Time Warner Cable details 2.0 iPad app, blocks jailbreakers
updated 10:55 am EDT, Thu July 7, 2011
App blocks access from jailbroken iPads
Time Warner Cable has introduced a major update to its iPad app, TWCable TV, which now blocks access from jailbroken devices. Version 2.0 enables users to access a wider range of channels, with more than 100 channels now supported. The interface has also been improved, adding an interactive program guide for setting favorite channels or viewing program listings for up to seven days. Users can also remotely manage their DVR scheduling directly from the app.
Users are reportedly blocked from accessing the app's range of content from a jailbroken iPad. A screenshot posted on Engadget shows an error message, which explicitly states that TWCable TV is "not supported on 'jailbroken' devices."
TWCable TV 2.0 is now available as a free download from the App Store. Users must have a Time Warner Cable subscription at the Expanded Basic level or higher, while the DVR functionality is limited to supported set-top boxes.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2000
Such a silly app
Aside from the jailbreak issue, unless they've changed it, the app will only work if you're using the cable modem that your subscription is registered through. In other words, you can only use the application from your home and not from anyone else's home even if they have a TW cable modem. The application acts like a glorified DVR and alternate viewing device within your own home with a smaller screen than your TV and far worse sound (mono at that).
Heck, with a little fiddling, you could probably fix the small screen and bad sound and get it to play on your 40+ inch TV in stereo via an Apple TV and airplay ... no wait ... why would I do that?
I'm curious about the Jailbreak issue. Is TW setting itself up as Apple's policeman or is there some reason to avoid JB'd devices. Perhaps, they're storing content on the iPad in a plainly accessible form and don't want their shows being scp'd to other storage media. So rather than figure out a secure storage mechanism TW is prepared to inconvenience its more tech-savy subscribers.
Not a very smart move if the block proves to be real IMHO.