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Tech. Tip 2: Google Voice: One Universal Phone Number

Posted 10/03/2009

Some of us have so many phone numbers (work 1, work 2, home, cell 1, cell 2) that we're afraid we'll miss an important call.  Fear no more:  Google will soon roll out its Google Voice service, allowing you to obtain a universal phone number for all your phones.

Here's how it works:  You obtain a new universal phone number along with your choice of area code.  You will also receive a web-based inbox so you can manage your voicemail, text messages and call history.  You then set up calling rules and filters.  For example, you can allow your spouse and children to call, so that all your numbers ring at once.  But when a loquacious (read: chatty) acquaintance calls, only one phone rings or it goes straight to voicemail.

You can also listen in as the caller leaves a voicemail, or the voicemail can be transcribed and sent to you as an e-mail or text message.  Of course, it helps if your caller enunciates reasonably well.  Beta testers report that the transcriptions are fairly accurate and allow you to get the gist of the voicemail message.

Google Voice has additional features such as conference calling, call block, call screen, and call history in addition to the voicemail and voice transcription mentioned above.  Best of all, the service cost is free.

Google Voice was launched on March 11, 2009, but by invitation only.  While software bugs still need to be worked out, expect the service to roll out fully sometime in the fall of 2009.  Users must have an established U.S. telephone service.  For more information, go to www.google.com/voice.


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