GV Connect first re-approved Google Voice iOS app

Apple's promises of re-allowing Google Voice apps was honored today as Andreas Amann's GV Connect (free, App Store) became available once again. The title is "much faster than using the web interface" and gives access to outbout calls, text messaging and voicemail. It works with both the iPhone and iPod touch, although the iPod as expected can't take inbound calls.

GV Mobile and a few other apps that had existed before don't yet appear to be back in the store, though this is likely to change quickly.

The approval follows after Apple lightened its app restrictions and took out some of the clauses that previously banned earlier apps. Talk of federal investigations may also have pressed Apple into acting. It argued in the past that Google Voice duplicated the phone functionality, but the US government and critics were concerned it was simply trying to block Google in retaliation for Android.

By Electronista Staff