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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.
[via TUAW]
Comments
20
Subscribe to commentsMollyJul 28th 2009 11:20AM
you have no reason to complain if you sacrifice freedom for an iPhone :)
KevinJul 28th 2009 11:34AM
It looks like Apple is slowly turning into an 'evil empire' themselves.
SeanJul 28th 2009 12:53PM
They are the evil empire - they are no better the M$, probably worse IMHO.
hazardJul 28th 2009 7:56PM
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!Jul 29th 2009 6:43PM
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
bcurranJul 28th 2009 11:41AM
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.
TBoltJul 28th 2009 4:39PM
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.
TUPACALYPSE187Jul 28th 2009 11:51AM
Why can Apple get away with this, but Microsoft get's sued left and right?
DavidJul 28th 2009 1:18PM
Because Apple is not abusing its monopoly.
Brian!Jul 29th 2009 6:47PM
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.
lolmatt722Jul 28th 2009 12:09PM
I haven't sync'd my iPod touch in a while... will it remove the GV Mobile app I already paid for?
SpedioneJul 28th 2009 12:39PM
No, it won't.
DavidJul 28th 2009 1:18PM
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.
BrianJul 28th 2009 1:52PM
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.
KevinJul 28th 2009 2:35PM
Because Apple is in bed with them and financially benefiting mutually from such restrictions. You really can't see that?
MollyJul 28th 2009 2:35PM
AT&T blocking unwanted services is one thing, but if Apple is doing their dirty work then let Apple take the heat.
sodapopJul 28th 2009 3:37PM
Quit talking about Skype or we will lose that too!
TBoltJul 28th 2009 4:34PM
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.
Niels van DijkJul 29th 2009 7:38AM
Good news. Let the Iphone users come to Android :D
Huh????Jul 29th 2009 11:00AM
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.