, they have reached a middle ground.
I really don’t think Apple had an issue with them letting people see the keynote. Where they did have an issue was, charging people $350 to watch it. With 1,000 seats, thats $350,000 they made off Apple. I totally understand why Apple would threaten legal action in this case.
It should just be free for people to watch. Its not like it costs them any money to let 1,000 people watch a stream. Its just them being greedy!
AltConf was free for the past 4 years- you really think they are then going to charge people $350 to watch the keynote? That isn’t the case at all.
See http://altconf.com/#tickets
Admission is still free, but this year there is also the option to guarantee yourself a seat (for events OTHER than the viewing room) or contribute, by buying one of a “limited number” of $300 reserved seats.
Yaaay!! Finally they saw through the confusion of charging for guaranteed seating at the AltConf sessions and the “free and open to everyone” live streaming Viewing Room!!
Damage already done.
I agree, AltConf shouldn’t be allowed.
How much did that cost AltConf?
iOS 9 has leaked guys, watch here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLv412wCgsU
My wife noticed that unlike in the past, Apple trailers is now available to use in Chrome. I wonder if this means Safari won’t be required to watch the keynote.