iphone blog

July 31, 2009

How would you change Apple’s iPhone 3GS?

Filed under: engadget — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 11:31 pm

by Darren Murph posted Aug 1st 2009 at 12:31AM

Some might argue it’s the most subtle update in the iPhone family thus far, but Apple’s iPhone 3GS still seems to be moving the sales meter, regardless. The latest and greatest iPhone officially hit the market a few weeks back, and even though Apple claims that demand is still far outpacing supply, we’re of the belief that most everyone who wanted one has managed to snag one by now. During our time with the unit, we definitely didn’t find too many reasons to upgrade from the already solid iPhone 3G, but given that you probably did anyway, we’re eager to hear how things have turned out. Did you upgrade from a prior iPhone to this? Are you joining the iPhone family for the first time? What gripes have you found impossible to ignore? Are you still up in arms about AT&T’s inability to provide MMS / tethering service? Are you, like us, completely roiled by the unit’s lack of multitasking abilities? Go ahead and let it rip in comments below — we’re guessing Apple has about 11 months or so to take your opinions to heart.

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How would you change Apple’s iPhone 3GS?

Apple and AT&T asked to explain denial of Google Voice app

Filed under: zdnet — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — @ 11:27 pm

Posted by Garett Rogers @ 10:27 pm

Categories: Uncategorized

Tags: Google Inc., AT&T Corp., Apple Inc., Federal Government, Smart Phones, Government, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Garett Rogers

If you hadn’t heard, Apple denied Google’s iPhone app for Google Voice — the most interesting, and buzz-worthy Google product in a long time. This development is concerning to iPhone users, developers, and even the FCC.

In a letter to both Apple and AT&T, James Schlichting of the FCC asked the following question, to be answered by August 21st:

Did Apple act alone, or in consultation with AT&T, in deciding to reject the Google Voice application and related applications? If the latter, please describe the communications between Apple and AT&T in connection with the decision to reject Google Voice.

Any way you look at it, the answer to this question will look extremely bad for either one or both of these companies. Speculation over what has happened is already causing quite a stir in the media.

What do you think of Apple’s denial of the Google Voice app for the iPhone?

Read more from the original source:
Apple and AT&T asked to explain denial of Google Voice app

FCC Investigating Google Voice Rejection from Apple’s iTunes App Store, AT&T’s Involvement

Filed under: tipb — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 9:02 pm

app_store_church_lady

Techcrunch got a hold of a letter sent by the FCC to Apple seeking more information on the rejection of Google’s Google Voice app, and removal of third party Google Voice apps already in the iTunes App Store.

Specifically, the Federal Communications Commission wants to know why Apple rejected the apps, and which apps exactly were rejected, whether Apple alone made the decision or whether AT&T played any part, what role — if any — AT&T plays in the App Store approval process, what makes Google Voice any different than VoIP apps Apple has already approved, what other apps have been rejected and why, whether or not there’s a list of verboten apps and how that list is made available to developers and consumers, and other timing and statistical information concerning the approval process and rejections.

Basically, it reads as a wish list of every question every frustrated developer, consumer, and — yes — even blogger has ever wanted Apple to simply, plainly, and consistently answer. There is, however, a proviso for Apple to request confidentiality, which given Apple’s penchant for secrecy, likely means we may never see those answers.

Similar letters were sent to Google and AT&T.

Opinions always vary about when and how much government should intrude into business. Some will think never, some will hope always, and we like to think there’s a balance in between. App Store rejections currently annoy developers and the more tech-savvy consumers who read blogs and technology columns. Unfortunately, until it breaks the confidence of the average consumer and suffers immediate, painful consequence, Apple likely thinks most users aren’t even aware of the issue and it can take its time and follow it’s own agenda.

If nothing else, the FCC has just thrown a monkey wrench into that strategy.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

FCC Investigating Google Voice Rejection from Apple’s iTunes App Store, AT&T’s Involvement

FCC eyes AT&T, Apple rejection of Google Voice apps (full text of letters)

Filed under: zdnet — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 7:04 pm

Posted by Larry Dignan @ 6:04 pm

Categories: AT&T, Apple, General, Mobile, Wired & Wireless, iPhone

Tags: FCC, Apple iPhone, Google Inc., Section, AT&T Corp., Apple Inc., Smart Phones, Consumer Electronics, Personal Technology, Larry Dignan

The Federal Communications Commission has launched an inquiry over AT&T and Apple’s rejection of Google Voice and related applications.

The FCC sent letters to all three companies (Techmeme, FCC site). The crux of the inquiry revolves around whether and how AT&T was consulted on the matter. The FCC has been looking into exclusive deals between device makers and wireless carriers. The FCC set an Aug. 21 deadline for responses.

Earlier this week, there was a lot of hubbub after Apple and/or AT&T pulled Google Voice related apps from the iPhone. The cover line was that the Google Voice-based apps caused confusion over iPhone features.

Here’s a look at the letters:

The FCC letter to AT&T:

July 31, 2009

James W. Cicconi

Senior Executive Vice President-External and Legislative Affairs

AT&T Services, Inc.

1120 20th Street, NW, Suite 1000

Washington, DC  20036

RE: Apple’s Rejection of the Google Voice for iPhone Application

Dear Mr. Cicconi:

Recent press reports indicate that Apple has declined to approve the Google Voice application for the iPhone and has removed related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the iPhone App Store.   In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access (RM-11361) and handset exclusivity (RM-11497), we are interested in a more complete understanding of this situation.

To that end, please provide answers to the following questions by close of business on Friday, August 21, 2009.

1. What role, if any, did AT&T play in Apple’s consideration of the Google Voice and related applications?  What role, if any, does AT&T play in consideration of iPhone applications generally?  What roles are specified in the contractual provisions between Apple and AT&T (or in any non-contractual understanding between the companies) regarding the consideration of particular iPhone applications?

2. Did Apple consult with AT&T in the process of deciding to reject the Google Voice application?  If so, please describe any communications between AT&T and Apple or Google on this topic, including the parties involved and a summary of any meetings or discussions.

3. Please explain AT&T’s understanding of any differences between the Google Voice iPhone application and any Voice over Internet Protocol applications that are currently used on the AT&T network, either via the iPhone or via handsets other than the iPhone.

4. To AT&T’s knowledge, what other applications have been rejected for use on the iPhone?  Which of these applications were designed to operate on AT&T’s 3G network?  What was AT&T’s role in considering whether such applications would be approved or rejected?

5. Please detail any conditions included in AT&T’s agreements or contracts with Apple for the iPhone related to the certification of applications or any particular application’s ability to use AT&T’s 3G network.

6. Are there any terms in AT&T’s customer agreements that limit customer usage of certain third-party applications?  If so, please indicate how consumers are informed of such limitations and whether such limitations are posted on the iTunes website as well.  In general, what is AT&T’s role in certifying applications on devices that run over AT&T’s 3G network?  What, if any, applications require AT&T’s approval to be added to a device?  Are there any differences between AT&T’s treatment of the iPhone and other devices used on its 3G network?

7. Please list the services/applications that AT&T provides for the iPhone, and whether there any similar, competing iPhone applications offered by other providers in Apple’s App Store.

8. Do any devices that operate on AT&T’s network allow use of the Google Voice application?  Do any devices that operate on AT&T’s network allow use of other applications that have been rejected for the iPhone?

9. Please explain whether, on AT&T’s network, consumers’ access to and usage of Google Voice is disabled on the iPhone but permitted on other handsets, including Research in Motion’s BlackBerry devices.

Request for Confidential Treatment.  If AT&T requests that any information or documents responsive to this letter be treated in a confidential manner, it shall submit, along with all responsive information and documents, a statement in accordance with section 0.459 of the Commission’s rules.  47 C.F.R. § 0.459.  Requests for confidential treatment must comply with the requirements of section 0.459, including the standards of specificity mandated by section 0.459(b).  Accordingly, “blanket” requests for confidentiality of a large set of documents are unacceptable.  Pursuant to section 0.459(c), the Bureau will not consider requests that do not comply with the requirements of section 0.459.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

James D. Schlichting

Acting Chief

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Federal Communications Commission

The FCC letter to Apple:

July 31, 2009

Catherine A. Novelli, Vice President

Worldwide Government Affairs

Apple Inc.

901 15th Street, NW, Suite 1000

Washington, DC  20005

RE: Google Voice and related iPhone applications

Dear Ms. Novelli:

Recent press reports indicate that Apple has declined to approve the Google Voice application for the iPhone and has removed related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the iPhone App Store.   In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access (RM-11361) and handset exclusivity (RM-11497), we are interested in a more complete understanding of this situation.

To that end, please provide answers to the following questions by close of business on Friday, August 21, 2009.

1. Why did Apple reject the Google Voice application for iPhone and remove related third-party applications from its App Store?  In addition to Google Voice, which related third-party applications were removed or have been rejected?  Please provide the specific name of each application and the contact information for the developer.

2. Did Apple act alone, or in consultation with AT&T, in deciding to reject the Google Voice application and related applications?  If the latter, please describe the communications between Apple and AT&T in connection with the decision to reject Google Voice.  Are there any contractual conditions or non-contractual understandings with AT&T that affected Apple’s decision in this matter?

3. Does AT&T have any role in the approval of iPhone applications generally (or in certain cases)?  If so, under what circumstances, and what role does it play?  What roles are specified in the contractual provisions between Apple and AT&T (or any non-contractual understandings) regarding the consideration of particular iPhone applications?

4. Please explain any differences between the Google Voice iPhone application and any Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications that Apple has approved for the iPhone.  Are any of the approved VoIP applications allowed to operate on AT&T’s 3G network?

5. What other applications have been rejected for use on the iPhone and for what reasons?  Is there a list of prohibited applications or of categories of applications that is provided to potential vendors/developers?  If so, is this posted on the iTunes website or otherwise disclosed to consumers?

6. What are the standards for considering and approving iPhone applications?   What is the approval process for such applications (timing, reasons for rejection, appeal process, etc.)?  What is the percentage of applications that are rejected?  What are the major reasons for rejecting an application?

Request for Confidential Treatment.  If Apple requests that any information or documents responsive to this letter be treated in a confidential manner, it shall submit, along with all responsive information and documents, a statement in accordance with section 0.459 of the Commission’s rules.  47 C.F.R. § 0.459.  Requests for confidential treatment must comply with the requirements of section 0.459, including the standards of specificity mandated by section 0.459(b).  Accordingly, “blanket” requests for confidentiality of a large set of documents are unacceptable.  Pursuant to section 0.459(c), the Bureau will not consider requests that do not comply with the requirements of section 0.459.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

James D. Schlichting

Acting Chief

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Federal Communications Commission

The FCC letter to Google:

July 31, 2009

Richard S. Whitt, Esq.

Washington Telecom and Media Counsel

Google Inc.

1101 New York Avenue, NW, Second Floor

Washington, DC 20005

RE: Apple’s Rejection of the Google Voice for iPhone Application

Dear Mr. Whitt:

Recent press reports indicate that Apple has declined to approve the Google Voice application for the iPhone and has removed related (and previously approved) third-party applications from the iPhone App Store.   In light of pending FCC proceedings regarding wireless open access (RM-11361) and handset exclusivity (RM-11497), we are interested in a more complete understanding of this situation.

To that end, please provide answers to the following questions by close of business on Friday, August 21, 2009.

1. Please provide a description of the proposed Google Voice application for iPhone.  What are the key features, and how does it operate (over a voice or data network, etc.)?

2. What explanation was given (if any) for Apple’s rejection of the Google Voice application (and for any other Google applications for iPhone that have been rejected, such as Google Latitude)?  Please describe any communications between Google and AT&T or Apple on this topic and a summary of any meetings or discussion.

3. Has Apple approved any Google applications for the Apple App Store?  If so, what services do they provide, and, in Google’s opinion, are they similar to any Apple/AT&T-provided applications?

4. Does Google have any other proposed applications pending with Apple, and if so, what services do they provide?

5. Are there other mechanisms by which an iPhone user will be able to access either some or all of the features of Google Voice?  If so, please explain how and to what extent iPhone users can utilize Google Voice despite the fact that it is not available through Apple’s App Store.

6. Please provide a description of the standards for considering and approving applications with respect to Google’s Android platform.  What is the approval process for such applications (timing, reasons for rejection, appeal process, etc.)?  What is the percentage of applications that are rejected?  What are the major reasons for rejecting an application?

Request for Confidential Treatment.  If Google requests that any information or documents responsive to this letter be treated in a confidential manner, it shall submit, along with all responsive information and documents, a statement in accordance with section 0.459 of the Commission’s rules.  47 C.F.R. § 0.459.  Requests for confidential treatment must comply with the requirements of section 0.459, including the standards of specificity mandated by section 0.459(b).  Accordingly, “blanket” requests for confidentiality of a large set of documents are unacceptable.  Pursuant to section 0.459(c), the Bureau will not consider requests that do not comply with the requirements of section 0.459.

Thank you in advance for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely,

James D. Schlichting

Acting Chief

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau

Federal Communications Commission

Read more:
FCC eyes AT&T, Apple rejection of Google Voice apps (full text of letters)

FCC investigates Apple, AT&T for Google Voice app rejection

Filed under: appleinsider — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 6:40 pm

By Aidan Malley

Published: 08:40 PM EST

Apple’s decision to reject Google Voice apps for the iPhone — possibly at AT&T’s request — has prompted an FCC investigation into the anti-competitive nature of the move.

The US government agency on Friday sent letters to Apple, AT&T and Google asking them to explain their roles in both rejecting Google’s own app as well as pulling at least two third-party apps that were already available.

Besides inquiring into Apple’s involvement, the letters also ask AT&T whether it was asked for an opinion and Google to outline both Google Voice as well as whether Google has had other apps approved. In practice, Google has only released a handful of apps but has ported over Google Earth from the desktop and used once-hidden programming instructions from Apple to develop the voice search component of Google Mobile App for the device.

The questions come as part of a larger investigation into the access to exclusive phones for rural customers, some of whom can’t buy an iPhone or a similar handset simply because the relevant carriers don’t operate in their areas.

What if anything the FCC suspects isn’t immediately apparent. However, it’s probable that the inquiry will look into whether or not AT&T wanted Google Voice absent to prevent competition with its own services, as it doesn’t significantly tax the carrier’s data network but does render it much less expensive to call long distance numbers and send text messages.

None of the companies involved in the matter have commented on the investigation, but AT&T in the past has freely acknowledged that it doesn’t want voice over IP apps like Skype, or TV-to-phone streaming apps like SlingPlayer Mobile, running on its 3G network due to bandwidth concerns.

See the original post:
FCC investigates Apple, AT&T for Google Voice app rejection

FCC opens investigation into Apple’s rejection of Google Voice apps

Filed under: bgr — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — @ 6:37 pm

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that the FCC has begun investigating Apple’s rejection of Google’s official Google Voice application and the subsequent removal of similar third-party apps from the App Store. You know the story by now — Google submitted the app, it was rejected, third-party GV apps were then pulled, everyone was pissed, somehow heat was deflected on AT&T, AT&T called BS and so on. Well apparently the FCC has decided to step in. The WSJ reports that letters were sent from the FCC to Apple, AT&T and Google seeking information on the matter. Specifically, “the FCC asked why Apple rejected the Google Voice application for the iPhone and removed related applications from its App Store. The letter also seeks information on how AT&T, the exclusive U.S. iPhone carrier, was consulted in the decision, if at all.” The Journal claims to have obtained the letter that was sent to Apple, which you’ll find in its entirety after the jump. We truly hope that — if nothing else — the FCC manages to take Apple down a peg where its ridiculous app approval process is concerned. For the sake of developers’ sanity, if nothing else. Our favorite part of the letter:

What are the standards for considering and approving iPhone applications? What is the approval process for such applications (timing, reasons for rejection, appeal process, etc.)? What is the percentage of applications that are rejected? What are the major reasons for rejecting an application?

Is there anyone out there who wouldn’t love to see Apple’s responses to those questions? Priceless.

Read

Read the rest here:
FCC opens investigation into Apple’s rejection of Google Voice apps

FCC queries AT&T, Apple on Google Voice iPhone app rejection

Filed under: engadget — Tags: , , , , , , , — @ 6:32 pm

by Ross Miller posted Jul 31st 2009 at 7:32PM

Yeah, we’re pretty much all peeved by Apple suddenly ejecting all traces of Google Voice from the app store, but now it looks to have drawn the ire of the Federal Communications Commission, as well. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal, the agency has sent out three letters, one each to Apple, AT&T, and Google. To the latter company, it asked for a description of the Google Voice app and whether previous Google apps have been approved for the store (it has, but that’s another interesting story). To Cupertino, it’s asking the phone manufacturer to explain itself over the sudden exorcism and what involvement, if any, AT&T had in this decision. The report doesn’t make a direct indication of what the letter to the carrier said, but we can imagine it’s similar to what Apple got, plus some doodles at the end of a stick figure letting out an exasperated sigh. In a statement today, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said it “has a mission to foster a competitive wireless marketplace, protect and empower consumers, and promote innovation and investment.” Hey Julius, while you’re at it, can you see about Skype and Slingbox for us, too? Thanks.

Continued here:
FCC queries AT&T, Apple on Google Voice iPhone app rejection

Jailbreaking software already works for 3.0.1 iPhone update

Filed under: cnet — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 6:26 pm


by

Matt Hickey

(Credit: Matt Hickey)

So Apple on Friday released an update to the
iPhone OS (3.0.1) that takes care of an SMS vulnerability. It’s a fairly important patch, and usually when Apple updates the iPhone OS, jailbreakers have to wait until the Dev Team comes out with a new version of jailbreaking software before they can update.

But according to the iPhone Dev Team’s Twitter, this is not the case with the 3.0.1 firmware. In fact, the current versions of redsn0w and ultrasn0w work the same with the 3.0.1 firmware as they do with the 3.0 firmware that came out a few weeks ago. In short, the jailbreaking software already works. I checked with the Dev Team community and had this confirmed. “Restore to 3.0.1, run redsn0w, select the 3.0 file… Bang zoom.”

So go ahead, iPhone hackers, and secure your devices soon. You don’t have to worry about losing Cydia and other rogue apps.

The rest is here:
Jailbreaking software already works for 3.0.1 iPhone update

Hallelujah! FCC Investigating Apple For Google Voice App Rejection [IPhone]

Filed under: gizmodo — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 5:54 pm

YES. The FCC is now looking into Apple’s chickenshit shenanigans with Google Voice, asking whether AT&T was involved, why it was rejected and what the hell’s going on with this Google Voice thing.

The request is part of a broader-ranging inquiry by the commission on exclusive deals between cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers for hot phones. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said Thursday that the FCC wants to look into rural areas where customers can’t buy the latest fancy phones because of such exclusive deals.

This doesn’t signal, by any means, that Google Voice is going to get onto the iPhone, but it does put some pressure onto Apple to not pull moves like this in the future. [WSJ]





See the original post:
Hallelujah! FCC Investigating Apple For Google Voice App Rejection [IPhone]

FCC’s Now Investigating Apple For Google Voice Shenanigans [IPhone]

Filed under: gizmodo — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — @ 5:54 pm

YES. The FCC is now looking into Apple’s chickenshit shenanigans with Google Voice, asking whether AT&T was involved, why it was rejected and what the hell’s going on with this Google Voice thing.

The request is part of a broader-ranging inquiry by the commission on exclusive deals between cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers for hot phones. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said Thursday that the FCC wants to look into rural areas where customers can’t buy the latest fancy phones because of such exclusive deals.

This doesn’t signal, by any means, that Google Voice is going to get onto the iPhone, but it does put some pressure onto Apple to not pull moves like this in the future. [WSJ]





Read the original:
FCC’s Now Investigating Apple For Google Voice Shenanigans [IPhone]

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