14 DAY TRIAL // Google has recently updated its Google Voice app for Android and iOS, years since the last time an update was made to the application. Apart from the Android and iOS versions, Google also decided to update the desktop version of the Voice application.
Google Voice received a completely redesigned UI with a cleaner look and a more intuitive layout. The new design would allow users to stay organized and access features more easily. The inbox now has separate tabs for text messages, calls and even voicemails.
Moreover, Google reps have stated that conversations are kept in one continuous thread, so users would see their messages in one place. The new update also brought support for groups and photo MMS and in-notification replies to Android and iOS users.
VoIP calling coming to Google Voice soon
A Google company spokesperson has recently stated for 9to5Google that developers are working on VoIP integration for Google Voice. There’s no clear indication as to when that will arrive, but Google devs did recently say that they would pay more attention to the Google Voice app, which means that more features could soon be integrated in a new update.
The new VoIP integration is aimed at separating Google Voice from Hangouts, as the latter has started to shift towards enterprise users exclusively. VoIP calls are currently supported in the Google Voice app, but they go through the Hangouts app. In addition, Google Hangouts is expected to receive “heavy encryption” features, making it more appealing to business users.
Google is also working with wireless service providers to add Rich Communication Services to Google Voice. WiFi calling could be added to the Google Voice app in the near future, as an alternative when cellular service is not available. This would mean that Google Voice users will be able to place calls on their device without having to connect to a cellular network.