UPDATED: Google Android: Skype Crippling Not Just for iPhone/AT&T Anymore!
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).
August 21st, 2009 at 10:20 am
Oh well let’s all blame Apple and their Evil Empire!!!!
-I’m glad to hear about this, it only prooves my point that anyone who supports the FCC against apple is a complete MORON.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am
I don’t know if I buy this theory. It seems much more likely that Google is trying to force Android users to have Google Voice instead of Skype. Eerily similar to what Microsoft was fined $1 million/day for with their Internet Explorer deal a few years back.
And to be honest, I think Apple is doing the same thing. I have some suspicions about the intended purpose of the huge data center they are building. I would not be the least surprised if the are blocking GV so that iPhone users will be more open to iVoice in the near future.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:27 am
Pity for everyone who switched cause they thought google wouldn’t accept the sam **** from carriers.
August 21st, 2009 at 10:33 am
On Android you still get Google Voice.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:04 am
Some of you missed the point of the article. He is just pointing out that apple, google and other phone makers are not to blame for some of these apps bring crippled. Carriers do not want that much data streaming because it might mean they would have to spend money and upgrade their network. They would hurt there bonuses and we can’t have that.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:11 am
not surprised if t-mo is responsible for gimping skype on android. their data network is worse than at&ts.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:12 am
Milk — calling people morons is generally more effective when you can spell correctly. (”prooves?”)
Also, as your reading comprehension catches up with your spelling ability, you will see people supported the FCC GOING AFTER AT&T for misuse of their spectrum license, and not Apple at all.
August 21st, 2009 at 11:20 am
I can really see the appeal of Google Voice after reading about it at their website. I signed up for an account and hope to be able to use it on my iPhone at some point. However, I’m vexed at the outrage some people seem to be showing that Apple/AT&T/whoever is not allowing this program on the iPhone at the present time. If I understand correctly, a program such as Google Voice has the potential to reduce the money spent by users (and, subsequently, profit made by AT&T) on their phone plans as a result of people having less of a need for “minutes” when all their calls would instead be going through a data connection. I can’t imagine why any company would intentionally do that. Am I missing something?
August 21st, 2009 at 11:35 am
Google voice is called GV Mobile in cydia. Works great
and skype does work over 3G with voipover3g app, also in
cydia.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:01 pm
The writer of this column needs to do a little research. The reason only Skype Lite appears on Google’s store is the crappy first generation software did NOT support VOIP connections (confirmed by google and skype). No one has even submitted an app on google that uses VOIP yet (also confirmed by google and skype).
August 21st, 2009 at 12:12 pm
@talkin73 – no, you’re not missing anything. They really are mad at not being able to use their cell phones for free. Progress and innovation go completely out the window when there’s no funds coming in. Who, in their right mind, would be surprised at this happening?
August 21st, 2009 at 12:31 pm
Rubin clears the air in response to Android and VOIP app false accusations – http://tinyurl.com/mxnscu
August 21st, 2009 at 12:40 pm
talkin73, Google Voice is not a VOIP app. It still uses cell minutes. The only way it would impact AT&T is in lost revenue from SMS plans.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:40 pm
This is interesting timing. If Google decided to limit Skype at the behest of Carriers, why choose NOW to do so?
The FCC is just starting its investigation bigtime on Thursday: http://arstechnica.com/telecom/news/2009/08/fcc-launches-three-pronged-probe-into-wireless-industry.ars
Ars Technica says Skype is pushing the FCC to apply Carterfone to the wireless telephone network, (and the internet in general it would seem). This will allow Apple to provide far more services by using the carriers as dumb pipes.
This would be great for all mobile users and opens up a world of possibilities. Of course some of the freedoms thus gained might apply to Apple too, (handset unlocking, carrier exclusivity) but I suspect Apple has already started down the path to removing those restrictions as they cease to be in Apple’s interest the minute ATT’s contract expires.
@Dev: Your assessment is spot on. I am SO tired of people jumping to Apple’s defense like it was a helpless puppy caught in traffic. Apple isn’t even the target of the FCC here, and may well be one of the parties complaining to the FCC about ATT’s actions.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:44 pm
@jbrandonf:
That is true today.
If you jailbreak, or if the app store rejection is overturned then you will be able to use GV on wifi, and someday on 3G via your data plan. No cell minutes involved.
You can use Skype this way today (wifi only). This is what makes the outright rejection of GV by Apple so maddening.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:49 pm
@Thelazyone:
GOOD CATCH: “As we told USA Today earlier in the week Google did not reject an application from Skype or from any other company that provides VoIP services. ” –Google.
@Rene – UPDATE to story needed.
August 21st, 2009 at 12:56 pm
@icebike
Thanks! This story really needs an update. In this article below, PC World asked Skype and they said this:
Skype confirmed that it developed Skype Lite because Android did not support a full-featured version of the VoIP service.
http://tinyurl.com/lclc89
August 21st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Umm…I know you aren’t trying to be a fair source of news here but this wasn’t all that hard to find.
http://www.betanews.com/article/Googles-Rubin-Android-isnt-blocking-VoIP-despite-claims/1250877744
August 21st, 2009 at 3:03 pm
On iPhone, Jailbroken app “3G Unrestrictor” FTW! (Available in Cydia)
This lets you use ANY AppStore app that’s restricted to running over WiFi on 3G.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:18 pm
@Mike:
Rene has a day job as well. He will usually correct stories later in the day.
Some parts of the story are still un-contested.
August 21st, 2009 at 4:37 pm
People forget that with android, you can always install apps from other, non market sources. So if Skype releases a voip version on their sites, android users can still download it and use it
August 21st, 2009 at 4:44 pm
@Chris:
Regarding side-loading apps from other sources:
Probably the king of this category will be the N900, since its standard Linux:
http://forum.theiphoneblog.com/cross-platform-other-gadgets/176965-new-competitor-nokia-n900.html
August 21st, 2009 at 7:14 pm
I know this might actually cast Android in a good light, but this story really should be updated, since the central theme of the article has been discredited.
August 21st, 2009 at 7:39 pm
article is false. the only reason why skype is “crippled” is because android cant process voip over wi-fi. i believe new updates allow for it though.
August 21st, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Story updated, thanks all.
Am I the only one shocked that Android 1.0 couldn’t technologically handle VoIP, however? G1 was a little rough around the edges, but… seriously?
Also note, Rubin clearly states their carrier partners can request apps be filtered due to ToS, which means they’re — and we’re — still beholden to the carriers, which was the central theme of the article… DUMB. PIPES.