Google Voice?

Snaquebite · 08-04-2009, 20:06

Came across this. Looks like an outstanding resource for those who need it. CNET News Article http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-103...=2547-1_3-0-20

"Google will now offer priority Google Voice accounts to active members of the service, according to the company's official blog. Military staffers with .mil addresses will receive Google Voice invites within 24 hours after requesting them, says Tuesday's blog, written by U.S. Army Sergeant Dale Sweetnam.

Any Techies want to chime in?

Did a little reading and folks seem pleased.

all you need is a .mil address so I'm wondering how they determine between AD and retired.

Priest · 08-05-2009, 05:46

They don't. You can actually request an invite if you have a gmail account, free service as well, already. The address is https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/.
I started using it a few days ago and I am immensely pleased with this service. I can see a plethora of uses for this. They even let you choose your new number based on a small variety of search options, ie area code, zip code, or you search for text (as is if you want 1-910-THEMAN) you can search for theman, and if available, its yours)
Well, that is my techie review, good luck.

gits · 08-05-2009, 23:36

I've used it briefly, seems pretty nice, free phone calls from my phone using VOIP I believe. I definitely can start cutting down on some bills as far as minutes go for out going calls. It seems that using SMS google voice on your phone, your replies will automatically text your phone. Not too sure other capabilities yet but. It does log all your message traffic to your google voice account though. FYI I am using a jailbroken Iphone with the google voice app.

Smokin Joe · 08-06-2009, 18:49

I just signed up for it.

Pro's that I see thus far:

Turns voice mail into text; it can then send that text to your phone, so you can read it instead of listening to it later... good for meetings, church, etc. Or you can forward these messages like e-mails to others.
You can eaves drop on voice mail messages as they are being left.
All voice mail is saved online.
One phone number will ring all of your numbers at once (i.e. cell phone, office, home, etc.).
You can place annoying callers on your own personal "do not call list". So when they call they get an auto-disconnect message.
You can send and receive text messages from your PC.

I'll review it later once I have spent sometime working with it.

nmap · 11-08-2009, 22:12

I've been using it for a few weeks - I like it a lot!

I prefer not to transmit my phone number through called ID. Google Voice seems to take care of that problem by sending the Google Voice number instead of my true number. This is particularly nice with 1-800 numbers and cell-phone numbers.

I like the privacy setting. I can give out the GV number all I want - mostly, it goes to voice mail, but I can let it go directly through to my actual number.

By the way - I have a couple invitations I can distribute. So if anyone wants one and doesn't have the *.mil option, please contact me.

Threeofclubs · 11-08-2009, 23:01

I'm very happy with the service, and encourage people to use it more than any phone number I have. Just the ability for it to ring all my numbers at once would be enough for me. I also picked a nifty easy-to-remember number that spells something fun.

xxx-4UNDEAD

I have a few invites left, too.

greenberetTFS · 11-12-2009, 16:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmap

I've been using it for a few weeks - I like it a lot!

I prefer not to transmit my phone number through called ID. Google Voice seems to take care of that problem by sending the Google Voice number instead of my true number. This is particularly nice with 1-800 numbers and cell-phone numbers.

I like the privacy setting. I can give out the GV number all I want - mostly, it goes to voice mail, but I can let it go directly through to my actual number.

By the way - I have a couple invitations I can distribute. So if anyone wants one and doesn't have the *.mil option, please contact me.

nmap,

Can you send me one and are you sure they aren't going to charge you for this service?

Big Teddy

SF_BHT · 11-12-2009, 16:33

We have tried to use it but it is only for the US..... We are stuck with Skype/MJ/Vontage......

11-12-2009, 16:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenberetTFS

nmap,

Can you send me one and are you sure they aren't going to charge you for this service?

Big Teddy

First, you can generate your own invitation. It worked for me. Google Voice invitation request

Second, I'm making a bet that it will continue to be a value service and now include the number in the signature of my email. The screening service is terrific.

I'd include it in my signature here, but who would want to call me in this crowd.

nmap · 11-12-2009, 17:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenberetTFS

nmap,

Can you send me one and are you sure they aren't going to charge you for this service?

Big Teddy

You're more than welcome to the last invitation! If you could send me a PM with your e-mail address, I will send it immediately.

The only charge occurs if one wants to add minutes for calls outside the U.S. and Canada. Local and long distance calls within that area are free. Use of the number they make available is free, as are the services included.

At least for the present, it appears to be a good deal.

Here's a LINK to Wikipedia for a bit more history and confirmation of the free nature of the service.

And here's a LINK to more information about the features.