Apple responds to Google Voice voice fiasco, AT&T not involved

Image via Wikipedia

Apple has finally responded to the FCC’s inquiry into the alleged rejection of the Google Voice app for the iPhone. I say alleged because the current state of the Google Voice application seems to hang on a syntactical thread. Some are absolutely convinced that Google Voice was rejected for the iPhone, but Apple’s own response is that it is still currently under review. The notion of rejection comes from information TechCrunch received from a spokesperson:

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.

It’s quite easy to translate “not been approved” to mean “rejected,” but that wouldn’t be completely accurate. Apple says:

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.

via Apple Answers the FCC’s Questions.

Many have argued that there are several applications available in the App Store that mimic or replicate native iPhone functions, such as Fring or some messaging applications. However, it seems to me that the reason it’s an issue with Google Voice is that it (Google Voice) has several of those functions within the app which could essentially render the phone features (such as visual voicemail and SMS) virtually useless.

Image via Wikipedia

Another issue in contention is that other Google Voice apps, such as GV Mobile, were pulled from the App Store after they had already been approved. The outrage over these pulled apps really baffles me. The arguments come from the fact that Google Voice features were once available on the iPhone, so there is no reason for the official Google Voice app itself to be rejected (or in this case, not approved yet). Moreover, the apps that were in existence obviously made it through the approval process and there is no reason for Apple pulling them from the App Store.

It should be clear to everyone that Apple does change its mind every so often and pulls apps that have been approved. The company has done this several times in the past. One example that comes to mind is the “I Am Rich” app which did nothing but show off one’s supposed wealth and frivolity by displaying a gem on the screen and playing some type of weird, aural music. The application retailed for $1,000 and eight copies were sold before Apple pulled it from the App Store. Not to compare such a frivolous app with a clearly functional (Google Voice) one, but the fact that Apple pulls apps after approval shouldn’t come as a shock to anyone.

For now, I’m taking a neutral stance on the issue. Every other blog out there is so emotionally charged and fueled by speculation that misinformation is having to be corrected every day or every week. First, there is no telling whether Apple lied in its statement about currently “studying” the Google Voice application. It’s easier to vent and speculate and say that it was very obviously rejected, but give me a break. Common sense tells me it would have been easier for Apple to say it rejected the app in its public response than to say it is reviewing it, only to conjure up an explanation later as to why it ultimately rejected the app.

The big shocker here are the allegations of AT&T’s involvement. Again, every major (and minor) blog suspected AT&T as the culprit for the Google Voice app rejection and articles were written at great length as to why the telecom would want to ban Google Voice. I steered clear of blaming AT&T and even ripped a Wall Street Journal piece that not only accused AT&T of being responsible for the app rejection, but was also full of blatant errors and inaccuracies. In the end, it turned out all parties in question agreed that AT&T was absolutely not involved in Apple’s decision to not approve the Google Voice app.

I think this is just a case of herd mentality led by an extremely vocal minority. Prominent names in the tech industry have ditched their iPhones on certain principles, namely the alleged rejection of the Google Voice app, and droves of tech nerds followed. Many have called Apple “chickenshit” or have accused the company of stifling innovation. Some have tagged Apple as plain old liars.

Anyone who knows me can agree that I’m more passionate about technology and innovation than some of the obsessed, but I just don’t feel the fire here. I use an iPhone (amongst several other phones) and I also have a Google Voice account. Does it bother me that the app hasn’t been approved? Yes, a little bit. Will I leave AT&T, sell my iPhone and start calling Apple all kinds of nasty names? Well, I’m not a child, am I?