Google Voice an IP-based phone managing service that routes home, office and mobile calls through one phone number.
A phone connection is required for the service. Google Voice users call into their voice mail service from any phone. Once there, they can push a button to get a dial tone and call a different number. It doesn't require special equipment to connect to the Internet.
Google Voice features one number, screening, call-blocking, voicemail transcription, SMS support, conference calling, GOOG-411 integration, and call recording, low cost international calling. They also integrated GrandCentral with Google accounts and Google address books. Google reportedly will make their money from the fees for international calling.
The call blocking service, sends the caller "We're sorry the number that has been disconnected or no longer in service." There are Google Voice apps for many smartphones.
Users of the service can have voicemails automatically transcribed. Transcriptions appear in the inbox and are searchable. Transcriptions are also included in email and SMS notifications.
When somebody sends an SMS to a Google Voice number, that SMS will be relayed to each of the forwarding cell phones and stored in the inbox. Replies can be made from a computer or from mobile phones and the conversation will be saved in the inbox.
Conference calling: users who want to talk to more than one person at once, tells everyone to call you on the Google number.Upon a call waiting notification, users have the option to press 5 to add them to the existing call.
