Today’s Google Voice app update seems to have — wait for it — actually broken the ability for users to place calls with their Google Voice number.

When attempting to make a call it appears as though it is connecting like normal, but if you look at a caller ID it will show you your actual cell phone number, not your Google Voice number.

Hopefully Google will fix this will all due haste. In the meantime, let us know if you’re experiencing the problem, and if anything has helped you remedy it.

Google has updated their Google Voice app for the iPhone, including complete integration with Sprint to allow calls to be sent directly to the 3rd party app rather than the stock Phone app. Here’s the complete update log:

• Multi-recipient texting, with contact autocomplete.
• Sprint integration support: sends all calls to the native dialer when the phone is integrated with Sprint
• Multi-line text entry field with character count.
• 1-touch Copy/Paste in dialpad

This is rather big news, and somewhat surprising that Sprint would allow this to happen. Given the nature of most carriers these days, letting subscribers bypass their network completely is a good indication that Sprint has their ears open and are actually listening to the requests of their user-base.

Google Voice is available in the App Store for free and compatible with the iPhone and iPod touch.

• Free – App Store Link

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

Less than a week since Google Voice voluntarily pulled their iPhone app from the App Store, it has already returned and is ready for iOS 5.

Google removed the the app earlier this week because of an incompatibility issue that was causing Google Voice to crash at sign in.

Google Voice is available on the iPhone for free.

[App Store link]

Source: @googlevoice

Every week a few of us from team TiPb will bring you our current favorite, most fun and useful App Store apps, WebApps, jailbreak apps, even the occasional accessory, web site, or desktop app if the mood strikes us. As long as they’re iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch related, they’re fair game.

To see what we picked, and to tell us your pick, follow on after the break!

Google Voice – @Alli_Flowers

When the apps started flowing for Google Voice, we couldn’t get enough of them. But the fervor died down, and we haven’t heard anything about them in a while, so I thought I’d revisit my most used of the Google Voice apps.

I’m a huge GV user, and use it primarily for my students. They can use my GV number as a homework help line, to answer bonus questions, or to call in speaking assignments. It’s been a life saver. On days like this when half the student body is involved in testing, and the other half is either home waiting for it to end, or being held in a classroom or the gym, it’s equally useful. All morning, my former students (who have passed the test already) text me to find out if testing is over so that they can come to school when classes actually start.

With the Google Voice app, I get push notifications of the text messages or calls and can quickly reply that no…we’re still holding and there’s still another hour left of testing. I love my Google Voice, and the Google Voice app makes it easy to use.

[Free - App Store link]

Noise Entertainment System – @sethclifford

If you grew up as a child of the 80s, you most likely have a soft spot in your heart for the classic video game systems of that time. And even if you didn’t play a lot of games, chances are you can hum some of the more famous video game music of the era, just from having been around brothers, sisters and friends who were obsessed. I was one of those kids – the obsessed ones – and as such, those chiptunes are indelibly etched in my psyche, providing warm, fuzzy feelings of nostalgic childhood joy when I hear them.

I’ve had game music file players on my Macs for years, but on iOS there’s just one you need to concern yourself with, and that’s Shaun Inman’s magnificent Noise Entertainment System. Shaun is an exceptional designer and developer with a penchant for classic 8-bit gaming, and has released some incredible games for iOS, most recently The Last Rocket. He knows the style so well that there isn’t a single pixel out of place in his apps, and his games feature original chiptune music, adding even more legitimacy to the classic feel.

NoiseES is an app for playing GBS, NSF and NSFe files, which are the music files (GameBoy, NES) extracted from the game ROMs themselves. The files load just like an mp3 playlist and tracks behave much like you would expect. You’ll have to do some poking around online to find the files, but they’re readily available, and a lot of fun once you get into it. Shaun even has a few links on his site page for NoiseES that can get you started! I’ve been listening to classic game music for well over a decade, and this app is one of the best ways to do it. Even better is that there are updates coming that will add some much-desired new functionality to the app that I am super excited about.

If you’re a fan of chiptune music and want to take it to go, you must get this app. For more information on game music, you can check this NSF Wikipedia Page, and this general page on game music as well.

[$1.99 - App Store link]

Official Rugby World Cup 2011 – @chrisoldroyd

You can’t avoid the Rugby Worlds Cup that is going on in New Zealand for the next few weeks. Unfortunately, well depending on where you live anyway, the kick off times are a little strange. Don’t worry, if you get the Official Rugby World Cup 2011 app for iPhone and iPad you will not miss a thing.

You can access the Match Center for live matches complete with live commentary, match statistics and even video highlights. The app also provides all the latest tournament news and a Rugby World Cup Daily video.

If you are lucky enough to be in New Zealand for the competition, the app will also give you information on the stadiums, locations and even seating plans and facilities. You can also find out what is going on around the area you’re in when the game is over.

This really is a very well put together app for the Rugby World Cup and it is even a universal binary!

[Free - App Store link]

GoodReader – @reneritchie

We’re working on a new, super-secret project here at TiPb HQ and so I’ve been receiving clandestine ZIP files via email containing [REDACTED] for us to plot and scheme over. Trouble is, iOS doesn’t open ZIP files (why, Apple? WHY?!) nor does the Dropbox iOS app (why, Dropbox? WHY?!). Luckily, GoodReader does (Yay!). So here’s what I’ve been doing.

1. Start playing MIssion Impossible theme
2. Launch Mail, find the ZIP attachment
3. Open the ZIP attachment in GoodReader
4. Scan through the [REDACTED].
5. If I want any in Dropbox, I just hit the Action button and tap Open In…
6. Fade music and walk off into the sunset

Sure it’s a bit convoluted and involved, and it would be nice if Apple or Dropbox just built this in, but GoodReader is a powerhouse in its own right and ZIP extraction is just the icing on the power cake. (Though sadly, it’s not a universal binary so you’ll have to buy it twice if you want it for both iPhone and iPad.)

Now excuse me while I get back to the super secret drawing board…

[$4.99 - iPhone App Store link - iPad App Store link]

UNO – @JBaby_9783

This week I can not stop playing UNO. I’ve played it off an on since it debuted on the App Store but a recent update has sucked me back in. The new improvements to the Online Multiplayer are fantastic! I’m finding myself logging in everyday so I can get my 10 free coins. The coins are used to purchase bonus and luck. You can get more coins by winning games and via in-app purchase in addition to the daily 10 coins Gameloft gives you. Being able to buy a chance of drawing Draw 2/4 cards or buying a chance to peak at another players hand just adds a little punch to an already fun game! The only criticism I have is Gameloft hasn’t updated UNO HD to this new Online Multiplayer mode.

If you love Uno give the latest update a try! And when you do, add me as friend so we can play together. I’m JBaby9783.

[$0.99 with in-app purchases - App Store link]

Your pick?

You’re part of the team as well, so we will be choosing one reader to make a submission each week! Just look for the announcement on twitter or our Facebook page each weekend for a chance to be picked! In the meantime, jump into the comments and let us know your pick of the week!

Every day, TiPb gets flooded with announcements for new and updated iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad apps and games. So every day we pick just a few of the most interesting, the most notable, and simply the most awesome to share with you!

• Fit Friendzy: Challenging yourself to get in the best shape ever! Get your friends to do a challenge with you, join in on one with other Fit Friendzy users or do one on your own. [Free for iPhone, with in-app purchases - iTunes link

• ABBYY Business Card Reader: Transfer your contacts from business cards into iPhone's address book or CardHolder. Update to 4.5 brings many new convenient features. [$4.99 - iTunes link]

• Google Voice: Now with landscape support and the SMS bug is fixed. [Free - iTunes link]

• Me & You Photo Merger: Morph together images of two people with weird and wacky results! [$0.99 for iPhone - iTunes link]

• Cut! It’s a wrap! Life on the animals studios is in full swing. The Fox, director of the studios, is having hard times. Lulu the Doe, a charming actress, asks Fox for help in finding her stolen jewelry. Join the Fox in his investigation and help him to solve the case and catch the mysterious criminal! [$2.99 for iPad - iTunes link]

Any other big app or game releases or updates today?

Have an app you’d love to see featured on TiPb? Email us at iosapps@tipb.com, tell us about your app (include an iTunes link), and we’ll take a look.

Switching from Droid or another Android device like the Samsung Facinate to the iPhone — maybe the new Verizon iPhone? — and curious which are the best, most must-have apps you need to make yourself feel at home? Well read on for TiPb’s top 5 most recommended, most must-have apps to get your Android experience maximized on iPhone.

Google Mobile (Voice search + Google Goggles)

Unlike Android, iPhone doesn’t (yet) have broad and deeply integrated voice features in iOS. While there’s some Voice Control commands for making calls and playing music, that’s about it. Enter Google Mobile which not only adds voice search but also bundles in Google Goggles functionality. From location and maps to contacts and the web to most anything you can say or point your iPhone 4 camera at, Google Mobile gets you answers and fast. [Free - iTunes link]

Also check out:

• Siri was bought by Apple for a reason. If you’re in the US, Siri is your voice-activated artificially intelligent assistant. [Free - iTunes link]
• Vlingo not only lets you use your voice to call or search but tweet on Twitter and update your status on Facebook. [Free with in-app purchases - iTunes link]

Google Voice

Yes Google Voice is finally available for the iPhone. MInd you, it’s still US only but if you want the app you probably have an account already. It’s not as deeply integrated as Android but it has all the features you know and love, including push notifications for new SMS text and voicemail messages, listen and/or read voicemail, Google Voice number displayed as Caller ID, access to your iPhone contacts, and it will run in the background under iOS 4 or later. [Free - iTunes link]

Also check out:

• Line2 isn’t free but it is business-centric with full on VoIP functionality, cheap rates, and international availability. [Subscription - iTunes Link]
• Skype lets you make free VoIP calls between devices/computers — including video calls! — and cheap calls to landline. Free/credits – iTunes link]

Mailroom (Gmail)

You can access your Gmail account via IMAP or with full push via ActiveSync right from Apple’s built-in Mail app and while you’ll get unified inbox and threaded messages you won’t get Stars and you won’t get labels. Likewise Gmail.com won’t give you the ability to access contacts or view attachments. Enter Mailroom, essential the Gmail.com webapp inside a native iPhone app wrapper that gives you most of the best of both worlds. (See our tip on using Mailroom for a better iPhone Gmail experience.) [$2.99 - iTunes link]

Also check out:

• Google Mobile, mentioned above, gives you push notification for your Gmail. [Free - iTunes link]
• Boxcar not only gives you push notification for Gmail but will open it for you in Mailroom. [Free - iTunes link]

Waze (Google Navigation)

Google hasn’t yet made a version of their free Google Navigation app for iPhone but Waze provides a free crowd-sourced alternative. It’s full on voice, turn-by-turn directions that learns as you drive and will even let you munch tokens and reward you for your contributions. Yes, it’s navigation gone social. [Free - iTunes link]

Also check out:

• NAVIGON MobileNavigator if you want to go up to a premium navigation experience with all the onboard maps and bells and whistles that come with it. [$39.99 - iTunes link]
• AT&T Navigator, powered by TeleNav, keeps your maps online, your downloads small, and is subscription based so your upfront costs are much less. [Subscription - iTunes link]

Safari (Porn and everything else)

Apple’s iTunes App Store is curated and Steve Jobs says that’s to protect you from porn. He also says the Android Market is a porn store. He neglects to mention iPhone has pretty much the best browser in the mobile space (Flash aside) and the web, it be filled with porn. It also be filled with pretty much everything else, including many awesome Google web apps like Google Docs that work just great in Safari. If you can’t find something on the App Store, launch Safari, hit the Google search box (irony!) and chances are you’ll find it on the web. [Built in]

Also check out:

• Skyfire is a browser that does server-side translation of Flash to iPhone-friendly H.264 so if you ever think you’re missing your favorite Flash video, this could fix you up. [$2.99 - iTunes link]
• Apple’s iPhone web app directory has a great list of web apps should you want to find a bunch more. [Web link]

More Google

Google has a bunch of apps in the App Store, including Google Places, Google Latitude, Google Authenticator, Panoramio, and Google Earth. If you really miss your Google fix, check them out. [Free - iTunes link]

More iPhone apps and games

Once you’ve gotten that Google fix and you’re ready for the best of the rest, check out TiPb’s Top 10 iPhone apps where we list off some of the best, most must-have social networking, communications/IM, productivity, music/internet radio, photography, utility, and location apps, along with casual, time management, and hard core games. We’ve also got an ongoing series of top app lists in different categories and we’re adding more all the time, so keep your eyes peeled!

Bonus: Jailbreak

If you’ve been rooting your Droid or Android and don’t want Apple telling you which apps and hacks you can install on your device, allow us to introduce you to the wonderful world of Jailbreak. We’re talking the Cydia Store, themes and customizations, notifications and easy settings access, and pretty much everything else you can think of and Apple would never approve. Check out our Jailbreak Starters Guide to get you going, our Top 5 Jailbreak apps and Top 5 Jailbreak themes for some of our favorites, and head on over to the Jailbreak Forum for expert help and discussion.

Your top apps?

So there you have them, our top 5 best iPhone apps for Droid/Android switchers. Be sure to check out our Picks of the Week and iPhone App and Games Forum for more recommendations, and if we missed any of your favorites leave them in the comments below!

Google has updated Google Voice app for iPhone, extending support to the iPad and iPod touch.

At the top of the list was adding support for iPod Touch and iPad. Starting today, you can download a new version of Google Voice that lets you use all the features of the app on these devices, such as sending and receiving free text messages.

It looks like Google hasn’t allowed users to use their iPad or iPod touch as a calling device but you still get a lot of great features to play with including the ability to initiate a Google Voice call from your iPod touch by sending it to your iPhone (or any desired number). Using a new feature called Click2Call, all you do is tap the Call button in Google Voice and select which phone you’d like it to ring to. Google Voice will then call the selected device and connect your call. Pretty neat!

Full updated list after the break. Any readers planning on grabbing this for their iPad or iPod touch? Anyone wish they’d turn on a VoIP option already? Let us know in the comments!

[iTunes, Google Voice Blog]

• Support for iPod Touch
• iPod Touch and iPhone can now make calls using Click2Call
• Do Not Disturb setting
• Text forwarding is automatically disabled when registering for Push notifications
• Added Text forwarding setting to the app
• Easier to make calls from the phone Address Book
• Removed annoying OK dialog every time you send an SMS
• Fixed crashes caused by text messages that begin with a space character
• Fixed bug that caused the entire Inbox to load
• Fixed bug that caused Contact pictures to get mixed up
• Improved access to Contact groups
• Improved speed of Contact search

Google’s official Google Voice app for iPhone has just hit the iTunes App Store.

• Access your Google Voice account right from your iPhone.
• Receive push notifications for new text or voicemail messages.
• Send free text messages to U.S. numbers and make international calls at cheap rates.
• Listen to your voicemail, read transcripts and manage your Google Voice inbox.
• Display your Google Voice number as caller ID when making calls.
• Call contacts from your iPhone Address Book or enter new numbers on the dialpad.
• A Google Voice account is required to use this app. To sign up go to www.google.com/voice.
• Google Voice is only available in the United States.

Wow, who thought we’d ever get to type those words? While the last bullet point is a bit of a bummer, there’s no denying this ends one of the darker chapters of iOS and App Store history — which included an FCC investigation and revealed the first cracks in what had previously been an Apple/Google love-fest.

If you’re trying it out let us know how you like it and how it compares to GV Mobile and other 3rd party offerings.

Now where’s the official Gmail app?

[Free - iTunes link]

Apple has already approved the official Google Voice App for the iPhone, according to a post over at TechCrunch:

We’ve gotten word that the official Google Voice application is on its way to the iPhone in the next few weeks. In fact, we’ve heard from a source close to Google that it’s already been approved — Google just needs to revamp the application to work with the iPhone 4 and iOS’s multitasking capabilities. If you’re a Google Voice user and you’re on an iPhone, this is great news.

Google last word on the matter was “no comment”, but could the app whose infamous non-approval launched an FCC investigation and kick-started a new era of less kind, less friendly Apple/Google relations finally make its way ito the App Store? This is not that big of a surprise given that a couple of third party applications have already been approved that work with Google Voice, namely GV Mobile + and GV Connect.

Keep an eye on the App Store as if the report is correct, it could appear anytime soon!

This is an official entry by chrisoldroyd in TiPb’s next top blogger contest. Think you have what it takes to join Team TiPb? Bring it!

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Google Voice returns to the App Store and brings some Basic and some Ringtones along for the ride. We’re talking Facebook phones, Verizon rumors, Apple buying Faces and Guides, and more. Get social folks, it’s iPhone live.

Credits

Thanks to the TiPb iPhone accessory store for sponsoring the podcast, and to everyone who showed up for the live chat!

Our music comes from the following sources:

• I Called You — iPhone Remix by Pete Leidy
via Sneakmove iPhone Ringtone Challenge

GV Mobile+ for iPhone made its first appearance in the app store a while back before it got quickly pulled, along with any other Google Voice type app.  Google cried foul, the FCC got involved, and we saw no type of Google voice app for quite a while.  Since Apple revised their App Store approval process, GV Mobile+ has made it’s second debut in the App Store.

[iTunes Link]

GV Mobile+ is one app you can use to connect to Google Voice.  For those of you not familiar with the service, it basically allows you to choose a Google Voice phone number (free) with which you can use to forward calls to any number.  The Google Voice service used to be under the name Grand Central.  I think the Grand Central name was a little less confusing.  Keep in mind, Google Voice is not a VoIP service, so you’ll still use your plan minutes.  The main idea behind it is you can give everyone one number and it’ll forward all your calls to whatever number you choose.

One perk Google Voice does offer is free SMS.  GV Mobile+ has an extremely nice layout which integrates your current address book and you’ll be able to text anyone from your Google Voice number the same way you’d send a regular text via the Messages app.  For a lot of people, this could be an excellent way to get rid of texting completely.  I wouldn’t recommend it just yet though.  One big feature GV Mobile+ is lacking is push notifications.  It’s rather annoying to have to keep checking the app to see if you’ve received new messages.  Push is supposed to be coming in an update.  I’m not quite sure why it wasn’t there upon launch.  If you’re really looking to ditch texting quickly, there are always workarounds.  I currently use Notifo [iTunes Link] to send me push notifications for Google Voice.  You can set it up online and it’ll only take about 5 minutes of your time.  Growl apps and other push services will also work just fine until GV Mobile+ is updated to support push.

The app is dead simple to use and even allows you to create a separate favorites list than the one in your current address book.  The app gives you all the main features of Google voice in one neat package.  Along the bottom you’ve got your dial pad (phone book), SMS, History, Voicemail, and Settings.  When you place a call, your phone will ring (from yourself) and you’ll simply answer and it’ll connect the call.  It’s dead simple to use.  SMS works just as you’d expect it, and voicemail sends down not only the audio but the translations as well.

Push is still a huge factor that keeps this app from being awesome.  Once push is added, I think it’ll be amazing.  I’ve tested having someone leave a voicemail or texting my GV numher while I’m in the app and I’ll get it pretty much instantly.  If push will be that quick, I can see several people using this app as their main communication app.  I know I would.  Let’s cross our fingers it comes quick!

As a side note, in my video I wasn’t sure what call presentation did. As a helpful YouTube user pointed out, call presentation is the feature that asks unknown callers to state their name before it connects to you. You can then hear their name and choose to either accept or deny the call. Neat!

Pros

• Slick interface

• Easy to set up

• Extremely responsive (no crashes or failed calls as of yet)

Cons

• No push (yet)

When contacted Monday by Apple Insider, Google declined to comment on whether it would resubmit its native application, which Apple refused to accept into the App Store last year.

“We currently offer Google Voice mobile apps for Blackberry and Android, and we offer an HTML5 web app for the iPhone,” a Google spokesperson said. “We have nothing further to announce at this time.”

Just in case you missed the big headlines recently, Apple relaxed their strict App Store guidelines and now have been approving apps that were previously rejected for replicating the phones built in capabilities. Google Voice apps were just about the first ones back in action and making their presence known in the App Store over the weekend including GV Connect and GV Mobile +.

So with both of those already available, how do you feel about Google possibly not releasing an official app for the iOS platform? Sound off below!

[AppleInsider]

This is an official entry by BrianT in TiPb’s next top blogger contest. Think you have what it takes to join Team TiPb? Bring it!

GV Mobile + is now in the App Store and offering a full range of Google Voice features to US iPhone users. This marks an interesting transition for the App Store, as GV Mobile was originally approved, the yanked following the Google Voice debacle, and now returns following Apple’s change in terms and publication of their app approval guidelines. Along with GV Connect, also just approved, Google Voice is really back on the iPhone. Could a Google-branded app be next?

In any event, the new version of GV Mobile + packs even more Google Voice goodness into the app than ever, including:

• Dial numbers via Contacts or Favorites
• Send, receive, and delete SMS
• Get and delete recent call history
• Playback and delete voice mail
• take calls from phones other than iPhone
• Add, delete, enable, and disable phones

Google Voice is still only available in the US, though GV Mobile is available internationally. So, make sure you have a Google Voice account before buying it. If you do have and do buy, let us know how it works for you!

[GV Mobile + on iPhone - $2.99]

A Google Voice app, GV Connect, and a Basic Interpreter, by way of Commodore 64, have both been approved and are now in the iTunes App Store.

These types of apps have been rejected, left in limbo, pulled in the past, and the subject of government investigation in the past. Following Apple’s recent change of developer license and publication of plain-language approval guidelines, they’re in the store.

[GV Connect on iTunes - $2.99, Commodore 64 on iTunes - $4.99]

GV Mobile developer, Sean Kovacs, had some good news to share on Twitter saying that his unofficial Google Voice application GV Mobile should now be allowed into the App Store. Since GV Mobile does not violate any of the new rules regarding the app review guidelines that Apple has laid out for developers, Kovacs figured why not resubmit his application and try to finally get it back where it belongs.

GV Mobile made it’s first appearance into the App Store back in July of 2009 and was later yanked by Apple due to allegedly duplicating the iPhone’s calling and text messaging features. Later it was rumored that Apple laid blame on AT&T was for the removal of the application.

[9to5 Mac]

Google has a nifty update ready for users of their Finance web app, and while it won’t work on iOS (of course), we’re sure many in the US will appreciate the new Google Voice integration with Gmail as well. Here’s the low down on Google Finance Mobile:

We heard your feedback and are please to announce we’ve launched the new Android/iPhone edition of Google Finance for mobile! The markets don’t stop when you leave your desk, so we’re bringing the markets to you. Our new design gives you a unified experience across desktop and Android or iPhone phones, offering nearly all the same features and functionality on both. You can easily access the new site when you do a Google search for stock tickers or company names on your mobile device, or when you tap the “Finance” tab on the Google mobile homepage.

For more on the new Google Voice in Gmail, we refer you to the video… after the break.

[Google Finance, Gmail, via Android Central]

Tech Crunch‘s Jason Kinkaid reminds us that it’s been a year since Apple responded to the FCC about Google Voice’s rejection (or perpetual non-acceptance) from the iPhone App Store.

Apple denying the app to those who want it, especially when it allows similar apps such as Line2 into the App Store, means it’s almost certainly what we thought it was last year — less to do with what the app does than what it represents.

Before the Google Voice rejection story broke Apple and Google still seemed to have a love affair going on. Apple provided beautiful devices and Google supplied incredible services. It was a match made in heaven.

Following the Google Voice rejection it became clear that those two goals were becoming less cooperative and more competitive. Apple wants their beautiful devices to be the focus, and to be able to swap in and out different services behind the scenes without affecting the UI or being noticeable to end users. Google on the other hand wants their incredible services to be the focus regardless of device, and to be able to easily swap users from iPhone or Pre to Google’s own, growing, Android platform.

Apple’s exclusionary control over the iPhone is a huge problem for Google, just as Google’s predatory control over their services is a huge problem for Apple.

What if Apple pulled Google from the iPhone? Google could lose a huge percentage of revenue to Microsoft (or whomever Apple swaps in) in the blink of an eye. What if Google pulled their services from the iPhone? Apple could lose a ton of users to Android just as fast. (Whether Apple or Google would ever do that is besides the point — it could happen, therefor strategically planning for the eventuality has to take place.)

Google transformed their original Android-as-BlackBerry competitor to an Android-as-iPhone competitor. Apple began building data centers, acquiring PlaceBase and Siri. And generally the move from friends to fremies to enemies progressed.

Since the Google Voice rejection, Google has continued to leverage their services and Android has surged in popularity thanks to Verizon’s Droid line, HTC‘s Evo 4G, and Samsung‘s Galaxy S.

Apple has continued to tightly control their user experience, creating controversies with Adobe but also introducing new features like FaceTime which depend on Apple owning the phone UI, not Google.

Has the Google Voice rejection cost Apple customers? Probably. Given that a) Google Voice is still only available in the US means its absence only effects US users and b) it’s still a mostly geek-centric service, further reducing the pool of potentially affected users. Of those affected, it’s perhaps further split between those who really want the functionality of Android over the user experience of iPhone, and those who wanted to grab headlines (and in some cases quickly came back to that user experience). Google’s also had their own set of controversies, especially concerning privacy, net-neutrality, some of the content that’s ended up in their app market, and that their much vaunted openness applies primarily to manufacturers and carriers, not necessarily users. Whether or not that has cost them any users is equally hard to tell.

Kinkaid says:

Most of Apple’s ardent defenders will simply tell people like me to go use another, more open platform if they have a problem with the App Store and Apple’s policies. Fair enough. But the time and uncertainty involved in having to switch to a new computer platform are far from trivial, and eventually we may have kids who are raised on iOS — getting them to switch platforms so they can use an innovative new browser or FaceTime competitor or whatever else Apple is quietly blocking from the App Store will be no easy task. It is this inertia, which is only going to become more difficult to overcome as iOS becomes more successful, that troubles me most. Apple will be able to get away with even more egregious behavior, because its users will want to stick with what they know.

And maybe so, but would moving from iPhone to Android really be any harder than moving from Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Contacts, Google Docs, Google Talk, Google Reader, Google Voice, Google Navigation, Blogger, and all their other services to Apple’s, Microsoft’s, or anyone else’s? Probably not. (Personally, it’s far, far easier for me to pick up a Nexus One, stick in my Google ID, and go than it ever would be to transfer all my Google stuff over to Microsoft or someone else if I had to — even the thought of the work involved makes me wince.)

At the end of the day — or of the next year — Apple and Google have both become devils we know. Apple will reject another app for annoying, intolerable reasons and Google will allow in a Nazi theme or malware app. Apple will block a competing service and Google will abuse our privacy. What troubles me is the mistaken belief one is essentially better than the other. What assuages me is that we have both — and potentially a resurgent and more open Palm webOS, and equally controlled Windows Phone on the horizon.

[TechCrunch]

If you’re in the United States of America and have been waiting on a Google Voice invite, wait no longer — Google has just opened up the service to everyone! (They’ve even got the nifty infographic above to show you how happy they are about it).

If you’re not in the US, yeah, sorry, sux0rs for you. Like Google Navigation, they’ll probably start rolling it out, slowly, to a few places, one day, maybe. (Not that anyone is bitter).

If you’re a long time user or just signed up, let us know what you think of the Google Voice service — even if you’re limited to the Google web app (or Black Swan) on the iPhone.

Video after the break.

[Google Voice blog]

Riverturn has entered into the Google Voice for iPhone arena with it’s latest offering VoiceCentral Black Swan. Google Voice and iPhone have a long history together and it has not been pretty, until now that is.

Black Swan is an application you can get outside of the App Store and you do not need to have a jailbroken device. It is not a web app like the official Google solution but rather a feature rich “weblication” that enables you to view and manage your Google Voice data just like you would with a native iPhone application. As you can see by the following features, no stone as been left unturned with this app:

• Native iPhone look and feel.
• Sync your Google Voice data.
• Automatic and immediate updates.
• Offline access to Google Voice data.
• Listen to Google Voice messages and read transcriptions.
• Swipe to delete calls, voicemails, or SMS conversations.
• Google Contacts import.
• Call using Google Voice or iPhone.

Simply visit the Black Swan web site directly from your iPhone to download. You will have a choice to select between two versions – free (ad-supported) or premium. The premium version will run you $6.00 a year and for that you will also get zero ads, the ability to import contact photos, favorites, ability to search your inbox, and a do not disturb option.

This is hands down the best current solution for those of you who use Google Voice on your iPhones. Be sure to check out the demo of Black Swan in action and let us know how it works for you in the comments below!

[Via TUAW]

Earlier today Google unveiled their new Google Voice WebApp for iPhone. Sure you can place calls, send text messages, get your voice mail, and access all of your account settings but TiPb was curious how it would stack up to the real-deal native app on Google’s own Android platform.

For the full scoop and screenshots, follow me after the break!

If you are a Google Voice user, the first thing you will want to do is add Google’s crafty little icons for each part of Google Voice directly to your iPhone Home Screen. Doing so gives you quick access to contacts, the dialer, the voicemail/SMS inbox, and create new SMS pages. Once you select the icon of your choice, Safari pulls up the iPhone optimized WebApp and you’re good to go. So, for example, tapping the Google Voice icon will bring you straight to the dialer just as you’d expect — fast and simple.

Next up we have contacts and that too is laid out very nicely. You get your top called or messaged contacts along with your complete contact list and a search button to search through your contacts. It is important to note you must have your contacts in your Gmail account to access them as this WebApp can not access the contacts stored on your phone.

Going into the inbox you will see not only your SMS messages but your voice mail as well. When you select a voice mail it shows a transcript of the message that was left for you (or I should say it tries it’s best to do so). You have three choices for voice mail — have a transcript sent to via email, via SMS, or open it directly in the WebApp.

So what we have here is a very good effort on Google’s part to work with their hands tied behind their back due to Apple rejecting the Google Voice App Store application. Is it as good as the native Android Google Voice app? Not even close.

At the end of the day even though it is a great WebApp, it’s still just a WebApp. It can’t access your local iPhone contacts, only your online Google Contacts. The bigger issue, however — and one even a native App Store Google Voice app would suffer from — is that’s it is not integrated into the OS the way it is on Android.

If it was, you could receive calls and SMS from your Google Voice number right on your iPhone. On Android, your Google Voice number can become your phone number. No WebApp, or iPhone app, can currently provide that level of integration and there’s no sign Apple has any interest in ever allowing one to.

So, on the bright side, the Google Voice WebApp is close to as good as an App Store app could be.

Below are some screen shots of the native Android Google Voice application.

Google has released the long-awaited Google Voice WebApp for iPhone (and Palm webOS), something they said they’d be doing in the wake of their exclusion from the iTunes App Store.

Similar to Google’s other, marvelous WebApps like Gmail, it leverages the advanced web technologies built into iPhone Safari to provide an optimized UI through which make calls from your Google Voice number and send SMS. Or so we hear… TiPb HQ has been trying to try it, but it’s been “fail city” according to Dieter, with lots of network request errors. (At least on the iPhone, his Palm Pre is doing better).

“It’s a very pretty “Network Request Failed” pop up dialog box. Quite impressive,” he says. (See it after the jump.)

According to TechCrunch, however:

It is built on HTML5 with most of the functionality of the original iPhone app, except that it cannot access the local contact list in your iPhone’s address book. It lets you manage a separate Google Voice contact list which is kept in the cloud instead. Google Voice voice routes your calls through its servers and acts as a new hub through which you can manage calls and forward them to various phones. You can also manage your settings and various phone numbers. The HTML5 makes it very fast, allows for local caching of data, and supports the voice tags necessary to play the audio voicemails through the browser.

You can access it via http://m.google.com/voice. If you’re a Google Voice user, let us know how it works for you, and how it compares to a native app like GV Mobile for Jailbreak.

Video after the break!

And Dieter’s error screen:

Boy Genius scored a sneak peak of a Google Voice client, GV Mobile 2.0, which will be available in the near future on Cydia to anyone with a jailbroken iPhone. GV Mobile is an application which allows your iPhone to use all of the features that comes with Google Voice and was actually in the App Store for a short period before Apple decided to yank it along with rejecting Google’s very own application. After being pulled, the developer introduced GV Mobile to Cydia and offered up his hard work to anyone with a jailbroken iPhone.

We’ve used GV Mobile since it’s release and while it worked fairly well, it seemed clunky and buggy at times. Boy Genius is reporting that 2.0 is much more refined and polished than the previous version.

“We’re really excited to tell you about it, too. It has been polished and refined — it had an injection of features — and we love using it, even in its non-final and beta form. For starters, dialed calls connect almost instantly, your iPhone contacts and favorites are accessible right within the app, there’s voicemail transcription viewing, and even multiple Google Voice account support. Advanced features like call forwarding phones, do not disturb settings as well automatic syncing, and even Growl support are on the to-do list.”

We can only hope that Apple rethinks their decision and allow this application along with Google’s very of Google Voice application into the App Store. Until then, jailbreak away…

[Via Boy Genius Report]

Neither Google Voice nor any Google Voice-related apps snuck back into the App Store, at least not yet, but VoiceCentral aims to fill that void with its Black Swan Edition WebApp alternative. TechCrunch has the details:

The app is completely browser-based but has the look and feel of a regular app, complete with a dialer, list of transcribed voicemails, and SMS messages.

Using the WebApp calls both the number you want to reach and your Google Voice number, so you’re still using voice minutes, and it can’t access your iPhone contacts so you have to upload (and update) those separately. Still, the voicemail and SMS will no doubt appeal to some. It even does HTML5-style local caching.

Once again, as TechCrunch and Apple themselves point out, WebApps provide a way to develop for the iPhone outside the App Store and associated approval method (and problems).

If you have a Google Voice account and want to give VoiceCentral a try, you can apply for the beta. If you get in, let us know how it works for you!

Video after the break!

[YouTube video link]

When Google opens their wallet, big buyouts follow, and this time it’s iPhone/mobile advertising company AdMob for $750 million, and VoIP startup Gizmo5 for about $30 million.

AdMob is an obvious choice for Google, as it’s built mobile and in-app advertising (especially on the iPhone) into a $100 million a year business, enough to get Brin and Page personally involved in the courtship. Says TechCrunch:

Google is gunning hard to dominate mobile Web advertising and AdMob has an early foothold in the display side. [...] Google’s purchase price tells us it thinks the opportunity for mobile display ads is in the billions of dollars, at the very least.

Gizmo5, rather than advertising, could help round out Google’s services portfolio. Again, TechCrunch has the details:

Google Talk allows voice calls between users but has no PSTN link to allow incoming or outbound calls to real phones. Gizmo5 does this well already. [...] And Google Voice is a great VoIP and phone identity service, but they have no endpoint for calls. Gizmo5, which by the way already integrates with Google Voice, is a soft phone end point for Google phone users.

Of course, Apple will have to stop considering/reverse the rejection of Google Voice, or Google will have to deliver that killer web app version, before iPhone users benefit from that…

What does AT&T’s announcement today, regarding a change of policy to allow VoIP applications like Skype to operate over the 3G network mean for Google Voice in the App Store and SlingPlayer over 3G?

Nothing.

Not to rain on our many commenters and emailers parades, but AT&T’s VoIP policy has nothing to do with either of those apps because:

1. Google Voice was rejected/is still under review by Apple, not by AT&T. All parties have clearly stated AT&T has played and is playing absolutely no role in keeping Google Voice out of the App Store. That ball is still firmly in Apple’s court, and it will take movement from them, and them alone, to bring it to the App Store when — and if — they decide to pull the trigger.

2. SlingPlayer sends your home TV video over 3G, and clearly has nothing to do with VoIP. AT&T has a distinct and separate policy forbidding the use of apps like SlingPlayer on their 3G network. Unless and until AT&T changes that second, specific policy as well, no SlingPlayer over 3G for you. (And seriously, given AT&T is dropping 30% of calls in NYC as well, does anyone think their network could survive even more traffic at this point?)

So there you go. You’re getting VoIP from AT&T and Apple, no more, no less. Scratch that off the list, and if they’ve given an inch, and you hunger for a mile, keep the armor on and re-focus your battle on the next two (or more) targets.

The Washington Post is rumormongering that AT&T might just officially announce support for Skype and Google Voice on their 3G network at this week’s CTIA show, and that they will run on Apple’s iPhone.

Normally Apple and Apple alone tends to speak about what’s coming to the iPhone, so we’d dismiss this outright except for the fact that Google Voice has been an increasing thorn in Apple’s otherwise incredibly successful iPhone side as of late, especially among industry watchers, tech pundits, and… the FCC. So, getting AT&T to slide it into a CTIA announcement might just let Apple get everyone off their lawn, without having to publicly eat any crow.

AT&T has declined comment, but Smartphone Experts has editor-in-chief Dieter Bohn and fearless CrackBerry.com leader Kevin Michaluk live at CTIA this week, and TiPb has asked them to keep their ears peeled, and fingers at the ready, should anything come of this.

Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris has sent TiPb a response to the now fully public Google FCC disclosure, which Dieter posted earlier today.

“We do not agree with all of the statements made by Google in their FCC letter. Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application and we continue to discuss it with Google.”

So it’s either Apple-said/Google-said, some broken-telephone (the irony!) between the two companies, or a mix of both?

Regardless of the “was it rejected or is it still being studied” tempest, Google Voice and Google Latitude remain absent from Apple’s App Store, and all companies seem to agree on the reason: they duplicate what Apple considers to be core functionality of the iPhone, and that’s something Apple currently doesn’t want to see duplicated.

Since it’s Apple’s product, that’s their prerogative (especially if they consider Google competitive in this space), though if Google Voice and Google Latitude are features a user needs, they’re not going to consider an iPhone. When/if that becomes a huge portion of the user base, Apple may have to reconsider. Either way, Google is still going ahead with WebApp versions for now and everyone else is just going to have to wait and see..

In a post on their official blog, Google has let the world know that, “in the interest of transparency,” they’re allowing the FCC to comply with a Freedom of Information Act request to fully publish their response about the whole Google Voice Rejection Brouhaha, and it’s an interesting read, to say the least. You can grab the PDF of the letter right here.

The letter, which had been previously redacted, claims that not only did Apple fully reject both Google Voice and Latitude, but the rejection came after conversations between top executives, including Phil Shiller. This contradicts Apple’s claim that they had not rejected the apps, but merely reviewing them in a more extensive way.

The reason for the rejections (as Google calls them) is what you probably expected: “duplicate functionality.” Google writes:

Apple’s representatives informed Google that the Google Voice application was rejected because Apple believed the application duplicated the core dialer functionality of the iPhone. The Apple representatives indicated that the company did not want applications that could potentially replace such functionality

The story is much the same for Google Latitude, but has a bit more shadenfreude to it since the functionality that’s being duplicated is “a version of Google Maps.” Google also details the dates of calls, emails, and in-person conversations between Alan Eustace of Google (VP of Engineering and Research) and Phil Schiller of Apple (VP of Worldwide Product Marketing, but you knew that).

So… the worm and turned and Google’s letting the world know they feel rejected. How do you feel after this latest development?

Apple “rejected” Google Voice for iPhone from the iTunes App Store, the FCC asked Apple, AT&T, and Google to answer some questions about that rejection. Now those questions have been answered-ish, and boy did it result in a flurry of posts here on TiPb and more importantly — an impressive and penetrating degree of analysis from our commenters.

Have trouble keeping track? Or just want to know what you happily avoided? No worries, we have you covered:

• Apple Responds to FCC Questions (Google and AT&T as Well)
• Apple: 8500 Apps to Review a Week by 40 Odd Reviews
• AT&T To Reconsider VoIP Applications Over 3G? Yeahbuwhat Apple VoIP apps?
• Do Other Countries Lose Out on Apps Because of AT&T Policies?
• Apple iPhone is a Restaurant, Not a Super Market, and They Should Say So on the Sign
• Apple Afraid Google is Taking Over the iPhone?
• Apple Kicking Themselves They Didn’t Buy GrandCentral (Google Voice) First?

Google bought Grand Central and rebranded it Google Voice, now Apple has rejected Google Voice for the iPhone and the FCC is looking into it. Based on the responses Apple had given the FCC, it looks like they might be afraid Google is taking over the iPhone and Google Voice is a big piece of that. So what if Apple had bought Grand Central instead? Or what if that new world-class data center Apple is building will be home to a Google Voice competitor? (Tip of the theoretical hat to Derek in our comments, who delightfully calls such a thing iVoice).

GrandCentral (not to be confused with Apple’s upcoming multicore processor handler, Grand Central Dispatch) was an innovative service that gave users a new phone number that could replace any number of other and assorted numbers (one line to ring them all), along with SMS, transcribed voice mail, conference calling, call switching, call screening, etc. It was purchased by Google in 2007 for $95 million, and relaunched in 2009 as Google Voice.

If Apple had bought it instead, they would of course now be spared the headaches surrounding the above mentioned rejection and investigation. But they’d also have a fairly compelling set of services to roll up into the iPhone…

The original iPhone 2G saw Apple neatly remove carriers from a large portion of the smartphone experience by handling the selling and activation themselves, and not allowing any so-called carrier crapware (or even physical branding) onto the iPhone.

iPhone 3G and iPhone 2.0 saw the removal of carrier application portals with the introduction of an Apple-controlled App Store (though that inarguably has crapware all it’s own, users don’t have to fight with it being pre-installed and/or baked in).

At the same time, the original iPod touch went from being a crippled, no external speaker, no external volume control iPhone, to a fairly good non-phone iPhone. In a couple of weeks, Apple is widely expected to ship an iPod touch with a camera and perhaps microphone as well.

That makes it a potential VoIP monster.

Of course, GrandCentral/Google Voice doesn’t use VoIP (despite Apple’s weak-tea response that they’re still investigating it). That doesn’t mean it couldn’t (as in never will).

An iPhone — or iPod touch — with “iVoice” phone, sms, voice mail, etc. behind it…? That removes the carrier further still (dumb pipe chants, if you will), and the iPod touch as a VoIP monster? Heh. It becomes the Balrog.

Apple has responded to the FCC’s questions, issued following the controversial rejection of Google’s Google Voice application (though, in their response, it looks like Apple is claiming they haven’t rejected Google Voice, but are merely reviewing it (updated: under the dubious “duplicates functionality” rationale, due to independent and different dialing and voice mail interfaces and) to see if it violates Apple’s contract with AT&T not to allow VoIP over AT&T’s data network.)

We are pleased to respond to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau’s inquiry dated July 31, 2009, requesting information regarding Apple’s App Store and its application approval process. In order to give the Bureau some context for our responses, we begin with some background information about the iPhone and the App Store.

The entire document is available via Apple.com.

Google and AT&T responded as well, though not on their own websites yet. Engadget is hosting their letters. AT&T claims they were never contacted about Google Voice, however if their contract with Apple forbids it, like Skype and other VoIP apps, Apple wouldn’t have to contact them, so again — huge round of jeers for AT&T’s non-denial denials.

[Thanks to Doug for the tip)

UPDATE: As pointed out in comments, Android honcho Andy Rubin responds on the Google blog:

Here are the facts, clear and simple: While the first generation of our Android software did not support full-featured VoIP applications due to technology limitations, we have worked through those limitations in subsequent versions of Android, and developers are now able to build and upload VoIP services.

Rubin claims USA Today was made aware of this, but also says “individual operators can request that certain applications be filtered if they violate their terms of service”, which basically means AT&T’s no SlingPlayer, or conceivably any networks no-VoIP policy, would still affect Android, so — okay. Let’s get to it Skype and we’ll see what T-Mo really thinks.

However, Rubin does dream, like all of us (likely even Apple, in public, if asked) of the day when “dumb pipes” are a reality.

ORIGINAL: Google Android cripples Skype by keeping it off the data network at the request of carriers? Shocked, shocked are we!

Rewind. The FCC has asked Apple, AT&T, and Google to answer some important questions about the iPhone App Store approval process, what role AT&T plays in rejecting apps, and specifically what happened to cause Google Voice to get rejected and 3rd party Google Voice apps removed. So what’s new now? Well, apparently Google isn’t only being questioned as a “victim”. Turns out, they have some explaining to do in their own right. Says Apple Insider:

Skype told USA Today that Android does not support a full-featured version of Skype. And Google admitted it blocks VOIP connections at the request of “individual operators,” without naming T-Mobile, the only U.S. carrier for Android at the moment. However, a T-Mobile representative denied that the company has requested Google to block Skype. Like Apple, Google must describe its process for reviewing and approving applications for the FCC. Those filings are expected Friday.

What makes this amusing to TiPb is that some individuals have vocally “switched” from the iPhone to Android due to Google being more “open”. While a few have regretted that and switched back — or just loudly lamented their new usability conditions — this goes to show what TiPb (and all of Smartphone Experts) have been saying for a long time — it’s the carriers that need to become dumb pipes, supplying data and getting their noses completely out of how users use that data.

We’d encourage the well-intentioned but (in our humble opinion) ultimately misguided iPhone boycotters to use whatever device provides the best fit for their needs, and to direct their time, energy, and social power at the carriers instead. Then, at the very least, we’ll see what Apple, Google, and others are truly responsible for on their own…

(And lest you think your device has real Skype, or SlingPlayer, or whatever, carrier terms of service apply to everyone and just because you’re under the radar now, doesn’t mean they won’t shoot you down next).

Google’s own Google Voice app for the iPhone was infamously rejected from the iTunes App Store, so what’s the world’s leading Web 2.0 giant going to do about it? Release Google Voice as a WebApp targeted at the iPhone’s advanced Mobile Safari web browser, of course!

According to David Pogue of the NY Times, much as they did with Google Latitude when that application was similarly denied entry into the App Store, Google’s river is finding a way around Apple’s rock:

Already, Google says it is readying a replacement for the Google Voice app that will offer exactly the same features as the rejected app—except that it will take the form of a specialized, iPhone-shaped Web page. For all intents and purposes, it will behave exactly the same as the app would have; you can even install it as an icon on your Home screen.

So, will a WebApp be enough for you Google Voice users, even one as good as Google can likely make?

David from ironicsans sent word that his genius Google Voice bookmarklet for iPhone Safari has been given a fairly awesome update:

Now there’s a script people can run (with instructions) that will convert your entire Address Book into Google Voice Speed Dial bookmarklets. It saves them to an html file that can be imported into Safari Bookmarks, rearranged or edited however you like, and then synced with the iPhone. Easy.

Check it out and let us know how it works for you!

David over at ironicsans shared this little piece of inspired genius with us: Google Voice Speed Dial Bookmarklet Generator.

Bookmarklets are little snippets of JavaScript saved as bookmarks that, before there were apps on the iPhone, did all sorts of wonderful things (editor emeritus Mike Overbo whipped up a smorgasbord of them a couple years back). Since Google Voice apps are currently forbidden in the App Store, David’s solution works similar wonders for them:

With bookmarklets you can call your GV contacts with one tap, and keep them organized in Safari Bookmarks folders. [The] simplest way to use it is to point your iPhone browser to http://www.ironicsans.com/gv

If you give it a try, let us know how it works for you!

AT&T has issued an even more strongly worded statement that at first glance shifts blame for denying Google Voice and Google Voice-related iPhone apps entry into the iTunes App Store, while on second glance looks like that’s all it’s really aimed at doing — shifting blame and not actually denying responsibility.

“AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store. We have received the letter and will, of course, respond to it.”

As others have pointed out, AT&T has previously admitted complicity in denying SlingMedia Player usage of the 3G network for their iPhone app, and is widely suspected of having likewise limited the Skype app and having the NetShare tethering app removed from the App Store last year.

Had they rather said something closer akin to “we have no problem with Google Voice or any Google Voice-related app running on our network” it would be quite a bit more believable. (Although who knows what contractual muzzles Apple, AT&T, and perhaps even Google are operating under, though the FCC is sure trying to find out).

If you haven’t yet, get on over to our poll and let us know what you think!

Apple rejects the official Google Voice app from the App Store and removed previously approved Google Voice apps from 3rd parties. Sources tell Daring Fireball and Techcrunch it was at AT&T’s request. AT&T tells people Apple controls the App Store. Apple, when they first introduced the App Store, said that prohibited apps included anything that adversely affected the cell network, VoIP (except over Wi-Fi), and the nebulous “unforeseen”, a catch and cover all. Now the FCC has sent letters to Apple, AT&T, and Google in an attempt to get answers as to who knew what and when — to get a look inside the black box of the App Store approval (and rejection) process.

Reaction has generally fallen into three camps:

1. Those who are happy because either they believe there is a role for government to play in ensuring companies like AT&T who license public airwaves and huge corporations like Apple who come to exclusive deals still provide enough freedom, choice, and competition for consumers — or just because they’re so frustrated with the App Store any type of action is inherently appealing.

2. Those who are unhappy because they dislike government involvement in business and think that if Apple and AT&T (or Google or anyone else) does wrong, the ultimate authority in correcting that behavior lies with consumers who can vote with their feet and their wallets and go somewhere else — another carrier and phone platform.

3. Those who don’t care, either because they’ve never even heard of Google Voice and this whole brouhaha and just like the iPhone, apps or no apps.

Where do you fall? Let us know in the pole, and monologue away in the comments.

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!]

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• GV Mobile Brings Google Voice to iPhone… via Cydia for Jailbreak
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As Jeremy posted earlier, Apple wiped the iTunes App Store clean of all traces of Google Voice, both the official Google version and third party clients like GV Voice. (Rumor has it at the behest of AT&T)

GV Voice, however, didn’t take their removal lying down. Nope, they (meaning developer Sean Kovacs) picked themselves right up, marched over to Cydia, and promptly made themselves available for Jailbreak.

And, weirdly, it’s getting to the point that we’re wondering if this isn’t “the plan” all along.

Apple provides a closed appliance with strict and nebulously enforced rules for its App Store, placating carriers, and making a device so simple it’s become the first true consumer smartphone success. At the same time, Jailbreak provides a de facto “expert” or “pro” version of the iPhone for those willing (and able) to do the work, at no training or support cost to Apple, and with complete deniability in terms of carrier and media agreements.

Whether we think Apple and/or AT&T are evil, Google is competitive, or whatever, with GV Mobile, Qik, and all the other apps available via Jailbreak, are iPhone users actually getting the best of both worlds…?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

UPDATE: DaringFireball claims a source has confirmed that Apple pulled Google Voice apps at the request of AT&T. GigaOm, by contrast, wonders why AT&T would ban Google Voice (and Skype, and SlingBox) on the iPhone and allow them on BlackBerry, for example. We don’t know of course, but we guess nothing else scares AT&T like the iPhone — it’s the first multi-million selling consumer smartphone success, people actually use its features, and it hits their balsa-wood network like a freight-train. -Rene

ORIGINAL: Apple has systematically removed and/or rejected all Google Voice apps for the iPhone (and iPod touch) from the iTunes App Store, whether by Google themselves or by third party developers.

Rejection is something we’ve all become very familiar with since the inception Apple’s App Store. However, Apple picking off the two Google Voice applications that were already available in the App Store (GV Mobile and Voicecentral) along with flat out rejecting Google’s official application, is something else.

It all started with Sean Kovacs’ GV Mobile client, which originally became available last week (according to Kovacs after being approved by Apple VP Phil Schiller himself), being yanked from the App Store for allegedly duplicating the iPhone’s calling and text messaging features. When Apple contacted Kovacs, no specifics were given on what needs to be changed to get his app back into the store and Kovacs claims Apple refused to send an e-mail to confirm that GV Mobile was yanked. The following is from Kovacs blog:

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. He wouldn’t send a confirmation email either – too scared I would post it. I’ll see what I can do to get it back up there gang…

Voicecentral has since also disappeared from existence within the App Store. They have been less vocal as there is not a single mention of the disappearance on their website.

Is this Apple’s doing or more of a carrier-forced rejection? TiPb thinks the carriers are pulling Apple’s rejection strings on this one as Google Voice has the potential to hit the carriers where it hurts – free SMS messages, cheaper phone calls, etc…

What do you readers think about these rejections?

[Via AppleInsider]

Again with the Google! This time it’s GV Mobile (short for Google Voice, the re-branded Grand Central service) and the above video comes courtesy of Sean Kovacs.

If it’s a correct reflection of what we’ll see when/if GV Mobile hits the App Store, then it seems to be focused primarily on using Google Voice to make almost Skype-like calls. Google Voice is, of course, far more than a simple calling service, so you also get SMS sending (receiving is handled via the built-in, default iPhone SMS/Messages app), as well as voicemail.

So, is this the Google Voice goodness you’ve been waiting for?