Google Claims That Apple Did Reject Google Voice iPhone Application

[bruinsrme]

Let me just make sure I understand:

If I don't like Apple's iPhone app approval process for the iPhone, I should not let my voice be heard, I should just sell my phone, even though there are other things I like about it, and hope Apple changes their ways without any feedback at all.

Just like if I don't like the lack of matte screens on the Macbook Pro, I should sell my Macbook and not say anything about it.

Just like if I don't like the lack of a Firewire port on any 13.3 inch laptop, I should just buy a different laptop and not say anything about it.

Am I getting this all correct?

Some of the people in this thread make me sick. Of course Apple has every right to do whatever they want to do within the law. But this does not mean that I, or anyone else, does not have the right to state our opinions about their choices. By all means, vote with your wallet. I will be checking out other phones when my contract is up for this very reason, but that does not mean I am not allowed to give feedback to Apple or to voice my opinion on this forum. If you are tired of hearing it, turn off your computer or go to a different thread.

This free country allows Apple to do what they want, this free country allows me to complain about what I want, and this free country allows you to defend Apple. My main problem with the "apologists" is not that they are defending Apple. It is the irony of the them defending Apple by saying this is a free country, but then complaining about others with the opposite opinions.

yes you hit the nail right on the head.

 

[occamsrazor]

So who's right after all? The complainers on this thread? Or those that continue to help make the iPhone platform what it is, regardless of GV?.

You make it sound like there's just a handful of people out there unhappy at Apple's restrictions. Recent data shows the number of jailbroken iPhones is up to 8.43% and rising rapidly:

http://justanotheriphoneblog.com/wo...age-of-jailbroken-iphone-users-rises-a-little

Given that the total number of iPhones sold is now around 26 million:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IPhone_sales_per_quarter.svg#Data_and_references

...that represents about 2.2 million users who felt strongly enough that the appstore wasn't delivering what they wanted, to jump through the hoops and take on the risks of jailbreaking it. 8.4% may not be a majority, but it's not insignificant either, and isn't that far off from the market share of Mac OS X itself.

 

[KnightWRX]

You make it sound like there's just a handful of people out there unhappy at Apple's restrictions. Recent data shows the number of jailbroken iPhones is up to 8.43% and rising rapidly:

http://justanotheriphoneblog.com/wo...age-of-jailbroken-iphone-users-rises-a-little

Given that the total number of iPhones sold is now around 26 million:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:IPhone_sales_per_quarter.svg#Data_and_references

...that represents about 2.2 million users who felt strongly enough that the appstore wasn't delivering what they wanted, to jump through the hoops and take on the risks of jailbreaking it. 8.4% may not be a majority, but it's not insignificant either, and isn't that far off from the market share of Mac OS X itself.

That's not counting the people who aren't happy that just aren't buying an iPhone and would if the app store policies were looser, and all the people that have an iPhone, grumble to themselves and just don't do anything about it.

 

[kkat69]

I cared about a month ago.

I didn't even care then.

 

[yayaba]

Not to mention everyone I know with an iPhone has it jailbroken and uses apps from Cydia...

For every example there's a counter example. I seriously must know at least 15+ people with iPhones and only one of them swears by the jailbreak. And he does it only so he has that pull down menu to be able to toggle wifi/bluetooth/3g on and off quickly.

The other 14+ are all fine living with Apple's closed ecosystem. Me included. Yes, it sucks and there shouldn't be limitations but in our busy lives, we just don't care enough to complain about this or to see this as a barrier to work & play.

 

[KnightWRX]

The other 14+ are all fine living with Apple's closed ecosystem. Me included. Yes, it sucks and there shouldn't be limitations but in our busy lives, we just don't care enough to complain about this or to see this as a barrier to work & play.

It's the reason I don't have an iPhone personally. Like the other poster said, it seems that the discontent is more than just edge cases, with over 8% jailbroken iPhones out there.

The fact you're fine living with the artificial bounderies set by Apple doesn't mean you wouldn't be as fine in an open ecosystem, or at least, a more open one. As such, it makes no sense for you or others in this thread (*cough* LTD *cough*) to stiffle people who are just trying to get their voices heard by Apple.

The same people who got their Matte screen back on the Macbook Pros...

 

[kgraf6]

Did you just ignore the market research that shows iPhone is a distant third to RIM and Nokia in the Smartphone market ?

I think you're forgetting the short amount of time the iPhone has been on the market in comparison to these others. Also, Apple make one phone, while these others make many different models.


Apple attempt to achieve PERFECTION with every product they create. Rejecting applications that they believe will negatively effect the user experience is no different to them allowing limited personalisation options for their Mac OS X GUI and iPhone UI.

I am a perfectionist myself, and when I look at Windows users that have changed the way the interface looks, I simply cringe.

Setting a perfect image for the company and its products requires restricting users from screwing with it.

The majority of customers are satisfied with Apple making these choices. Those that are not, should not be using Apple products.

 

[occamsrazor]

The stupid thing is everyone could easily have what they want.... Look at Mac OS X. You have a tight user-interface, some really great Apple software, with published user interface guidelines.
If you're happy with just the Apple-sanctioned software you're completely free to stick with only that.
On the other hand there's an infinite number of 3rd Party apps available that don't need to go through an "approval process" and if you want you have full access to the whole UNIX underbelly. You're free to do whatever you want with it, even to the point of running completely different operating systems on it such as Windows or Linux. On Mac OS X Apple doesn't do anything to prevent you from installing any 3rd party software you want.
So what is the reason the iPhone can't be the same way?

 

[Stewie]

This thread is more fun the watching a pro-life protest outside a woman's clinic.

/Apple is the pro-life people in case you were confused.

 

[ratGT]

I Don't Buy All This

Apple and Google were doing so many things 'together' (heck, even Apple's board included the Google-representative) that I started thinking that there was a common 'bunch of people' backing-up both companies (and I'm sure most of the people reading the progress of these two companies thought the same too, at one point or another). These kind of news almost verify that this belief is true after all, as they throw 'mud' to consumer's eyes to make them think that they are rival companies (after all). So they started with 'cheap' tricks such as Android, only to continue with even cheaper tricks (which 'inflated' all this drama) with 'news' such as the approval of he Google Voice app on the iPhone. I don't buy all this for even one split-second, and anyone who stands against this theory, he lives in his own utopia, where he still believes that the commercial market is healthy and that smaller companies still have a chance to make it big...

 

[KnightWRX]

I think you're forgetting the short amount of time the iPhone has been on the market in comparison to these others. Also, Apple make one phone, while these others make many different models.

So essentially, you're saying Android is about to destroy the iPhone ? It's new from this year, and it's getting more models (Motorola is now in, Samsung is coming and so is Sony Ericsson). Android is about to get deals with Verizon and Sprint in the US, putting in on 3 of the top 4 carriers.

They already have the same marketshare Apple had with the iPhone at this same time after launch. They have technology Apple is just now copying (tethering, Augmented Reality apps). I hope Apple also sees this or the iPhone is going to get destroyed or relegated to a niche.

The majority of customers are satisfied with Apple making these choices. Those that are not, should not be using Apple products.

Yeah, let's kick out all those rebels, misfits and round pegs in square holes. Conform or get out!

Why would GV being available hurt those customers that are satisfied with the current offering ? Last I checked, after Apple approves an app, it doesn't automatically download to every iPhone.

And has the massive ecosystem of 3rd party apps without approval ruined OS X ?

I think you're being a bit close minded.

So what is the reason the iPhone can't be the same way?

The reason is obvious. Apple Computers Inc. has disappeared, along with everything it stood for.

where he still believes that the commercial market is healthy and that smaller companies still have a chance to make it big...

I hope this change you're talking about took place in the last 10 years, because Google wasn't so big in 1998.

 

[gibbz]

And has the massive ecosystem of 3rd party apps without approval ruined OS X ?

OS X is completely different. You are comparing apples to oranges.

iPhone OS is essentially forced into a single form factor with system dictated constraints. Not to mention you have another company to consider (AT&T). Those limitations mean that Apple has a far greater need/concern to ensure a positive user experience. Now, I realize that a lot of the jailbreaking apps and system features are cool, but don't act like they have all been flawless. There have been ample stability issues on jailbroken phones.

I am not agreeing or disagreeing with you. I simply wish to state that one cannot draw exact parallels between Apple's policies on its desktop OS and one on its phone. They are completely different animals.

 

[KnightWRX]

OS X is completely different. You are comparing apples to oranges.

iPhone OS is essentially forced into a single form factor with system dictated constraints. Not to mention you have another company to consider (AT&T). Those limitations mean that Apple has a far greater need/concern to ensure a positive user experience. Now, I realize that a lot of the jailbreaking apps and system features are cool, but don't act like they have all been flawless. There have been ample stability issues on jailbroken phones.

I am not agreeing or disagreeing with you. I simply wish to state that one cannot draw exact parallels between Apple's policies on its desktop OS and one on its phone. They are completely different animals.

GV runs on iPhone. This is not a system dictated constraint. This is a People dictated constraint.

And no, mobile computing like the iPhone and full-fledge computers aren't so different at all. The form factor is not an excuse at all, except to a few people who just don't want to believe that Apple isn't always right.

And again, AT&T has no qualms about GV. AT&T's blackberry users are already using the GV app. iPhone users can use GV with the web interface (which isn't as intuitive) without any problem either. GV doesn't replace services that AT&T provides, except for Voicemail.

 

[impulse462]

While it is true that they have approved VOIP apps on the iPhone, Google Voice not only has a dialer/Contacts UI but it does an end run around the carrier phone system. How would you expect them to approve something like that? Get real people.

Also, given than Google Voice has limited availability (US only), I dont' see the point for it. Don't you guys have unlimited evenings and weekends on AT&T?

Here in Canada on Fido, my unlimited Evenings and weekends start at 5pm local time.

I'm sick and tired of all of the Americans on here whining about services that are only applicable to them. Boo fricken hoo.

This is the most retarded thing i've read. Google Voice works perfectly from a safari web window. So why shouldn't there be an app that does exactly that except everything you need is a few touches away compared to navigating a small safari window.

 

[occamsrazor]

They really aren't that different.... all machines have constraints in one way or another, e.g. battery life, heat, etc on macbooks. Apple doesn't prevent me from installing video-encoding software on my macbook because it might lead to lower battery life and a poorer user experience. Yes the iPhone may have more constraints, but the principles are really much the same.
What IS different, as you rightfully point out, is Apple has another company to consider - the locked-in cell carrier. And it's becoming increasingly clear that Apple is looking after their interests at the expense of those who actually buy their products.
All this trouble with App Store apps not getting approved - mostly because they would adversely affect the business model of Apple's corporate partner yet would be beneficial and save money for consumers - is an increasingly glaring example of why phones should be sold unlocked and contract-free, as they are already in many other countries, and carrier-lockin must be regulated out of existence.

 

[Music_Producer]

The information in your forum is very useful.

Best post - refreshing change from all the complainers and supporters

 

[KnightWRX]

When a company is suspected of violating Anti Trust laws, the gov should look into it. Apple is trying to shut out the competition, Since Google an Apple are competing more an more, with their OS, & Phone.

Please, tell us how Apple is shutting out Google from competing in the market ? Last I checked, GV on iPhone wasn't needed at all for Google to offer the service or from offering Android to phone makers or from getting Android to be picked up by carriers.

People spouting non-sense about anti-trust should learn a thing or two about markets.

 

[AppleCrakintosh]

I think you're forgetting the short amount of time the iPhone has been on the market in comparison to these others. Also, Apple make one phone, while these others make many different models.


Apple attempt to achieve PERFECTION with every product they create. Rejecting applications that they believe will negatively effect the user experience is no different to them allowing limited personalisation options for their Mac OS X GUI and iPhone UI.

I am a perfectionist myself, and when I look at Windows users that have changed the way the interface looks, I simply cringe.

Setting a perfect image for the company and its products requires restricting users from screwing with it.

The majority of customers are satisfied with Apple making these choices. Those that are not, should not be using Apple products.

If I buy a Ferrari I own it, a Bentley I own it, a House I own it, an iPhone, I own it. If I want to paint my car I will, if I want to customize my iPhone I will, if I want to put an addition on my house I will.

I should not be prevented from doing so by my Car Dealer, Mortgage Company or the company who designed my cell phone. My MacBook & MBP are customized to my liking the iPhone should be no different. An who are you to be saying I shouldn't be using Apple's products, you stay under Steve Jobs desk, but I'm bustin out. That's why I am a % point in the 8.4% that have Jailbroken their iPhones.

Because I like a majority of other iPhone users would prefer if asked to be able to use our phone with any carrier that we want an would LOVE the OPTION to download any app or theme we want.

The Chinese goverment is shipping all new PC's with internet tracking software that blocks porn and Anti Communist web traffic. What's next? Apple blocking anything Microsoft related, or perhaps Steve doesn't like porn, and we can no longer take 5 minutes with a box of kleenex to the bathroom with our phones.

Keep swinging from Steve's nuts and telling yourself you don't mind paying for something and owning it, but being told you can't do this, or that.

 

[me-mac]

If GV were to run on the iPhone, you'd get people saying;

'Hey, What's that?'
'It's an iPhone with Google Voice'...

Duplicating a weather app is one thing, duplicating core functionality of a device and all but replacing it's UI with it's own, while uploading the users contacts' details to some server somewhere is another thing.

From a branding perspective, if you were a car manufacturer, would you allow another company to replace your car engine with their own? Once enough people start using Google Voice on an iPhone, word spreads and so will it's users. If they find Google Voice to be an invaluable function of their devices and Google then decided to pull the app or be slow with upgrading or make things not quite as smooth as on their own phones what you would see is users migrating to Android. That is the only way they are going to get the kind of numbers of iPhone users to use their own phones and they know it.

Apple has every right to reject such an application if they consider it to be a threat. Which it is. If you don't think it's a threat then you are ignorant to branding, marketing and business in general.

Google releases this press release to draw attention to it's cause and leverage the power of the whining crowds as it knows people, not companies are making the decisions these days. They play it out like it's unfair, unjust and they have no other motives than to put a free application on the iPhone. If that were their real motive, why are they whining about it so much?

Apple created something great and they have every right to protect it from the hoards of vultures that want a piece of the pie, Palm included. If these other companies are so great, why don't they have more users? Why don't they just be inventive, creative and make something new that everyone will want to have instead of piggy-backing on the back of success? It makes me sick to see copies of products or so-called 'big boys' jumping up and down like children screaming 'it's not fair, Mum', when they don't have the competence or ability to lead the market themselves.

If you want Google Voice so much, get another phone.

 

[AppleCrakintosh]

Please, tell us how Apple is shutting out Google from competing in the market ? Last I checked, GV on iPhone wasn't needed at all for Google to offer the service or from offering Android to phone makers or from getting Android to be picked up by carriers.

People spouting non-sense about anti-trust should learn a thing or two about markets.

Even though I can't understand your reply because it reads like a dyslexic person wrote it, I will still try to respond.

I'm talking about Apple, hindering my ability to try Google's software.
Let's say 1 person out of the 23 Million who own an iPhone, tried Google Voice an decided to buy an android phone. Point.

Had Apple designed a GPS app that shipped with the iPhone, we wouldn't see a google GPS or TOMTOM.

If GV were to run on the iPhone, you'd get people saying;

'Hey, What's that?'
'It's an iPhone with Google Voice'...

Duplicating a weather app is one thing, duplicating core functionality of a device and all but replacing it's UI with it's own, while uploading the users contacts' details to some server somewhere is another thing.

From a branding perspective, if you were a car manufacturer, would you allow another company to replace your car engine with their own? Once enough people start using Google Voice on an iPhone, word spreads and so will it's users. If they find Google Voice to be an invaluable function of their devices and Google then decided to pull the app or be slow with upgrading or make things not quite as smooth as on their own phones what you would see is users migrating to Android. That is the only way they are going to get the kind of numbers of iPhone users to use their own phones and they know it.

Apple has every right to reject such an application if they consider it to be a threat. Which it is. If you don't think it's a threat then you are ignorant to branding, marketing and business in general.

Google releases this press release to draw attention to it's cause and leverage the power of the whining crowds as it knows people, not companies are making the decisions these days. They play it out like it's unfair, unjust and they have no other motives than to put a free application on the iPhone. If that were their real motive, why are they whining about it so much?

Apple created something great and they have every right to protect it from the hoards of vultures that want a piece of the pie, Palm included. If these other companies are so great, why don't they have more users? Why don't they just be inventive, creative and make something new that everyone will want to have instead of piggy-backing on the back of success? It makes me sick to see copies of products or so-called 'big boys' jumping up and down like children screaming 'it's not fair, Mum', when they don't have the competence or ability to lead the market themselves.

If you want Google Voice so much, get another phone.

I am just pointing out a point of view, I am extremely happy with my jailbroken iPhone, I have a Google Voice app from Cydia an maybe have used it 4 times. It's not useful to me tho, my whole point is, what's wrong with options, Apple should offer the option. If I leased my car I doubt I could drop a diff manufacturers engine in it, but if I bought it outright, yea I can do that.

 

[Freyqq]

I do, but I then think about how much more app developers could do if THEY HAD MORE CONFIDENCE in the APPROVAL PROCESS.

Explain to me why it's ok to have a VOIP app but not the GV app?

In what way is the VOIP app not Duplicating features?

What about all of those weather apps?

What about all of those calc apps?

Quit apologizing for Apple.

w00master

it would be one thing if apple clearly defined what was and was not allowed...but repeatedly that seems to not be the case

why put thousands of $ into development of an app and then have it rejected? Apple is essentially squashing any creativity and limiting the quality of apps b\c any break in the status quo risks a rejected app.

 

[AppleCrakintosh]

Once enough people start using Google Voice on an iPhone, word spreads and so will it's users. If they find Google Voice to be an invaluable function of their devices and Google then decided to pull the app or be slow with upgrading or make things not quite as smooth as on their own phones what you would see is users migrating to Android. That is the only way they are going to get the kind of numbers of iPhone users to use their own phones and they know it.

Apple has every right to reject such an application if they consider it to be a threat. Which it is. If you don't think it's a threat then you are ignorant to branding, marketing and business in general.

I used the App, it's not that great that it would move even a substantial amount of users IF it moved 100 that would be amazing. Apple is confident enough is it's design an functionality of OSX that Boot Camp comes standard on all Macs so you can run Windows on your Mac. Last I checked, Microsoft was Apple's biggest threat. So explain that decision then, an I highly doubt Google's master plan was to design a simple app with the goal to bring thousands or even millions of users to Android.

 

[pdjudd]

When a company is suspected of violating Anti Trust laws, the gov should look into it.

The FCC does not investigate Anti-trust issues. That would be the FTC and last I checked, they do not have any pending investigation much less prosecution involving the matters between Apple and Google in regards to Google Voice rejection.

Please cite the areas in which Apple is in violation of anti-trust and cite relevant and factual case law that shows proof of said anti-trust.

 

[Peabody]

Are we done yet?

Supposedly, Google has more up their sleeve. Not sure of what to make of the article, but some more fodder none the less...


"...Google has yet another nuke waiting on the sidelines - a screen shot of the actual rejection notice via the iPhone developers admin with the formal rejection."



http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/09/18/AR2009091803652.html

 

[cumanzor]

Some of us just don't care. And really, we don't need the geek contingent on MR telling us what we should or should not care about or consider important issues.

Hmmm, the ironic thing is that you are the one telling everyone here that everything is fine and that we shouldn't give a **** about this. Yours is an interesting case, it is usually MS apologists who say that they are fine with being told what to do, not the other way around. I guess we have all kind of fanboys in the world

You want to be that much in control? Just grab a copy of Windows. Enjoy.

Lol no, please don't. If you want freedom, go Linux.