Filed under: Apple, Google, VoIP, iPhone
Apple pulls Google Voice apps from the App Store
Apple doesn't particularly like it when developer release applications that compete directly with Apple's iPhone software. That's why you won't find any full featured web browsers in the App Store. And apparently it's why you also won't find any mobile apps for using Google Voice. Of course, up until recently, there was an unofficial Google Voice app called GV Mobile that let you make and receive calls and access your Google Voice voicemail. But the developer says his app was removed, and Apple says it's because it duplicates features that come with the iPhone. Apparently Google ran into the same problem when the company tried to submit an official Google Voice application to Apple 6 weeks ago. TechCrunch reports that the app was rejected.
It makes sense for Apple to block a program like Google Voice, but not because it competes with Apple's software. Instead, Google Voice essentially lets users get around some of AT&T's fees by sending free text messages and making cheap phone calls, even to international locations.
But at a time when Google is releasing Google Voice apps for BlackBerry, Android, and other other platforms, does Apple really want to be the holdout here? Especially since Apple has already approved a Skype application, which also duplicates some of the iPhone's native features while letting users send messages and make phone calls without paying additional fees to AT&T.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Molly said 11:20AM on 7-28-2009
you have no reason to complain if you sacrifice freedom for an iPhone :)
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Kevin said 11:34AM on 7-28-2009
It looks like Apple is slowly turning into an 'evil empire' themselves.
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Sean said 12:53PM on 7-28-2009
They are the evil empire - they are no better the M$, probably worse IMHO.
hazard said 7:56PM on 7-28-2009
Apple's record for proprietary lock in has always been far more draconian than MS. They have supported a number of open frameworks over the years but if you look closer they usually own the patent(s). This is just business as usual for Apple.
Brian! said 6:43PM on 7-29-2009
Turning? Turned. Apple *IS* Big Brother now. You might as well take that first popular Apple commercial and replace Steve Jobs on the screen talking and have someone come in and smash his face.
Apple bugs the crap out of me lately. I used to love Think Different, now it is "Think our way or we will eject you".
Check out this:
http://www.theonion.com/content/news/apple_claims_new_iphone_only?utm_source=a-section
bcurran said 11:41AM on 7-28-2009
There is nothing in Google Voice app that is not already in other apps already in the app store. You can send free SMS with Yahoo Messenger or AIM or Fring or any other number of apps. Apple is turning into Scum.
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TBolt said 4:39PM on 7-28-2009
I use a Google Voice app on my blackberry. The solutions you suggest probably are not integrated into the GV system and; therefore, not identifying you by your GV number to recipients of your messages.
TUPACALYPSE187 said 11:51AM on 7-28-2009
Why can Apple get away with this, but Microsoft get's sued left and right?
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David said 1:18PM on 7-28-2009
Because Apple is not abusing its monopoly.
Brian! said 6:47PM on 7-29-2009
Apple not abusing its monopoly?!? Yeah, locking the Pre out by breaking the USB standard rules... that, to me, sounds like abusing, seeing that iTunes has a monopoly on music sales at about the same that Microsoft has it in OS sales.
The world needs a new company to be to Apple what Apple was to Microsoft 10+ years ago. Someone needs to take them down and save the fanbois from the web of delusions they are entrapped in.
lolmatt722 said 12:09PM on 7-28-2009
I haven't sync'd my iPod touch in a while... will it remove the GV Mobile app I already paid for?
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Spedione said 12:39PM on 7-28-2009
No, it won't.
David said 1:18PM on 7-28-2009
But Skype on the iPhone is limited to wi-fi, and also the Slingbox app which if I remember correctly was specifically restricted on the iPhone by AT&T.
Maybe Apple should have let the Google Voice developers change their apps to work over wi-fi only.
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Brian said 1:52PM on 7-28-2009
I don't understand why Apple is being blamed for this. I would fault the carriers. There is no way AT&T and other carriers are going to stand by anything that provides their customer's refuge from contracts, fees, or other limitations.
I love to jump on the Apple hate train, but this hardly seems something Apple would be opposed to unless they were facing heat from carriers.
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Kevin said 2:35PM on 7-28-2009
Because Apple is in bed with them and financially benefiting mutually from such restrictions. You really can't see that?
Molly said 2:35PM on 7-28-2009
AT&T blocking unwanted services is one thing, but if Apple is doing their dirty work then let Apple take the heat.
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sodapop said 3:37PM on 7-28-2009
Quit talking about Skype or we will lose that too!
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TBolt said 4:34PM on 7-28-2009
lol...and, once again, Apple proves itself to be a Nazi regime. Apple does everything it can to block Apple users from venturing outside of the Apple prison camp. i guess the only reason why Apple doesn't draw as much regulatory heat is because all-in-all Apple's footprint in technology is equal to a drop of piss in the ocean of technology. i can't think of any other reason why Apple gets away with shit like this, the recent iTunes debacle, etc.
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Niels van Dijk said 7:38AM on 7-29-2009
Good news. Let the Iphone users come to Android :D
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Huh???? said 11:00AM on 7-29-2009
The GV mobile app isn't even voip. It still uses AT&T plan minutes to make calls, so I don't really understand the big issue they have with it. Maybe the discount of out of country calling? I think there is more to this than we are aware of.
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