In a extremely surprising development, Apple has approved a Google Voice alternative Toktumi's Mobile VOIP Line2 app and its now available for download in apple store.
One would wonder, Why Google Voice App wasn't approved? The faceoff between Apple, AT&T and Google voice is still on and will continue for some time before FCC gives a clear decision most likely in the favour of google Voice.
Google can now however use this toktumi approval for their benefit and make a case to FCC. Toktumi's Line2 app works very similar to Google Voice by letting you use one virtual number to forward to your real phone numbers. However its not a free VOIP service and costs $15, but it supports business VOIP features like phone trees etc.
Since Toktumi is a paid service, Apple probably believes it won't directly impact At&T business and it doesn't support SMS either which makes it a less preferable choice. At the same time, they might be interested in pushing toktumi ahead of Google Voice App to get as many users under this app and make it difficult for google voice to gain these customers.
Whatever be the case, the Mobile VOIP Application and the entire VOIP market in USA would face huge turmoil in 2009-2010. Lets hope we see some really good innovations and value addition to VOIP service.
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