Google has launched a new version of the Google Voice app for the iPhone. In the Middle of 2009 Google created an app for the iPhone that would allow users to initiate Google Voice calls through the iPhone. Google voice circumvents the need to make calls over the voice line and instead uses the internet.
Originally Google created an app for the iPhone but it was blocked by Apple. This created a big news stir which led to Apple and ATT being questioned by the FCC. They were asked to explain why the app was blocked.
Google was able to get around the block by creating a HTML 5 version. That is to say, that iPhone users don’t need to install an app on the phone, they just need to browse to a website. HTML 5 is a new version of Hypertext Markup Language. (This is the programming code that most websites use.) HTML 5 is more powerful then the previous versions because it eliminates the need for plug-ins like Adobe Flash and Microsoft's Silverlight. HTML 5 also allows the storage of local contect so you do not have to be connected for certain features. This was leveraged by Google with the Google Voice app by allowing you to open it and make changes without a network connection.
The new version of Google Voice for the iPhone now includes text messages too. Using Google voice on your phone is a great feature because it allows your Google voice number to show up as the caller ID number instead of your cell phone number. To use this new feature browse to m.google.com/voice. The Google app works on the iPhone version 3.0 and higher. Apparently Palm’s WebOS can use the app too. Sorry Windows Mobile folks looks like the app only works on the Safari browser or one that supports HTML 5. This looks like the latest move by Google to stick it to Apple. I love it!
While Google Voice uses VOIP to manage calls the iPhone version uses a call back so your calls are routed over the mobile voice network. The overall benefit is you still get free SMS and your outbound calls appear to come from your Google Voice number thus hiding your real mobile number.
