Flashlight App Sneaks Tethering Into App Store [Pulled]

[MacRumors]

Handy Light, a new flashlight app by developer Nick Lee, brings unofficial SOCKS Proxy tethering to the iPhone hidden behind what appears to be a simple flashlight app that uses the screen for illumination. The app's description provides no hints of this hidden feature though Lee has posted a YouTube video demonstrating how it works. We've also given the app a spin and verified this tethering works as described.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwwWlvCJuMk&feature=player_embedded

Nullriver was the first to offer an unofficial tethering app, NetShare, for the iPhone in late 2008 though it was quickly pulled from the App Store and never became available again. Based on that reaction from Apple, it's likely that Handy Light will not remain in the App Store long either. Apple also has previously informed developers that such "easter eggs" must be declared in apps when submitted, so we don't expect Apple will take kindly for this hidden feature.

HandyLight sells for $.99 [iTunes Link] and written instructions on how to use it have been posted at AppShopper.

Article Link: Flashlight App Sneaks Tethering Into App Store (For Now)

 

[mdriftmeyer]

Former iPhone Developer Nick Lee

... hopefully when he gets his application pulled.

 

[LoganT]

I've already bought it.

 

[HLdan]

This is exactly why Apple declines (what appears to be) a lot of apps from developers. People can't be trusted that they are creating legit apps that DO ONLY WHAT THEY SAY THEY ARE SUPPOSE TO DO, in terms of how the developer introduces it.

 

[CoreyHendo]

I just searched for it in the App Store and it doesn't show up for me now.

 

[klamse25]

How long until this gets pulled?

 

[miamialley]

I just searched for it in the App Store and it doesn't show up for me now.

Does for me. Make sure you click "show all."

 

[iMikeT]

Let the cat and mouse game begin!

 

[arn]

How long until this gets pulled?

I'd say within hours.

the app is in the app store, it might not show up in all searches yet since I believe it just came out.

arn

 

[Abyssgh0st]

Bought it! Will try it out eventually.

 

[SansArc]

Awesome... Looks like some folks are out .99 cents.

 

[pjazzy]

wonder if they will use the app kill switch on this?

 

[Plasmastrike]

That's amazing.. haha

 

[mkrishnan]

I just searched for it in the App Store and it doesn't show up for me now.

New apps don't show up in search quite frequently. At the moment, from my iPhone, it's available. Try a direct link or follow the link in the first post through AppShopper (click the Buy Now button on the Appshopper page).

direct link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/handy-light/id382075956?mt=8

 

[iTzChasE]

If you can't find it on the App Store, check iTunes.

 

[HyperX13]

For how slow 3G is, I will stick to my Sprint 3g/4g card

 

[yoman]

Bought it quick!!!

I missed Netshare the first time. Figured I'd wait a day before buying it. I've regretted it for 2 years...


I was not going to miss this one...

 

[tjespo22]

I don't see it in the store

 

[CashDude]

I got it before Apple pulled it whoohoo! They might finally bring out the kill-switch for this one though.

 

[Inconvenient]

This works on PCs too and not Macs only correct?

 

[lavrishevo]

Follow the link via their website provided above.

 

[rmwebs]

Whilst its quite funny that he's done this its also worrying.

I know from experience that some of the reviewers do not check apps at all. I know because I accidentally submitted a very, very buggy build of one of my apps with a copyright logo in the icon and loading screen.

It hit the store and was in there a day before I noticed and pulled it.

Its quite worrying that someone could put anything into an App. Even something as simple as stealing contact numbers, or taking photos - its very possible and Apple obviously wouldn't know!

Chances are there are some apps out there doing it already.

 

[alectheking]

Yeah got this one in the bag

 

[senseibiz]

Got it!!!!

 

[cantthinkofone]

*edit*

Found it...