WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

The Google Voice blog reports that they have increased the speed of Google Voice for Android and Blackberry. They have improved the Google Voice apps on Android and Blackberry phones, which makes placing calls much faster. The feature is called “direct access numbers.” Here’s how it works:

Until today, the Google Voice app had to make a request to the Google Voice server every time a call was made, and sent the number to the server. Then the call would be connected via a Google Voice access number. With direct access numbers, Google assigns a unique phone number to every person called.  This means that they no longer need to use your data network to access the server each time a call is made, , so calls will be placed much faster.

The updated Android app is available from Android Market starting today. For Blackberry users, you can download the app by visiting http://m.google.com/voice from your BlackBery. You will need a valid Google Voice account to use the app, and at this time, Google Voice is available in the US only.

Google in June  opened up its Google Voice service to everyone in the United States.  This service can cut your landline long distance bill to next to nothing.

Google Voice an IP-based phone managing service that routes home, office and mobile calls through one phone number.

A phone connection is required for the service. Google Voice users call into their voice mail service from any phone. Once there, they can push a button to get a dial tone and call a different number. It doesn’t require special equipment to connect to the Internet.

Google Voice features one number, screening, call-blocking, voicemail transcription, SMS support, conference calling, GOOG-411 integration, and call recording, low cost international calling. They also integrated GrandCentral with Google accounts and Google address books. Google reportedly will make their money from the fees for international calling.

The call blocking service, sends the caller “We’re sorry the number that has been disconnected or no longer in service.”  There are Google Voice apps for many smartphones.