Google, which released an HTML5-based version of its Chrome browser Monday, noted that handset load times and network requests are significantly reduced for web services based on the new hypertext language. "Overall, this results in a much faster and smoother user experience," a spokesperson said.

A Standardized Interface

Among other things, the latest HTML5 tags deliver new functionality through a standardized interface that can enable voice mail, for example, to be played directly from the Google Voice web page. What's more, the AppCache stores the HTML, CSS and JavaScript capabilities needed to run the application right in the browser, which means that even when a network connection isn't present, users will still be able to interact with the app, Google said.

With HTML5, moreover, local databases securely store Google Contacts locally. "So even if you close the browser, Contacts load more quickly after your first use of the web app," Google's spokesperson noted.

Even better for Google, Tuesday's launch of an HTML5-based version of Google Voice means that the search giant need not rely on Apple's App Store for approval or distribution. It also renders moot the concerns that Apple raised last summer as the reasons why it did not approve the stand-alone version of Google Voice for the iPhone.

"As submitted for review, it appears to alter the iPhone's distinctive user experience by replacing the iPhone's core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging, and voice mail," Apple Vice President Catherine Novelli told the Federal Communications Commission last August. "In addition, the iPhone user's entire contacts database is transferred to Google's servers, and we have yet to obtain any assurances from Google that this data will only be used in appropriate ways."

AT&T's Web App Policy

By moving Google Voice to the browser, Google is also challenging AT&T to follow through on a statement the wireless carrier made to the FCC last year. "Any AT&T customer may access and use Google Voice on any web-enabled device operating on AT&T's network -- including the iPhone -- by launching the application through their web browser, without the need to use the Apple App Store," explained AT&T Senior Executive Vice President James Cicconi.

The underlying technology behind Google Voice -- which the search giant acquired from GrandCentral in July 2007 -- allows account holders to enter a session initiation protocol (SIP) address as a forwarding phone. Relaunched as Google Voice last March, the fledgling service provides one telephone number for managing inbound calls to the user's wireline and/or wireless telephone numbers and devices.

For example, inbound calls can be set to ring on all the user's phones or be forwarded to one or more designated phones. Google Voice also gives users the ability to send and receive SMS messages through their Google Voice number as well as peruse text transcriptions of their voice mail messages. Additionally, SMS and voice mail messages can be saved online in the user's Google Voice inbox, which enables them to be searched via text commands.