One, Two Punch of Apple And Google To Decimate Telecoms And Wireless Providers

It's rare to see Apple and Google working together in any meaningful way like they used to. Well, the combination of Apple's Facetime for the iOS devices and VOIP calling integration into Gmail/Gtalk, though accidental, means we can start the countdown clock to the demise of landlines, telecoms, and wireless providers.

Facetime for the iPhone and iPod Touch has the likelihood to transform communication and Internet calling just makes expensive wireless plans unnecessary once it becomes available on Android.

Of course, the telecoms and wireless providers can transform and innovate. But I'm not optimistic. Personally, I'm okay with them being dump pipes.

More on how Apple and Google are working, again not necessarily together, to end the era of draconian telecoms at Greenjava.

Mobile Speech

As I've got a G1, the speed isn't something I write home about a lot. Couldn't, wouldn't. However, with mobile processors getting smaller, cooler, and faster, I think Google is on to something with speech, search, and services.

Just yesterday, Google improved on what I thought was a decent start to voice commands. Here is a quick video of the set of Voice Actions for Android.

Google Should Standardize Google Voice

Have you tried Google Voice yet?  Well, if you live in the States, you should.  You really must sign up for an invite.

It takes about two weeks for one to arrive.  I think Google is simply being caution about rolling out one of the most anticipated features of its web apps, if you can call it that.

But I think Google should eventually make Google Voice a standard feature in Android wherever Google-branded phones and mobile devices are sold.

I've been using GV on my G1 and, I have to say, this is the missing app for me.  Along with Meebo that now does a decent job of staying connected with my IM contacts, GV has really done a good job of making you feel like you're connected to your friends, family, and work contacts.

So, if you haven't already, get the GV app and secure yourself a Google Voice number.  Here is the link where you can go get one.

Now, I'm just waiting for Google to push SMS and visual voice mail notifications.  Anyway, while I love my iPhone, I think Android can be just as good if not better since Google isn't likely to interfere with app store politics as much as Apple's more Stalinistic approach does and Android is perceived to be more open (open's definition being arguable).

Note:  There are a couple of scripts available for setting notifications to your gmail to tell you when you have an sms notification.  Right now, you can get notifications whenever you get a voicemail.  Still, push works better, don't you think?