Google has gone beyond just being a search engine and has successfully permeated several aspects of our online lives, helping us stay informed and connected. Now, they have brought together several of their services into one awesome telecommunications tool: Google Voice. Be sure to check out Google Voice alternatives if Google Voice doesn't fit your needs.
Google Voice puts together a VoIP service with email, SMS, and Smartphone applications. When you register for Google Voice, Google lets you choose a phone number in an area code you select. You can even ask it to search if a number you want is available. This number is then connected to your existing phone number/s. You can link several different phone numbers to your Google Voice number. When anyone calls your Google Voice number, the numbers connected to it will simultaneously ring. If you link it to your mobile phone number, you can even send and receive SMS for free. Oh and did we mention that you can make and receive calls to anywhere in the US and Canada FOR FREE?
The one major disadvantage of Google Voice is that you need to have at least one existing number. The service also currently allows for only US numbers. The advantages of Google Voice, however, would take up a very long list. Some of these advantages are:
- Low international calling rates (VoIP)
- Voicemail to Email or SMS options
- Easy call blocking
- Voicemail options such as separate voicemails for specific numbers
- Has an app that can be used on Blackberry, iPhone, and Android phones
- Tutorials available on YouTube
Google Voice is a great supplementary service. It may not be able to replace your phone completely just yet, but it gives you a lot of capabilities that are very useful both for personal and business use.
