Google (NSDQ: GOOG) has made its Google Voice service, which gives you one number and one voicemail box for all of your phones, easier to use on cellphones, according to its blog. In doing so, Google is not only positioning itself against Skype, but also puts it in line to compete against carriers for their own voice services. In the future, you could imagine people signing up for a data-only plan, and choosing instead Google’s free service as its voice provider.

While the service has always been accessible on a mobile phone, the NYTimes Bits Blog reports that it was a clunky experience. Now Google has created an application for both BlackBerry and Android device that allows Google Voice to run more natively on the phone. That means, users can make calls directly from their phones, and people receiving calls or text messages, will see the Google Voice number, not your mobile phone number. The app will also allow users to access their voice mail, view voice mail transcripts and have the app read them the messages in what Google calls “karaoke style,” where each word is highlighted as its being read.