Here is Google with the newest and latest miracle-the Google Voice. Though the service is open only to Grand Central users; Google is sending out invites slowly to those who have registered anew. The most noticeable characteristic of GV is that a single Google Voice Number could replace and virtually merge all the existing phone connections one has. It could actually manage and direct calls to the thus merged numbers as required. It means one could have all his calls reaching the office number while in working hours, to the mobile while traveling and the home-phone while at home when the person on the other side rings you at your Google number. So much of customization and options-all for free!

The user gets to choose a Google number while signing up for the service-this is not the user’s mobile number or landline number. Google provide options to choose the number based on location or other specifications but it is not possible to change the GV number once selected. Google is even trying to give its users the option to port the currently existing phone number as the GV number in the near future. The user has to choose at least one number to which calls could be forwarded. More phones could be added to the phones tab anytime later on as required. Google gives options on the type of phone to link it with the GV number-Mobile, Work, Home and Gizmo. But do we need this service?

• GV would be a very handy tool if more than one phone connections are in use. Anyone could use the same GV number to reach us at the right place-the office phone or the home connection or the mobile phone- according to the way we have customized it over the settings of Google Voice.

• GV has audio-to-text transcription embedded with the service. Voice mail alerts are available either in the inbox or as text messages on the mobile wherein we get to view snippets of the voice mail in the text form. The original voice mail is also saved in the inbox for as long as one wants.

• One could have the private telephone number as private itself and give the GV number as the contact number. GV provides superior filtering options for incoming calls.  Google provides four levels of filtering for calls. One could have the “Call Presentation” turned on wherein Google asks every anonymous caller for the name and connects the call to you only after receiving your consent over call. You could move known annoyances to a group and link a particular task like –go to voice mailbox- always. You could use the Google Listein feature not to miss anything important from such groups as well.

• Make free calls by linking the Gizmo number with Google Voice. You make a call from the GV web interface and ask GV to call you on the phone as well and connect you to  the new call. Could we call it another innovative application to make free calls using call conferencing? International call rates are also very cheap.

• GV offers to record the voice calls-legally. You could listen or download it anytime you want so now on you do not have to scribble down telephonic interviews made.

• GV offers the user to switch phones while live over the same call. You could continue the second half of the call that probably started at your home landline in your mobile phone, without any break.

• Google offers access to the GOOG-411 directory and helps you share your voice calls, set different ring tone depending on the user and gives you access to your inbox from  phone.

But you might not find GV appealing or feel its need if you do not use your cell phone very frequently or send any SMS. The common security question linked with Google is relevant here as well-GV lets all your calls, voice mails and SMS stored at the Google servers. Another issue is a time delay felt at times while using the service for voice calls. Only if Google wouldn’t stop the service some tomorrow!

But there is no denying the fact that Google Voice is just awesome and has the Google touch in it.