You have the work cell and the personal cell.
Then, you also have an office number and a home number. Someone will try to get a hold of you using one, but you'll be at the other. Sometimes you'll want to be left alone to finish a project. And then sometimes you'll be waiting for that one phone call before you can move on to the next task at work.
As communication has become more simplified through wireless and multi-platform innovation, it has also become more and more complicated.
The ueber-lucrative, multifaceted Web giant Google launched its Google Voice product last March in the company's first attempt to expand its digital communication wings.
The program allows users to sync all of their phone numbers into one. Users get a new number, which they are expected to give out, and can then manage calls to that number to whichever phone they will be at.
Users can set their Google Voice so anytime a call comes into their new Google number between 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., the call will go directly to their work phone. Then a user can set all calls from between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. be sent to their personal cell, so when they're running around doing errands after work, they only need to carry one cell phone. Then, a user can set their Google account so all calls coming to that Google number after 7 p.m. go straight to the home phone.
Most importantly is that Google provides this service for FREE, much like its e-mail and blogging services.
I was invited to Google Voice in July (it was invite only at first, though I don't know if it was actually difficult to get an invitation), set up my account, but did not use it.
The problem with Google Voice was that new number. The problem is that people have become so attached to their phone numbers.
People need to go online to check Facebook to remember birthdays, but that cell number will be in the cell phone, which is always in the pocket/purse.
So switching phone numbers has become a lengthy process that must be managed through several different outlets. People need to send Facebook messages and/or e-mails to all their known contacts to get the new number out.
Professionals need to change their business cards so the new number gets published. Then those new business cards have to be re-distributed. Plus there's the hope that the new business card receiver will take the time to accurately update their directory with your new number.
It may be exhausting, but after months of not thinking about it, I have decided to give Google Voice a legitmate chance now.
And I think it's a product you may also want to consider.
Here's some more information on it from Wired.com:
If you're lucky enough to have received an invitation, Google Voice is a fantastic way to manage your phone life. The service offers the ability to route any incoming call to any phone or straight to voicemail, if you prefer, and you can create rules based on the caller. Other standout features include SMS, voicemail via e-mail, call recording, call screening and the ability to switch phones mid-call.The biggest advantage that article notes is the infinite mobile minutes loophole Google Voice allows users to utilize.
In addition to the easy-to-use, Gmail-like interface, Google Voice can be used to search for past messages, keep a backup of all your text messages and otherwise organize your life. Continue Reading.
Perhaps the best Google Voice hack involves taking advantage of some loopholes in your mobile contract. Follow these steps and you'll never need to use any of your mobile plan's minutes again. Note that this will only work if you have a plan that offers free calling to select numbers.As I embark on my Google Voice trial, I'll keep you all posted on how it works out.
The trick is to add your Google Voice number to your list of free numbers, then have everyone call your Google Voice number. From your mobile provider's perspective it will look like only one person ever calls you and since that number is part of your plan, voila, no more worrying about how many minutes you've used.
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