Google Voice takes a step toward launch

Google hasn't yet launched Google Voice publicly, but it did take a step in that direction on Thursday by starting to extend invitations to those who signed up on a waiting list for the Net-augmented telephone service.

Google Voice, based on technology from a start-up called GrandCentral that Google acquired in 2007, offers users a new phone number that can simplify reaching that user.

When a person calls the Google Voice number, the user's home, work, and mobile phones all can ring simultaneously. The user can set up the service so specific phones ring for different callers or groups of callers, or so some callers go straight to voice mail. Google transcribes voice mails after they're left, too, e-mailing it to the Google Voice user or letting them read and listen to the message through a Gmail-like interface.

Google Voice transcribes voice mails, and lets people read or listen to them through a Gmail-like interface.

(Credit: Google)

"We are happy to share that Google Voice is beginning to open up beyond former GrandCentral users. If you requested an invitation on the Google Voice site or previously on GrandCentral, keep your eye out for an invite e-mail," Google said in a blog post.

When Google started showing Google Voice in March, it said it would launch the free service "in a number of weeks." Those who'd used the beta test version of the Grand Central service have been able to upgrade to Google Voice.

Google's blog shows how invitees can sign up for the process, including picking a new phone number. However, according to a TechCrunch report, Google plans to let people use existing cell phone numbers for the service so they wouldn't have to give out a new one.

Google hasn't described a direct way to make money from Google Voice, though it does charge for international calls through the service and doesn't rule out the possibility of advertisements in the future.

[MyRightEye]

Wow, sounds great...

[liquidmetalband]

If this is a free service it will be amazing. You could basically just take a recording of something and use the transcription engine to turn it into text. Very useful.

[TV James]

Sadly, the transcription service is not nearly as good as Jott's. (Well, the 75% of the time that you got a good transcriber to work on your message with Jott.) But, it's free. I've had more problems lately of not getting notified that I had a voicemail. But I've had it since GrandCentral days and just love it. The ability to do call routing and screening, selective ringing, mid-call transfer.. awesome stuff.

[El_Segfaulto]

I've been waiting for this for awhile. In my opinion the text voicemail was the only thing about the iPhone that I found appealing, if I can have a version for Android (that works) then I'll jump on that right away. Still waiting for my invite...

[ti99_forever]

These articles never showcase one of the great features of Google Voice. The ability to make free calls within the US and Canada from ANY phone. Simply pull up a contact or enter a phone #, select a phone that you wish to call from (or enter one manually) and GV will complete the call.

Also, with spam and call block features, ability to transfer calls from one phone to another (so if you are talking on your cell and arrive home you can transfer the call to your home phone), etc.

I had this back when it was Grand Central, and it is a most awesome service.

[GlennAllen]

I've been using GrandCentral/Google Voice for close to 2 years now--it's the "front-end" that every phone service provider wishes it had; even without the free calling it's well worth having & using.

[zextron]

I miss the times (long ago) when I could by unreachable. Everyone is racing towards a nervous breakdown, anxiety and, above all, general unhappiness. Even our brain needs everyday some offline (disconnected from the outside) time to repair itself. We are now wearing it out too fast.

[stumiller]

Nice. So now Google will parse all my v-mail and paste-up ads relevant to its content (like gmail). I have no problem with that. Do.. no... evil!!!!

[atish505]

Cool. Way 2 cool. Looking forward 2 it.

[daminsky]

I've been using Vonage for a few years now. They have an unadvertised plan of $10/month that allows 100 minutes of VOIP, plus unlimited voicemail that is transcribed and sent to my email. Works very well with no ads.

[dandelman]

This is SO bogus ... I signed up for the "waiting list" months ago, and I'm STILL WAITING.
If i should EVER be "invited" I would join only with the greatest of skepticism for a service that has taken SO long to reach critical mass. "In a few weeks" ???? .... precision in language and business is a first test of success. Google Voice gets an "F" ... or at the VERY best an "Incomplete."
David A. Andelman

[idfubar]

The really annoying thing is that Cnet doesn't let you post comments after a "certain" period of time (forgive me loose language, please)... I'd be wiling to be you get your invite pretty soon but that you aren't able to order crow at your favorite restaurant...

[The True Computer Genius]

It's pretty cool. Some of the calls were horribly static-y and the transcription isn't worth a damn, but what the hell - it's free so i'm not complaining. Already saved an hour of calling via my expensive verizon cell-phone. Thanks Google! :)

[firefox321]

I am also curious how Google can make money from it. The technology is no secrete, a lot of companies are doing the same thing (for a fee). Maybe Google is deep-pocket enough to foot the bills and build the big mass at the begining and then starts pushing ads or start charging for the services.