Google Voice, the revolutionary software that allows you to re-direct phone calls, transcribe voicemails and so much more is finally headed to our favorite smartphone OS, Android. We're extremely excited about Google Voice's implementation because we truly believe that it'll be an exciting service that'll fit a lot of Android (and Google) users' usage. Though we haven't tested Google Voice ourselves (we're still waiting on that invite Google!), we've heard nothing but good things about the service.

The registration for the Google Voice application for Android will continue to be invite-only but we hope Google will open it up to public consumption sooner rather than later. GigaOM has an excellent review on the Android Google Voice application and they're definitely excited about the possibilities. Google Voice = less carrier interaction, and that my friends is a wonderful thing.

How many Google Voice users do we have on Android Central? How good is the service? And what does an official Android App mean to you? Let us know in the comments!

Hit the jump to see screenshots of the Google Voice Android Application!

Honestly, we're not sure how to take this tweet from Sony Ericsson North America. They're hinting at product launches today but remain purposely vague on what product announcement it'll be. We're hearing reports that Sony Ericsson will announce the XPERIA X2, X3, and X5 (what happened to X4?) but we really have no idea.

What we are hoping for is official announcement on the Sony Ericssson Android 'Rachael' Phone. The 'Rachael' is easily our most anticipated Android Phone and we'd love to hear official confirmation from Sony Ericsson itself. We guess we'll find out in the next couple of hours. In the meantime, stay tuned to this space to see what device is up Sony Ericsson's sleeve!

[via unwiredview]

DigiTimes is reporting that Acer's Android Phone, the A1, is going to be released in September of this year. According to their sources, Acer will be releasing 4 smartphones in the September timeframe but only the A1 will be running Android while the others will be WinMob devices.

We're not sure if DigiTimes sources are rock solid but the Acer Android A1 Phone launching in September does seem to fit with previous rumors. So though we're not taking this as gospel, we're leaning towards believing it. What about you guys?

We previously reported that two more updates to Android would be released this year. We were wrong. It now looks like Android will get THREE updates. We're fairly certain that Android 2.0 Donut will be one of the updates but not so sure where Eclair and Flan stand in the mix. Either way, we're very excited to see what these software updates will bring to Android.

[informationweek]

The Acer Android Netbook has been in the news for quite some time already, but it's finally coming to fruition. Digitimes reports that August will be the launch date for the Dual Booting Android and Windows XP Acer Netbook. They also speculate that since Windows XP is going to be included, Acer won't price the netbook any cheaper than current models because of the cost of licensing Windows.

So the first big-time Android Netbook is probably not going to be what we hoped for, there'll be little changes to Android and it won't be insanely affordable. Sad. Though it's a safe move by Acer, it's definitely a disappointing one for fans of Android.

What do you guys think?

We're still not sure how we feel about Google Chrome OS--on one hand, it's great to see Google try to take on the personal computing market but on the other, it seems like Chrome OS and Android are heading for a head-on collision. Regardless of what we feel though, Google Chrome OS is an exciting proposition and Engadget has gotten a hold of some screenshots of Chrome OS in action. Allegedly, at least.

We're pretty certain that these pictures are fake, the top menu bar just looks off to us, but hey, it's always fun to play pretend and imagine what it'll look like, right? The tipster goes on to say that most applications are online while Picasa runs locally--definitely not a farfetched idea. Either way, we still find it incredibly odd that Google has yet to show off official pictures of Chrome OS, there's just something fishy about that.

What do you guys think? Real or fake? Not even worth our time?

Hit the jump to see more alleged screenshots of Chrome OS!

You've probably heard of Android 2.0 Donut. But did you know that future versions of Android will be named Eclair and Flan? It looks like Google is pretty serious in codenaming Android alphabetically after dessert type snacks. Originally, we thought following Android 1.5 Cupcake with Android 2.0 Donut was hilarious and clever, but seriously, Flan!?

As interesting as those name choices are, it doesn't really matter to us because with new versions of Android means new features. At a joint media event hosted by Google and T-Mobile, Andy Rubin the founder of Android, stated that a lot of emphasis on Android's future will be placed in social networking. He says:

“Social is a big push for now,” he said, saying eventually an inbound phone call could show the caller’s photo, name and the last update he or she posted to Facebook, for example. Another focus is expanding the ways software developers who build applications for Android phones can charge for them through the Android market, its storefront.

Sounds good to us, especially since in today's day and age, social networking is a pretty good horse to bet on. At the same event, Rubin reiterated his expectation that 15-20 new Android phones will be launched this year. Lofty goals, to be sure, but the man is paid to know these things. We remain ever so hopeful.

What would you guys like included in Android Donut, Eclair, & Flan?

[wsj]

It was introduced to the world as the HTC Hero. T-Mobile UK first adopted it as the G1 Touch (probably to remain consistent with the Android/G1 branding) but it'll now be known as the T-Mobile G2 Touch. A little bit confusing? We agree.

Renaming the HTC Hero/T-Mobile G1 Touch to the T-Mobile G2 Touch kind of makes sense to us. The G1 brand marks the first generation of Android phones and with the HTC Hero being a clear step up from the G1, the G2 brand represents a new generation. Or at least that's what we think. Either way, it's a new Android Phone and for the fine folks across the pond, it can be had for free!

How do you guys like the name G2 Touch?

[tmobile uk twitter]

This shouldn't come as a surprise for anyone but T-Mobile expects the myTouch 3G to outsell the T-Mobile G1. Talk about going on a limb *sarcasm*. T-Mobile CTO, Cole Brodman, expects the myTouch to be successful because of broader appeal, saying that "a vast majority of customers will be new to Android and new to smartphones".

We're definitely going to agree with T-Mobile here, the myTouch is the same Android goodness in a sexier package, a solid recipe for success. However, with so many heavyweight Android phones on the horizon, it's still kind of saying something with T-Mobile being so confident. An easier way to guarantee success for the myTouch? Price it at $99.

[wsj]

Here's what you may have missed in the smartphone world last week.