<i>And then Apple opened its iPhone app store, and in a Cupertino minute everything changed. Suddenly, the idea of tethered software seemed normal again. (Ironically, when Apple was struggling to survive in the 90s, the Web's run-anywhere ethic had served as an important lifeline for the company, reducing the importance of Microsoft's control of the PC software market.)</i><p>Ironically?  Hells no.  This is just how it works, and Apple knows how to play smart.  When you're  at the bottom, you want everything open and free, but when you start getting more control and market share you want things locked down.