Google refutes USA Today report on blocked Skype application
By Joshua Topolsky 
posted Aug 21st 2009 6:03PM
posted Aug 21st 2009 6:03PM
The story is surely fine fodder for a FUD enthusiast up to that point, but it appears (gasp) that USA Today may have gotten one minor fact wrong. Namely, that Google had any unsavory aim to clip the wings of the Skype app. According to company man Andy Rubin (on Google's Public Policy Blog), the "lite" moniker was only attached due to technical limitations of the Android platform. In his words:
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.
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. To suggest otherwise is false. At this point no software developer -- including Skype -- has implemented a complete VoIP application for Android. But we're excited to see -- and use -- these applications when they're submitted, because they often provide more choice and options for users. We also look forward to the day when consumers can access any application, including VoIP apps, from any device, on any network.
Note the jab there at the end? Okay, swell. Of course, even if Google had rejected the app outright, users still could have installed the software through other avenues, as the Android Market is only a suggestion -- not a mandate -- for how consumers should acquire apps on Google's platform.
[Via TechCrunch; Image courtesy eBoy]
Read - Google-AT&T-Apple fight over Net calls draws FCC interest
Read - Android and VoIP applications
Zing!
good thing no one reads USA Today.
ive read this article many times yet cant tell how it relates to PS3 slim =(
Google...
I am disappoint.
Hi Disappoint!
it's like the camera calling the pot, that called the kettle black, black
i am so confused...
We can be assured that the call was not made over skype.
Nice that it was pointed out the Market isn't the only way to get apps. That's one of the plus points of Android.
eBoy huh? I wonder who wrote this article...
Just like they don't prohibit tethering for normal users? Oh. Wait.
I love me my android (rooted) goodness, but the fact that I have to root the damn thing at all is a testament to the fact that phone makers are at the mercy of network operators at all times.
You don't have to root your phone for tethering. I have an un-rooted G1 and tethering works just fine, thanks.
I can tether my non-jail-broken iPhone in Canada - works great and is very easy. Non-tethering in the US is an AT&T restriction. Rogers isn't exactly known for its benevolence but the lack of tethering and MMS for AT&T iPhone users is a joke.
Google > Apple
Maybe google is purposely setting itself up for a big clash with apple so it can withdraw from offering its features and give the android platform a firm lead over the iphone OS.
Lesson of the day: don't tick off Google.
Google > Palm >= Apple > Microsoft
Nokia is all over the map, and too hard to fit in here. Linux kernels underlie Android, WebOS, and Maemo, so that makes other Linux based platforms hard to fit in here as well. Even iPhone/MacOS is built up from BSD, which is kind of a Linux half-cousin twice removed. I admit I don't know enough about RIM, but they always seemed like a Palm wannabe with keyboards.
Palm may be moved around, or the '=' eliminated, depending on what they do with WebOS and their app store (or alternative installers) in the future, but will most likely always be behind Android. Apple could move up by dropping AT&T exclusivity and changing app/installer policies, but I don't see that happening before Palm catches up.
Microsoft is at permanent bottom now for a few reasons: IE (Mobile is the worst of all IE); ActiveSync (especially Vista); shoehorning desktop UI elements onto itty-bitty screens; phones that freeze and crash; phone viruses; The Registry; Ballmer; and they are, and will always be, convicted monopolists. I can't wait to be rid of my insurance-provided TouchPro.
Hey how can I change my image???
Too geeky to get a girlfriend?
You have to log in.
The only login I see is the one to post comments...
nevermind, I figured it out. Thanks
Easiest way to do it is to click on your picture/name in the comments then you will have the option to loginand change it.
press Alt and then F4
press Alt and then F4 at THE SAME TIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What does Alt + F4 do anyw
If you're on OS X try cmd+q ;)
'We also look forward to the day when consumers can access any application, including VoIP apps, from any device, on any network.'
Fantastic line.
I love that image. It is now my desktop.
+1
Second on that! It reminds me of a game.
I had the same reaction! It's kind of weird cause I have an iphone... but still a cool pic.
Googles looks like it's going through alot of trouble today
LOL! What the hell are you babbling about?
Apple finally admits to keep iPhone owners from the hottest cellphone app, Google's Voice making Android look even more appealing that it already is.
And see this Skype Bs really was nothing but BS.
Google is absolutely on fire. They've crushed Microsoft's latest crap search efforts. Android devices are coming out at a crazy pace. Google Voice is a massive hit.
Yeah, 'trouble' LOL!
Look at youtube, and all its growing 'you cannot see this in your region' and 'removed by *cough*user', and youtube is also owned by google, everybody is getting nastier, even though bush isn't there to spearhead it anymore,.
And look at various ISP's in europe now also voluntarily censoring people and not allowing them to visit sites like piratebay, the whole western system is in decline and the totalitarian thoughts are nourished and supported.
"At this point no software developer -- including Skype -- has implemented a complete VoIP application for Android."
What about sipdroid? http://sipdroid.org/
The interesting thing is that the version available through the Android market is neutered (WiFi only) though you can get the 3G version from their website.
I guess the key phrase is "_complete_ VOIP application." Sipdroid can make and receive calls, but the phonebook might not be there- I don't know I forget how it works.
It may be because majority of users only have Edge on their G1's, at least with T-Mobile US...I don't know, maybe there is something else but I don't think its because the market blocked it, if that's what you are inferring...it may just be an experimental version that they are still testing, and don't want to be bombarded by end user problems but still want it available.
WinMo is the ONLY platform then where one can enjoy Skype unfettered.
It works flawlessly on my Touch Pro and Touch HD, works without lag, dropping of calls, or other restrictions such as having to use it over Wi-Fi (works with my 3G/EVDO Rev A as God intended it to).
Integrates seamlessly with my contact list (I can choose: Call with Skype) when trying to make a call.
I can multi-task and juggle a dozen+ other apps while still on a phone call via Skype, and switch back and forth between it and aforementioned apps.
But whatever, keep buying into the hype and disingenuous characterizations of WinMo by uneducated users/commentors.
Will do!
I have a TouchPro as well. I got an upgrade from insurance after my old Apache died on me. That's why I feel very safe in saying this: WinMo sucks hard. It's the only phone OS I've used that CRASHES, often on a weekly basis. Sure, the wide application availability is nice, but I hate having to install a Registry editor and hand-tweak my registry just to get basic functions working properly, or to access options that should be in a control panel. I'm only keeping the TouchPro now because it didn't cost me anything over my existing contract, and I'm waiting for Android to come out on better hardware. I'm considering the N900/Maemo, because I had lots of fun with my N810 before the battery stopped recharging. I like the idea of a smartphone with 3D (OpenGL ES 2.0) capability, like the OMAP 34xx processors, or whatever Nokia and Intel are hatching together now. I WILL NEVER BUY A WINMO PHONE AGAIN. I will also never use AT&T again, unless that's the only option where I live next. I'm tired of the monopolists.
somebody needs to sue usatoday
journos these days are so lazy, and IMHO it's the media that is 4/5ths what is wrong with the world these days.
bwa hahahahahahah
hmm
I only came to this article to comment on how great I thought the picture was.
... The picture for the article is awesome...
there I said it!
Hmmm wonder if this is Apple spreading FUD. I wouldn't be at all surprised. And its also obvious that the iTards didn't even read the article before posting BS.
A list of VOIP Applications already in the market.
http://www.voip-info.org/wiki/view/Android+VOIP
So I doubt they block VOIP Apps :P
Most of those are web apps so not proper native VOIP.
iSkoot isn't a VOIP app at all ("Routing your Skype calls over the voice channel ..")
Just about to see if sipdroid actually works.
While Google (or Apple) haven't such trouble allowing VOIP programs in their OS but it is a carrier trouble.
A carrier can loss a lot of money allowing such software.
Ummm, I'm using Sipdroid with Gizmo5 with NO issues on my Android device; it's a pure data based VoIP client - NO phone redirect or dial back. Works on 3G and WiFi. PLUS it was a downloadable app through the Market.
So I agree with Andy Rubin; if a 3rd party dev in Germany can develop a proper SIP client; with enough CPU perf to handle the CODECS SIP uses (all without major underpinning to Android needed); I'm sure a proper Skype client can be developed...