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Why can’t voicemail be like our status messages? When we leave a status update — whether on Twitter, Facebook, or an instant messaging client — we’re letting people know where we are, what we’re doing, and, presumably, if we’re available. It makes contacting someone a bit easier. For instance, if someone has an away message up on AIM, I know it’s probably not a good idea to message himm. If that away message is descriptive enough, then I’ll know how to best reach him. This construct makes perfect sense for voicemail, which is really just an audio away message. Why can’t I constantly change my voicemail so callers know what’s up? We’ve seen a few applications which help take care of this, but PhonePlus Callback seems to be among the best.

There are two options for handling incoming calls. You can either set it to automatic or manual. With automatic, the application chooses what action to take, depending on what you told it to do beforehand. In manual mode, you choose the messages to send the caller. In both modes, you can set a call-back reminder, so you don’t forget to get in touch.

It comes with four initial settings: Busy, On-Call, Driving, and Meeting. You can customize the messages sent for each of these, plus add two more categories of your choosing. Again, you can decide what to do with each call as it comes in, or you can set options so the program does it automatically. PhonePlus can send these messages either by email or SMS.

AppManiax has done a great job of constantly updating this application, and there should be more to come. One feature they tout is a new AutoReply, which can use the phone to reach those who have called you while you’re busy. What would be really neat, though, is to combine this idea with a visual voicemail platform. The idea is to change your outgoing voice message with the situation. That way you don’t have to worry about sending an apologetic text message. The caller will instantly know not only that you’re busy, but what you’re doing and when you’ll be available.

For now we have applications like this, which will suffice. You can get PhonePlus Callback for $4.99. Unfortunately, the sale price (80 cent discount) ended yesterday. But who knows, maybe they’ll extend it. The application is available for all BlackBerry models with OS 4.2 and above.

Update: Thanks to reader Bill, who in the comments notes that the app is available at App World for just $2.99. Plus, you can get a free trial from there. Thanks, Bill.

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