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)

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Apple Responds to FCC Questions (Google and AT&T as Well)

Qik [Free - iTunes link] update… removes Wi-Fi-only restriction?!

(Background on Qik — it lets you stream live video over the internet, and archive it via Qik.com. I’ve been playing with the beta for a while.)

Sound off in the comments!

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Quick App Update: Qik for iPhone… Removes Wi-Fi Restriction?!

Yesterday Popcap announced that it will be porting its fastest-selling Mac/PC game in the company’s history, Plants vs Zombies, over to iPhone before the year is over.

Not familiar with this game? You should be, it’s highly addicting gameplay not only caters to hardcore tower defense fans but to casual gamers alike.

• Play five game modes: Adventure, Mini-Games, Puzzle, Survival, plus the stress-free Zen Garden
• Conquer all 50 levels of Adventure mode — through day, night and fog, in a swimming pool and on the rooftop
• Battle 26 types of zombies including pole-vaulters, snorkelers and "Zomboni" drivers
• Earn 49 powerful perennials and collect coins to buy a pet snail, power-ups and more!

Sadly, no exact release date or pricing has been announced but Zombie lovers rejoice. It will be here soon enough.

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Quick App: Plants vs. Zombies for iPhone

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).

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Google Android: Skype Crippling Not Just for iPhone/AT&T Anymore!

Apple’s iPhone Configuration Utility went to 2.0 just after the iPhone itself hit OS 3.0. The iCU is intended to allow system administrators to set up iPhones for use in the corporate environments, namely by creating, maintaining, and distributing configuration files for enterprise devices.

Macworld took a look at the new version and while they like the no hassle upgrade from 1.0, new vertical feature setup, LDAP, CalDAV, and SCEP support, the ability to prevent profiles from being removed by the user, restrictions (like parental controls) including locking out the cameras, and the ability to push out profiles via SCEP, they weren’t as thrilled with the lack of SCEP documentation, and limited LDAP support.

Check out the full article for details and if you’re using iCU 2.0, let us know how it’s working for your enterprise.

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Macworld Looks at iPhone Configuration Utility 2.0

While even our friends over at PreCentral.net haven’t exactly been thrilled by Palm’s own, creepy Pre ads, we’re not sure Bell Canada’s approach — filming an original iPhone 2G ad using the Pre as a stand in — is any better.

As a Canadian myself, I’d like to assure the world we’re really a heckuvalot more creative than this! (Right Bell?!)

Recent iPhone ad for comparison’s sake, after the jump!

[via TUAW]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Friday Fun Video: Bell Canada iClones iPhone Ad for Palm Pre

TiPb reader Jake let us know that he just received the following message about 3G service level improvements from AT&T:

We’ve enhanced your 3G network to offer more speed, capacity & coverage in Greater Atlanta, North GA & Athens!

Mobiledia [via PCWorld] has more on the improvements going on:

the 850MHz spectrum now operates with [AT&T's] existing 1900 MHz spectrum — adding more than 540 cell sites to increase network capacity and improved quality and in-building coverage.

TechCrunch says the same thing is happening in long-beleaguered San Francisco.

If you’re in either of these areas and notice any real-world improvements, let us know in the comments. Everyone else, relax, breathe, it’s coming eventually. Then you’ll just have 7.2 Mbs HSPDA speeds to look forward to next…

[Thanks to Jake and Icebike!]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

AT&T Rolling Out 850 MHz 3G to Improve Service

SlingPlayer Mobile [$29.99 - iTunes Store] brings a few news features to everyone’s favorite video transporter:

• 16×9 widescreen for SOLO, PRO, and PRO-HD users
• Remote access integration for DISH users
• Faster start time and channel changes
• Improved remote control UI

Thanks to AT&T’s targeted terms of service, however, which specifically forbids SlingPlayer over 3G, you’re still constrained to Wi-Fi (as is everyone on every other network outside AT&T, though Sling has apparently submitted a 3G version for App Stores outside the US — no word on it from Apple yet, however).

If you give the update a go, let us know how it works for you.

[Thanks Robert for the tip!]

This is a story by the iPhone Blog. This feed is sponsored by The iPhone Blog Store.

Quick App Update: SlingPlayer Mobile 1.1 for iPhone - Still Wi-Fi Only