Google Voice Desktop App Preview

Remember way back in October of 2009 when Google said “Google Voice is a free web application, one intended to supplement and enhance existing phone lines, not replace them.” And the way GV worked at the time made that seem plausible.  After all, you couldn’t make calls directly from GV– it required that you entered the number you wanted to dial, then a number where it could call you to complete the connection. In April we learned that GV was testing a new desktop client. And today, a new TechCrunch video demonstrates this “unreleased” software, and makes one wonder about the definition of “supplement.” Video after the break.

As the video clearly shows (after the first few missteps), Google has an application that, like Skype, will allow you to make calls from your Internet-connected computer. While being tethered to the computer would be a barrier to many, if Google is serious about GV, then I would suspect we might see SIP gateways or ATAs in the future. The question, however, is what is Google’s end game.  According to TechCrunch, Google may be scrapping the project as it doesn’t want to focus on products outside of the browser. Even if it is relegated to GoogleLabs, I’d just be shocked if the software at this stage of development isn’t ever released.

Considering the author used only the internal mic and speakers to make the call, it sounds pretty decent.  You be the judge.

Related posts:

1. Google Testing Desktop VoIP Client
2. Google Voice Going After Students
3. Google Voice: Big Plans for 2010
4. Google Voice Open to All
5. Google Voice Offers Number Portability, User Stats