Google Voice

Anybody using it? Google Voice

I got an invite just a little while ago and I've been playing with it ever since. It's another promising product/tool from Google and I can't wait to start replacing my other numbers with my new Google number.

If you haven't already, you can request an invite: https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/
Some people have reported that they received an invite juts days after submitting a request.

 

Looks good, but I already have one number everyone knows.

Will this redirect/forward my current number to the Google number when someone calls.

Will people who are usually local to me, be charged long distance charges?

 

That looks... awesome. Too bad it's only available in the US

 

No, it actually works the other way around. Once you get everybody calling you on your Google number, you then have the magic of Google Voice in your hands. You can set it up so that when somebody calls you (on your Google Number) all of your phones ring (e.g., your house phone, mobile phone, and work phone) or any combination of your various phones. You can also configure which phones ring depending on who is calling you. So on and so forth.

When somebody leaves a voicemail message, it is automatically transcribed and sent to your cell phone via text and is also e-mailed to you. So far, based on my "tests", the transcription works very well and is highly accurate.

When you create your Google Voice account, you can acquire a local number (with the area code of your choice). If you wanted 813-424-JOHN (813-424-5646) and it is available, you could have it.

 

Yes, this is great. It makes it easy to block unwanted callers, as well.

One of my favorite features is the Voicemail "ListenIn" so I can hear a voicemail as it is being left and if I want, I can jump in and speak with the caller. I love this because I rarely answer my phone when it rings -- I'm the kind of person that waits for somebody to leave me a message so I can know what they're calling about, and then I call them back when it fits my schedule. :lol:

 

Okay next questions

Is there an app for this on smart phones, or do you have to be next to a computer/land line phone to manage this?

 

Haven't tried it.

If eBay flubs the Skype patent issue, nay debacle, than I might unless I can find another VOIP provider. Would rather something that runs on my PC with software and uses my existing headset and microphone though.

I prefer not deal with a traditional phone at all for work calls. Skype is my work phone. I don't have a house phone and my cellphone is for family and friends only. Doesn't seem that Google Voice replaces Skype's functionality which is what I would need.

 

no doubt that google has this new tool, it was improving...

 

Does anyone even use a home phone anymore?

 

Most do, in my opinion.

Like Wayne Luke, I'd stick with Skype. Though, the features are quite interesting!

 

My wife and I have this debate all the time, but she wins because the kids know our home number well. I'm looking into getting a cell number with my home number ported over to it. And I saw a multi handset phone system that is connected through bluetooth to the cell and will operate like a home system.

 

We have a POTS based phone line in our house. Mainly because I haven't upgraded the alarm system to Internet Based monitoring with Cellular backup and for DirecTV because I haven't updated that for Internet based updates. However, I haven't answered a call on the landline for 9 months.

My kids don't even know the landline number. They have my cell number programmed into their phones. Mainly because mobile to mobile calls are free no matter where we are.

 

A friend of mine has been using Google Voice for a little while now and he really likes it. It sounds like another great product from Google.

The ListenIn feature is something I would definitely use.

 

i got my invite in less than a week.. i like it... i have the app on my bberry
but ive only used it to mess with people so far lol

 

Sweet, I got my invite after like 3 days lol and now i just need to get my phone fixed and I'll test it out