But that isn't a good analogy.
But I was only addressing the way people react here, when a feature is not available on the iPhone/Mac but on other phones/computers (OS). As in if you want a better camera on the iPhone, then get a real camera! But the iPhone
did get a better camera, including camera features, and the next iPhone will most likely have an even better one (5MP). We just have to wait until Apple is ready for it, which is not
really innovating.
And maybe people should start telling people here to wait for the next iPhone, instead of a different platform
From the sound of it (and correct me if I'm wrong) Google Voice completely replaces the iPhones phone functionality.
Let me first ask if you have seen the iPhone application, but me neither so I can't really say anything about it other than that it can't be done (see the post about Apple's application sandbox here).
Since data is unlimited on any plan you're on then AT&T and Apple lose money. AT&T in the form of people switching to cheaper plans, Apple in the form of the R&D that went into the phone functionality.
Yes data is free, and it should be unlimited but it isn't; there's a 5GB cap for me and thus they should not tell me otherwise, and stop using "unlimited" immediately.
And about losing money; What is the difference of losing money over cell networks or WiFi? I mean there are more/other VOIP applications available from iTunes, be it over WiFi, but they work and make them lose money. Right?
So something tells me that it is in fact AT&T's network that would collapse, if Google's application is allowed on it because it has
some pretty nifty features and thus a lot of people might in fact like to use it.
MES was always going to come to OSX since it made an appearance on the iPhone and is a communications standard that virtually everything uses.
Let me start by saying that there are
far more VoIP users (world-wide) than Microsoft Exchange users, an thus it is inevitably that Google steps in and want a piece of the pie.
Google Voice was clearly never going to be on the iPhone. So like I said if you wanted GV you should have bought a GV supported device, like one of Googles?
Apple said to be looking into the application so it can still happen, presumably in a changed way. And like I said; there are other/more VoIP application that are allowed on the iPhone – even some that use 3G for sending text messages (SMS). So why not Google? Must be the UI or else...
This is not an open computer, it's a locked device swimming in an ocean of T&C and contracts.
Not in every country, because the iPhone is sold in some countries without a SIM lock.
Apple only stated that jailbreaking voids your warranty, but if people want to take that risk they can. Apple/AT&T is still not blocking people with a jail broken iPhone, and I don't think they ever will. Not to mention that the warranty doesn't last forever... so people might do it sooner or later anyway.
Also, I own the iPhone from the day that I signed the contract, and thus I can do with it what I want, but I will have to keep paying until the end. And there's no mention whatsoever about data in my contract, other than a 5GB cap, and thus I would like to be made aware of any limitation, in my contract before I sign it and not afterwards.
Apple are protecting their agreement with AT&T. Is this not common sense?
It might be common sense to you, but shouldn't the contract holders be aware of any agreements,
if* there is such agreement, which prevents people from installing and/or using certain applications due to cell/network limitations? I would say YES.
* There is an agreement about VoIP applications, which is mentioned in AT&T's response to the FCC:
"
AT&T and Apple agreed that Apple would not take affirmative steps to enable an iPhone to use AT&T's wireless service (including 2G, 3G and Wi-Fi) to make VoIP calls without first obtaining AT&T's consent. AT&T and Apple also agreed, however, that if a third party enables an iPhone to make VoIP calls using AT&T's wireless service, Apple would have no obligation to take action against that third party."
and:
"
During the course of the agreement, AT&T indicated to Apple that it does not object to Apple enabling VoIP applications for the iPhone that use Wi-Fi connectivity (including connectivity at more than 20,000 Wi-Fi hotspots operated by AT&T that may by used by iPhone customers for no additional charge) rather than AT&T's 2G or 3G wireless data services."
but also said:
"
As noted above (missing in this text) AT&T regularly reviews its policies regarding features and capabilities available through the devices we offer in order to provide an attractive range of options for our customers. Consistent with this approach, we plan to take a fresh look at possibly authorizing VoIP capabilities on the iPhone for use on AT&T's 3G network."
Which makes things more clear to me; Google may
now/currently only use AT&T's wireless network (including hotspots) and not AT&T's 2G and 3G data services, but I guess that this will change in the near future. Apple might not have been obligated to block the Google Voice application, for now, but I presume it did for some other reasons, notably the confusing UI.
