The official Google Voice application for BlackBerry has been updated to version 0.2.0.2. The last time that the application was updated was back in March, when version 0.1.7 was released. In true Google fashion, no changelog has been provided. We can only assume that this is a maintenance update with a few bug fixes and minor improvements. You can download version 0.2.0.2 of Google Voice for BlackBerry by visiting m.google.com/voice from your device.
BlackBerry Storm and Storm2 owners just need to change the browser identification to ‘Firefox’ or ‘Internet Explorer’ from the ‘Options’ menu to be able to download the application. Additionally, if you find compatibility issues after you install the application, check out our guide on how to ‘Disable Compatibility Mode.’ Do install the application at your own risk. Erictric is not responsible for damaged or bricked devices.
Update: According to a post on the Google Voice Blog, the update looks to make dialing faster thanks to a feature called “direct access numbers.”
According to Google Voice Software Engineer Flavio Lerda, this is how the new feature works:
“Until today, the Google Voice app had to make a request to the Google Voice server every time you wanted to make a call to send us the phone number you wanted to dial. Then the call would be connected via a Google Voice access number. With direct access numbers, we assign a unique phone number to every person you call. This means that we no longer need to use your data network to access the server each time you make a call, so calls will be placed much faster.”
The Google Voice application for Android has also been updated to include the new feature.