According to a recent statement by a Google spokeswoman, Apple Inc. has disallowed the distribution of Google's Internet telephony software - the mobile version of Google Voice - to the iPhones through the App Store.

However, Apple has not cited any reason for rejecting the hot new Google software, which provides users with many advantages - like making cheap international calls; consolidating several phone numbers under one voice mail account; and obtaining e-mailed transcripts of their voice messages. For further convenience, the users are assigned only one number for their different phone accounts - cell phone, landline or Internet.

The Google spokeswoman maintained that despite Apple's rejection, the relationship between the two companies "remains strong." Adding that Google is considering other ways of accessing the iPhone, the spokeswoman said: "We will continue to work to bring our services to iPhone users."

Meanwhile, the rejection of the much-anticipated Google service for the iPhone has fetched the Cupertino, California-based Apple some unwarranted criticism from iPhone users and bloggers. While computer magazine, PC World, pointed at Apple's "control freak tendencies," the well-known blog, TechCrunch, said that Apple was "rotten to the core!"

But some of the so-called unbiased analysts opine that Apple's rejection of Google Voice is essentially its shield against unwanted intrusion from a potential competitor, as well as its protection of business partner, AT&T Inc.!