First Impressions: Google Voice

Google Voice Interface

Without getting into a long description and history of Google Voice, I simply offer this: The basis for the Google Voice service was originally a independent project named “Grand Central.” Google acquired Grand Central, kept it public for awhile, then it disappeared into the abyss to emerge over a year later as Google Voice. The idea is simple: One phone number, tied to one person, not a device. Using your Google Voice number, you can receive phone calls and route them to any other phone (work, home, mobile, voicemail) based on who is calling, or the time of day, among other options. Additionally, voice mail is handled by Google, which treats voice mail like email; it’s recorded and retrievable by phone, as well as SMS or available online thanks to a transcription feature.

Once I heard that Grand Central, now, Google Voice had reemerged from the Google Cave, I signed-up to receive an invite. Now, several months later, I received an invite… much to my surprise!

I might very well be one of the worst testers for this service.  I know I won’t use it regularly, and if it weren’t for my overactive curiosity with all things nerdy and new, I wouldn’t pay it any attention. I have one phone number, a personal mobile, and that pretty much takes care of it. Currently, I don’t see how Google Voice can add any real value to my communication experiences. But, again, I love playing with this stuff, so as soon as I received that invite, I clicked through and started the process of securing a new phone number.

After all the initial set up is complete, you’re taken to your “Inbox.” Those familiar with Gmail will feel right at home because the GUI closely resembles that of Gmail. In your inbox you can see all voice mail and text messages listed much like messages in Gmail. There are even options to select conversations to be Starred or sent to Spam. “You can spam callers” you ask? Indeed. When you mark a message as spam, you mark the caller as spam. From that point, when the caller dials your Google Voice number he/she will hear ringing, but none of your phones will ring. Any voice mail left will be sent to the spam folder. Additionally there are options to send callers straight to voice mail, or tell callers your number is no longer in service. That’ll get ‘em to stop calling!

The transcription feature is neat for short calls; you’ll get the idea of what your caller is trying to convey, but don’t expect to avoid listening to minute-long messages. My fiance left me three messages of about 50 seconds each to test the transcription. Our friends got a kick out of listening to Voice translate my name into everything but “Justin.” In one of the messages, she said “I’m also very excited that you love me.” Google transcribed it as “I’m so excited that you left me.” Ouch.

The idea behind Voice isn’t brand new. However, in typical Google fashion, they’ve brought together several features of a call-screening system, voicemail system, infused it with already-existing Google technology, and made something that’s really neat.

But, that’s about it… for now, the idea is neat. Personally, I won’t get any heavy use out of it. I’m considering simply using it to handle my voicemail only (giving out my cell number, as usual, then changing my carrier settings to send voice mail calls to my Google Voice number). Once the wedding invitations go out, I want to use it as a RSVP line.