Google Routes Around App Store On The iPhone... Others Can Too
from the app-store-or-the-web dept
I was just recently suggesting that the massive focus on "apps" and "app stores" may be a red herring, as eventually many of those apps can be built via the web (especially as HTML 5 moves forward), without having to go through any kind of app store approval process. So it's worth noting that, in fact, Google has done exactly that with its Google Voice app for the iPhone (doing so because of problems getting a client-side app approved by Apple). While the app is still rough around the edges, it should be a reminder that there are ways around the app store, and web-based apps have plenty of potential.![Hide This Hide this](https://ii.techdirt.com/s/t/i/topclose.png)
Thank you for reading this Techdirt post. With so many things competing for everyone’s attention these days, we really appreciate you giving us your time. We work hard every day to put quality content out there for our community.
Techdirt is one of the few remaining truly independent media outlets. We do not have a giant corporation behind us, and we rely heavily on our community to support us, in an age when advertisers are increasingly uninterested in sponsoring small, independent sites — especially a site like ours that is unwilling to pull punches in its reporting and analysis.
While other websites have resorted to paywalls, registration requirements, and increasingly annoying/intrusive advertising, we have always kept Techdirt open and available to anyone. But in order to continue doing so, we need your support. We offer a variety of ways for our readers to support us, from direct donations to special subscriptions and cool merchandise — and every little bit helps. Thank you.
–The Techdirt Team
Filed Under: app store, apps, google voice, mobile
Companies: apple, google
Reader Comments
Subscribe: RSS
View by: Time | Thread
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
When the iPhone was first released Apple insisted that people would create web based applications for the phone, which is exactly what Google has done. It was only after a year of people complaining that Apple made the concession to allow 3rd party apps on the device at all. Then they go and complain about the approval processes while forgetting that if they really want their application made they could just make a web based version.
"But then how would I get someone to pay 99 cents for my iFart application if it's just a website"
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: I like where this is going
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
You're loosing your edge.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
Thanks, Dementia. Good name, by the way. I don't come here to comment to Mike, yet this is chalked up to some sort of "Reading Comprehension Problem".
I just state the facts. Mike is behind the times. He should get a roll of stamps and just mail the stories in.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
I don't recall seeing ***BREAKING NEWS*** ***BREAKING NEWS*** at the top of the post.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
Sorry...Had to share that creepy moment :P
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
go 'way
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Was this story about Google Voice? Why Yes, it is!
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Nice article
Good luck with that alopecia problem of yours.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Lie much, AC ?
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Problems with non-native apps
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Problems with non-native apps
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
He must be paid
Now for this story, yse google voice for iphone was accessible via safari 6 months ago, however the new interface which was released (1 or 2 days ago) is the big story because it really feels like a native app.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Is it just me
Have these people already failed at their New Years resolutions and feel the need to take it out on Techdirt?
I never understand why these people even visit the site. I reckon that if you dont like it then don't bloody read/visit it.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
I thought Mike would mention this instead of the Google Voice story
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: I thought Mike would mention this instead of the Google Voice story
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: I thought Mike would mention this instead of the Google Voice story
also it is hilarious seeing my comments dated an hour before the post was "submitted." But im shallow and find amusement in that sort of thing.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: I thought Mike would mention this instead of the Google Voice story
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re: Re: Re: I thought Mike would mention this instead of the Google Voice story
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Why does Apple Care?
Even AT&T shouldn't be that upset, since people who purchase an iPhone are required to get a voice plan for 2 years. Also, as the exclusive iPhone carrier, AT&T can force someone to purchase a voice plan without any reprecussions.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Re:
HTML 5 will be coming sooner than you think.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
opposite of lo(o)ser
-loser = gainer (does this make me look fat?)
loosen == what I do with my belt after a big meal so I can get comfortable
[ link to this | view in chronology ]
Why not just use the google voice app?
If your iphone is not jailbroken, then you are probably not tech savvy enough to be on the google voice bandwagon anyways.
[ link to this | view in chronology ]