Google Voice app for the Iphone released

CLOUD COMPUTING ENTREPRENEUR Google has released a web version of its Google Voice app for the Iphone, which will allow users to make cheap mobile calls using the Internet and bypass some other services provided by telco operators.

Last time Apple chucked its toys out of the pram when Google tried to release a similar application and refused to approve it. This triggered an investigation by the Federal Communications Commission, the US government's telecommunications regulator, and culminated in the resignation of Google chief executive Eric Schmidt from the Apple board.

At the time Apple said the app contravened its terms and conditions by replacing the Iphone's "core mobile-telephone functionality and Apple user interface with Google's own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging, and voice mail."

However this new version of the Google Voice web app can be accessed via a browser and can bypass the vetting procedures necessary to gain admission to Apple's Iphone App Store.

Relations have not been good between Apple and Google lately. Apparently Apple is so miffed at its former best mate Google that it is considering signing up for Microsoft's Bing search engine, including on its new tablet. µ