In tech news this week Apple has confirmed what many have anticipated - the removal of the voice calling feature from its iPhones. iPhone users have been complaining about this antiquated "service" for quite some time now and Apple has been listening. The ubiquitous iPhone rolled out in 2007 and revolutionized the telecommunications industry, but recently the complaints have been louder and more numerous regarding the constant interruptions brought by the voice connectivity features. While consumers have relished the internet capabilities including gaming and shopping as well as many social networking aspects of the iPhone, they feel the voice calling feature is a real nuisance.

"Sure, we used to talk to folks over the telephone back when we didn't have other options," says Walter Rickey, a soybean farmer from Illinois. "But these days we've got e-mail, texting and what not. I don't have time for random conversations popping up out of the blue. You can't put soybeans on hold."

Mr. Rickey and the many who feel the same way he does will be glad to know that future iterations of the iPhone will not have the voice calling feature included. Apple will also make available an upgrade for current iPhone models that effectively eliminates the voice calling aspect of the phone.

Speaking from the Apple Red and Gold Gala in Fuji, Apple spokeswoman Agnes Braeburn-Smith noted, "Apple has remained at the forefront of technology by listening to our customers and responding to their needs. Of course they will now need to text or e-mail any feedback to Apple. This is just another step forward."

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Apple to Remove Annoying Voice Calling Feature From iPhones