"Apple's rejection of the Google Voice app for the iPhone went all the way to the top - the bad news was personally delivered to Google by none other than Apple's Senior VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, Phil Schiller. New details of the controversial decision came to light today when the FCC released an unredacted version of Google's own confidential letter to the agency. Google replied to a set of FCC questions about the Google Voice app rejection on August 21, but requested that the letter be kept private due to the 'sensitive nature of commercial discussion'. Interested parties immediately filed Freedom of Information Act requests to get at the juicy tidbits that might be found in such a letter; rather than fight the request, Google waived its confidentiality."
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Member since:2006-01-19
Member since:2009-08-18
Member since:2006-01-10
I don't understand how Apple gets to play gatekeeper with what software I can install on my device.
In a perfect world, the AppStore would me the main distribution method for installing software on an iPhone, at the some time however anyone is able to download an independent app and install it thus bypassing the AppStore. Maybe add a security warning, maybe forcing the user to accept full responsibility.
Member since:2005-07-06
That is a common misconception - that you own an Apple device. They are just letting you use it. And if I were you, I wouldn't complain too loudly, or they just might take it back. Remember, to Apple is a privilege.
Member since:2006-01-10
Member since:2009-09-03
Member since:2005-11-13
Its' the same thing with their software right? Sure, you can buy OSX, but they get to dictate what hardware you install it on. This is pretty much the same thing.
On the other hand, when's the last time you bought a game console/handheld (other than the GP2x) where you could install anything you wanted? It's been that way forever, yet people never bitch about that.
Edited 2009-09-20 00:12 UTC
Member since:2005-07-06
Actually, consoles are a good example - you could install Linux on your PS2 or Gamecube without much concern. Sony even provided a kit for installing Linux. On the other hand, Microsoft tried everything in its power to prevent you from using Linux on the XBox. Great pains were taken to keep unauthorized software from being installed.
Good example!
Member since:2005-11-13
Member since:2006-10-10
Member since:2009-08-10
Member since:2006-07-14
I think this may be getting reviewed with a microscope by the FTC because the phone is on at&t's network. There was a company by a similar name that they ended up breaking up because it was abusing its monopoly. They later approved a merger between the same company and parts of the old company they had originally split off. It only makes sense to me that they would want to check in to see what the effects of having a Large company named at&t would have on competition in various sectors.
Member since:
2009-08-18
• Google's letter to the FCC (.pdf) http://wireless.fcc.gov/releases/9182009_Google_Filing_iPhone.pdf" here.
• Apple's letter to the FCC http://www.apple.com/hotnews/apple-answers-fcc-questions/" here.
• AT&T's letter to the FCC (.pdf) http://fortunebrainstormtech.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/att-respon... here.
Member since:
2005-07-24
