South Korea to Play Nice with iOS Games Before iPhone 4S Launch

[Michael Essany]

South Korea is taking a big step back from its hard line on iOS games before the iPhone 4S arrives in that nation next week. Prior to this week's announcement from the South Korean government, the nation had effectively blocked access to App Store games in response to what South Korea dubbed "ratings concerns."

Until this morning, South Korea had effectively blocked access to iOS games for two years in light of the nation's Game Ratings Board, which objected to some of the gaming content found in the App Store. An avid mobile gaming community, many residents of South Korea reportedly opened international iTunes accounts as a viable work-around for the highly restrictive block that was imposed.

But in the wake of Apple's announcement yesterday that it will release the iPhone 4S in South Korea next week, the government has backed off its anti-iOS gaming position. And as of today, the ban is no longer in effect. SK Telecom and KT - the two largest carriers in the region - will provide coverage to the iPhone 4S in South Korea.

Despite the iPhone 4S fever that is quickly spreading around the globe, it remains to be seen how well the device will perform in South Korea. Many analysts have low-expectations for the iPhone 4S in South Korea due to the fact that locals have a strong love affair with Samsung products powered by Android. South Korea is also not considered a friendly environment to foreign products - particularly mobile devices.

Source: The Next Web

[DaLsim]

wonder if siri work over there?

[BenderRodriguez]

wonder if siri work over there?

Wow u do know Siri only works in the US right now right?

many residents of South Korea reportedly opened international iTunes accounts as a viable work-around for the highly restrictive block that was imposed.

I would had done the same thing thats ridiculous

[Snozberries]

wonder if siri work over there?

i bet it says 'no siri for you!' in korean!

[spider_romeo]

wonder if siri work over there?

wonder if Samsung sue apple over there?....

[sziklassy]

wonder if siri work over there?

I am sure it would (although I believe it only works in English). The reason behind these blocks seemed to be that their ratings board (ESRB in the US) apparently has different standards for rating games than what the appstore does.

[Butch123]

Wow u do know Siri only works in the US right now right?



I would had done the same thing thats ridiculous

I haven't got a 4S but I know Siri works here in Australia too.

[runey71]

Siri does indeed work in Australia. Latest update (5.0.1) includes better support for Australian accents. Apparently we're hard to understand LOL

[BenderRodriguez]

Siri does indeed work in Australia. Latest update (5.0.1) includes better support for Australian accents. Apparently we're hard to understand LOL

Lol so are we when we say pause/skip and it tries to call someone