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Apple Rejects Official Google Voice iPhone Application
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Hmmm... Why don't Apple like competition?
Pretty sad that Apple doesn't think the iPhone can stand on its own two feet without excessive restrictions on what kind of apps can be developed for the iPhone / Touch.]
Rememeber, Apple asked Google not to support Multi-touch on Android too...
Pretty sad that Apple doesn't think the iPhone can stand on its own two feet without excessive restrictions on what kind of apps can be developed for the iPhone / Touch.]
Rememeber, Apple asked Google not to support Multi-touch on Android too...
It's ironic when someone complains that Verizon blocked OBEX on a few dumbphones, when the iPhone "smartphone" came with LESS Bluetooth support than most Verizon dumb phones... and a lot less than their smartphones.
Heck, you can get BT keyboards for some/all of their WM smartphones. And external BT serial devices.
And btw, for those dumbphone transfers? Never heard of BitPim?
Because they know something you clearly don't: Verizon doesn't cripple their smartphones. You can download any app, any theme, from anywhere.
The only thing Verizon used to lock was GPS, and even that's not true any more.
This is obviously Apple's doing. I think it's stupid too. Just because their phone app does "the same thing?" WHO CARES??? You already sold the phone to me. I gave you my money! What's it to Apple if I dial with GV or I dial with Phone.app!
If this is Apple's way of showing their upset that their Google friends are in competition with them now, they did the STUPIDEST thing they could. Now if someone wants GV they are forced to another platform. Way to stick it to them Apple!
I really wish Google would contact Saurik and release a background version of Latitude and the GV app in the Cydia store.
That'd make my day!
If this is Apple's way of showing their upset that their Google friends are in competition with them now, they did the STUPIDEST thing they could. Now if someone wants GV they are forced to another platform. Way to stick it to them Apple!
I really wish Google would contact Saurik and release a background version of Latitude and the GV app in the Cydia store.
That'd make my day!
Then you need to make AT&T happy (and richer) and buy an iPhone...
http://money.cnn.com/2009/07/27/news/companies/verizon_earns.reut/index.htm?postversion=2009072712
Which would you rather do?
1. Launch an App, select the person to call from your contacts, and call them and have your Google Voice number show as the number you are calling from, rather than your iPhone number.
Or
2. Launch Safari and go to the Google Voice web page. Enter in a number you want to call, or select the number you want to call from your Google contacts (assuming you sync those with your iPhone), have it call your iPhone number, you answer, and then it rings the number you entered/selected to call. Or you call your own Google Voice Number and then enter the number you want to call and select the phone you want to call from and then repeat the ringing process.
And this doesn't even cover things like fetching your Google Voice mail via an app or via Safari. Or sending SMS via your Google Voice number.
Basically you have to take many extra steps to show your calls/SMS originating from your Google Voice number. And if you don't take those steps it is confusing to people who have you in their address book. And if people don't call/SMS you on your Google Voice number you lose a lot of the value of the service.
Thanks for actually posting information. Apparently you CAN post things besides gratuitous attacks.
"My logic fails?" I was asking a question. I clearly stated I didn't know much about GV and asked what I wasn't understanding about it. But thanks very much for the the most obnoxious, rude, and intentionally abrasive posts I've encountered in my 6 years on this site.
I just can't fathom being so angry that you need to attack people who don't, but are trying to, understand a brand new tech product in a thread about that product. Oh well. Another addition to the ignore list.
Yet ANOTHER whiny thread about how "AT&T and Apple" are horrible companies. I can see why this was rejected.
What this app allows is the "cheap" people a workaround to getting around having to pay for larger text message and minute plans, and from a business standpoint, I understand why it was rejected. These companies aren't out there to give us everything for free, the whole point of a business is to make a profit. If you want the phone, get it. If you don't like it, stop whining and get rid of it. Simple as that.
As for me, I'm perfectly happy with my phone just the way it is.
1. You clearly don't know what features Google Voice provides.
2. Google is also a publicly traded, for profit company, but they are providing this service for free. They also want to make money. They just do it a different way.
3. It is not as simple as getting rid of the phone because we are required to sign a two year contract to buy one. I know you are going to say something like, "Pay the ETF" or "You knew what you were getting into when you signed up" or some other such nonsense, but that fact remains that people can't "just get rid of it."
4. I am glad your happy with your phone. So are most of us. I would be more happy with it if I could do what I want with it; not what Apple wants me to do with it.
5. You are OK with Apple telling them the app would be approved and then changing their mind at the last minute. Google spent money developing the app under the assumption that it would be approved. Is that fair? Is it fair that an app that provided similar functionality to the official Google app that was already approved is now pulled? What changed to make it not OK?
6. You are OK with Apple using the bogus reason of "duplicate functionality" as the excuse for not approving it when there are literally dozens of apps that provide duplicate functionality in the app store?
Mixing apples and oranges, because Verizon has two major divisions.
Verizon WIRELESS is doing very well, and hiring.
Verizon LANDLINE is cutting jobs, because so many people are using just cellphones these days.
Yet another reason to Jailbreak. Good job Apple. I only wish there was a way to support the developers of the pulled apps rather than downloading the IPA from a torrent site -- but oh well, at least the option is available to me.
Ridiculous post of the day award.
Ok, I don't know much about GV, but I have to say, I don't see how this could be allowed on the iphone or any other device. If I'm reading this right, it would strip the telecoms of a huge amount of revenue. And as much as we all love to rip on them, at the end of the day, we need them because google ain't providing coast-to-coast cell phone infrastructure.
Some tell me if I'm misunderstanding something here, but isn't GV a massive slap at all telecoms?
Yes it is and a well deserved slap apparently. I paid for my data plan which entitles me to do whatever I want as long as it's not illegal. AT&T should not have control over the features of an OS or have say in which apps are on my phone. They are a carrier, they are not my daddy nor my dictator.
For all this talk about how the iPhone revolutionized the phone industry, it has actually made it worse. They have created a model where you live for in a world of eternal exclusive contracts and an app store that is completely controlled by the carrier.
BTW how in the hell is this not a first page story and is sitting on the iPhone blog?
AT&T rejected it
Not that it makes it any better, or right, but John Gruber has a source that says it was indeed AT&T that rejected the app:
http://daringfireball.net/2009/07/google_voice#update-13:40
-Kevin
Not that it makes it any better, or right, but John Gruber has a source that says it was indeed AT&T that rejected the app:
http://daringfireball.net/2009/07/google_voice#update-13:40
-Kevin
I think they would, since I installed it on my Verizon Blackberry a few weeks ago. It works really well, and I have been using it to make calls and send text messages.
I'm not even going to wait that long. I've always had awesome service from AT&T, because it used to be BellSouth and they actually cared about their customers. But this is becoming ridiculous and will be moving away from AT&T if this continues into 2010. I'll take the ETF hit if I have to. All I'm waiting for is an Android phone that's powerful. The HTC Hero came close, but the processor is waaay to slow.
I'm hearing that the same thing is happening to BlackBerry and the Skype application. Anyone know if it's true? RIM isn't letting Skype release it because it doesn't want to upset its carriers. And the few VoIP solutions on BlackBerry don't utilize WiFi and end up routing calls on cell networks inevitably using up your mobile minutes.
Here's to hoping that Apple stands up this bullying. First it was the Sling app and "network congestion" if it was done over 3G. It's somewhat understandable. Now the Google Voice app because of possible competition? That should be the last straw.
I think Gruber is way off base here in actually defending Apple & AT&T. Regardless of whether this app makes it through or not, there will be a day when the carriers are just dumb pipes. Apple is just getting in the way of progress and taking the carriers' side against their customers. Apple won't last long with this model.
It is clear that his source is from inside Apple because he is defending them. I'm a huge Daring Fireball fan but today I'm a little disgusted with him.
Not really an AT&T fan. I've been a customer since 1998 but I now like them because they have the iPhone.
That said, Apple signed restrictive agreements with AT&T to create a channel for distribution and those agreements limit or eliminate the infringement on services that AT&T provides like texting or voice services.
They each signed a deal. They should each keep their word.
The situation that exists at this point happened because - I think - Apple was desperate to create that distribution channel when they signed the agreements. Verizon turned Apple down because Apple wanted retail and service and repair restrictions as part of the deal. I still think it was the deal they needed to make it happen.
Someone said earlier that this is capitalism at its worst. No. This is how it works when it works right. Verizon was free to say no. Apple and AT&T entered agreements that were right for the moment that allowed each to achieve what was needed at the time. These two companies have the freedom to negotiate and renegotiate, dissolve the agreements or let them expire and move on. Google could negotiate a deal or they can wait it out until AT&T eases restrictions or Apple exits the exclusivity they have with AT&T, and Verizon and Sprint say come on over for free texting, navigation, and GV.
Since Apple has proven themselves and their product in the telecom business, the tables have turned and the iPhone is now more desirable than AT&T service ever has been.
AT&T will either ease restrictions or lose a partner and potentially millions of customers and hundreds of millions of dollars.
It will change. We finally got C&P. Be patient.
That said, Apple signed restrictive agreements with AT&T to create a channel for distribution and those agreements limit or eliminate the infringement on services that AT&T provides like texting or voice services.
They each signed a deal. They should each keep their word.
The situation that exists at this point happened because - I think - Apple was desperate to create that distribution channel when they signed the agreements. Verizon turned Apple down because Apple wanted retail and service and repair restrictions as part of the deal. I still think it was the deal they needed to make it happen.
Someone said earlier that this is capitalism at its worst. No. This is how it works when it works right. Verizon was free to say no. Apple and AT&T entered agreements that were right for the moment that allowed each to achieve what was needed at the time. These two companies have the freedom to negotiate and renegotiate, dissolve the agreements or let them expire and move on. Google could negotiate a deal or they can wait it out until AT&T eases restrictions or Apple exits the exclusivity they have with AT&T, and Verizon and Sprint say come on over for free texting, navigation, and GV.
Since Apple has proven themselves and their product in the telecom business, the tables have turned and the iPhone is now more desirable than AT&T service ever has been.
AT&T will either ease restrictions or lose a partner and potentially millions of customers and hundreds of millions of dollars.
It will change. We finally got C&P. Be patient.
I knew eventually this day would come ... Apple's regulatory power over App approval has caused harm to the consumer. (not happy)
Apple is making a big mistake by making enemies with Google. Apple should be friends with Google; not enemies. Google is HUGE on the internet, and has resources to move mountains in the internet world. Apple wants to be friends with Google; being an enemy to Google would be a VERY big mistake.
"Last week, Google launched Google Latitude for the iPhone and iPod touch, a service that allows users to track their friends' locations in real-time, as a web application after Apple rejected a native version of the application "in order to avoid confusion with Maps on the iPhone"."
I'm pretty sure we will see a website version of this App next. Google said that in their eyes the future is on the Internet and not in Apps, so I think this is a pretty clear indication that Google will now make this web-based.
Apple is making a big mistake by making enemies with Google. Apple should be friends with Google; not enemies. Google is HUGE on the internet, and has resources to move mountains in the internet world. Apple wants to be friends with Google; being an enemy to Google would be a VERY big mistake.
"Last week, Google launched Google Latitude for the iPhone and iPod touch, a service that allows users to track their friends' locations in real-time, as a web application after Apple rejected a native version of the application "in order to avoid confusion with Maps on the iPhone"."
I'm pretty sure we will see a website version of this App next. Google said that in their eyes the future is on the Internet and not in Apps, so I think this is a pretty clear indication that Google will now make this web-based.
Attachments
What this app allows is the "cheap" people a workaround to getting around having to pay for larger text message and minute plans, and from a business standpoint, I understand why it was rejected. These companies aren't out there to give us everything for free, the whole point of a business is to make a profit. If you want the phone, get it. If you don't like it, stop whining and get rid of it. Simple as that.
As for me, I'm perfectly happy with my phone just the way it is.
Yup. Exactly.
Living up to your MA stereotype I see. Posting comments like
and then to start calling me a "wise one" as well is pretty hypocritical. Yes I was intentionally abrasive since you were obviously too lazy to look up the information in the first place, and then posted a link to a wiki??? You even go on to sayRidiculous post of the day award.
yet YOU were the one that didn't read your wiki post....
GV Mobile available on Cydia: http://lifehacker.com/5324596/gv-mobile-available-for-free-on-cydia
Screw you and AT&T!
Screw you and AT&T!
What pure B.S. that Apple will not approve apps that "duplicate features that come with the iPhone."
Apple is very selective and NOT consistent with this.
You can get NON-Apple apps that duplicate _almost_ ALL APPLE apps that allow you to watch YouTube, track STOCKS, be a CLOCK, a CALCULATOR, online STORE, create NOTES, alternative BROWSERS, play music or download podcasts like an IPOD and create VOICE MEMOS.
I wish APPLE would get their act together on this. It makes them look really BAD.
Apple is very selective and NOT consistent with this.
You can get NON-Apple apps that duplicate _almost_ ALL APPLE apps that allow you to watch YouTube, track STOCKS, be a CLOCK, a CALCULATOR, online STORE, create NOTES, alternative BROWSERS, play music or download podcasts like an IPOD and create VOICE MEMOS.
I wish APPLE would get their act together on this. It makes them look really BAD.