Google has finally managed to get the Google Voice app on the iPhone (iOS 3.1 and a valid Google Voice account are required). Apple users can now grab the app from the iTunes Store for free.
Google Voice is only available in the US (as of June 2010). Now that international users have been warned, here's what they are missing, according to the app's features:
- Cheap rates for international calls
- Free text messaging to US numbers
- Voicemail transcription
- Display your Google Voice number as caller ID when making calls
- Push notifications that alert you instantly when you receive a new voicemail or text message
- Most of your calls will be placed via Direct Access Numbers, making them connect just as quickly as regular phone calls
Google Voice for Android has been available for over a year, all the while Google has been trying to get it on the iPhone. There has been a lot of tension between Apple, Google, and possibly AT&T in regards to releasing Google Voice on the iPhone. In fact, Cupertino actually rejected Mountain View's submission of its Google Voice app over a year ago. Earlier this year, Google responded with an HTML5 version, and now Apple has finally accepted the actual app. Sometimes all it takes is a little help from the FCC to get Apple to loosen its grip.