Unless you're using a jailbroken iPhone or are working at one of the companies concerned, it's unlikely your Apple handset is home to a Google Voice application, but what's the latest on an official version of the app?
That question is proving almost impossible to answer after a public row intensified this weekend between Google and Apple over an application to give iPhone users access to the Google Voice service.
Still thinking
The US Federal Communications Commission had previously reported that Apple was "still pondering" making a Google Voice app available through iTunes, which seemed to indicate a waiting game was in order.
However, that drew Google's ire, prompting it to ask the FCC to make its investigations fully public in a bid to get to the truth of the matter.
Rejection a done deal
Hence, a letter published on Friday that seems to show Apple has already rejected a Google Voice application out of hand on the grounds of it clashing with the iPhone's own calling services.
The letter, from Google to the FCC, reveals that Apple's senior vice president, Phil Schiller, told the search giant in July that a request to distribute a Google Voice app through iTunes had been rejected.
Core functionality
It goes on to say that "Apple believed the application duplicated the core functionality of the... iPhone [dialler]" and that "Apple representatives indicated that the company did not want applications that could potentially replace such functionality."
So, someone's being economical with the truth, but who to believe? Alas for anyone not wanting to jailbreak and run unofficial alternatives like GV Mobile, we still don't know.
He said, she said
The latest response from Apple? A spokesperson told Reuters: "We do not agree with all of the statements made by Google in their FCC letter. Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application and we continue to discuss it with Google."
Your comments (5) Click to add a new comment
mbb
September 21st
5. It's a funny situation. I think Apple are claiming that the reason GV is in limbo is because it mines the contacts data from the iPhone and loads it to Google, and they want to know more about that process. I can certainly believe that Google would be cagey about sharing that information. That's actually fairly admirable on Apple's part... if it's even true.
I think Apple gets away with keeping iTunes closed to other devices because most of its functionality is easily duplicable. There's plenty of other download services and media players, and it's got an open XML structure which shares its metadata. It's only direct device access where it totally shuns the world.
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watcherzero
September 20th
4. Its relevance is Apple blocking an app that gives iPhone users the ability to make free calls.
On Apples side its out to make money from phonecalls since it has a revenue sharing deal with most phone companies.
On Googles side Apple is activley blocking software for what should be an open platform and restricting customers freedom of choice and ability to save money.
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saj
September 20th
3. Techradar headlines are becoming a bit too tabloid for my liking. Also, I read many other tech blogs but like the UK focus with Techradar. Google Voice is not available in the UK. Until it is, is this particular story really that relevant?
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stu531
September 20th
2. I agree totally with trevgc. Apple, for some reason, seem to get away with murder. They dictate their own market area far more than Microsoft do, without appearing to get any consequences. The only way to get fairness in iPhone applications is for the authorities to allow Cydia, or other 'marketplaces', to be authorised for install. That way it's not just Apple who had the say-so on what goes on - a true free market on what is a multi-million monopoly currently.
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trevgc
September 19th
1. Could you imagine the storm if this was Microsoft and that it was say a zune phone. They would be get fined millions and millions. Just like Apple stopping a rival phone from using itunes. How do they get away with it...all companys are the same I think crying about this guy is doing this and that guys is doing that. I feel if you have a app and your paying for it they should carry it give people the choice don't dictate to them. I for one would love any phone to be able to use itunes so I could put my music on. But aside from that I just dont like the it that Apple is dictating what you can use on a handset that you have bought. Yes make sure the apps are high quality etc but that is where your interferance should end not fear of competition! Sorry for ranting:/
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