GV Mobile+ for Google Voice on the iPhone released
GV Mobile + has returned to the App Store. If you live in the USA and therefore have access to Google Voice, grab a copy of GV Mobile + for $3 and celebrate the return of arguably the best Google Voice app for the iPhone. (We also reported that another app by the name of GV Connect is available for the same price. The biggest initial difference is that GV Mobile has been well-known and developed for several years.)
The original app, GV Mobile, had to be renamed to GV Mobile + because Sean Kovacs, the developer, deleted it once it was removed from the App Store, and wasn't able to reclaim the name. That means that even if you owned GV Mobile you'll still have to pay for GV Mobile +.
Yes, that's frustrating, but let's keep things in perspective: it's $3, not a kidney. Deleting the app was a very understandable thing to do when Apple removed all Google Voice apps from the App Store and gave absolutely no indication that they would ever be allowed to return. Click Read More for additional information about GV Mobile+.
Note: we received the iTunes link directly from the developer, but it usually takes some time before it is available to all iTunes users. To quote Han Solo, "it's not my fault."
The good news is that there has been a lot of on-going development with the app even since it was removed from the App Store. Sean released the app for the jailbreak community, and so he has been developing it even since it dropped off the radar for more people. He outlined some of the major changes and features on his website. Push is planned for a future version. (As is VoIP, which is interesting because Google Voice is not VoIP, you will still use your AT&T minutes when you make calls via Google Voice.)
Sean has also mentioned that he has some promo codes and a free period which he will be announcing on Twitter so if you have serious problems with the asking price, you can follow him there and hope to catch one. As for me, I've been waiting over a year for this, and I don't intend to wait any longer.
TUAW will have a more thorough review later, but this is a fairly significant event for those who have been watching the App Store. Glad to see that Apple has loosened its grip, even if only ever-so-slightly.
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GV Mobile + has returned to the App Store. If you live in the USA and therefore have access to Google Voice, grab a copy of GV Mobile + for...
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Good post. I hadn't used any of the previous apps that were released, but quickly downloaded both when they were released (re-released) and posted my amateurish review of them. Hope it's helpful to some.
http://jonfmoss.com/2010/09/21/review-of-gv-connect-vs-gv-mobile-for-iphone/
I have a family account on ATT (1400mins) and 3 of us have iPhones. I am tempted to have my kids get GV numbers so that they can make all the calls they want. This really could change the landscape of things to come.
BUT....
I wouldn't be surprised if ATT found a way to circumvent GV and adding it those numbers to your A List.
Being old I find books helpful.
Here is a link to Google Voice for Dummies...
http://www.amazon.com/Google-Voice-Dummies-Bud-Smith/dp/0470546999
All ATT accounts have the "A-List"... which allows you to place calls / receive calls from numbers on that list WITHOUT counting against your minutes. So.... do the following:
1) Add GV number to your A-List
2) GV Mobile calls your GV number in hands the number you want to call off to Google and then makes the call. So...those minutes on't count against your ATT mins because it's calling your GV number first.
3) Set GV account to show your GV number as the caller ID when it calls you. This makes the call free as well.
4) Oh...you want to know who's calling you on GV? But it only shows your GV number? Then cut on call screening and it will tell you the name of the person who is calling you when you pick the phone up.
It's not "all" AT&T accounts.
Individual plans 900+ minutes ($59.99 and over) per month, and FamilyTalk plans 1400+ minutes ($89.99 and over) per month qualify for A-List.
See details here:
http://www.wireless.att.com/cell-phone-service/cell-phone-sales/promotion/a-list.jsp
I just bought this and I keep getting a "Magic Key Error" whenever I try to enter my information. I have tried entering my information many times so I am pretty sure it is correct. Any ideas?
September 19 2010 at 11:24 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down Replyhttp://www.seankovacs.com/index.php/gv-mobile/support/ says:
Magic Key Error – This will almost always be due to the fact that you have Multiple Sign-in enabled on your Google account. Support for this will most likely be added in a future release. To turn this feature off, visit the Google Voice website, click on "Settings" then "Google Account settings", then Edit for Multiple Sign-In.
Crashes all the time.
Want my money back
Too little, too late. When Apple pulled the existing GV apps, and put the official Google app into intense "review," I knew it was time to bail. Now this app is back, but I've switched to an HTC Evo running Android. Never looking back and more than satisfied, thanks.
September 19 2010 at 12:49 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHow is this app different than the google voice app already available? I have the voice search app. Can u dial ur contacts w/ this new one?
September 19 2010 at 12:30 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyIt's there now. Go hog wild.
Except it's not free, it's $3. I was under the impression that it would be free for the first 12 hours. Maybe I was wrong... but like the article says it's not a kidney.
It is now up on the US store. All of the codes have been redeemed though.
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