Google Voice for Palm OS

[Google Voice for Palm OS]

UPDATE

I just wanted to let everyone know the current status of my apps.  Firstly, the apps and some documentation are available at http://www.boraware.com (thanks for your help Phil).

1. The Google Voice App (GVoice) is currently broken.  Google has changed some of the login steps and I am hoping to get it fixed soon.  For now, if you've ever gotten the app to work DO NOT go to the configure page and hit "OK".  If you do, the app will no longer work.  If you have not gotten it to work, stay tuned to this topic and I'll update it when it works once again.

2. SMSCal  - I think there is some confusion as to how it works.  For a test message, copy and paste the following into a text message to yourself (on my device - Sprint Centro, it is to contact "Voicemail"):

             CALUP 10/20/09 2:30 pm This is a test event

note the spaces.

This also assumes that you did not change the default keyword.

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UPDATE #2:

Got the Google Voice App working again.  I have sent Phil the files, they are now available on his site (boraware.com).  Just to be sure that nothing gets screwed up, please uninstall the old version before installing the new one.

New version is 0.1.2
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Folks:

I've been dabbling in the free version of HB++ for a couple of months now, and I decided to try and tackle a Google Voice App for the PalmOS (Since there is no way in Heck that Palm or Google will develop it).

So far I have been able to login and generate calls between my cell phone and any other U.S. number.  I am working on allowing you to lookup contacts and place calls from there.  I also plan to eventually incorporate google SMS and possibly retrieve the logs from the Google Voice page).

I also plan to allow the user to save commonly used numbers to a speed dial key when in the google voice app.

This will be especially useful to Cell phones plans that allow unlimited calls to pre-defined land lines (I believe that Tmobile gives you 5 numbers, and Sprint offers a single phone number for $5/month).

Here is my dilemma:

1) I have no problem offering the app for little to nothing, however, I refuse to pay the $150 for HB++ since the operating system is dead and the market for apps is shrinking every day - which means that I cannot release the app, as HB++ is free for personal use only.

2) Since I have a full time job and a family, I can't guarantee that updates and bug fixes will appear in a timely fashion.

Is anyone interested in a google voice app?  Any other thoughts.

I'll post some current screen shots in the near future (with the caveat that they may change).

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

As promised, here are some Alpha Screenshots.  By the way, if you install "TreoStar" and set you google voice number as a contact named "Google Voice", I have added the capability to show you who you are calling when the google call comes in.

Main Screen


Login page


Login Successful (This is only done once to login and confirm google voice account)


Dial Number


With TreoStar installed, when Google Connects, provides callee info


All screens are subject to change.

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

Wow man, congrats on getting it to work (I actually had doubts) Good job.  Any Idea what data usage (MB) looks like? Also (as Palm is not multitasker) does it have background capability so that calls can come in (I'd test it but I don't have g-voice LOL)

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

put source in public domain if you can't redistribute it? 

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

MiDoJo:

In answer to your questions, right now the real data is only a login set of pages (done only once when configured and then probably less than 1KB to place a phone call.  However, If I start handling more of the GV capabilities (such as SMS, Voicemail, Call logs etc.) it will grow substantially.

With regard to the background capabilities, there currently are none.  However, since I use Phone Technician's "Stay Put" feature, I stay in the app.  Besides, since I am on Sprint, where you cannot do data and voice at the same time - there is no real benefit to being able to do anything while on the phone call.

That all being said, I have another app that can read SMS messages (based on a key word) before they are posted to the messaging application, and since this app has no user interface, it does not kick you out of the app you are in.  I am considering incorporating this capability nto my GV app, to do things like detect the GoogleVoice SMS alert for voicemail, and then retrieve either the audio or the text transcription in the background.

Of course, right now there are all long term to do items.

y2k:
Not sure if I just want to give away the source code, besides, folks that are not comfortable with HB++ won't really get much benefit.  Also, you get a splash screen warning every time you start the app, which is annoying.

If someone has a licensed copy, maybe they can compile it so that I can share it.  I'd love to get some feedback - although I know the app is quite buggy right now.

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

Looking at this another way, would anyone be interested in the app, if it were $5?

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

I have another app that can read SMS messages (based on a key word) before they are posted to the messaging application

Could you expand on that application, or is it available for download somewhere? I may be interested..

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

It's a simple app that allows my wife to send a calendar update to my phone to remind me to do something.

Rather than me receiving the text message and then putting it in the calendar, she can do it directly.  I have set it up so that one keyword alerts me to the update and allows me to "accept", "Decline" or change the time.  It also sends a text back to her with the result.

I also created a "stealth mode" that put the item in the calendar without alerting me.

Currently it only works with SMS, I was hoping to be able to respond to email addresses too, but I have not been able to get that to work.

I had to use keywords that would never be used in a regular text message (although my plan is to make it configurable).  Here are two sample text messages:

calup 9/26/09 12:42 am This is a test

calss 9/26/09 1242 am This is a test

The first is the interactive mode and the second is the "stealth mode".  Both get a response:

"Your Event has been scheduled for 0/26/09 12:42 am "This is a test"

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

I don't use Google Voice but I'd definetely be interested in that sms app. I know my wife would pay five dollars a piece for both our phones to be able to add an event to my calendar without having to nag me constanly. Or maybe not I think she likes the nagging.

Seriously though I think there's a greater potential pool of customers for the sms app.

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

I am in for this one as well.  Even though I can't use it for TMo since TMo requires a my faves supported phone, at least get the other benefits.

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

Paul:
I've gone back in to clean up the SMS app.  it now will allow you to change the keywords and also allow you to pick a single phone number allow access to.

I'm also considering allowing for the configuration of a keyword to launch an app.  The example that comes to mind is a text message that launches your IM app.  That way, someone at a PC or without SMS capability can send an email to your SMS address and (in my case) launch WebMessenger which auto logs in and can theb start the conversation.

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

sounds sweet! will it be available?
there are many here who would not mind testing apps. we know how to backup and restore...

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

I'll just second what Jake said.

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

I'm interested in a dialer for Google Voice.

I've been using Favorites (Speed Dial) for most of my Google Voice dialing.  The primary number is my GV number, followed by Extra Digits (2,<contact number>).  It's an effective way for me to do most of my GV dialing but it's limited to programmed speed dial numbers. 

I tried using Takephone, and while it works pretty well, I didn't really want to spend the $$ right now.

There's a website that I found that shows users how to make bookmarklets for dialing GV contacts.   Unfortunately, Palm Blazer doesn't seem to like this kind of Javascript.  The javascript contains the Google Voice PIN, the mobile number, and the contact number.  Here's mine (more or less):

javascript:(function(){uri='https://www.google.com/voice/m/sendcall';f=document.createElement('form');f.method='post';f.action=uri;i0=document.createElement('input');i0.type='hidden';i0.name='_rnr_se';i0.value='<GV PIN>';i1=document.createElement('input');i1.type='hidden';i1.name='number';i1.value='+<Contact Number>';i2=document.createElement('input');i2.type='hidden';i2.name='phone';i2.value='+<MobileNumber>';f.appendChild(i0);f.appendChild(i1);f.appendChild(i2);b=document.createElement('body');b.appendChild(f);h=document.getElementsByTagName('html')[0];h.appendChild(b);f.submit();})()"

I wonder if you (or someone) could figure out a way to take advantage of this javascript and make an effective Google Voice dialer.

Finally, through Blazer, I can do a Quick Call or select a contact to place a call.  Google Voice calls my mobile phone, I answer, Google Voice calls my contact, and we're connected. Interesting note:  I have Blazer set to display the Last Page Viewed.  When I return to Blazer, it'll automagically redial the calling sequence.  Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to capture all that and control it.

[Re: Google Voice for Palm OS]

I just stumpled upon this thread.  Haven't been on MTDN in a while but since I've got some new apps in the works I figured I'd come back.  I have a fully licensed copy of HB++ and would be more than happy to compile it for you.  Also if you need any pointers just let me know.  Drop me a line at: phil -at- boraware -dot- com.  I don't use google voice but I've considered it and since I'm still on a Centro your app may be useful.

- Phil -
BoraWare