Google Voice - First thoughts

In conjunction with installing the AT&T Microcell, I decided to try out Google Voice connected to my cellphone. I am not using the Google Voice number feature, i.e. one number that callers dial, which then tries to connect the call to different phones, e.g. cell phone, work phone, home phone, etc. Instead I am just using it for the voice mail and cheap International calls features. The special feature of the voicemail is that messages left are transcribed to text and then sent to you as email and SMS text message. This enables me to see who called and what they said, without having to listen to a voice mail. At least that is the theory. In the couple of messages to date, the transcription accuracy is not very high. I will have to wait and see how this works out. But it is still better than knowing someone left a message but not having any idea at all what the voicemail message is about, or how important it might be. This will allow me to review an incoming message in a business situation without having to step out of the room to listen to a voicemail.

The other feature I expect to use a lot is low cost international calling plan. After the installation of the AT&T Microcell and the shutdown of our VOIP service, which had free European land line calls included, I was looking for an alternative to call our European family members. To keep things simple, I have installed a Phillips VOIP321 phone at home, which used Skype to connect (see separate review). However, Skype has stopped support for Windows Mobile 6, so although I have the software I did not trust using it. I discovered that Google Voice also provides cheap international calling, actually fractionally cheaper than Skype-Out. So I am going to be using that for my cellphone. Basically, you use your browser to initiate a call, giving both your phone, as well as the number of the called party via the net. Google Voice then calls your phone and connects you to the required party. There is a way to directly connect from your phone, but as I have a smartphone, using the browser is a much easier way to go.

There is one other added benefit, Google Voice domestic calls are free. So I can use the same call and connect me to a chosen number for the rare occasion that I need to make a long distance call, not on my cellphone and from a location with restricted dialing, e.g. client site or hotel room. I have already tried this out on a one hour call, it worked great!