Snapchat has been on a tear lately against Windows Phone. Besides deciding against making an official app for their messaging service, the company has been very active in getting third party apps removed.
In fairness, Snapchat has two reasons for the removal of third party apps: copyright violations and security concerns. However, the latest app from Rudy Huyn, called 6discover, bypasses the first complaint as it does not use login information, but it still steps on the toes of Snapchat's legal department.
Ten days ago, Snapchat's legal team sent Huyn a letter accusing him of breaking the law. Now, a copyright infringement has been filed. As a result, Microsoft will likely comply with the order and have the app removed from the Windows Phone Store in the next 24-hours, signaling the end of that app.
6discover leveraged curated content by Snapchat from their media partners. It was an interesting, well-done app, but more of a side project for Huyn than a serious undertaking. Regardless, Snapchat was none too thrilled with the release and have exercised their legal rights. Huyn notes on Twitter:
"Bye 6discover. Don't speak me about Snapchat anymore, don't hesitate to promote #cyberdust by @mcuban to your friends."
That last reference is in regards to Cyber Dust (Cyberdust.com), a messaging app available on iOS, Android and Windows Phone (yes, an official app). Funded by investor Mark Cuban, Cyber Dust has been described as "like Snpachat but for texts" in that nothing is recorded and messages self-destruct. This applies to text, photos, emoji, stickers, and even videos. Indeed, it's not bad advice to maybe start using that service instead.
It should be just a matter of time before 6discover is pulled, so grab it now. Otherwise, we will close this chapter on the Windows Phone/Snapchat battle.
Source: Rudy Huyn
