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

Earlier this year I mentioned the HulloMail visual voicemail service and how some T-Mobile UK customers were petitioning for T-Mobile UK to stop divert charges just because they didn’t want to use their default voicemail. T-Mobile UK was probably charging their customers for using services like HulloMail because they want them to keep using their own service, but default carrier voicemail is very inadequate when it comes to features and ease of use.

That’s why there are services like HulloMail and YouMail (one of the first visual voicemail services). These services allow us to do more with our voicemail rather than just calling in, listening to annoying prompts and then our voicemails.

• HulloMail lets you:
  • Receive and play voice-emails directly in your inbox, mobile and the web
  • Get notified of any missed call, even in areas with no mobile reception
  • Take control of your voice-emails – it’s up to you, not the operator
  • Share, delete and keep your voice-emails forever, within a click
  • See who’s calling you instantly from your email contacts
  • Access, view, and manage your voice-emails, all from one place
• The HulloMail mobile application also gives you:
  • One click access to all your voice-emails
  • An enhanced single view of your voice-emails
  • Embedded rich contact information from your phone or your Gmail contacts

The HulloMail visual voicemail app is available for the Curve 8900, Bold 9000 and Tour 9630 with support for other models coming soon. To download it directly to your BlackBerry visit hullomail.com from your BlackBerry Browser for “early access”. Both the web service and app are available free.

More info in the full press release after the jump.

(If you’ve used YouMail and try HulloMail, let me know which you think is best in the comments!)

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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!

YouMail let me know that they have updated their Visual Voicemail Plus app for BlackBerry to version 0.96.1, which is unfortunately only available in the BB App World.

This version should be much faster to use, works much better on phones with limited available memory, and is even more reliable – the top issues that our users have asked us to address!

It’s faster because now you can do key functions simply using shortcut keys, letting you fly through your voicemail.

The application is also now much more “memory aware”. Many of you have said that you’re running out of memory on your phones, given all your pictures, music, and other content. Now YouMail behaves much more intelligently when your phone or external memory reaches capacity, by doing things like on-demand downloading when memory gets full and removing the audio for your oldest messages from the phone – while keeping them stored safely and securely and accessible online at YouMail.

Inbox Shortcut Keys

• Alt-Del : Delete Message
• F : Forward Message
• S : Save Message
• X: Move to Spam Folder
• T: Scroll to the top of the list
• B : Scroll to the bottom of the list
• Space : Open message

Message Playback Shortcut Keys

• Alt-Del : Delete Message
• F : Forward Message
• S : Save Message
• X: Move to Spam Folder
• N : Next Message
• P : Previous Message
• Space : Play/Pause
• Send Key: Switch to Speaker/Headset

I’ve been using YouMail for over a year and a half now and am very pleased with it considering that their basic services are available for free.

Head on over to YouMail.com to sign up for an account and check out their online site or grab the latest version of the BlackBerry app in the BB App World.

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.

* UPDATE A few have mentioned to me on Twitter that this doesn’t seem to be a true Push-To-Talk application so try it before you buy it! *

Just came across a new Push-To-Talk application for BlackBerry by Backroom Software LLC called Berry2Berry.

Berry2Berry is a simple Push-To-Talk application that allows you to quickly send a message or voicemail to another BlackBerry user.

Features:

• One touch recording and message playback
• Audible and vibration alerts to new and waiting messages
• Voicemail feature
• Allows to save incoming messages to the phone for playback later
• Away feature to notify sender you are not available

In order for Berry2Berry to work both the sender and the recipient must have it installed. In addition, you will need to download the CM Library from the Backroom Software LLC mobile site, which you can download directly from here OTA. This application will work on any BlackBerry running OS 4.2 and higher.

Berry2Berry is currently available for $5 until July 9th, after that it will go all the way up to $24.99. Sounds like a great deal! If you’re unsure about this application there is a free trial available.

Let me know how this works for you in the comments!

*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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Verizon has released the My Verizon application for the BlackBerry Pearl 8130, Curve 8330 and 8830 World Editon (no love for Storm owners).

Here’s what you can do with the My Verizon app:

• Check balance
• Check usege
• Make a payment
• View current plan
• Add/Remove features
• Reset Voicemail password
• Store locator
• Check to see if a # is IN

You can get the My Verizon app by going to mobile.vzwapp.com from your BlackBerry Browser.

Source: Howard Forums via BGR

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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