Republican Commissioner Brendan Carr wants the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) to investigate Apple’s response to the Beeper Mini app, which briefly made iMessage available on Android. Carr believes that Apple’s decision to shut down Beeper Mini may have violated Part 14 rules, which are in place to ensure that advanced communication services are accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
The Beeper Mini app allowed Android users to use iMessage features, such as blue message bubbles and the ability to send high-quality photos and videos. However, Apple blocked Beeper Mini users and continued to prevent the app from functioning, prompting its developers to eventually give up. Carr is specifically concerned about Apple’s impact on accessibility, arguing that the low contrast of green bubbles in iMessage makes it difficult for people with low vision or visual impairments. Therefore, he wants the FCC to investigate whether Apple’s decision to disable Beeper Mini functionality violated the FCC’s rules.
Furthermore, Carr criticized Apple’s practices in other areas, including the impact on augmented and virtual reality spaces. He expressed concern about the “walled garden” that Apple creates around its products and services, suggesting that this approach may lead to negative consequences for competitive technologies. It remains to be seen whether the FCC will launch an investigation into Apple’s actions.
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