OpenFeint Launching iOS Sign-On System To Replace Depreciated UDID

Mobile social gaming network OpenFeint has revealed that, later this year, it will launch a single sign-on system for iOS developers called the OFUID that will help counteract the loss of UDIDs. The move comes after Apple made changes to its upcoming iOS 5 operating system, which will see the unique device identifier, or UDID, phased out and unavailable for developer use, as reported by TechCrunch earlier this month. Many developers and social networks, such as OpenFeint, currently use the UDID to identity and track users. With the depreciation of the UDID, OpenFeint will now launch its own sign-on service as a replacement for the UDID. Launching in the fall, OpenFeint's OFUID will work across all platforms, and allow developers to examine and analyze user behavior across its network of 115 million users. Jason Citron, founder and CEO of OpenFeint, explained, "With the deprecation of UDID, social game developers need access to a universal method for identifying and delivering services to their users." "Available to 115 million gamers at launch, OFUID will offer that reach and improve on it by giving users a way to share information with game developers, if they so choose." The company said it was looking to make the system as flexible as possible, with an emphasis on reducing sign-up times through optional sign-ons and rewarding incentives.