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Google unveils Voice apps for Apple's iPhone, Palm's Pre
Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) on Tuesday unveiled its controversial set of Web-based Voice apps service that will be available on Apple’s (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone as well as on Palm’s Pre and Pixi phone devices.
by Priyanka - January 27, 2010 - comments
The service will bring most of the same functionality of the native Voice apps that Blackberry and Android users already enjoy.
This new application will allow the users to make calls, send text messages and listen to voice mail for free, as per Google blog post entries on Tuesday.
"Delivering Google services via mobile browsers has worked well for the Gmail team, so we decided to follow the same approach with Google Voice," wrote Marcus Foster and David Singleton, Google’s product and engineering managers respectively in the blog post.
Services Google offering via Voice apps
This new Web-based service introduced by Google is an extension of its already existing mobile services for Gmail and Google Calendar and it requires the user to sign in via his/her Google account.
When the user first logs in, the app asks user to identify his/her phone in order to connect to the Web site; it is required so that Google knows which number to connect to when the user decides to make a call using Google Voice app.
The default screen is set as a standard dialing screen that allows users to input numbers and choose whether to make a call or SMS.
The application also allows users to chat with their friends but for that user’s friend should possess Google ID. Google will also be offering low rates for making calls internationally to its Voice users.
To be able to use this service user need to register for a Google Voice account first.
Apple’s objection to Google’s Web-based service
Apple had rejected a downloadable version of Google’s Voice app for its iPhone devices back in July 2009.
Apple had written a letter to the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in August 2009, alleging that Google’s app alters some of the key features on its iPhone device, such as calling, voice mail, and texting.
As per Apple’s letter, Google did not even provide any assurance on keeping users’ contact information safe.
After getting the complaint letter FCC had asked Google to provide clarification on the whole matter. The issue is still unresolved and under review.
Apple had also denied allegations made by Google that it was protecting its iPhone carrier and partner AT&T by keeping Google Voice apps out of the Apple’s App Store.
Both the companies were unavailable to comment on the issue.