Google Voice being tested by Google, on the desktop

By on Apr 8, 2010 at 12:08 PM
mobile April 8, 2010

google-voice-logo-tinyWay back in November of 2009, Google bought Internet-based calling software company Gizmo5. The implications of the acquisition were pretty clear, and speculation about the possible integration of Gizmo5′s platform into the already thriving Google Voice system soon began. Yesterday, after over four months of radio silence from Google, the gang over at TechCrunch wrote: “We’ve confirmed that they [Google] have now built a Google Voice desktop application to make and receive calls.” While Google already has a desktop calling application — Google Talk allows users to place calls from their desktop — the functionality only extends to other users of the Google Talk network. Presumably, the new Google Voice Desktop application will allow Google Voice users to make and receive calls from their GV number to mobile and landline phones and not just other Google Voice desktop users. No time-frame was given by TechCrunch’s source. What do you think? Is Google going after Skype’s market share, or is this service something new and different?

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  • alias

    google will own the world before we know it

    • http://stephenakins.blogspot.com Stephen Akins

      Own the world? I just wish they’d hurry up and own Canada. We don’t have Google Voice here at all yet.

  • D

    We need to be able to port our numbers to google voice… This is a missing/key feature.

    • MoreBeer

      Or, you just go through the one-time pain of a phone number change and treat it like you are moving/switching carriers/etc… I migrated to GV as my “primary” mobile number back in the GrandCentral days. It’s now almost 2 years later, and _everyone_ (wife/work/etc) call my GV number. I switch phones so often I honestly cannot tell you the “real” number of my Verizon DROID.

      • Tom

        This would be seamless if the GV number were to show up as the number when I make outgoing calls, but I have yet to find a way around this problem. What happens when people return missed calls based on the caller ID? Then you have voicemails split between GV and the cellphone which can be more brain damage than it’s worth.

      • Erik

        My vzw voicemail forwards to my gv voicemail. I never get vm through verizon anymore, regardless of what number gets called.

      • kansei

        so you need a better phone. This isn’t the case with Android phones, with Maemo5 phone (i.e. N900) using the right software, with webOS devices with the right software, etc.

  • OnceUponAtime

    Here comes big brother..

  • Jeeverz

    I am pretty sure they are going after Skype’s market. Because they are taking it to the next level. Skype was developed and then just flat-lined. The only ‘new’ thing they did was develop mobile platforms for the major manufacturers.

    Andrew, you sir ROCK !~

  • grrr

    Mash it with android.

    • Jeeverz

      given up your tuh tuh tour?!!

      • grrr

        Yeah, last year when the droid was released.

  • Pete

    When they add this VoIP functionality to the Android Google Voice app, I can finally drop my minute plan and go Data only on my Droid!

  • http://www.hyundaifans.com hyundaifans.com

    Skype better get in bed with someone with deep pockets like Apple or Microsoft because Google is about to eat its lunch!

  • OnceUponAtime

    Skype is dead, now that they’ve crawled into Verizon’s lap.

  • Andrew

    Skype is actually owned by EBay

    • bonesb

      Um, no. Silver Lake Partners owns Skype, the acquisition was last September.

      • Jonah

        Joltid and Skype founders Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis have a 14 percent stake in Skype. Silver Lake and other investors including Andreessen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board will together hold 56 percent of Skype. eBay will retain 30 percent of Skype.

        Silver Lake barely has a majority stake when you split its stake with other investors including Andreessen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

        Joltid and the Skype founders were suing eBay and Silver Lake before they were brought into the deal as minority stakeholders. If I were a betting man I’d put my money on the monolith Google over the fractured interests controlling Skype.

  • frannkieflo

    I specificaly bought my droid to use GV app on it and I am happy…its good for my business clients and for some chicks who I don’t take serious. ..LOL it works perfectly so they never get my real number until I know they ain’t crazy chicken heads lmao

    • Jonah

      They have a GV app on other phones like BlackBerry. It works the same as the Android GV app showing the GV number. No need to limit yourself to the Droid if the GV app is your only reason. You have more phones to choose from than just an Android phone.

  • Sam

    I wish Google Voice would come to Canada!

  • http://www.pc-prime.com Ben

    I’ve been waiting impatiently for Google Voice to support VoIP as Skype has really pissed me off with their “exclusive” with Verizon Wireless.

    I use Skype as my home phone but will switch in a heart beat if I got an app to use to make calls over 3G data on my phone.

    • bizguy

      I agree. But, I’m a Verizon Wireless customer, and I’m pretty sure we’ll see Verizon screw up Google Voice just as they screwed up Skype (no wifi?!?).

  • Ryan F

    First it’s going to be an app for desktop calling, next will be an update for the android client, dare I say true mobile VOIP is coming to voice!

  • Jon O

    A fully functioning voip android phone with GV voicemail would be the ultimate gadget for the world traveller.

  • B Rod

    Does anyone have a google voice invite they can send to me? I’ve been waiting months and it’s annoying the crap out if me. Any help would be greatly appreciated

    • Drew

      I have two.Would you like one?

  • Jarrett

    The future is a $30 dollar data plan and google voice SIP phone number. I already got one back when it was Gizmo5. I think the wireless carriers will catch on which is why we need network neutrality.

  • paul mpax

    wondered why google voice didn’t have this from the start as I thought google voice was just voip anyway…

  • frannkieflo

    @ Tom GV does show as ur caller id when u call….TRUST ME….I use to use for my iphone but my droid has a widget that turns it on and off….ITS THE BEST!!! Now if it supported MMS….man it would be perfect

  • http://www.twitter.com/jazzyl jazzyl

    google is really taking over everything now….

  • Sean

    My GV number still says: I’ve reached a number that is no longer in service…. Anyone from CS can take a look at it???

  • Wes

    Currently doing this now with Gizmo5 app and my google number. Luckly I set it up before Google bought Gizmo and took the setup off their site. I setup up a unlocked vontage adapter and configured it with gizmo 5 and now when my GV number rings my homemade Voip landline rings. This is def what google has in there sights.

  • MattP

    Maybe now Google will start sending Voice invites again.

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