03 Aug 2009
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has written to Apple demanding to know why it rejected the Google Voice for iPhone application, and removed related third-party apps from its iTunes App Store.
The letter (PDF) asks Apple to explain its reasons, and to clarify exactly which applications were removed. It also asks whether there are any differences between Google Voice for iPhone and any other VoIP applications which have been approved, and for Apple to explain its standards for approving iPhone applications.
"Recent press reports indicate that Apple has declined to approve the Google Voice application for the iPhone, and has removed related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the iPhone App Store," reads the letter.
"In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access (RM-11361) and handset exclusivity (RM-11497), we are interested in a more complete understanding of this situation."
However, any response from Apple is unlikely to shed light on its apps approvals process, which has been a source of confusion and irritation for many developers, as the company is able to request confidentiality on certain information.
The FCC has also sent a similar letter to AT&T, Apple's exclusive carrier for the iPhone in the US, and to Google requesting more information on the matter.
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Do you agree?
The iPhone and the counter-revolution
This is such a shame. Apple are stymieing innovation and competition. No wonder the dissent among the Apple community is growing. This is exactly why people turn to "jailbreak". I have just covered a story on this on my blog, if you are getting fed up of Apple and their dictatorship then CHECK OUT the Neo FreeRunner phone @ http://twelveprinciples.wordpress.com/ - it could just be the next best thing to the iPhone.
Posted by: Kevin Neadley 04 Aug 2009
Come on Google, get your own iLife
FCC wants to know why Apple rejected Google apps from iPhone? Isn't a better question, why does the FCC care? It is a proprietary product, owned by Apple - they should have the right to decide what apps can access it. The FCC has much bigger questions to ask like why my phone sometimes dials the phone without my knowledge or consent. This my friends is a matter of National Security as far as I'm concerned. I also think Congress should appropriate a bail-out to all of us still forced by oppressive government to use our 2G phones. We should all have equal access to 3Gs.
Posted by: Woody 03 Aug 2009
Google Voice is not VOIP
More and more people are mistaking Google Voice as a VOIP system, which it is not. Google Talk is, but Google Voice is just a phone dialing and phone call routing system that doesn't need to use anything more than a regular old telephone.
Posted by: Jacob Brunson 03 Aug 2009