Google Blocks Infinite SMS

Today Google will start blocking all third party software that uses Google Talk, a free open protocol text-messaging service, to send and receive SMS. The decision was made after users flocked to download and use infinite SMS, a $.99 application available at the App Store that allows users to send and receive SMS for free by using Google's service. Google's reasoning behind the block is fairly rational:

"Infinite SMS is a third party app that has been using Google technology to provide free SMS for users, while we were paying for the cost of the text messages," a Google spokesperson said in an official statement.

Infinite SMS was released on February 12th, and quickly found its way into the top ten paid applications at the App Store. The application remained in the top ten until Innerfence, the developer of the application, had to remove it because Google informed them they were about to block their service:

"We immediately removed Infinite SMS from sale, since we could not in good conscience continue to sell a product whose lifetime was so likely to be cut short," said Inner Fence

Since Apple doesn't allow developers to issue refunds, Innerfence hopes that there won't be much backlash from the immediately halt of the service. Google made it very clear that they still support the third party community, just not in this instance. They will continue to allow free SMS through Google Talk, but won't allow non-Google clients to use the service any longer. [via iPhoneBlog]

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