Apple Rejects Google Voice App for iPhone
Google’s new invite-only Google Voice service, adapted from the older, standalone Grand Central, has been slowly growing in popularity as more and more invitations have been sent out to potential users. However, one possible roadblock in the success of the web application was announced this week when Apple refused to accept the official Google Voice application for the iPhone.
The official reason for the rejection was that the application would duplicate features that were already available on the iPhone. This is, to a certain extent, true. Google Voice is a service that routes all calls to any number of phones, and has cheap or free international calls. In addition, you can text message and call using your computer, very similar to what Skype offers. In effect, it is a phone completely on a computer, which of course is effectively what the iPhone is as well. However, general speculation is that the pressure for the rejection came less from Apple and potential conflicts with the iPhone software and more from AT&T and conflicts with their cell phone service.
Because Google Voice uses the phone line rather than the data connection, it can, in theory, replace AT&T’s actual plan. This is perhaps the main difference between the proposed application and others that came before. Whereas applications that use the Skype protocol are numerous in the App Store, they are programmed only to be used at Wifi hotspots, and not over the actual data line. Since Google Voice does not present this option, it is more difficult to regulate, from the perspective of Apple and AT&T. In addition to rejecting the official Google application, Apple also pulled some programs previously available that used aspects of the Google Voice service.
In the end, this rejection could hurt Apple. A possible effect of this decision—besides many disappointed iPhone users—is an increase in other smartphone sales. If, for example, the Palm Pre, which already has a rivalry with the iPhone, allows users access to Google Voice through its much more limited application pool, then potential buyers might prefer that option. Whatever the result, which remains to be seen, Google and Apple join Yahoo and Microsoft as two tech companies making big news this week, with a more belligerent connection.
This is very microsoftavellian of apple. “The dark side is powerful, master Jobs”
Why would Apple approve an app for the iPhone that conflicts with or otherwise encroaches upon the service AT&T provides? Apple and AT&T have a relationship, and the user really has no business using an app that enables them to circumvent AT&T’s service. It would be odd for Apple to allow one.
If you want a Google Voice app then ask Google to subsidize your phone.
This app doesn’t curcumvent your phone. In reality I still need the basic plan I already have. I have the cheapest plan AT&T offers and I use it. The only thing that would be worth cutting out maybe is the SMS but I pay $5 a month and I still receive other things through that.
In reality AT&T are shooting themselves in the foot and they know it. They just believe they have a strong enough client base to be able to turn others away with extreme prejudice.
What they don’t realize is the evil plans that Google has to rule the world.
This business has blown up in Apple/AT&T’s face. The Federal Communications Commission, in fact, is now sniffing around, sending letters (http://bit.ly/53FaK) to Apple, AT&T and Google, clearly wondering if there’s some illegal collusion going on. A few days later, Google’s chief executive stepped down from Apple’s board; tension is rising. – David Pogue Aug. 6, 2009
Hummmmmmmmm, no?
The one thing EVERYONE fails to see is that Google Voice does not have much of a broad appeal because it is not open to everyone.
Google Voice is a beta service that is by invite only in much the same way as Google Mail used to be. This limits any usefulness of this application and completely excludes non-American users.
I think Apple is only holding off until Google Voice proves itself. It’s only been out a month for Pete’s sake.
AT&T are obviously taking the cautious approach which is fair because it’s going to be their network everyone will blame.
There is no reason Apple has actually blocked this app for the sake it mimics functionality of the iPhone because Skype for iPhone does the exact same thing.
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