In November 2009, Google acquired IP telephony software company Gizmo5 and all of its engineers and products. The company's robust desktop Voice over IP client for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux seemed like an excellent extension of the Google Voice platform, which at the time was a Web application and related mobile app for BlackBerry and Android.
Since that time, Google Voice has had its official U.S. launch and it is still a mobile app and Web-based management system. There is no standalone desktop application to accompany it.
Well, not one that the public has access to, anyway. Last week, TechCrunch got its hands on the unlaunched Google Voice desktop client, still branded "Gizmo5 by Google," but more or less integrated into the Google Voice account system.
Unfortunately, the future of this application is uncertain because, aside from a few shining examples (Google Earth Desktop, and Chrome) Google tends to favor Web apps and applications for mobile platforms. The desktop Google Voice client could potentially go unreleased.
Consumers excited for the Google Voice desktop software have started a petition begging Google to release it.
"Google Voice has been a landmark service that has brought a high-level of convenience to millions," the petition says. "We have asked, begged, and pleaded for a desktop VoIP application. We have heard news of said application and then sadly heard news of this application possibly being dropped for your "to-do list". This petition is brought forth to show you the overwhelming demand for such an application for OS/X, Windows, and Linux PCs."
In the three days it has been up, the petition has gotten more than 1,200 signatures with a goal of 500,000. The low initial number is likely due to the Independence Day holiday weekend over which the petition was launched. To sign the petition, go to giveusgvdesktop.com and link your Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace profile with the Petitionspot application, or simply enter your name, zipcode and email address.
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