The most recent update to the official Android and Blackberry Google Voice apps offers users a noticeable speed increase when making calls. Previously, whenever a user placed a Google Voice call using the app's functionality, there would be a delay of up to 10 seconds (depending on data signal). This is due to the requirement that a Google server be pinged to connect the call over the phone lines. Now the app stores a special number locally to place the call.

These direct numbers are the obfuscated numbers that Google Voice uses internally to route your calls. Each contact has one of these 406 area code numbers. Now that the apps can call this number directly, there is no wait for a server to respond. This also has the advantage of eliminating the need for a data connection to initiate a call. 

Android uses can get the update from the Market. Blackberry users should head over to the Google Voice site to download the update. Any Voice users out there already try this?

Blackberry maker Research in Motion (RIM) has reported earnings today and industry watchers weren't too happy. The company missed analyst expectations and the reason is pretty clear. Competition from Android and the iPhone are eating into RIM's business. Verizon, which was traditionally a Blackberry heavy carrier, has been getting into Android in a big way. Additionally, consumers continue to jump ship for the iPhone for non-business activities.

It's not all gloom and doom, though. Revenue did rise 24$ to $4.24 billion, but expectations were around $4.35 billion. RIM's stock took a pounding, but the smartphone maker isn't standing still. RIM will be buying back $31 million in stock to help stabilize the company. Investors are growing concerned that RIM will become increasingly marginalized as other platforms continue to take off.

RIM isn't going away anytime soon. They're a profitable business, and people that use Blackberrys often love them. Do we have any diehard Blackberry fans out there?