With Vonage App, Apple Isn't Even Bothering to Lie Anymore

I mean, seriously.

Apple’s (AAPL) chief complaint against the Google Voice application was “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…”

And that’s ok, because we all know that the real reason Apple won’t let Google Voice through is that they are scared out of their mind that Android and Google Voice will eat their iPhone lunch over the long term. Apple can’t win the fight over the long term, but they sure are willing to say and do anything in the short term to stop the advance of Google (GOOG).

But you’d think they’d at least be consistent and apply the same arguments to other third party apps. At least until this whole FCC thing blows over.

But Skype’s calling app, which uses Wifi, is totally fine. And Monday, the Vonage iPhone app, which seems to be just as much of an issue as Google Voice based on that quote at the top, got the green light, too.

Users can use Wifi or cellular minutes, and have to open the Vonage (VG) application to make calls. They’ll save a bundle on international calling.

Of course, it’s hard to argue that Vonage doesn’t “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.”

But really, I’m not even sure anyone is paying attention at this point. If you care, the truth is this – Apple isn’t threatened by Vonage. The smart thing would have been to reject their app anyway, to stay consistent. But unless someone actually forces Apple to play by the rules, why should they?

Yeah, I know. Apple Fanboys can unleash hell on us now in the comments.

Original post

Comments

[Timeline St...:]

Are you going to have VoIP apps on the CrunchPad when it comes out?

Oct 06 05:26 AM

[argosy:]

Michael,

I think you're still missing something. If Apple is, ' scared out of their mind of Android and Google Voice...", by denying Google Voice (GV) aren't they strengthening the Android brand (and every other phone which incorporates GV)?

The only outcome of denying GV is to prolong adoption (if it turns out to be as useful as promised) at the great risk of strengthening all iPhone competitors in the mean time. A very short-sided strategy indeed (and also not very Apple-like, the short sidedness, that is)

What risk is there to Apple if GV becoming ubiquitous? The phone carriers are definitely threatened by GV, but I don't see how it threatens Apple and the iPhone? It seems to help strengthen whoever implements it best.

I am as confused about Apple not accepting the GV app. as every one else.

I would love to hear what you think.

Cheers,
Argosy

Oct 06 12:30 PM

[pk de cville:]

Michael,

So much bad blood. If you're right, Apple might be lying!

Why can't Apple be totally truthful like MSFT, GOOG, AMZN, PALM, NOKIA, and IBM?

Oct 06 07:21 PM

[Michael J. ...:]

It is really arrogant to try to preempt any negative comments regarding your article by calling any supposed detractors Apple Fanboys. Does that remark mean that anyone suggesting an error in your logic or misinformation in your article is automatically discredited in advance?

Perhaps you should read more about AT&T's role in denial of the Google Voice app on the iPhone. But, then again, you might actually have to do some investigation instead of mere bloviating.

Here's a link to give you a headstart on your research: www.google.com/search?...

Oct 19 02:03 PM