At the time of posting, Google Voice is still only available on a invite only schedule, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be excited about this great new service from Google. My invite was just accepted today and I must say I am blown away by how cool this new product is.
There are a few key things to understand about Google Voice that will definitly peak your interest on this new offering.
#1 – Your New Phone Number… Forever
Thats right, as long as Google is around, your number will be too. I know you can now take your cell phone number too other carriers, buy why bother when you can just use your Google Voice number?
Lets say for example you give your Google Voice number to a friend moving to another state and ten years down the line they decide to call you, they will be able to reach you even if you have moved, changed your cell number, or switched jobs.
#2 – Free Calls and Text Messaging in the Continental United States
Apple just denied the inclusion of the Google Voice App in the iPhone store partly for this reason. Apple and Atnt have a strict deal where something this cool and amazing would break their contract.
Luckily we don’t need a iPhone to use Google Voice, it’s free on the web right now. I can picture the Atnt reps pulling their hair out at the thought of consumers being able to send text messages for free.
#3 – Listen to Voicemails as They’re Being Made Before you Answer.
If someone is leaving you a voicemail, you can listen to it in real time and decided if you still want to answer. So if it’s your manager calling needing you too come in for overtime on the weekend, (office space) you don’t have to answer, but if it’s your new co-worker that’s calling from the same number and wants to go out for a drink, you’ll know what to do.
#4 – Read Your Voicemails
All of your voicemails are automatically transcribed for your reading pleasures, because sometimes it’s nice to read a message, rather then try and listen too the 5 minute message about the neighbors dog. Plus you can have the transcriptions automatically sent to your email or phone if you would like.
#5 – Route your Calls Based on Who is Calling
You can send you business calls to your business line, your family calls to you home line, and friends calls to your cellphone. All you have to do is give everyone you Google Voice number.
There is a whole list of other great features to Google Voice that I highly recommend you check out also. If you’re interested you can see them and sign up for a invite to Google Voice on the Google Voice about page.
What is you favorite feature of Google Voice?
Leave a comment below!
i want google voice! this could be the replacement of a land line for good! can’t wait to see how far they take it.
You should sign up, I am assuming you already did though. You can even get 25 free custom business cards with your new Google Voice number on them once you sign up… very cool. Great to see ya around the blog good buddy!
This is one of the most amazing things ever! Google is all about innovation and I love it. I got accepted yesterday and the voicemail to txt had me going “ooooh and aaaaah” Thank You Google