Google’s Nikhyl Singhal confirmed the news today, and said that while Hangouts disables some Google Voice features, they will come back in a future update, as well as full Google Voice functionality at some point. Singhal says that “Hangouts is designed to be the future of Google Voice, and making/receiving phone calls is just the beginning.”

However, you’ll still be able to use Google Talk in Gmail (where you’ll be able to make Google Voice calls) until Google add full Google Voice support to Hangouts. This is certainly good news for avid Google Voice users, and it gives more hope to the service, as Google hasn’t been focusing on it all that much recently.

Google+ Hangouts is available for Android, iOS, and Chrome for desktop users. With the new service, you’ll be able to message and video chat with other users over different platforms. The video calling feature works a lot like FaceTime, but instead of it being exclusively on iOS, users can make quick video calls to any platform, including iOS to Android, or even Android to desktop.

Google already seems to have a whole heep of features that they’re wanting to add to Hangouts in the future, including the possibility of SMS integration, allowing you to use Hangouts as your default SMS client. It’ll be interesting to see what Google brings to the table, but in the meantime, you can pick up the new app for free on Android or iOS right now.

VIA: The Verge

Google Search expands with several different elements this week, including Knowledge Graph working with statistics, anticipation of comparisons to other elements available in the system, and more. Knowledge Graph works with interesting events and locations in cities, is able to find photos from specific locations, and is able to tie these items together both in mobile mode and on a desktop through a Chrome web browser.

If a user has Google open and asks for information about a location, they’ll get that information along with related bits and pieces – photos, restaurants, etcetera. With Google’s newest update, the user is also able to say something as simple as “how far is it?” Google understands what you’ve been talking about and gives you a map.

This is all part of a system that follows three mainstays:

• Answer
• Converse
• Anticipate

As Google Search hears you, it understands and responds in kind, and also anticipates what you might want to know next. This system also works with Google Now on Android to give you information on your flights, your favorite sports teams, weather information, and the like. This system is bringing many Google Glass commands to Google Now as well.

A user will be able to make the following commands: “Ok Google, send an email to my friend George, I’ll be late today and we’ll have to meet up at 4 PM.” This message is understood by Google and a card appears which the user will then be able to tap to send – or – “OK send” will work as well.

This system will be available to Google Search beta experience users today and will be rolling out to users across the spectrum in users in the near future – stay tuned to our Google I/O tag portal all week long as the announcements and information continue to flow.

The update rolled out yesterday, and unfortunately didn’t bring any wide host of features and improvements that would take the service up a notch – not that it is a bad service, just that some big changes would have been exciting. Alas, such was not the case, but what we do see is a bug fix that is both simple and welcomed, and will save some users grief.

According to the changelog for the app update, the latest change has simply “improved the reliability of SMS delivery.” Although small in nature, this is good news to anyone who has experienced the troubles that could result on occassion when sending a text message with the service: delays and other bugs. Those problems should be a thing of the past now.

The folks over at Android Police did spot one interesting change from the update that wasn’t listed in the changelog – other apps can now read Google Voice’s configuration settings. This was spotted as a new service and permission, which you can check out here. Anything beyond that is speculation, leaving us to wonder what other app could interested in Google Voice settings.

[via Android community]

This chat experience has been tipped as a combination of several of Googles already in-place systems: Talk, Hangouts, and Messenger. Though we’re expecting – along with the rest of the tech world – that Google Voice will also be integrated eventually, today’s tipsters have suggested such functionality will not come at the start. The following text comes from a Google memo passed on to Droid Life, their source being the anonymous kind.

• Brand new UI. We’ve designed a new UI that’s applied across all clients and promotes conversations.
• Stay in sync. With just one conversation list and experience across mobile and desktop, everything is always in sync. Install the Chrome app, the Android app, and iOS app.
• Desktop app. Stop laying whack a mole across blinking browser tabs. With the new Chrome app your conversations continue outside of the browser.
• Keep a group conversation going to coordinate with your team, and start a Hangout with a single tap whenever you need to talk face-to-face.
• Be notified…just once. Get notifications on your two phones, tablet, laptop, and desktop. Open it on one and watch the others disappear. If you’re actively using your computer or phone we’ll even intelligently notify you on just one of those endpoints. Magic!
• Message more than just text. Add a photo to the conversation and/or send some of the 800+ emoji to your coworkers. Kittens and poop are particularly helpful in explaining complex issues.
• Get nostalgic. Scroll back in time and relive any (on-the-record) conversation, on any device.
• More ways to talk. For the first time we are building a first class iOS experience. Try out our very early preview on your iPhone or iPod Touch.

If what the above says is true, there are already working software builds out in the wild, and not just on Android. If development is as far as this and other recent leaks suggest, we may well see a working version of Google Babel revealed at Google I/O 2013. We’ll be at Google I/O 2013 from May 15th through the 17th and will be bringing on the Google news from start to finish – don’t miss it!

As far as Google Babel goes – it does appear indeed that this service will be rolling out soon, and along with it some cool Android 5.0 Key Lime Pie. In the line of desserts, this flavor will be bringing on a set of features we’ve not yet been able to guess. While Ice Cream Sandwich was a sweet combination of tablet and smartphone builds and Jelly Bean was the solidification of the one true Android, Key Lime Pie could be anything!

Stick around for more hot Google software integration news all week long, and don’t forget to join us for Google I/O 2013, too!

It seems that Google is turning this into a yearly holiday trend. Last year around this time, they announced an extension of free voice calling in Gmail that was initially launched in 2010. If history serves us well, Google will most likely make the same announcement next December when they’ll extend free calling through 2014.

The company introduced voice calls from Gmail in August 2010 after introducing Gmail’s voice and video chat feature in 2008. When the service first launched, Google said that it would make it free for the first year. Since then, though, the company has always extended the promotion since, resulting in free phone calls from Gmail the past several years.

The Gmail calling service is based off of Google Voice, which is Google’s own voice-calling and text-messaging service that offers free calling and text messaging provided that you have some sort of internet connection. However, besides Google+ contacts integration and the launch of an updated Android app, Google Voice has remained pretty quiet lately.

The iPhone 5 version of Google Voice also works for legacy devices and remains the same for the iPad and iPad mini as well. You’ll find that the app works just as well or better than it ever has, especially considering its functionality hasn’t changed in several weeks and months. Google Voice allows users to work with their own phone number on many smartphones regardless of carrier or cellular plan and SIM.

This update does unfortunately begin to exclude older versions of the iOS operating system, cutting off at iOS 4.3. If you have a device that’s unable to update past that version, you’re out of luck! Everyone else can continue dialing away, easy as pie!

This update keeps the Google Voice app and environment strong on iOS where many of its competitors have failed. With Google Voice you’re able to access your Google Voice account from the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch all the same, sending free text messages to US phones and making international calls at reduced rates. You also continue to get transcriptions of voicemail free of charge.

For instance, users can now begin a text directly from their inbox, saving a step or two when it comes to firing off a new message. Users also have the ability to designate a fall back number to use if Google Voice ever fails. We use Google Voice a lot around here at SlashGear Towers, and though we love the app, we can tell you that it doesn’t always work as intended. Therefore, it’s definitely a good thing that Google has implemented this new feature.

Aside from those two new additions, Google has also included a big fix for those dialing on an iPad or iPod Touch. A number of “minor text-related” bugs have also been quashed in this latest release. That’s it as far as additions and fixes go, so as you can see, it’s a pretty light update. Don’t get too excited though, iPhone 5 users, as it seems that this latest version of Google Voice doesn’t take full advantage of the new handset’s larger screen.

Yesterday, Google delivered an update for the iOS version of Chrome, bringing it up to date with support for iOS 6 and iPhone 5. Google has also been busy launching updates for its apps on Android, so it seems that the big G has been going big on the updates lately. Since Google’s apps are loved by many, we doubt we’ll be hearing many complaints about that. The latest version of Google Voice for iOS is now live on the app store [download link], so go and check it out.

In case you’re not familiar, the Google Voice service lets you sign up for a free phone number that you can use as your universal contact number that acts as an online PBX, centralizing all your voice messages and forwarding incoming calls to the mobile devices you assign.

With the update today, Google Voice is adding two new groups of callers. The first is for the people already in your address book and lets you customize the experience for those callers. It also lets you screen anyone that’s not yet in your address book. The second is for anonymous callers, or those who are without a caller ID.

[via Google Voice Blog]

While Google didn’t want to go into specifics, it did tell CNet in an interview that they were “having discussions with other carriers” about Google Voice integration. That would allow customers to take their existing carrier numbers and convert them to Google Voice, rather than having to choose an entirely new number when signing up for the service.

Google went on to say that people who use the Voice use it as their primary cell number. That gives customers the flexibility to filter out unwanted numbers, or hand out a single number if they juggle multiple phones.

While carrier integration is great, proper support on Android devices would be ideal. The Galaxy Nexus was updated a few days ago to support Google Voice voicemail integration in the standard dialer. Normally on Android devices you would have to do that through the standard Google Voice app.

[via CNet]

This service takes the connections we’ve already got between Google+ users (both with desktop and mobile modes) and adds voice calling. This feature does not yet work on the mobile platform, but we must expect that it’ll be there soon given the speed updates to the mobile app have thus far. This update will work with the simple “Invite” button you’re already familiar with in Hangouts and requires you to tap the +telephone link.

From there you’ve only to enter the number you want to dial, hit “Add”, and you’ll be dialing. This system only allows you to dial one phone at a time at the moment, each new phone call canceling the last. This update is live now and you can use it right this minute!

[via Vincent Paquet]

Since it was first launched in 2009 Google Voice hasn’t seen extremely wide adoption, or ever been integrated with Android. Instead it was an additional application users could enjoy. Now with it being added right into the missed call log it is as integrated as ever. Users don’t have or need to use Google Voice, but can if they’d like and now can use it with ease.

For now it’s only for Ice Cream Sandwich, so older versions of Android can’t take advantage of the new integration, but it’s possible they’ll see it in the future. In the image above you see not only a missed GV call, but the play button to instantly launch and play the visual voicemail from inside the standard call log. This makes things simple, easy, and quick for those that use Google Voice. Not only that but Google also added slow down, and speed up options so users can slow a quick message and write down a phone number being given out, or fast forward to the end if you don’t want to hear someone rant in a voicemail.

Details can be found direct from Google at the source link below, or for those using Android 4.0 ICS and Google Voice get the latest version now from the Google Play Store.

[via Google Blog]

It’s a concept that end-users may not appreciate, but carriers and advertisers will be more receptive to for added revenue and exposure. Google being the advertising company that it is will now have another channel to deliver ads, although it’s not clear whether it would be a feature implemented through Android or through partnerships with carriers.

The advertising ringback could also be implemented as part of Google Voice, which is a free VoIP calling and voice message management system. The use of audio adverts in the ringback could be justified for sustaining the free service.

[via Unwired View]

In Google’s words, this allows you to direct calls from your “Creepers” Circle directly to voicemail, calls from your “College Buddies” Circle to hear you rap your voicemail greeting, and calls from your “Family” Circle to ring through to your mobile phone. The integration certainly encourages the use of both Google Voice and Google+, allowing folks who prefer calling to connect even better, while still offering many controls and options.

The new feature can be customized under the Groups & Circles tab in your Google Voice settings. However, settings for the feature are only available in the Google Voice desktop version for now and it’s not clear when Google may introduce the feature to Google Voice mobile apps.

[via Google Voice Blog]

The multiple recipient texting also has contact autocomplete. The app now has spiny integration support to send all calls to the native dialer when integrated with Sprint. The text field now has multiple lines and character counting. The app also gets single touch copy/paste as well.

If you don’t have a Google Voice, account you will need to sign up for one before you can use the app on your device. As always using the app, you can connect to people via WiFi calling using your iPhone if you have loot in the account.

That implies that transcription will indeed be present when Google Voice launches in Europe; however, other features are still unclear. In the US the service offers call screening and cut-price international calling, as well as free calls to US and Canadian numbers (at least until the end of 2011, though Google has already extended the offer at least once). Google Voice allows users to register multiple existing phone numbers – such as their home landline, cellphone and office – and then have all ring with an incoming call.

Unfortunately, would-be European users have been forced to watch from the sidelines as their US counterparts enjoy the free service. That’s set to change, Redmer insists, saying Google is taking “concrete action” to launch Google Voice outside of the US. Unfortunately he can’t put an exact date on when that will happen.

The types of data you’re going to be able to have access to now includes call history, voicemail messages, greetings, call recordings, and more. You’ll be getting your voicemail messages and greetings exported to you in MP3 format. You’ll be getting your text messages as microformatted html. You’ll be getting your forwarding phone numbers as a vcard. Simple and excellent!

What you’re now able to download from Google Takeout of course depends on what services you use on Google, but could potentially include all of your +1s, Buzz data, Contacts and Circles from Google+, Picasa Web Albums, Profile, Stream, and of course now your Voice data as well. All of this is as easy as tapping a button at google.com/takeout – you’ll likely be surprised at all the awesome stuff you’ve accrued over the vast expanse of time you’ve been using the services on the list. Have a look at some previous Google Takeout videos below and be amazed:

Warning – turn your audio DOWN before you play.

Data. Data. Beta.

However, whereas in the US and Canada, calls within the country are currently free of charge – and, Google says, will stay that way “at least for the rest of 2011″ – it seems the new countries getting the service won’t be so lucky. While Google has reduced its call prices (you can find the new rates here) it doesn’t look as though in-country calls to landlines/mobiles will be free.

Still, it could be cheaper to use Google’s VoIP than your existing landline or cellphone provider. For instance, calls placed to the US or Canada (from outside those countries) will be charged $0.01 per minute (or €0.01, £0.01, C$0.01 per minute). Google has added support for three new currencies, with Euros, British pounds and Canadian dollars joining US dollars.

If you’re in a country getting the service then you should see the green phone icon show up in Gmail over the next few days. You’ll need to have the Google Voice plugin installed in order for it to work.

Then there’s Search by Image on desktop, a functionality that’s very similar to what you’ve got working already on mobile with Google Goggles, only here you can use images that you’ve got that have nothing to do with your camera. Make an image, search for it, and find results based on Google’s algorithms that will bring you not only image results that look similar, but pages Google knows have to do with the image. This can be used, for example, on a photo that you do not remember you’ve taken and want to know the location of.

Another example of a way to use Search by Image for desktop is to take an image like the U U KNO guy, a meme that a person might be quite confused by and would like to know more about, if you know what I mean. Drop it in the box and you’ve got your explanation. This will be great for grandmothers, those out of touch with the internet world, and for those that are often pranked and tricked. Is that you? You’ll be able to take advantage of this functionality and Voice Search on desktop within the coming weeks!

These announcements were amongst several more at the Inside Search Google Event which we’ve got full coverage of here on SlashGear. Stick with us for more results!

The whole process sounds relatively well thought-through. Existing Google Voice users get three months access to their previous number, so that they won’t miss any calls in the changeover, while MMS messages – which Google Voice doesn’t yet support – bypass the service altogether, dropping into the phone’s inbox as normal.

Google’s voicemail system is also used, rather than the standard Sprint voicemail. Although Android devices will probably get the most use out of the new functionality – given the Google Voice app available in the Android Market – the integration will be offered to all Sprint subscribers.

[via PreCentral]

This device, as you’re soon to find out, allows you to translate your calls rather than just translate your voice in person. This is a function that Google will almost certainly look into for future versions of Google Translate as they’ve already got their in-person translation well underway. Can you imagine? Call up Australia Bart Simpson style and actually understand what they’re saying! – Just kidding, this device does not work with Australian accents.

What it DOES do is work with GPS, has a transparent LCD display, multiple color options for the case in the single phone (since it’s all lights,) and has a scan-to-translate function for all your sign and book reading needs. Furthermore it’s got at least one camera, notification light bar, and just for fun let’s say it runs on Android. Clearly it’s still so far back on the assembly line that it doesn’t need to specifically run anything, but the way the icons are arranged over the display, I’d root for Android all day long. It can do anything!

What do you think? Next Nokia phone? How about Windows Phone 7?

[via Yanko Design]

Video demo after the cut

Any Gmail and text messages sent from google.com/voice will display the Sprint number, while Google Voice users can choose to replace their Sprint number with their Google Voice number when placing calls or sending text messages from their handset. Sprint and Google will be rolling the functionality out through this year, with a sign-up page here.

[via Android Community]

Press Release:

Sprint and Google to Launch Integrated Google Voice Experience on All Sprint Phones, Including Upcoming Nexus S 4G

Sprint is first carrier to allow customers to use their existing mobile number as their Google Voice number without porting

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Google announced today a new integrated Google Voice™ experience that will allow Sprint customers to set their existing Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number. Sprint customers will be able to take advantage of all the features and benefits of Google Voice without the hassle and fees associated with porting their number. Sprint is the first and only carrier to offer this capability, which will be available soon on all Sprint CDMA phones.

In addition, Nexus S 4G1, announced today by Sprint, Google and Samsung, will allow Sprint customers to enable the integrated Google Voice experience and will come preloaded with the Google Voice Android app.

“As part of our partnership with Google, our customers will appreciate having the easiest set-up experience of any wireless carrier for Google Voice across all of our CDMA phones, using their existing Sprint phone number,” said Kevin McGinnis, vice president-Product and Technology Development, Sprint. “It’s now easier than ever to truly live a mobile lifestyle with the ability to manage multiple devices through intelligent call routing and online controls using just one phone number – your existing Sprint number.”

“With this integration, we have made Google Voice simple to use with a Sprint phone,” said Dave Girouard, president at Google. “Sprint subscribers now have access to all the benefits of Google Voice behind their existing mobile number without the need for porting or, if they already have a Google Voice number, they can display that number from their Sprint phone without the need for a separate application.”

Manage multiple devices with Google Voice

Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different devices through one phone number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording using the phone’s dial pad. Sprint subscribers will be able to use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice.

Sprint is the only carrier that allows the user to assign their existing mobile phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges, potential service disruptions and the hassle of calling their carrier to terminate and port their number to Google Voice and then re-subscribe with another number. Sprint’s integration with Google simplifies and shortens the process of moving a phone number to Google Voice to mere minutes.

Integrated Google Voice Experience from Sprint

One number for all your devices Work, home, mobile; no need to change numbers after a move or new job
Route phone calls and text messages Send work calls to the office, personal to home or mobile
Conditional call presentation Hear caller info before answering or send straight to voicemail
In-call options Record calls, switch phones during a call, conference calling
Manage it all online Manage call history, texts and voicemail; listen to voicemail and read transcribed messages; view threaded text messaging history and continue the conversation online
Keep your existing wireless phone number without porting Only with Sprint

Customers can sign up to be notified when the integrated Google Voice experience for Sprint phones is available at www.google.com/voice/sprint.

With a few simple steps, any Sprint CDMA phone will be able to use Google Voice to simplify the customer’s wireless experience:

1.
Customers can simply go to www.google.com/voice/sprint and sign-up for the integrated service from Sprint.
2. Google will then confirm the customer would like to use their existing Sprint number as their Google Voice number.
3. Customers do not need to notify Sprint that they plan to use Google Voice. A notification is automatically sent to Sprint to provision the necessary services on the network required for the Google Voice integrated experience.
4. Within minutes, all of the customer’s phone calls, text messages and voicemail run through Google Voice, and all inbound and outbound calls show up with the customer’s existing Sprint number with all of the benefits of Google Voice.

For more information on Sprint’s Google Voice integration, watch the video and visit www.sprint.com/googlevoice.2

Use of Google Voice is available at no additional charge with Sprint plans including Sprint’s Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM include unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon’s Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

Sprint Everything Data plans qualify customers for automatic enrollment in the Sprint PremierSM loyalty program.3 Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

 

It will also support voicemail transcription and the usual divert features, allowing up to six phones to ring simultaneously on an incoming call. Otherwise the specs are as before, so a 4-inch Super AMOLED “Contour Display”, GPS, WiFi, Bluetooth, a 5-megapixel main camera and front-facing VGA camera.

16GB of internal storage, NFC and a 1GHz processor round out the key specs. The Google Nexus S 4G will arrive on Sprint this spring, priced at $199.99 with a new, two-year agreement including mandatory data plan.

[via Android Community]

Press Release:

First Pure Google 4G Device with Android 2.3 in the U.S., Nexus S 4G from Google and Samsung, Coming to Sprint this Spring

First 4G device powered by Android 2.3 boasts pure Google experience, Google Voice integration, Super AMOLED display and Mobile Hotspot capability is Sprint’s 20th 4G device and fourth 4G phone announced to date

Visit www.sprint.com/nexus to register to receive more information

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) extends its 4G device innovation lead once again with the upcoming availability of the 20th 4G device and fourth 4G phone, Nexus S™ 4G1 from Google™. Coming to Sprint this spring, it will also be able to take advantage of the unprecedented controls and services enabled by Google Voice™ integration built into the Sprint Network.

Manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), a leading global mobile phone provider and the No. 1 mobile phone provider in the United States2, Nexus S 4G comes packed with a pure Google experience using Android™ 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available for smartphones. It is powered by a 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content along with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience.

“Nexus S 4G shows the strong commitment Sprint has to Android, and when combined with our 4G network capabilities, it gives customers the option of a pure Google experience,” said Fared Adib, vice president – Product Development, Sprint. “As the first 4G smartphone with Android 2.3, Nexus S 4G delivers on the promise of the advanced data capabilities of 4G to deliver an incredible Web browsing experience, offers quick and easy access to future Android updates and access to the services built into Google Voice.”

It is designed with Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED™ touchscreen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more comfortable look and feel in the user’s hand or along the side of the face. It also offers a screen that is bright with higher color contrast, meaning colors are incredibly vibrant and text is crisp at any size and produces less glare than on other smartphone displays when outdoors, so videos, pictures and games look their best and the sun won’t wash them out.

Sprint Nexus S 4G customers will be among the first to receive Android software upgrades and new Google mobile apps. In many cases, the device will get the updates and new apps as soon as they are available.

“We’re excited to partner with Sprint on Nexus S 4G, which brings innovative hardware by Samsung and innovations on the Android platform, to create a powerful smartphone experience,” said Andy Rubin, vice president of Engineering at Google.

Nexus S 4G features a 5 megapixel rear-facing camera and camcorder and front-facing VGA camera. In addition, Nexus S 4G features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user tilts the device up or down or pans the phone to the left or right.

Additional key features include:

3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability, supporting up to six Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games available for download to customize the experience
Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, syncing with Google Calendar™, Voice Actions and YouTube™
Corporate email (Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync®), personal (POP & IMAP) email and instant messaging
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, like stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips
16GB Internal Memory (ROM)/512MB (RAM)
Wi-Fi® – 802.11 b/g/n
Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR
Integrated GPS
1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery
“Samsung is thrilled to work with Google and Sprint to create the next generation Nexus S. Adding 4G capabilities takes this iconic device to the next level,” said Dale Sohn, president of Samsung Mobile. “Nexus S 4G integrates Samsung’s best-in-class hardware and the exciting features of the Android 2.3 platform with the impressive speed and connectivity of Sprint’s 4G network.”

Nexus S 4G from Google will be available exclusively from Sprint this spring for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement or eligible upgrade (taxes not included) in all Sprint retail channels, including the Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1), as well as select national retailers.

Sprint Nexus S customers also will be able to easily use their current Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges and potential service disruptions. Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different phones through one number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording.

Now Sprint subscribers can use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice.

Nexus S 4G requires activation on one of Sprint’s Everything Data plans, plus a required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones. Sprint’s Everything Data plan with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint Network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon’s Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

Sprint customers get more with unlimited data plans on the Sprint Network. Sprint offers real simplicity, value and savings versus competitors, making it easy for customers to get the most out of their phones without using a calculator to tally up costs or worrying about how much data they’ve used.

Sprint Everything Data plans qualify for automatic enrollment in the Sprint PremierSM loyalty program3. Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. As the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology, Sprint is America’s Favorite 4G Network4. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 71 markets in 28 states. For more information, visit www.sprint.com/4G.

Nexus S 4G from Google and Samsung fact sheet
A pure Google experience

Manufactured by Samsung Telecommunications America (Samsung Mobile), Nexus S 4G™1 from Google comes packed with a pure Android experience using Android 2.3, Gingerbread, the fastest version of Android available. Nexus S 4G customers will be among the first to receive Android updates and the latest Google mobile services. Nexus S 4G is powered by a 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content, and a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience. It is designed with Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED™ touchscreen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more comfortable look and feel in the user’s hand or along the side of the face. It also offers a screen that is bright with higher color contrast, meaning colors are incredibly vibrant and text is crisp at any size and produces less glare than on other smartphone displays when outdoors, so videos, pictures and games look their best and the sun won’t wash them out.

Productivity
· 1GHz Samsung application processor that produces rich 3D-like graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content along with a dedicated Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) to make playing mobile games, browsing the Web and watching videos a fast, fluid and smooth experience
· 4-inch Super AMOLED display with pinch-to-zoom
· Android 2.3, Gingerbread
· Android Market™ for access to more than 150,000 applications, widgets and games
· Google Voice™, an innovative service that offers advanced calling controls, makes it easy to manage up to six devices with one Sprint phone number, with intelligent call routing and advanced call controls like call screening, blocking and recording, and online management of SMS, voicemail and call logs at www.google.com/voice
· Google mobile services such as Google Search™, Gmail™, Google Maps™ with Navigation, Google Calendar™, Voice Actions and YouTube™
· Messaging – personal and business email and text messaging, as well as IM through a Google Talk
· Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the device to read information from everyday objects, like stickers and posters embedded with NFC chips
· 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability supporting up to six Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously
· Integrated GPS
· 4G data speeds (WiMAX) – peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps
· 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps
· Wi-Fi – 802.11 b/g/n

Entertainment
· Dual camera: rear-facing 5-megapixel camera with camcorder and flash, and front-facing VGA camera
· Stereo speakers
· Bluetooth® 2.1 + EDR
· Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack

Specifications
· Dimensions: 4.88 inches x 2.48 inches x 0.44 inches (124 mm x 63 mm x 11.2 mm) (LxWxT)
· Weight: 4.62 ounces (131 grams)
· Display: 4-inch (480 x 800) Super AMOLED touchscreen display
· Battery: 1500 mAh Lithium-ion battery
· Memory: 16GB Internal Memory (ROM)/512MB (RAM)

Sprint and Google to Launch Integrated Google Voice Experience on All Sprint Phones, Including Upcoming Nexus S 4G
Sprint is first carrier to allow customers to use their existing mobile number as their Google Voice number without porting

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (BUSINESS WIRE), March 21, 2011 – Sprint (NYSE: S) and Google announced today a new integrated Google Voice™ experience that will allow Sprint customers to set their existing Sprint wireless phone number as their Google Voice number. Sprint customers will be able to take advantage of all the features and benefits of Google Voice without the hassle and fees associated with porting their number. Sprint is the first and only carrier to offer this capability, which will be available soon on all Sprint CDMA phones.

In addition, Nexus S 4G1, announced today by Sprint, Google and Samsung, will allow Sprint customers to enable the integrated Google Voice experience and will come preloaded with the Google Voice Android app.

“As part of our partnership with Google, our customers will appreciate having the easiest set-up experience of any wireless carrier for Google Voice across all of our CDMA phones, using their existing Sprint phone number,” said Kevin McGinnis, vice president-Product and Technology Development, Sprint. “It’s now easier than ever to truly live a mobile lifestyle with the ability to manage multiple devices through intelligent call routing and online controls using just one phone number – your existing Sprint number.”

“With this integration, we have made Google Voice simple to use with a Sprint phone,” said Dave Girouard, president at Google. “Sprint subscribers now have access to all the benefits of Google Voice behind their existing mobile number without the need for porting or, if they already have a Google Voice number, they can display that number from their Sprint phone without the need for a separate application.”

Manage multiple devices with Google Voice

Google Voice makes it easy for people to manage and access most of their voice-based communication. It lets users manage up to six different devices through one phone number with intelligent call routing and advanced features like call screening, blocking and recording using the phone’s dial pad. Sprint subscribers will be able to use their Sprint number across their office, home and wireless phones, and personalize settings so calls from friends ring their wireless device and home phone, while calls from the boss only ring at the office. Google Voice users can receive transcribed voicemails and read or listen to them online. They can also read, send and search text messages and call logs online at www.google.com/voice.

Sprint is the only carrier that allows the user to assign their existing mobile phone number as their Google Voice number without having to port their number, avoiding porting charges, potential service disruptions and the hassle of calling their carrier to terminate and port their number to Google Voice and then re-subscribe with another number. Sprint’s integration with Google simplifies and shortens the process of moving a phone number to Google Voice to mere minutes.

Integrated Google Voice Experience from Sprint

One number for all your devices Work, home, mobile; no need to change numbers after a move or new job
Route phone calls and text messages Send work calls to the office, personal to home or mobile
Conditional call presentation Hear caller info before answering or send straight to voicemail
In-call options Record calls, switch phones during a call, conference calling
Manage it all online Manage call history, texts and voicemail; listen to voicemail and read transcribed messages; view threaded text messaging history and continue the conversation online
Keep your existing wireless phone number without porting Only with Sprint

Customers can sign up to be notified when the integrated Google Voice experience for Sprint phones is available at www.google.com/voice/sprint.

With a few simple steps, any Sprint CDMA phone will be able to use Google Voice to simplify the customer’s wireless experience:

1.
Customers can simply go to www.google.com/voice/sprint and sign-up for the integrated service from Sprint.
2. Google will then confirm the customer would like to use their existing Sprint number as their Google Voice number.
3. Customers do not need to notify Sprint that they plan to use Google Voice. A notification is automatically sent to Sprint to provision the necessary services on the network required for the Google Voice integrated experience.
4. Within minutes, all of the customer’s phone calls, text messages and voicemail run through Google Voice, and all inbound and outbound calls show up with the customer’s existing Sprint number with all of the benefits of Google Voice.

For more information on Sprint’s Google Voice integration, watch the video and visit www.sprint.com/googlevoice.2

Use of Google Voice is available at no additional charge with Sprint plans including Sprint’s Everything Data plans. Sprint’s Everything Data plans with Any Mobile, AnytimeSM include unlimited Web, texting and calling to and from any mobile in America while on the Sprint network, starting at just $69.99 per month plus required $10 Premium Data add-on charge for smartphones – a savings of $39.99 per month versus Verizon’s comparable plan with unlimited talk, text and Web (excluding Verizon’s Southern California plan; pricing excludes surcharges and taxes).

Sprint Everything Data plans qualify customers for automatic enrollment in the Sprint PremierSM loyalty program.3 Existing Sprint customers can switch to an Everything Data plan without extending their service agreement. New lines of service require a two-year service agreement.

There’ll also be WiMAX, of course, together with EVDO Rev. A 3G for everywhere else, and we’re expecting the usual Nexus S functionality too. So, Android 2.3 Gingerbread, NFC, a 5-megapixel rear camera, curved Super AMOLED display and all the timely updates that having a Pure Google experience gets you.

[via Android Community]

Here is their promo video:

Seems like it’s worth trying out.

Now you can take advantage of all the great Google Voice features such as voicemail transcriptions, call screening, customized greetings, and text messages. However, the option to port will cost you $20 and you will have to cancel your existing mobile plan to get it all started. For some, this may mean contract cancellation fees, so please check with your provider first.  Currently only available in the US.

[Via Google Voice Blog]

“We’re continually testing new features to enhance the user experience. For a limited amount of time, we’re making the Google Voice number porting process available to users. We don’t have any additional details to share at this time, but plan to offer this feature to all users in the near future.” Google statement

The porting process – which has now reportedly been pulled from users’ options pages – basically involves validating your number with Google and then agreeing to the terms & conditions. Those include the expected warnings about potential early-termination fees from your existing carrier, which may be imposed if you try to bring your number over to Google Voice before your existing agreement is complete.

Google Voice allows users to route incoming calls to multiple phones simultaneously, so that you can have, say, your landline and your cellphone ring at the same time and simply answer on whichever is nearest. With the appropriate apps for Android and iOS, you can also send and receive SMS messages.

[via TechCrunch]

“Some of these providers have stated that they may take measures that could degrade, disrupt, or increase the cost of user access to certain of our products by restricting or prohibiting the use of their infrastructure.” Google SEC filing

While Google was pipped to the post by Verizon in 2008 in the last significant wireless spectrum auction, analysts still believe the search company maintains ambitions in the wireless space. Despite CNN’s enthusiasm, it’s not something that seems likely in the near future, and analysts agree. “While I think Google could become a mobile provider, I’d view it as a nuclear option” Forrester Research’s Jeffrey Hammond claims, while others believe it’s a thinly-veiled threat to keep operators “on their toes.”

This outage is (was) affecting the United States, Asia, and Europe, Twitter being aflutter with complaints and crazy talk about how the world was ending today. The cause of this outage is still being investigated, and Google Voice, we must simply assume, is receiving a jump in visitors. Again that’s an assumption, but since they now also offer free calls across the USA through 2011, heck, what’s up? That’s what they’re saying.

[Via Reuters]

More recently, Google added a call recording button into Gmail voice chat, as a way for users to easily preserve records of conversations. Ironically, only the button itself was new; the recording feature had been present from the off, though it required that callers hit the 4 button to begin and few users knew about the functionality.

Meanwhile there are also various tweaks and changes made to all versions of the app. These include intelligent shut-off of text forwarding when Push Notifications are active, so that users don’t get duplicate alerts, a universal do-not-disturb option which sends all callers straight to voicemail, and a dedicated Contacts button in the dialler tab.

Text messages have also been streamlined, and you can tap and hold messages in the inbox to either archive or delete them. As long as you have an iOS 3.1 or above device you can download Google Voice for iOS here [iTunes link]; you’ll obviously need a Google Voice account too, which are only available in the US.

People that like to archive calls will really like it and those that fear their privacy being violated with calls recorded may not be a fan of the new feature. The ability to record calls has been a feature for a while, but you had to press “4″ on the keypad to do the recording and most didn’t know about the feature.

The roll out is integrating the record button into the GUI of the Gmail call features. The feature only works for recording inbound calls and there is a verbal warning that both users can hear when the call is recorded. That should make those that fear their privacy feel better.

It didn’t take us long to find, download, and install the official Google Voice for iPhone application. We were happy to find out that the application runs natively on the iPhone, which is a big plus in our book. As you can imagine, there’s a few intricacies to the software that you’re either going to love, or hate. For example, like a few different iOS-based applications feature now, you’re able to just drag down the list of messages in your Inbox, and the application will immediately refresh, bringing any new messages you have waiting for you front and center.

The messages between you and your contacts are threaded, just like they are in the full Web-based version of Google Voice. Threaded messaging makes it a lot simpler to keep up with the conversation, just as we’ve seen in plenty of other messaging formats over the years, so it’s good to see that the official application has this feature, too. If you want to get in touch with someone other than text message, clicking on your contact’s name will bring up a full list of other options, like calling them, or even removing them from your Quick Dial list, if that’s something you’d like to do.

You have access to your main screen, which will show you a quick run down of new things happening, such as your Inbox and voicemails. You can also access starred messages, which are just messages that you’ve starred, so you can save for later. You can also read your history, so you can look back at what someone has said, or what you’ve said to someone else, as well as call information. Accessing your voicemail lets you read the transcription (if Google was able to make one), or listen to it, right form the iPhone.

As for the dialer, it’s obviously present. You can make calls from the iPhone, using your Google Voice number (which will show up on the person your calling’s Caller ID as your Google Voice number, remember), as well as receive calls. You have a Settings menu as well, which will let you change some settings right there on the device, for the iPhone you’re using Google Voice on.

Adding someone to your Quick Dial list is simple, just as everyone would imagine it would be. Just head into your contact list, find the contact you want to add, click on their name, and then select the right option after you select the phone number you want to add. As soon as they are added, they will appear in your Quick Dial list. Deleting someone from the list is just as easy, as you can simply hit Edit at the top-left, and the red delete marks will appear next to the contact’s name. Hit that, followed by Delete, and you’re good to go.

The fact that the official application for Google Voice works so well, and natively, with the iPhone is a big plus. Things like making calls, or getting background notifications for incoming alerts, all work so well, that it’s a wonder why it has taken this long for the application to show up in the App Store (or not). However, we did find a bit of redundancy, in that the background notifications will show you the same notifications that you’ll get from a text at the same time. If you have it set up so you get text notifications, which many Google Voice users do, then the background notifications from Google Voice aren’t needed. Depending on how you want it set up, based on your personal preferences, you can either choose to skip text notifications, or as we did, turn off the background notifications. Especially considering you can still reply to Google Voice text messages right from within the native messaging application, we just didn’t find a need for it.

In the end, the set up process is way too simple. If you’ve been using Google Voice already, then getting the official application set up on your device is as easy as any other phone. Just set up your phone number, which should be your iPhone’s number, and you’ll be good to go. Of course, you will need that Google Voice account, or you won’t be able to use the service at all. Google has come out with the official application, and yes, it was worth the wait. If you’ve been waiting for a free, official application, then here’s your chance to jump on it.

Check out the full video below, to see the application in action. As well as the gallery, with plenty of pictures.

Google, thanks to their official Google Voice blog, have announced that the application is available now, as long as you’re running on iOS 3.1 or later. You’ll also need yourself a valid Google Voice account, but that should go without saying. You’ll get features like cheap rates for international calls, the ability to display your Google Voice number as your number for Caller ID on other phones, and free text messaging to US-based numbers. Plus more. The app even works with push notifications, thankfully.

The application is available right now, in the US only for starters, and it’s a free download. So, hit up the source link for more info, as well as links to get the application for yourself.

[via Google Voice Blog]

Cisco decided to go with a 1080p autofocus camera, and you’ll have to make use of a separate set-top box as well. According to Cisco, the Umi system will let you make full 1080p video calls with 720p/30 recording. But, if your bandwidth isn’t working with you on a given day, the system has a fallback to 720p/480p. The camera itself features a glass lens, auto exposure, and an optical zoom. There’s also an auto white balancing feature, too.

And, just in case you have some moments where you need a bit of privacy, or just want to get away from pesky people video calling you all the time, there’s a motorized privacy shutter. As a bonus, it looks like Cisco has made the Umi system compatible with Google Voice and Video Chat, but on the other side of the coin, it doesn’t look like it’s going to be free to use. You’ll have to pay for an “Umi service plan” to take advantage of the HD video calling system. Check out the full press release below for all the details.

About that service plan? According to Cisco, it will cost you $24.99 per month/$275 annually. And, as a little side-note, Cisco has confirmed that they are looking towards Apple to offer up some FaceTime integration, too. And the system will cost you $599.

Press Release

Cisco umi Brings Family and Friends to the Living Room at the Touch of a Button

Home Telepresence Product Delivers Amazingly Clear and Lifelike Video Get-Togethers Through Existing HD Televisions

SAN JOSE, CA–(Marketwire – October 6, 2010) – Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) today introduced Cisco umi™ telepresence, a first-of-its-kind consumer product that brings family and friends together in HD video, whether they are around the corner or across the country. Cisco umi connects to an existing HD television and a broadband internet connection to create a video communications experience that is so clear, natural and lifelike, that users will see and hear their loved ones, right down to the twinkle in their eyes and the tone of their voices, as if they were in the same room.

Cisco umi, which includes an HD camera, a console and a remote, takes advantage of Cisco’s heritage in business telepresence, to deliver an immersive video experience that fits into every home, automatically adjusting to lighting conditions and various room sizes to provide superior video and audio performance.

Once Cisco umi is connected to an HD television and a wired or wireless broadband connection, a remote control provides access to an on-screen user interface, through which users can make umi calls, access video messages, manage contacts, and customize their profile and settings. Users can also record their own umi videos, which they can share on Facebook™, on YouTube™, or via email. Users can even keep in touch with people who don’t have umi by placing and receiving video calls from any computer with a webcam and Google video chat.

“Cisco is bringing people together, driving new video experiences that change the way we communicate, connect, and enjoy entertainment — in the home, at work, and on the go,” said John Chambers, chairman and CEO of Cisco. “Cisco umi will bring the unique telepresence experience into living rooms and change the way we are able to be together with family and friends. We envision a future where technologies like this will play a role in connecting consumers with businesses to enable the delivery of new services, ranging from education, to health care, to financial services — to the home.”

“Cisco umi is the ultimate way to capture the simple joys of being together with our distant friends and loved ones, whether they are around the corner or across the country,” said Marthin De Beer, senior vice president of Cisco’s emerging technologies business group. “From singing happy birthday every year to reading bedtime stories every night, umi lets friends and families experience life’s special moments together.”

Cisco is also working with Verizon to bring the umi experience to Verizon FiOS customers early next year. The two companies have been conducting successful trials of Cisco umi over Verizon’s 100 percent fiber-optic network, which delivers what a 2010 PCMAG.COM reader’s survey rated the fastest Internet speeds in the United States.
“Verizon’s high-IQ networks are incredible incubators of innovation that connect our customers to the things and the people they care about, how and when they want,” said Eric Bruno, vice president, of consumer product management at Verizon. “We plan to be the first service provider to offer Cisco umi to our customers, delivering an amazingly clear and lifelike experience that brings family and friends into your living room.”

Cisco is working with Best Buy to bring the Cisco umi experience to Magnolia Home Theatre stores this holiday season. Within Magnolia Home Theatre stores, consumers will be able to experience Cisco umi, get expert advice on the product and required broadband, as well as purchase Cisco umi, with installation and support provided by The Geek Squad.

Cisco umi Key Features and Benefits
Users enjoy amazingly clear and lifelike full HD experience.
An existing HD television and a broadband Internet connection are all that is needed.
Cisco umi is easy to set up and simple to use — users can be together at the touch of a button.
Video calls can be placed and received on any computer with a webcam and Google video chat.
Users will never miss a umi call with video messages.
Cisco umi videos can be created and then shared on Facebook, YouTube, or email.
Video messages can be checked on-the-go with a laptop.
New video message notices arrive via text on a mobile phone.
From the comfort of the couch, users can pan the room and even zoom in to get up close and personal, or pull back to include the whole family.
Privacy features like call screening and blocking, and a camera shutter that closes, keep users in control of their privacy.
Personalize with a unique video greeting, ringtones, and calling favorites.
The stylish design is a perfect match for the living room and HD television.
Opportunities to see Cisco umi
This fall, Cisco will kick off a major marketing campaign that will offer many opportunities for consumers to see the umi experience:
“The Oprah Winfrey Show” will bring people together on the show via Cisco umi.
A national advertising campaign featuring Ellen Page, the star of “Juno” and “Inception,” will feature Ellen and her friends using umi in their everyday lives.
A Cisco umi mall tour begins November 10 and travels to more than 20 major malls across the United States, during which consumers will be able to experience live umi demonstrations.
Pricing and Availability
Cisco umi is scheduled to be available for preorder on October 6 from umi.cisco.com and October 18 from bestbuy.com. It is scheduled to be available to consumers on November 14 in Best Buy/Magnolia Home Theater stores, bestbuy.com and umi.cisco.com for the suggested retail price of $599 with a monthly fee of $24.99 for unlimited umi calls, video messaging and video storage.
Videos
John Chambers discusses the impact of new video experiences like Cisco umi

http://www.youtube.com/v/TgOdtA_H2Ug?fs=1&hl=en_US

Cisco umi video overview

http://www.youtube.com/v/t9cksI9VvKg?fs=1&hl=en_US

Supporting Resources
Cisco umi photos and images
Visit The Platform blog to learn about Cisco umi
Check out the CiscoHome blog for knowledge from Cisco’s umi experts
Search #ciscoumi on Twitter for real-time updates on umi
“Like” Cisco umi on Facebook and enter to win a system for you and a friend
Additional information on Cisco umi™ telepresence
Visit www.umi.cisco.com for information on how to pre-order Cisco umi
Cisco umi b-roll: For product footage and Cisco executive commentary, visit www.go-cvs.com/ftp (click on the “check mark” icon on the lower left. The username is cisco-broll, and the password is cscobrollshots. Click Home-Telepresence folder to access Cisco umi b-roll.

Cisco umi telepresence product video, executive comments, and press event footage will be available for satellite downlink on Wednesday, October 6, 2010, 1700-1800 EDT:
Galaxy 16 C-Band
Orbital Slot: 99 degrees West Longitude
9 MHz Bandwidth MPEG 2 Digital
4:2:0 Chroma Profile
Transponder 10, Slot A
Downlink Frequency: 3886.5 MHz, Vertical Polarization
Symbol Rate: 6.1113 msps
FEC: 3/4
Vyvx/Level 3 Steele Valley TOC: 800-922-4424

About Cisco
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), the worldwide leader in networking that transforms how people connect, communicate and collaborate, this year celebrates 25 years of technological innovation, operating excellence and corporate social responsibility. Information about Cisco can be found at http://www.cisco.com. For ongoing news, please go to http://newsroom.cisco.com.
Cisco, the Cisco logo and Cisco Systems are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. in the United States and certain other countries. A listing of Cisco’s trademarks can be found at www.cisco.com/go/trademarks. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners. The use of the word partner does not imply a partnership relationship between Cisco and any other company. This document is Cisco Public Information.
For direct RSS Feeds of all Cisco news, please visit “News@Cisco” at the following link:

http://newsroom.cisco.com/dlls/rss.html

How long that process will actually take remains to be seen, as does what exact functionality Google bake into their Google Voice app.  The Android version boasts significant integration with the underlying OS, including SMS support, but will have to work around Apple’s limitations on the iOS version.  Still, push notifications for SMS and voicemail messages are likely to be included.

When Google was contacted by AppleInsider, looking for a direct comment on the future release of the official Voice application for iPhone, the company commented that they’ve got a perfectly good HTML5-based web application/dialer that they can use right now, without any hassle. Furthermore, they added that they’ve got applications for Android and BlackBerry, which seems off-topic, but the point is probably made there somewhere.

They went on to add the normal “We have nothing further to announce at this time.” With Apple obviously leaning back on their rules for the App Store right now, there’s no telling how long that will stick around. Will Google release an official Google Voice app for the iPhone? Perhaps if enough people out there wish for it, it could happen, but it doesn’t look like Google has any plans at the moment.

[via AppleInsider]

The developer, Sean Kovacs, has just made it known that his application, GV Mobile+, got the big thumbs up from Apple, finally. You can find it in the App Store right now, if you want to get your Google Voice on on your iPhone. The application itself will let you read and listen to your voicemails, send SMS, as well as make phone calls. The application will cost you $2.99. If you’re having trouble finding it in the store, that’s because it literally just hit. But, keep on trying — it’s there.

[via Boy Genius Report]

From Around the Web

Self-Service Wine Machines in Your Supermarket: Most supermarkets have a section where their alcohol is located. And, for all intents and purposes, that seems to work out quite well for them. And, while there are plenty of other places you can pick up liquor or all sorts, it looks like that’s not okay for a French company out there. Apparently, the developer of the machine –La Cuve Réserves Précieuses– has already put several of these self-service wine holders into French supermarkets, and they plan on expanding into the United States within the next year. You just walk up to the thing, hold your jug or whatever else you may have, and then pick red, white, or rose. Your wine will then slip out, and you fill until you can’t fill anymore. A label will get printed out, and you give that to the cashier. A crazy idea, and one that we’re not sure will take off here in the States, but definitely worth looking into. Though, we can’t imagine that tastes very good.

R3 Media Network

SlashGear

• Google Voice finally finds its way into the Apple App Store, but is it worth it?
• Lenovo’s LePad is packing Android and heading to China in December, but the separate dock lands in January.
• Best Buy’s CEO says iPad is cannibalizing laptop sales, except that he apparently didn’t.
• Kudo Tsunoda honestly believes the Kinect will out-sell the iPad.
• Sharp’s DoCoMo LYNX Android MID only sells 7,000 units in 2 months.
• Nokia can turn any display into a touchscreen.
• Sony’s PlayStation Move is now on sale.
• Apple’s new 27-inch LED Cinema Display is now on sale.

AndroidCommunity

• GameFly’s new app is now available for Android devices.
• Sharp’s bringing two 3G-equipped devices to Chinese market, bearing Android-inspired Tapas OS.

SlashPhone

• HTC Desire HD gets to show off in promotional video.
• Verizon won’t have a Windows Phone 7 device until 2011.

While it may not be the same as the previous Google Voice client that made itself so popular all those months ago, it does indeed work quite well. The application will allow you to make Google Voice calls, send SMS, and listen/read your voicemail. If you want to get your hands on it, you can find it in the App Store right now for $2.99. If you do check it out, let us know what you think of it in the comments. Was it worth the wait?

[via 9to5Mac]

Video overview after the cut

A Google Voice account isn’t required in order to use Gmail voice calls, but if you have one your number through the service will be used as the outgoing caller ID.  The search giant also has instructions to allow Google Voice users to receive incoming calls through Gmail.

If you’re a Google Apps user (for schools or businesses) then it’ll take a little longer for the voice call functionality to arrive, and there’s no public timescale for anyone outside of the US to get the service.  Considering how long international users have been waiting for Google Voice, we wouldn’t advise holding your breath.