Google expands Voice to iPhone

iPhone users can now access Google Voice as a web-based app

Google has released versions of Google Voice for the iPhone and Palm webOS operating systems.

The company said that the new tools will allow mobile users to access Google Voice as a web-based application.

Users will be able to place calls and access Voice features using the mobile handset's built in web browser. WebOS users will be able to launch the service from the Palm Launcher tool.

The mobile applications will also allow users to send and receive text messages, and present outgoing calls as the user's own Google Voice number. Users will need a Google Voice account and mobile phone service to use the new application.

Launching the Voice application as a browser-based service allows Google to sidestep restrictions that had kept the service off many handsets.

Google attempted to market Voice as a native iPhone App last year, but Apple blocked the software from the App Store.

When pressed for an explanation, Apple claimed that it had rejected the Google Voice app because it interfered with the iPhone's built-in telephone components.