Google Voice returns to the iTunes App Store

Back in July of ’09, Apple stirred up some controversy when it removed a number of Google Voice apps from iTunes for “duplicating features that come with the iPhone.” What soon followed was Google CEO Eric Schmidt resigning from Apple’s board of directors along with an FCC investigation into the matter. At the time, Apple maintained that Google Voice apps hadn’t been “rejected” from the app store, but rather that Apple needed time to make a more informed decision on the matter. Of course, Apple never actually made that informed decision, and Google Voice apps were, in essence, rejected out of hand.

But then something funny happened. Perhaps feeling the pressure from the FCC and wishing to avoid a legal tussle, Apple recently loosened up many of the iTunes App Store restrictions that had previously frustrated a number of developers. Not only are iOS developers now allowed to use cross-platform development tools, but a number of previously rejected/removed/pending review apps are now finding their way back into iTunes, chief among them Google Voice.

Last week, Apple informed Google Voice Mobile developer Sean Kovacs that he could resubmit his app to iTunes and that it would most likely be accepted. True to form, Kovacs recently submitted GV Mobile to the iTunes App Store where it was subsequently welcomed back with open arms. 

Early on Sunday morning, Google Voice Mobile appeared on iTunes where it’s now available as $2.99 download. You can check it out over here.

And in case you’re wondering what’s so great about Google Voice, check out the video below.