AfterDawn: Tech news

Apple, Google to snub ESRB app ratings

Written by James Delahunty @ 30 Nov 2011 7:40 User comments (1)

Apple, Google to snub ESRB app ratings Pair already have ratings systems in place.
Yesterday, CTIA and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) detailed a new plan to provide ratings to mobile apps, the same way ESRB provides ratings for the video games industry. The mobile app ratings system will be identical to the video games rating system.

Developers of mobile games will fill out a survey for each game and answer questions about the content at hand. A rating will be issued to the developer, who can appeal the rating if they feel it is unfair or incorrect. The same rating will apply across other platforms for the same app.

ESRB has seven ratings categories: While the ESRB system will be adopted by Microsoft, Verizon Wireless, AT&T, Sprint Nextel, U.S. Cellular Corp and T-Mobile, it certainly won't help that neither Apple or Google will be participating.



Apple's App Store has approximately 500,000 apps available, while Google's Android Market touts 300,000. Combined, they are used by millions of smartphone users and tablet PC owners.

"We've put a lot of effort into Android Market's rating system, which now works well globally. While we support other systems, we think it's best for Android users and developers to stick with Android's existing ratings," a Google spokesman said.

Tags: Apple Google ESRB
Previous Next  

1 user comment

130.11.2011 17:18

well from a stand point of you have to be 18 and credit check and billing statement and such to buy a cell phone\activated it . its pretty much a moot point to place ratings on such apps or games after all if the parents give the child a cell phone they still have to have a credit card or the master account password to buy or change the service to buy stuff . i may be wrong on some points but i know im right on the requirements to get a cell phone and activate it

Comments have been disabled for this article.

Latest news

Windows 11 26H2 released - Start menu changes, improved search, Task Manager changes, .. Windows 11 26H2 released - Start menu changes, improved search, Task Manager changes, .. (30 Sep 2026 12:48)
Microsoft released Windows 11 version 26H2, bringing light updates and deeper AI integration. This update is the first more lightly installing annual Windows update.
Meta VR Glasses revealed - very light, tons of 3D content coming up Meta VR Glasses revealed - very light, tons of 3D content coming up (24 Sep 2026 3:23)
Meta introduced new pair of VR glasses that combine entertainment, work, and AI. According to Meta, lightweight glasses offer an unobtrusive virtual reality experience with cutting-edge technology and an intuitive user interface.
Samsung smart refrigerators received a software update - stopped working, food spoiled Samsung smart refrigerators received a software update - stopped working, food spoiled (24 Sep 2026 3:17)
According to Korean media sources, a software update for Samsung's smart refrigerators has failed miserably. After the update, the refrigerators stopped working completely, and several consumers report that their food has spoiled.
1 user comment
Now sharing links to Facebook costs money Now sharing links to Facebook costs money (22 Sep 2026 5:57)
Meta has started restricting the sharing of external links on Facebook pages, moving a feature that has been completely free and self-evident until now behind an expensive paywall.
Winamp makes a comeback - combines streaming and MP3 player Winamp makes a comeback - combines streaming and MP3 player (20 Sep 2026 3:37)
Winamp returns to the market in 2027 as a streaming service. The new version combines a traditional MP3 player and modern streaming services. Deezer will provide the streaming for Winamp through a partnership.

News archive