What is Google Voice?

[googl...@yopmail.com]

There's a good chance that you really like Google and all they have to
offer and are very interested in learning about anything new they come
up with.
You've heard about their new service: Google Voice. You want to know
more. What is it? How will it benefit you? How does the service work?

What is Google Voice?

Google voice is a telecommunications service that uses software
technology to improve the process of managing the way you receive
calls. If your mother
wants to give you a call she has to figure out you where you are at
the time she is calling. Are you at work, at home, or out on the road?
With Google Voice a
caller can reach all three of those numbers -- home, work, and cell --
simultaneously by calling a single number -- the Google Voice number.

How Google Voice Works

So Mom calls this new Google Voice number you just got and what
happens? Your home phone, your work phone, and your cell phone will
all begin ringing,
so Mom is sure to get through. Unfortunately Mom has given your Google
number to your Aunt Tillie, who never stops talking. Google Voice
software pre-
screens calls and directs them based on specifications you've set up
for different callers. So Aunt Tillie's call goes immediately to voice
mail because
that's where you have told Google Voice to send calls from her. With
Google Voice you only have to provide your relatives, friends, and
business
associates with a single number. And if you move, change jobs, or get
a new cell phone, you don't have to inform them at all. Just go to
your Google Voice
account and change one or all of the numbers associated with your
Google Voice number.

Setting up a Google Voice Account

First, Google Voice is currently available by invitation only. You
have to go to Google to be put on the invitation waiting list. Their
website says to expect "a
short wait" before getting an invitation. Once you have one the set up
process is similar to setting up any complex software program: you
have to tell the
program what you want it to do. You'll start by selecting your Google
Voice number. This is a huge advantage since you can start with any
area code you
like and follow that with a number that is easy for you and your
contacts to remember. Once that is done, you set up your PIN and
identify different callers
and how you want Google Voice to route them. The system offers a
variety of other services you'll have to set up as well.

Google Voice: Is It Right for Me?

The benefits of Google Voice can seem very appealing but there are a
few things to keep in mind before requesting an invitation to sign up
for the service.
First, configuring any software program can be tedious, confusing, and
time-consuming. You will have to make a lot of decisions to set Google
Voice up so
if you don't like the hassle of software setups, this might not be the
right program for you. Second, if you have a large list of existing
contacts who know your
different phone numbers and you don't anticipate changing any of those
numbers in the near future, you should think about the hassle of
informing all those
people that you want to be reached at a different number. If you think
the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, go to Google and sign up.
Enjoy your
Google Voice Service!

Google Voice
http://www.google.com/voice