Google Voice Thoroughly Banned From the iPhone; So Much for an Open Platform

Google Voice Thoroughly Banned From the iPhone; So Much for an Open Platform

We’ve seen Apple ban applications from the App Store for all sorts of ridiculous reasons. This time, it’s different; all Google Voice related apps were banned from the app store, and this time Apple – or, more likely, AT&T – has a very good reason to ban them: it’s scared of them.

Google Voice lets you do a lot of stuff for free that the AT&T charges for; you can place free calls in the US, you can send and receive free SMS messages. The application is still in beta, invite only stage, but several cool applications that use the service already exist for the iPhone. Sean Kovacs, the developer of GV Mobile, has said on his site that Apple has rejected the application. From his site:

“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.”

Other similar applications, such as VoiceCentral and GVDialer, have also been banned. And Google only has an official Google Voice app for the Android and BlackBerry; now, they’ve admitted that they don’t have an iPhone app because Apple said “no”.

The reason? The application(s) is too similar to iPhone’s own functionality. Like so many other Apple’s app rejection reasons, this one rings phony as well. If nothing that’s similar to functions and features iPhone already has can get approval, then no VoIP apps should be allowed. Also no camera-related apps, like Pro Camera. Fring? It lets you place calls, and send free messages, which is similar to SMS, right? Why is that OK, then?

Let’s call a spade a spade here. There can only be one reason for thoroughly banning Google Voice from the iPhone: AT&T, like every mobile operator, is scared of apps that replicate their own services. But by banning an app such as Google Voice from the iPhone, Apple and its partner are setting a dangerous precedent. If the developers cannot be certain that Apple will provide them a fair, free marketplace, they will move elsewhere: to Android and Pre. After all, why create for a locked-down platform where the owners take the cake and all you’re allowed to get is leftovers?

Apple and AT&T need to make a decision: is the iPhone their playground, or everyone’s playground? If it’s the former, that’s OK, but they shouldn’t get upset if no one wants to play with them.

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iPhones, Apps, and Preschoolers

iPhones, Apps, and Preschoolers

Liz Perle, Editor-in-Chief

Stranded by a thunderstorm, I sat in Dulles airport last week and watched how the little kids (under 5) coped with waiting. Of the seven in my immediate vicinity, two napped, one threw a prolonged temper tantrum, and three played with their parents' (or at least I hope they were their parents') iPhones. (The seventh just sat staring into space.)

There are no reliable statistics on how many toddlers and preschoolers play with phone apps. But I'm willing to bet that my unscientific survey (close to 50%) probably reflects a common reality. After all, 100% of the app-playing children were quiet and had relaxed-looking parents.

Since all media has an impact -- both positive and not so positive -- it helps to consider the pros and cons before letting your youngest children loose with your $200 dollar piece of electronics (OK, $99 if you let them have your old one...). Here are a few recommendations:

1. There are better teething devices than electronics. If your kids start to put your phone in their mouth, they're too young to use it. Find something else for them to chew, shake, or throw.

2. Pay attention to what they're doing. Make sure you download age-appropriate apps -- there are lots of them. Check out the apps before your kids do to make sure the subject matter is right for their age. Can they understand the words? Can they manipulate the game? Really young kids are still developing their fine motor skills, so unless you want a frustrated child on your hands, make sure that a game doesn't require lots of coordination to play.

3. Don't make phones a habit. Remember that kids quickly develop routines. If they associate going to restaurants or driving in a car with playing games on your phone, it will be difficult to transition out of the behavior.

4. Balance coping skills. Ultimately, we want kids who can amuse themselves without batteries. Make sure that your kids are equally comfortable with board books, music, and that old faithful -- the crayon.

5. Keep an eye on the phone. They can get dropped -- on the floor, in a toilet -- wedged in a seat, left in a seat pocket, etc. These things are expensive!

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Rally Car Drills deer crossing the road during race

Rally Car vs. Deer

http://z4mp1.blogspot.com/

First Night Up @ Camp.

Well, we didn't get here until almost 8:30, by the time we got the Pathfinder loaded & grab a bite to eat. We're all unloaded and settled in for some family time w/ Chrissie's Aunt & Uncle, her cousin & her husband & 2 girls.......oh yeah & Brandon too.
The drive wasn't too bad. The girls all drove together in Matt's Frontier & the guys rode w/ me in the Pathfinder. Hardly any rain & just about 2 hrs to get here.
Now that we're here, there's nothing left to do but kick back & enjoy a little R&R! Maybe I'll post again tomorrow............maybe not! Either way, its gonna be a nice weekend up here. The weather looks like its gonna stay south of us (closer to the 'Cuse).
Until next time................

Ready to go?

We're getting ready to go to camp & I think the dog is trying to tell he's ready too.

Hydroplane launch

He you can see a hydroplane being lowered into the water by a crane. This is how they launch them due to the way they are carried on their trailers, their width & their lack of depth. Pretty cool if you ask me.

Mow The Lawn!!!!!

Much less subtle for this Commercial. I can't imagine why I haven't seen this one on TV.

Schick Quattro for Women

Subtle? Depends on your level of ignorance.....lol

Schick Quattro for Women

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Buffalo releases Smallest Thumb Key

Olivia Micro USB ThumbKey

Video Games - E3 2009 - Attack of the Show

Texting while driving compared to Drinking.

Test performed by Car and Driver magazine and the results are quite interesting.

Little slideshow of pictures from places that we've visited.

4th of July, 2009

Some photos of my wife's Aunt & Uncle's camp. We spent the 4th up there this year & it was the first time that Brandon & I were there. Its not much like a camp, more like a home away from home. I can't wait to visit again.

This flag is HUGE!

Brandon & Doozer going for a walk.

Dinky little perch.

Somebody's had his fill of excitment & is in need of a nap.

The cabin!