Google Voice released for Android and BlackBerry, but not iPhone
While iPhone users can currently access Google Voice from the Safari browser, what Android and BlackBerry users received Wednesday was a full-fledged independent application that allows users to make calls, send text messages and check voicemail through their separate Google-provided phone number.
Google would like to release an iPhone version of the application, and is "working with Apple" to do so, according to the New York Times.
One unique element Google is touting is the ability to make international calls at a reduced rate. It also allows for text messages to be sent and received for free through the number, also bypassing the cell phone carrier. Google Voice also transcribes voicemails and reads numbers from the smartphone's phonebook.
These capabilities led Wired to speculate that AT&T and Apple could "cripple" a Google Voice iPhone application. It cites the fact that both companies have blocked video applications and forced Skype to nix a feature allowing free phone calls via the phone's data plan.
Currently, the Google Voice service is available to users by invite only.
The new application addresses one crucial problem with Google Voice: While someone might be able to call a user at their Google Voice number, they would likely receive a return call from the cell, home or office number where the person is available. Through the new program, the outgoing call will now appear as the Google Voice number.
Originally called Grand Central, Google Voice is a service that allows consumers to control a variety of phone numbers via one, centralized number. Through the configurable service, calls can be forwarded to or from any phone number and multiple phones can ring at once.
A blog post announcing the release of Google Voice simply said: "Before you ask, yes, we are working on ways to make this service available to iPhone users."
31 Comments
Gonna give Skype a run for its money?
The quality of Skype calls to certain countries is unusable, I've had to give up using it.
Now that the app store has serious competition (yes, google pushing an app that seamlessly replaces your dialer and allows placing international calls at reduced rates is competition) we will have some transparency in the limitations of the Apple/ATT lockdown.
AT&T will slam down this app. Google could open source it, and then wham! distribute on Cydia.
Hi Folks,
maybe I'm missing something here?
I have an iPhone 3GS and am using Google Voice.
Everything works fine
Hi Folks,
maybe I'm missing something here?
I have an iPhone 3GS and am using Google Voice.
Everything works fine
Yes, you're missing something. If you call someone's landline from your iPhone -AND you want the call to show as coming from Google Voice - you need to call into Google Voice first, and then dial the number you want to call. Or use a web interface to initiate the call. A Google Voice application would most likely skip the step of having to call your GV number first or making you navigate to a web page.
On the plus side - if you're calling a friend on their mobile there's a way to dial them directly, and have the call look like it's coming from your GV number. Just direct dial the 406 area code number GV has assigned to your friend's mobile number. How do you know the 406 number? Ask your friend to text you at your GV number and you'll see it. Now you can use that 406 number to direct dial from the phones tied to your GV account. The recipient sees the callerID as your GV number.
The other thing you're missing: Sending an SMS from your GV number on the iPhone means you have to go into the web interface for GV. Here again the Google Voice app might be more convenient.