Google Voice, one of Google’s communication services is quickly gaining popularity. It was recently disclosed that the service has more than 1.4 million users. Google Voice offers its users one phone number that when called will route the caller to their work, cell or home number, and it’s free of charge. This service provides users the flexibility and ease to only give out one number, but still be reached wherever they are. Users can choose to either use an existing number, or get a new number from Google. Features in addition to the one number calling include, transcribed voicemail, low price international calling, and if you choose to get a number from Google you also get call screening, recording, blocking, listen in and conference calling. These features, the ease of having one number, and the fact that the service is free seem to be very appealing to users, and the business community will most likely not be far behind. Google Voice, however, is currently available by invitation only.
Google Voice is experiencing some problems because it refused to provide certain high cost rural areas with coverage. This sparked protest from other phone companies, but Google responded that they are not bound by the same restrictions because they are not a phone company. Google is now looking at expanding into international markets, which would give them a serious advantage in the marketplace. An easy one number international calling solution would be very attractive to those with family and or work abroad. It’s not uncommon for international travelers to have multiple cell phone numbers, and one number to reach them would make life much easier.
Although this service is in the advanced testing stages, it seems that users are pleased, and that they find the features very useful. Once Google fixes all the problems and if they are indeed able to get their international service up and running, look for Google Voice to become a household name. The service has been blocked from the iPhone, but Apple says this status may change. If Google Voice does become available for the iPhone and the two work well together, its popularity would be boosted even more. Google is continually adding to its free services and applications, spreading it further and further over the technology marketplace.
http://www.businessweek.com/technology/content/oct2009/tc20091030_329665.htm?chan=technology_technology+index+page_top+stories
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/174491/get_google_voice_keep_your_mobile_number.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/13/AR2009101301783.html
1 comments:
It is no surprise that Google Voice’s communication services are growing increasingly popular. This feature allows people with many phone lines to receive all their calls on the same phone. In comparison, this new feature is similar to linking two email accounts together. By forwarding one set of your emails to an account you use more frequently, you save yourself the trouble of having to check many email addresses. For this reason, more and more people are pooling together their messages to link them all to one account. Google is trying to parallel this action with respect to phone lines. I know, for instance, that my father (and many business men) would find this advance in technology to be a phenomenal service. Alone, I have my father saved under eight different numbers in my cell phone, which is not only frustrating for me, but probably for him even more so. It would make life so much easier if I could call any one of these eight phone numbers and he could answer the call on his cell phone, no matter his location. Because this service comes free of charge, it seems that people struggling to keep track of all their phone lines would be strongly in favor of trying this service. Furthermore, this service still includes voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, etcetera. It seems that this service would be picture-perfect for many people in the world. The technology present in this service must be very high in order for the various phone lines to ultimately connect amongst one line.
However, Google is currently facing a few problems with this recent advance in technology. To start, the primary setback to Google Voice is that it is currently invitation only. Therefore, the question of how do I obtain this service arises? At the moment, many articles show that Google Voice is only open to Grand Central Members, and from there they can invite members to join. Thus it is only a matter of time before enough people obtain the service that it becomes open to the public. Although, it seems like somewhat of a good idea for Google to start this service privately. Therefore, they can recognize their problems in small doses rather than having large groups of people get frustrated with the service.
The major problem I see with this technology is the idea of every phone number relying on one line. For instance, if I have a problem and I cannot get a hold of my father on one line, I call the next line, and so on. I continue calling until I find the line that he is reachable at. Ultimately, it is beneficial to me that there are various ways in which I can contact him. However, assuming everything is connected to my father’s cell phone, and he happens to leave it home that day, it makes it very challenging to get in touch with him. Sure if he is in his office I can catch him on his office phone, or if he is in his car I can catch him on his car phone, but after having the many lines connected, the absence of the connector will seemingly cause a hassle. Ultimately, I would keep all the important information on my main line and by forgetting that line, or temporarily misplacing the device, the smoothness of a work day would heavily fade. Therefore, I think Google needs to put a little more thought and advancements into this product. For instance, if they could make every phone ring with all calls it would be more beneficial than having one device do it all.
Post a Comment