Apple did not reject Google Application for iPhone

by on August 22nd, 2009

Apple told the Federal Communications Commission on Friday that it did not reject an iPhone application submitted by Google and that it was still studying it, in part because of privacy concerns.

Apple has also mentioned that the decision has nothing to do with AT&T, and it is Apple who is delaying the approval of Google Voice App.

This is what Apple has to say about it.

[Question to Apple] Why did Apple reject the Google Voice application for iPhone and remove related third-party applications from its App Store? In addition to Google Voice, which related third-party applications were removed or have been rejected? Please provide the specific name of each application and the contact information for the developer.

[Answer] 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. Apple spent a lot of time and effort developing this distinct and innovative way to seamlessly deliver core functionality of the iPhone. For example, on an iPhone, the “Phone” icon that is always shown at the bottom of the Home Screen launches Apple’s mobile telephone application, providing access to Favorites, Recents, Contacts, a Keypad, and Visual Voicemail. The Google Voice application replaces Apple’s Visual Voicemail by routing calls through a separate Google Voice telephone number that stores any voicemail, preventing voicemail from being stored on the iPhone, i.e., disabling Apple’s Visual Voicemail. Similarly, SMS text messages are managed through the Google hub—replacing the iPhone’s text messaging feature. In addition, the iPhone user’s entire Contacts database is transferred to Google’s servers, and we have yet to obtain any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in appropriate ways. These factors present several new issues and questions to us that we are still pondering at this time.

Apple is correct in its place. Google’s capturing all the user information from Apple iPhone users is not in Apple’s interest. Googleay user certain information to make the Android better. But this can not justify the difficulty Apple is causing for the iPhone users.

Apple can ask Google to make the possible uses of data public. It is again hard to check for Apple in future about Google’s complying with its words. Google is god for the customers, but equally an evil to the closed cultured companies. It has been striking hard.

On another question of which other apps Apple has delayed or rejected, Apple says:

The following is a list of representative applications that have been rejected as originally submitted and their current status:

  • Twittelator, by Stone Design Corp., was initially rejected because it crashed during loading, but the developer subsequently fixed the application and it has been approved;
  • iLoveWiFi!, by iCloseBy LLC, was rejected because it used undocumented application protocols (it has not been resubmitted as of the date of this letter);
  • SlingPlayer Mobile, by Sling Media, was initially rejected because redirecting a TV signal to an iPhone using AT&T’s cellular network is prohibited by AT&T’s customer Terms of Service, but the developer subsequently fixed the application to use WiFi only and it has been approved; and
  • Lingerie Fantasy Video (Lite), by On The Go Girls, LLC, was initially rejected because it displayed nudity and explicit sexual content, but the developer subsequently fixed the application and it has been approved with the use of a 17+ age rating.
This list is fine. Even then, I am with Google here. Google needs to address concerns of Apple but Apple can not dictate its terms and not allow Google Voice App. Google Voice App is a wonderful tool to use, and it saves good money for the users. People have paid to buy the iPhone, and they reserve the right to use VoIP on it.
Apple has to open up, and stop thinking of a Mac or Apple nutshell. It is in everyone’s interest, including Apple’s own. I love Apple for innovation, I don’t want to hate it for customer interest insensitivity.
You might also like:
Comments
^