Google released a version of its VoIP and call routing applications, Google Voice Mobile and Voice, for RIM BlackBerry and its own Android smartphone platform a couple of weeks ago. It appeared ready to do the same for the iPhone. Unfortunately for iPhone users, Apple won't let that happen. It has rejected both apps for inclusion in the iTunes App Store.

Why did Apple do this? Because, according to Cupertino, the programs duplicate functionality of the iPhone. The thing is they don't, not really.

Here's what they do:

Google Voice lets you use your handset to access and manage mulitiple inboxes, originate and send text messages and voice calls from your Google Voice number (allowing you to have single number for all your phones), make local and low-priced international calls, and customize how calls are managed. The service fully integrates with each phone's contacts, so you can make calls right from your smartphone's address book.

The app is pretty flexible. So, for example, you can route all your calls, only internationals, or no calls at all through the Android version of Google Voice. And, in the edition for RIM phones, you can use the native BlackBerry dialer to avoid placing calls through the service.

Sure, some of these functions (such as calling and SMS) are similar to what AT&T offers. None are exactly the same, however. Neither text messaging nor voice calling is offered for free to iPhoners through AT&T or Apple, for instance. Nor does either company provide a service that integrates multiple phones and phone lines the way Google Voice does.

Consequently, the Google Voice apps promised to bring a great deal of convenience and savings to iPhone owners, as they surely will to BlackBerry and T-Mobile G1 users.

So, in essence, what Apple did was reject an application and service that had the potential to cannibalize the profits of its carrier partners, some of which offer Android phones and all of which offer BlackBerry models. The carriers will need to put up with Google Voice for those smartphone platforms, won't they?

In related news, shortly after rejecting Google Voice, Apple proceeded to remove other apps that it say duplicate iPhone features. One  of these programs, VoiceCentral  from Riverturn, had been available through the App Store for four months, before getting kicked out. VoiceCentral brought Google's GrandCentral and Google Voice services to the iPhone.

Worst of all, according to the company's CEO, Apple refuses to give him a reason (other than duplicate features) for the decision or explain what his company can do to get its app back on the App Store.  See here for a paraphrased transcript of Riverturn's understandably frustrating exchange with Apple.

Bottom line: Apple's decisions is nice for AT&T and the other iPhone operators. It is a disservice to its own customers, however.

See the video below for an overview of how Google Voice works. It'll give you an idea of what iPhone users will be missing due to Apple's rejection.

[via geek.com]