The Google Voice App for BlackBerry has been updated to version 0.1.6 with no changelog, but the update could be related to Google now allowing its users to use their existing number with their Google Voice account.

By allowing users to use their own number with their Google Voice account, users will be able to take advantage of Google Voice’s features without having to change their number or use a different one.

Up until now, if you wanted to use Google Voice, you needed to choose a new number (a “Google number”). Taking calls through your Google number allows us to offer features like call recording, call screening and getting text messages via email. But we know not everyone wants to switch to a new phone number, so it made sense for us to create a lighter version of Google Voice for people who are willing to trade some features for the ability to use their existing numbers.

We’re excited to announce that you now have the choice to get Google Voice with your existing mobile number OR with a Google number.

One of the features you get if you use your own number with your Google Voice account is the functionality of Google voicemail instead of your default carrier voicemail which, I’m being a bit blunt here, sucks.

Google has a guide for how to set up your existing number with your Google Voice account along with a comparison chart of what you get if you use your own number or a Google number. For more info about Google Voice visit google.com/voice or to download the updated BlackBerry application visit m.google.com/voice from your BlackBerry Browser.

via Google Blog

GVdialer has announced that it is no longer available for download but it will still offer support for current customers who paid for the full version. This  shouldn’t come as a surprise since Google has their own Google Voice App that is available free and better integrated with Google Voice accounts.

GVdialer is not publicly available anymore and is limited to our business partners only.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

We will keep on providing support for paid versions only at support@gvdialer.com.

All trial and purchase pages have been disabled on the GVdialer site. For more info and support check out the GVdialer FAQ.

Google has announced via their official Google Voice Blog that they have started to allow current users to invite up to three friends to use the (mostly) free  service.

Starting today, we’re beginning to give out invitations to Google Voice users.  If you currently use Google Voice, over the next few weeks, you’ll see an “Invite a friend” link appear on the left-hand side of your inbox.

We’ll be rolling out these invitations gradually, so don’t worry if you don’t see your invitations immediately. We’re initially giving out three invites to each account, but we’re planning to provide more invitations in the future.

I’ve been using Google Voice for a while now and I am very pleased with it. One of the pros of owning a BlackBerry and being a user is the Google Voice for BlackBerry application, which makes it easier to call, SMS, view history (and more) while you’re on the run.

If you don’t have a Google Voice account yet you can sign up for one at google.com/voiceinvite, wait for a friend to invite you, or wait for me to give some away through the @BlackBerryRocks Twitter account .

The Google Voice BlackBerry application has been updated to version 0.1.5. There is no official changelog but here are some of the differences I noticed:

• In the options menu
  • Preload voicemails
  • Backround refresh with update interval options
• UI and app icon look slightly different (?)

Not sure why but manually refreshing the history seems to fail a lot for me. Anyone else having this problem?

Feature recap:

You can grab the update by going to m.google.com/voice from your BlackBerry Browser. If you notice any other differences leave them in the comments!

The  Official Google Blog has announced that they have launched a new program where active U.S. service members who have a .mil email address can get a Google Voice invite within a day!

It’s not easy to stay in touch with friends and family when you’re fighting in a country thousands of miles from home. I spent 13 months in Iraq as an Army journalist where I flew in Black Hawks over Balad and Baghdad working to generate news coverage about my fellow soldiers. The whole experience was physically and emotionally draining, but it was especially difficult when I called home at the end of the day and nobody was there to answer.

For servicemen and women who are constantly on the move, having a single number and an easy way to retrieve messages from loved ones can be invaluable. To help our service members communicate with their loved ones and show our support to those serving our country, Google is launching a new program. Starting today, any active U.S. service member with a .mil email address can sign up for a Google Voice account at www.google.com/militaryinvite and start using the free service within a day.

This is great news for our active servicemen and women, especially if you own a BlackBerry. If you’re an active service member who owns a BlackBerry and is planning to get a Google Voice account, be sure to check out the Google Voice BlackBerry app.

More info at google.com/militaryinvite and voice.google.com.

I’ve included a full Google Voice feature list after the jump.

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* UPDATE Google Voice app info page available. Added a video above and updated the post below. *

Google has released their own FREE Google Voice Application for BlackBerry!

Make calls and send SMS from your Google Voice number. Listen to your voicemail and read transcripts! Requires a Google Voice account. This service is free from Google, except for Google Voice charges for international calls; additional carrier charges may also apply.

Yesterday I mentioned the GVdialer app getting an update. It looks like they might be out of luck because the official Google Voice app can already do what GVdialer does, it looks nicer and best of all it’s free!

Visit m.google.com/voice from your BlackBerry Browser to download it OTA or visit the Google Voice application page for more info.

In early April I mentioned the  GVdialer application for BlackBerry, which gives you the ability to easily make calls using your Google Voice account. I recently got an invite for Google Voice, so I decided to try this application out.

At the time I had downloaded GVdialer it seemed like it was more about convenience than an application with features. GVdialer would automatically make phone calls after you inputted your Google Voice account information. This could be done without GVdialer, but the process was a bit slow.

The new GVdialer however adds some nice features which I believe will make it a good Google Voice application (until another comes out anyway). Here are the features in the new version:

• New user interface and account screen
• Option to check for online software updates
• Make calls in two ways
  • Regular call out
  • Data triggered call back, just like you can do from your Google Voice account
• Send text message using GVdialer from your Blackberry’s Options menu. You can also use it to reply to your phone’s regular emails & text messages, or from the call log & address book.

GVdialer is available for $9.99 as part of an introductory offer for a limited period of time but there is also a 30 day free trial in case you wanted to test it out before purchasing it. Head on over to GVdialer.com to check it out.

*UPDATE Invites are being sent out for those on the reservation list. Sign up now before they run out of the 1 million numbers available! *

*UPDATE The Google Voice Twitter account just tweeted “Invites to people on reservations list starting to go out today.” I guess this means it won’t be available to everyone just yet. You can still sign up at voice.google.com for an invite if you’re interested. Hopefully a public launch will happen soon! *

Back in March I mentioned that GrandCentral would be returning as Google Voice with lots of cool features. I also mentioned the GVdialer application, an app that is meant to help integrate Google Voice with your BlackBerry.

Janet Shamlian of The Today Show did an overview of Google Voice and its call filtering/forwarding and voicemail transcription features. Shamlian also confirmed that Google Voice would be “available today, nationwide.”

Current Grand Central users are already able to use Google Voice. Others who are interested can sign up for an invite at voice.google.com. Of course if it does end up launching today, you won’t need to sign up.

I’ve included the Google Voice features, the video from The Today Show, and the video showing GVdialer in action after the jump. You can also find more info about Google Voice here.

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Just found out about a premium app developed by Mobile Max Inc called GVdialer. I’ve been wondering if someone would create an app that would allow you to easily integrate Google Voice with your BlackBerry. For now (until others are developed), this seems like a pretty solid app.

What is GVdialer

GVdialer is a software application you install on your mobile phone. Once installed, GVdialer automatically connects your calls via Google Voice. The call receiver sees your Google Voice number and not your mobile number !

How does GVdialer work

GVdialer always runs in the background of your phone. Once you dial, GVdialer routes your call by dialing to your Google number and connecting you to the destination number.

You may decide which calls are routed by GVdialer by setting it to route international, domestic or all of your calls. You can even set GVdialer to ask you on every call.

GVdialer leverages two-stage dialing to make your calling experience easy & seamless. GVdialer does not use data connection to make calls.

Features:

• One number – Present your Google number as your Caller ID on outgoing mobile calls. Keep your mobile number private & get people used to your Google number.
• Simple calling – Dial directly from your phone’s contacts, speed dial, call log or keypad, and GVdialer will automatically get you connected using Google Voice. When GVdialer is installed, just dial and GVdialer takes care of the rest.
• Cost saving – Start saving on your mobile calling costs. Set your Google Number as a favorite number on your mobile plan, and stop paying for local and national long distance calls. Take advantage of  Google’s low rates for international calls.
• Customize GVdialer – Set GVdialer to call using Google Voice on specific types of calls. All your other calls will go directly via your mobile provider. You can choose to use GVdialer on International calls, domestic calls, or on all of your calls. You can even set GVdialer to ask you whether to use Google Voice on each & every call.
• Privacy – Keep your mobile number hidden.  GVdialer works even if you block your caller ID on your cell phone.
• Easy inbox access – Connect to your Google Voice web account at a click of a button Quick Voice Mail & Goog-411 access – get instant access to your voice mail-& Goog-411 service.

Price: $9.99 (introductory)  – 30 day trial available

To download a free trial or purchase a license for GVdialer head over to GVdialer.com

Source: Howard Forums

This is pretty cool! According to the Official Google Blog, GrandCentral is to become Google Voice. Current GrandCentral users will be able to get a preview of Google Voice before it goes public, which should happen over the next couple days. As for the rest of us, Google says it will be publicly available soon!

Google number – One number for all your calls and SMS

• Call screening – Announce and screen callers
• Listen in – Listen before taking a call
• Block calls – Keep unwanted callers at bay
• SMS – Send, receive, and store SMS
• Place calls – Call US numbers for free
• Taking calls – Answer on any of your phones
• Phone routing – Phones ring based on who calls
• Forwarding phones – Add phones and decide which ring

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