Google Voice's greatest flaw is that you need a mobile or landline phone to use it, but a group of petitioners are hoping to change that by begging for a Google Voice desktop app.
Theoretically, a desktop version of Google Voice would allow users to place calls directly from a PC, much like Skype's desktop software. The only way to use Google Voice now is to have the service call your mobile or landline phone before dialing out. On a cell phone, this consumes voice minutes.
The petition attempts to show "overwhelming demand" for Windows, Mac OS X and Linux versions of Google Voice. Unfortunately, there are only about 2,000 signatures so far, with a goal of 500,000.
Google was, apparently, building a desktop application at some point. The company acquired VoIP software maker Gizmo5 last November, and last week, TechCrunch reportedly got a hold of the application, still dubbed "Gizmo5 by Google."
TechCrunch editor Michael Arrington demonstrated the app in a video, placing a call without a cell phone or landline. He also reported that the software could be delayed or scrapped entirely because Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin generally want to steer clear of desktop software. Outside of Google Earth and the Chrome browser, Google has mainly focused on building applications for the Web.
I agree with that philosophy. With Web apps, Google doesn't have to worry about supporting multiple platforms, as any computer can access the Internet. The Web has also given Google the opportunity to bring Google Voice to the iPhone, even with Apple's disapproval of a native app.
But here's the problem: Google has said direct VoIP calling from a Web app would be far too complicated to create, according to the petitioners (I wish they had linked to where Google said this, because I can't find any evidence). Meanwhile, a desktop application already exists. Does that mean Google should release it? The petitioners may think so, but unless it can fit into Google's business model of Web-based advertising, I just don't see the desktop application happening.
