James Delahunty
13 Jul 2010 9:45
An Israeli developer is crying foul after Apple reportedly rejected an application that warns users of radiation levels. Tawkon, the developer of the software, says it measures radiation levels in real time, which is something a lot of users might like. "It doesn't use Flash, and it's not porn, so why the ban?" asks Scott Piro, a spokesman for Tawkon.
It is already available for BlackBerry however, and an Android version of the application is also set to be released. Tawkon is hosting a petition on its website, hoping to pressure Apple into changing its mind.
At the same time however, the company also says that it was informed by Apple execs that all it needs to do is make a few minor API modifications, so the petition is probably aimed more at generating publicity for the company.
The Register questions exactly what the application even does. The company claims that: "RRI ~(real-time radiation indication) leverages unique smart phones capabilities such as GPS, accelerometer, proximity sensors and more to help minimize radiation exposure during mobile phone usage."
The application apparently warns users when radiation is too high to keep the phone away from them, or to change location. However, while radiation from handsets has gotten considerable media attention, no reputable scientific study has ever linked mobile phone usage to cancer.
"Research studies have not shown a consistent link between cell phone use and cancer," a National Cancer Institute fact sheet reads.