In its latest apparent move to control applications it considers threatening to its bottom line, Apple has blocked Google Voice from the App Store for the iPhone and iPod touch. The Google app lets users arrange one telephone number to manage all calls and text messages, according to Sara Jew-Lim, a Google spokesperson.
Rather than decide whether to reach someone at home, at work, or on a cell phone, callers can use the person’s Google Voice number. The service, which is currently available by invitation only, also allows a user to manage how he or she can be reached by different callers.
Apple’s rejection of Google Voice, submitted six weeks ago, blocks features that compete with or duplicate iPhone features, and potential users are not happy. Allowing the Google app could take money out of Apple’s and wireless carrier AT&T’s pockets.
“We work hard to bring Google applications to a number of mobile platforms, including the iPhone,” said Jew-Lim. “We will continue to work to bring our services to iPhone users — for example, by taking advantage of advances in mobile browsers.”
Developer Sean Kovacs also had his GV Mobile app rejected. “Looks like Apple/AT&T pissed off a lot of people,” Kovacs wrote on his blog Tuesday.
He wrote that Richard Chipman from Apple called him on Monday and said Apple was removing GV Mobile from the App Store because it duplicated iPhone features. He said Chipman didn’t specify which features were rejected, but assumes the entire app was rejected.
Users of the Google service are not happy, including a poster named Yuusharo who said Apple’s move stifles innovation on the iPhone.
“Everyone is so pissed off at AT&T, but let’s be real for a moment. Apple was the one who pulled the application, not AT&T,” Yuusharo wrote. “Many people somehow think that Apple…