Normally I like to think I’m above saying “I told you so” but I think this deserves an exception. In a post on August 9th I said…
The situation with the Google Voice app is the perfect example. Most people are ignoring the evidence and assuming Apple denied the Google Voice App because AT&T didn't want the competition in the phone space. But I'm almost sure that wasn't the case (AT&T denies the claim). More likely Apple didn't want Google grafting an inferior voice mail experience onto their phone. So just like the painter who would never change a color in his painting Apple refused to let the app onto the iPhone.
Now from TechCrunch today (in regards to Apple’s response to the FCC claim of unfairness against the Google Voice iPhone App)…
On the Google Voice rejection:
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.
Apple has a problem with Google Voice’s phone icon, voicemail functionality and SMS functionality:
Apple spent a lot of time and effort developing this distinct and innovative way to seamlessly deliver core functionality of the iPhone. For example, on an iPhone, the “Phone” icon that is always shown at the bottom of the Home Screen launches Apple’s mobile telephone application, providing access to Favorites, Recents, Contacts, a Keypad, and Visual Voicemail. The Google Voice application replaces Apple’s Visual Voicemail by routing calls through a separate Google Voice telephone number that stores any voicemail, preventing voicemail from being stored on the iPhone, i.e., disabling Apple’s Visual Voicemail. Similarly, SMS text messages are managed through the Google hub—replacing the iPhone’s text messaging feature.
This is an important point in understanding Apple. Their passionate about experience more than they are about technology. I have no doubt they’d have the same controls on the Mac if they weren’t still the underdog.
I think Microsoft’s dominance has gotten people into the mindset of “everyone loves developers” but that just isn’t true. Steve Jobs is famous for making Bill Gates himself wait in the lobby of NeXT for a half an hour in an attempt to prove to Gates how NeXT didn’t need software developers. Obviously Jobs was much younger then and people do change but in looking at the iPhone app store you can see the same mentality at work.
If you want to use Apple products you have to resign yourself to doing things Apple’s way. Whether you’re a developer, user or whatever. That has always been the case and likely always will be. The reward for sticking it out is you get some pretty great products. The cost is you sometimes get dirt kicked in your face.
That’s how Apple rolls. Accept it or go PC (or in the phone case Android/Symbian/Windows Mobile)