August 24th, 2009
Apple denies the denial of Google Voice app
Google Voice is a cool new service that Google is working hard on — and part of their effort includes bringing it to mobile devices.
Google has already made apps for Android, and Blackberry phones, however, Apple is playing hard to get. The FCC officially questioned Apple’s “denial” of the Google Voice app in their app store, and their response was basically “we haven’t denied it, we just haven’t approved it”.
In Apple’s response to the FCC, they explained some things that are causing them to stutter — including the fact that the Google Voice application would replace the native dialer.
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. — Apple
But if that is actually the case, and AT&T has nothing to do with the “denial” of Google Voice — why is RingCentral still part of the App Store?
According to Philip Elmer-DeWitt, RingCentral is basically the same thing, except there may be some interesting dealings going on under the covers there:
RingCentral has signed a strategic agreement with AT&T to do “something much bigger and cooler that they will not discuss openly because of intense competition.”
What do you think of the rejection of Google Voice? Do you buy Apple’s response?
Garett Rogers is employed as a programmer for iQmetrix, which specializes in retail management software for the wireless industry.
See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
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