In Morning Hangover #24, I wrote about the FCC's investigation on why Google Voice was rejected from the iPhone App Store. Apple and AT&T have responded to the FCC. Here's a snippet from Apple's letter:
"Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it. The application has not been approved because, as submitted for review, it appears to alter the iPhone’s distinctive user experience by replacing the iPhone’s core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail."
Apparently Apple didn't "reject" Google Voice. It's just studying a relatively uncomplicated app because it's overly concerned that its iPhone customers are too stupid to tell the difference between the iPhone's interface and Google Voice. Yeah....
As for AT&T, it's claiming complete innocence in the fiasco. Senior executive vice president Jim Cicconi wrote:
"To that end, let me state unequivocally, AT&T had no role in any decision by Apple to not accept the Google Voice application for inclusion in the Apple App Store. AT&T was not asked about the matter by Apple at any time, nor did we offer any view one way or the other.
Any AT&T customer may access and use Google Voice on any web-enabled device operating on AT&T’s network, including the iPhone, by launching the application through their web browser, without the need to use the Apple App Store."
If AT&T had no involvement in the decision then why make the "web browser" excuse? I don't get it. Apple has limited the functionality of Sling and Skype for iPhone due to AT&T's network concerns, so I find it hard to believe that AT&T had "no role" in the matter. Then again, maybe it's all part of Apple's war with Google.
Personally, I find it amusing that all these official responses to a government agency are full of half-truths and posturing. While I'd love for these companies to be more transparent to the consumer, I can't expect that when they're not being completely honest with the government.
If you're interested in more specifics, here are the official letters, courtesy of GigaOm.
Whether you're a Google Voice fan, an iPhone user, and an AT&T sympathizer, I'd love to hear what you think of the situation.
Comments are Closed
Comments
Displaying 1–13 of 13
CannibalShogun
@SinSyxx
Verizon is just as crappy and greedy if not more so. they sold me a "blue tooth" phone that blocks most of the functionality of blue tooth so that i still had to use their service to pay to download ringtones and stuff if I wanted them. Since switching to AT&T I've been able to upload all the custom ringtones my phone can hold, for free, and the service area is much better where I live, Verizon constantly dropped my calls or straight up wouldn't get a signal in the middle of town.
Main point: they're all greedy, they all find tricky ways to get more of your money, that is the game they play. As consumers all we can do is make the most informed decision possible when buying a new mobile device as far as what services you will get at what cost. If you don't want to deal with a greedy money grubbing corporation there is a simple solution, don't own a cell phone.
renderings
It's just an excuse to cover their tracks and make themselves look better. I'm sure they'll release something because of all the negative attention surrounding their practices. That and nerds will drive in flocks to Android if a a suitable cell phone will come out. Then they will get stuck holding the bag...
TheFrag
as an iphone 2g user all i can say is wow. I upgraded to 3.0 and actually lost features!!! i have 2 generic a/v cables that no longer function cause the 3.0 requires only official apple cables ( starting at $50 for the crap composite version ). If that isnt dirty and underhanded than i dont know what is. Not to mention that we were promised mms and stereo bluetooth 3.0 only to find out when it was released that only 3gs gets all the advertised features. Nifty that the 3gs and 3.0 came out around the same time huh? BTW if you want mms and GV app then simply jailbreak the phone, its all in cydia.
TheCrystal
Many iphone users love skype and hate At&t's call quality, of coarse At&t wouldn't want google voice, its another application that people can use to avoid their horrible call quality.
btonkinson
Woohoo, I'm just glad Apple is showing all their fan boys that they are a big evil company also. You don't get to that size by playing fair.
Smartguy81
(Apple's excuse to ........)
WTB EDIT FEATURE!
Smartguy81
If Apple has decided to REMOVE it from the app store as they study the app they already approved, then that sounds like ATT more than Apple.
Personally I think that Apple excuse to the FCC is complete hogwash. If it were true then Apple would not have approved the weather channel app, any calendar apps, stock tickers, contacts, etc. There are plenty of those and they mimic or improve the functionality of what comes on the phone from Apple. It wasn't because the GV app was free either. The good version of the app was 2 or 4 dollars.
This all sounds like ATT pulled some proviso from their contract and Apple had to comply or be sued. It seems with everything else Apple has allowed to be distributed on the app store that competes with their standard apps has never been a problem until GV messed with att's SMS bottomline.
erosennin987
if only the iphone was open to other carriers it would be fine, freaking AT&T can suck it!!
SkylerZio
yet aother reason Why I bought the G! over the iPhone, nothing but problems with iPhone.
troopershades
Thats great...now when do I get MMS support already...
SinSyxx
AT&T = Epic Fail as tha iphone carrier. If it wasn't for at&t i would already have an iphone. Hoping that verizon gets tha contract so tha iphone will actually be worth getting.
Kanaye
This is Apple's side of the story - but I want to hear Google's side of the story.
I can't make a fair judgment when I only know one side of the argument.
godsized
I'm and independent developer and if Google can't pass an app what chance does the little guy have
Displaying 1–13 of 13