Finally, Google Voice for the iPhone

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

googlevoicedialer

No, the folks at the App Store, didnt wake up this morning and change their minds. Google, rather, has shown there is more than one way to skin a cat.

Apple, as most know of you know, rejected the app that Google had submitted six weeks prior on July 27, 2009. Whether on their own or in conjunction with AT&T is anyone´s guess, but since in the U.S. (the only country presently to have Google Voice) you would still be using AT&T to connect with your Google number, it would make sense that this was primarily Apple´s decision.

Consequently, following this decision, one that Apple still maintains was not a rejection but rather an “an ongoing review process” both GVdialer, and GVmobile were indeed removed from the App Store.

GV Mobile was later released to Cydia. Cydia allows those with jailbroken iPhones to download a number of programs Apple has no interest in you owning, including all the software needed to break free of your supported carrier, for most AT&T.

Starting today Google has launched their website using HTML5 that allows you to access Google Voice through your Safari browser.

Simply point your phone´s browser to http://m.google.com/voice

The site itself is explained better here by Google as well as featuring video on its use. I love how the only major mobile not shown is the iPhone, despite being the reason for this site´s development.

The site works quite well but like many with a jailbroken phone I will continue to use GV Mobile. Obviously the App is preferable to having to use your browser, and while Google has seemingly done a good job, there is no integration yet for your Iphone contacts and you will spend a good deal of time, unlike with GV Mobile that can access them, building a Google contact list.

All the features of Google Voice are too numerous to list here but as the service expands, expect people to be sharing their GV numbers more frequently. For me it is a bit of an oxymoron, that a company that frightens many over privacy concerns is essentially giving you a little more by controlling who can reach you when and where.

I love the idea of having one number I can share then later block calls to if needed, send straight to voice mail, or ring all my phones rather than freely giving out my mobile, home, or work numbers. This type of flexibility is a huge nod towards personal privacy while giving up even more to Google at the same time.

Google Voice is still an invitation only service. Click here to request yours.

This is an article by The App Machine.