Have you heard about Google Voice? If you haven't, you may not be alone. Although the service
has been available for some time by invitation only, it was only recently opened up to
other Google account holders.
CNBC
mentioned this change a couple of weeks ago.
[FULL DISCLOSURE: I receive NO compensation from Google for this article, and I receive NO
compensation for your use of Google Voice.]
What is Google Voice? Basically, it's a new way to digitally manage your calls (cell AND
landline) that is easy to use, full of features, AND FREE. That's right, FREE -- no long distance
(within the U.S. and Canada) and no local charges.
There are some who have speculated
that Google may eventually charge for this service, but I'm hopeful they are wrong -- at least
for the reasonably foreseeable future. After all, Google still doesn't charge for Google Docs
and other apps.
Google Voice is for business or personal use. There is no percentage in
being greedy, but as far as I am aware, there are no restrictions on the number of Google Voice
accounts per person. Google Voice has too many features to include them all here,
but you can type "
google.com/voice" into your browser to
get more information and register for this unique service from Google.
Briefly, though:
You choose your own area code and number from those
available.
Here are a couple of strategies for setting up your number:
-
Choose an area code local to you. This keeps your calls local when you access
your Google Voice account (I'll explain in a minute).
-
Choose a "special purpose" area code not local to you. For instance, you
could choose an area code local to a long-distance family member or special business
associate or group. This keeps their calls local then they call you at your Google
Voice account.
You can link up to six cell and landlines to one Google Voice
account.
You don't have to miss an important call again, as long as the call comes in to your
Google Voice account. You can choose which lines ring. You can choose
what hours of which days each line will ring. You can transfer calls between linked lines or
use these lines for conference calls. You are in control.
You do not have to change existing lines.
You can keep your existing cell and landline plans and numbers. You can still use those
numbers and be called directly at them.
You can use your Google Voice account from any
phone.
You can call from a pay phone, someone else's landline, or someone else's
cell phone. You simply dial your Google Voice number, press "*" when it rings (you don't have
to press "*" when calling from your primary number) and enter your PIN. You can then access
voicemail, make a phone call, etc. You can also set up a temporary link to a phone number you
choose (for instance, a remote landline) when you are away from your other linked
numbers -- as long as the total number of linked lines do not exceed the maximum number available.
Calls to the U.S. and Canada are FREE.
Calls to other locations are at low per minute rates (Google displays a rate schedule on the Google Voice
website).
You can get voicemail and text messages sent to your email
address.
You can also send voicemail links to others via email.
You can access your Google Voice account from the web.
Once you login, you have a full array of choices, including (to mention a few):
- Send text messages to others;
- Call others. Google will make the call and connect to you at the number you specify.
- Set up a contact list, block list, special greetings for designated callers, etc.
These are just a few of the features. A couple of months ago, I set up an account for business
use. After a short test period, I was sufficiently satisfied to discontinue the
monthly fee I was paying for my landline long distance plan.
So far, I have been seriously impressed. Try it, and I think you will be too.
Update 2010.1004:
Before using Google Voice, I used my cell phone for my primary business contact
number. While setting up Google Voice, I made the cell phone my primary Google Voice number. I
have now found that voice mail for missed calls made directly to my cell phone no longer register
on my cell phone. Instead, Google Voice handles the voice mail, sending an email with a
transcription and a link to the audio recording. Quality of the transcription varies (it
understands some callers better than others) -- but the fact that this happens even though
the Google Voice number is not called is frankly quite remarkable. I'm not quite sure how
Google has accomplished this, but I'm not complaining.
Update 2011.0126:
Sadly, I have found that the audio quality of Google Voice will not meet my needs. I really like
the concept and the features, but calls are often choppy at times and this is just not
acceptable for my use. Whether you reach the same conclusion may depend on how critical this
issue is to your needs.
For now, I still plan to use the free phone number; the ability to tie my cell phone and
landline phone together; the voicemail; the email notifications; and other features
Google Voice has to offer. Perhaps you will do the same.
Update 2011.0806:
My opinion of Google Voice has improved since my last update. I reported a problem with the
audio quality and it apparently was fixed. Also, I determined that some of the problems I
experienced were directly related to my new digital phone system and Bluetooth headset.
I sold the new phone system and went back to my old phone handset with analog headset
plug-in. The quality seems fine now.
