Google rolls out Google Voice on BlackBerry and Android devices

Google announced that Google Voice is now available on both BlackBerry and Android-based smartphones.

Previously, users of these devices had to dial a Google Voice number to place a call. Now users can make calls and send text messages with a Google Voice number directly from the BlackBerry or Android device and directly from the device's address book. Users can also access voicemail, read text messages sent to Google Voice and access call history.

The application is available in the Android Market but BlackBerry users must download the app from m.google.com/voice. The application at this point is invitation only, but Google indicated it will send out invitations to those who have registered on a daily basis. It's unclear when Google Voice will make its appearance on other platforms.

According to an article in BusinessWeek, Google appears to be trying to make inroads into the mobile VoIP market by taking a more conciliatory approach with mobile service providers than what Skype has done. Skype is seen more as a competitor to mobile operators, who don't want to see their valuable voice traffic travel off their networks. But Google is trying to position its service as one that complements with operators' calling services. For instance, the company may consider sharing revenues with wireless operators and it has disabled Wi-Fi calling so that voice calls don't circumvent operator networks.

Google Voice's mobile rates are lower than Skype's in most top international calling markets, including Germany, France, Italy, Mexico, Brazil, China and the United Kingdom, according to a comparison of posted rates. Google Voice doesn't break out the mobile rate for calls to India, but the rate to land-line phones is also less than Skype's.

For more:
- see this Techworld report
- take a look at this BusinessWeek article
- check out this post from FierceVoIP

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