Apple, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo!

The past week was filled with news about Apple, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo!

Microsoft inked a deal with Yahoo! in the search business. Basically the deal artificially gives Microsoft Bing a boost in the online search engine war. Yahoo! is doing what many agree to call as stupid move. As usual, Microsoft head cheerleader and PR spokesperson with the name that rhymes with “Saul Tour Rot” said that this is good for Yahoo! I don’t believe that for a second. Apparently Microsoft can’t compete fairly.

Does anyone still remember when Google and Yahoo! were working on the web-advertising deal? Some people were quick to cry antitrust!

Well, since the Microsoft and Yahoo! combined are still smaller than Google’s share on the online search business………..

Microsoft is a bully, and they are bullying Yahoo! to give up part of their business. Microsoft does not innovate, they just use their war-chest to buy their way into other people’s territory.

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Let’s get to Apple and Google now.

Eric Schmidt quits Apple Board of Directors amid scrutiny and controversy.

First, Google is (in)directly competing with Apple in the smart-phone space; namely Android. With the announcement of Chrome OS, Google will be competing against Apple in the Operating System space.

Second, came along the Google Voice controversy. Apple has been systematically pulling Goggle Voice related apps from iTunes App Store and rejecting Google’s own Google Voice app. Many believe that AT&T is pulling the strings. AT&T stated that they neither manage nor approve apps for the iTunes App Store. What about the Skype and SlingPlayer Mobile apps, AT&T?

Exclusivity contract is the bane of the iPhone in the U.S. and in other countries. Rather than being a 13-year old like “Screw You” Mike Arrington, consumer should tell Apple what they think.To be honest, most users won’t care or even know what Mike Arrington is talking about.

Tell Apple what you think (U.S. contact info):

I am an iPhone and Google Voice user. I want Google Voice App on the iPhone.

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Some other thoughts.

Apple has the right to say what apps can and cannot be installed on the iPhone. Apple has the right to approve and rejects any apps for the iPhone. Apple has the right to allow and disallow any devices to sync with iTunes. In the end Apple can’t please each and everyone. I am not happy that certain apps are blocked from the Apps Store.

Not a surprise for Leo Laporte to call iTunes + (iPod & iPhone) a monopoly. Leo is wrong!

Maybe I should complain that my PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii are monopoly in their own hardware & software business.

Maybe I should demand Avid to support Final Cut Pro and vice-versa.

Maybe I should demand Sony to support my Samsung remote control with their TV.

Maybe I should stop for now.

Apple Releases SMS Fix Through iPhone Software 3.0.1.

Less than 24 hours after the demonstration of SMS Hack at Black Hat Technical Security Conference, Apple releases iPhone OS 3.0.1 with the promised fix. Apple was notified of the security flaw six weeks before the demonstrations of the flaw. Apple iPhone is not the only platform vulnerable to this exploit. Android and Windows Mobile platforms are also vulnerable.

iPhone OS 3.0.1 carries the build number 7A400.

iPhone_301_sms_fix

iPhone1,1_3.0.1_7A400_Restore.ipsw 240.4 MB
iPhone1,2_3.0.1_7A400_Restore.ipsw 241.3 MB
iPhone2,1_3.0.1_7A400_Restore.ipsw 312.3 MB

The Outrage Against Apple Over Google Voice Apps.

The news about Apple rejecting and pulling Google Voice related apps has certainly caused an uproar.

What can you do?

  • Tell Apple what you think.
  • Tell Apple that you want Google Voice Apps in the iTunes App Store.
  • Tell Apple to stop caving in to AT&T pressure.
  • Tell Apple that you’re unhappy with the exclusivity with the carriers.

Send your articulated complaints to: http://www.apple.com/feedback/
Remember to select iPhone as subject.

Apple Seeds iPhone OS 3.1 beta 3 build 7C116a.

Apple Seeds iPhone OS 3.1 beta 3 build 7C116a and iPhone SDK 3.1 beta 3 build 9M2808
Build date: July 24th, 2009

icon_ipsw

There are some API changes, but there is nothing major yet. For those who doesn’t do any development on the iPhone OS should have no reasons looking for the disk image. There are no visible major changes.

Changes are found in audio services, image picker and video editor.

Please do not install this beta software unless you want to deal with the bugs. You do need to have your iPhone/iPod touch registered through a Developer Account. Plus the beta software will expire at a certain date and your iPhone will be rendered useless until you update to the newer software builds. As usual, Apple Developer NDA is in effect.

iPhone1,1_3.1_7C116a_Restore.ipsw
iPhone1,2_3.1_7C116a_Restore.ipsw
iPhone2,1_3.1_7C116a_Restore.ipsw
iPod1,1_3.1_7C116a_Restore.ipsw
iPod1,2_3.1_7C116a_Restore.ipsw