Google sends out invites for Voice service

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 26 Jun 2009 at 08:55

Google has begun inviting the public to test a new service that rings all your phones from only one number.

Google Voice is based on technology the company acquired when it bought GrandCentral a couple of years ago.

When friends or colleagues call your Google Voice number, the call is routed to your home, work or mobile phone - or all three - to help avoid missing calls.

The service also avoids the hassle of informing contacts of a telephone number change every time you move house or job - you simply dish out the Google Voice number.

Google Voice offers sophisticated call filtering options which allow you to determine which phones to ring, depending on the caller. So, for example, calls from your family could be set to ring all three of your phones, while calls from work colleagues might only be allowed to ring your desk and mobile phone. Callers can also be diverted straight to voicemail, if you're trying to dodge someone.

The service uses voice recognition software to transcribe voicemail, and emails the message to members. They can also listen to an audio recording of the voicemail if the transcription falters.

Google is currently admitting people to the service on an invite-only basis. It's unclear whether the service will be available in the UK.

The Google Blog has more information and details on how to request an invite.