Apple Approves Spotify App... Spotify Should Thank Google

from the good-timing dept

Fri, Aug 28th 2009 7:08am — Mike Masnick

Just before the whole mess -- including an FCC inquiry -- of why Apple rejected Google voice on the iPhone, we were among those who wondered if Apple would approve Spotify, the well-hyped (perhaps over-hyped) music app that in many ways competes directly with iTunes. Well, it looks like Apple has approved the software, though Spotify is still only available in certain European countries (though there are promises of a North American launch later this year). You really have to wonder, though, how much of the approval was due to the mess and attention that Apple received following the rejection of Google Voice. It seems likely that the company is now (finally) a bit more sensitive to this issue, and may have decided that it didn't need another PR headache... or to give any more fodder to the FCC. Spotify probably owes Google a nice bouquet of flowers.

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Filed Under: app store, arbitrary, iphone, itunes, music, spotify, streaming
Companies: apple, google, spotify

15 Comments

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scarr (profile), 28 Aug 2009 @ 7:36am

Google bots immediately noted this, and replaced all of Spotify's search results with ads for online flower shops.
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- Dark Helmet (profile), 28 Aug 2009 @ 7:57am
  
  Re:
  Dammit, I knew you were joking, but I still ran the search just because of how hysterical it would have been if it were true...
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  - Anonymous Coward, 28 Aug 2009 @ 9:37am
    
    Re: Re:
    You weren't the only one...
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Aug 2009 @ 7:56am

What Apple should do is just let people install whatever App they want. Not from the "App Store" that they run, but through the iTunes application. You download the app off the internet and use iTunes to get it on your phone. Sure, it means people may get viruses and malware or even brick their phone, but it will stop any complaints of "Apple rejected my app!" from having any validity.

After all, people can already jailbreak their phone and put those apps on, and this allows Apple to distance themselves from any app they don't want to be associated with.
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- stat_insig (profile), 28 Aug 2009 @ 9:11am
  
  Re:
  Yes. And lose 30% commission on all paid apps?
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Aug 2009 @ 8:03am

/me waits for a cracked IPA
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- The Infamous Joe (profile), 28 Aug 2009 @ 8:28am
  
  Re:
  I am pretty sure it's free, but you need the "Pro" Spotify service to use it.
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Freedom, 28 Aug 2009 @ 8:08am

Missing Forest for the Trees...
While I understand the core basis of the article it is missing the larger point that Apple shouldn't control what a user does with their device.

By focusing on that fact that Google paved the way for a nicer Dictatorship or technically an Oligarchy at Apple would leave one to assume that the status-quo of Apple's Business Model is "ok".

Freedom
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- Sarah Black, 28 Aug 2009 @ 8:21am
  
  Re: Missing Forest for the Trees...
  I am in much agreement with you.
  
  Google's Android phones have an option in their "Application Settings" screen that lets the owner of the phone check a box labeled, "Allow install of non-Market applications", ie; "Unknown Sources".
  
  Although the option is first defaulted to "Off", the owner can review any risks and turn that option "On".
  
  Because of Apple's long history of doing so, I wonder if Apple doesn't have an option similar to this because they are afraid of competition - possibly from a developer who might create a BETTER App Store or such?
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Anonymous Coward, 28 Aug 2009 @ 8:15am

It's just a matter of time before Apple goes back to their old ways. Once the hooplah settles down, it'll be right back to the old game plan.
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Nick, 28 Aug 2009 @ 9:08am

Re: Missing Forest for the Trees...
I own an iPhone and while I agree in part with you I think a dual solution would be best. You can choose to just download from the app store where you know they are not going to give you a virus etc... or you can download from the internet.

Not sure how the insurance company would deal with screwing your phone because you downloaded an app from the net and ignorred the risks... lets face it there are a great many people who still think the internet can spot that their computer has a virus on it and so end up installing malware / spyware to "fix" it and I would rather my insurance premuim does not increase because stupid people cannot be bothered / are not able to assess the risks and thusly break their phone!
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shmengie, 28 Aug 2009 @ 9:15am

thx apple...
for approving an app for a service that's not yet publicly available. i'm sure the 250 people on the private beta are appreciative.
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Ben Robinson (profile), 28 Aug 2009 @ 10:04am

Smart Move
Whether on purpose or not this is a pretty smart move for Apple. The availability of this app makes the iPhone even more attractive. I have previously stayed away from the jesuphone becuase i am not comfortable with Apple's control freakery and the slowness with which basic feature like cut and paste and mms have been added. Now that the spotify app is available i have reconsidered my position and i am now very tempted by the iPhone.
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- Anonymous Coward, 28 Aug 2009 @ 10:24am
  
  Re: Smart Move
  The iPhone now has mms?
  
  http://consumerist.com/5342977/class-action-suit-against-apple-and-att-for-lack-of-mms-on-ip hones
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- Steve (profile), 28 Aug 2009 @ 11:00am
  
  Re: Smart Move
  It's gonna take a whole lot more than Spotify to atone for all the unicorns Apple has killed in the app store.
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