Apple blocks Google Voice iPhone app

For "duplicating features"

28 July 2009 9:37 GMT / By Duncan Geere

Google Voice, the one-number-to-rule-them-all phone solution recently rolled out and rated very highly in Pocket-lint's review, has reportedly been banned from the iPhone App Store for duplicating functionality that the device already offers.

Google built apps for BlackBerry and Android, and a handful of third-party coders also ported the service to the iPhone, with apps such as GV Mobile and VoiceCentral that have been available for a few months. Now, however, they're gone.

GV Mobile coder Sean Kovacs said: "Richard Chipman from Apple just called - he told me they're removing GV Mobile from the App Store due to it duplicating features that the iPhone comes with (Dialer, SMS, etc)".

"He didn't actually specify which features, although I assume the whole app in general. He wouldn't send a confirmation email either - too scared I would post it. I'll see what I can do to get it back up there gang".

Some are blaming AT&T for the move, suggesting that they demanded to Apple that it be taken out. Others pin the impetus behind the ban on a jealous Apple, comfortable with people locked into 2-year contracts.

If it's the latter, it bodes poorly for Spotify's iPhone app being approved, as that clearly does duplicate functionality available on the handset already - and arguably improves on it. It'll depend largely on how protective Apple feels about the iTunes store.

Via: seankovacs.com

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Comments

Good to see the monopolies commision in full swing. Sorry, that should be 'good to see monopolies in full swing".
Duplicating features not allowed ? So, every app is going to be different then. What about the human interface, is accepting touchscreen inputs duplicating other apps ?
Microsoft is the good guy compared to Apple :-) Posted by adrianaitken, United Kingdom
Too bad! Apple should have a reason for that . Hy suggest me any fashion app like IWound Posted by ray, Ukraine