Google Voice and the Communication Landscape

The way we communicate with each other using devices is evolving at a rapid rate and Google’s new service Google Voice is a prime example. It is apparent now that Google is no longer content to be an information gateway through search. With an increased roster of web based application Google is transforming the ways in which we communicate, store, and share information.

The latest in the big G’s portfolio is Google Voice, which seemingly takes aim at Skype, and creates a voice communication system that acts as a single gateway for multiple types of messaging. If that doesn’t make complete sense, and you’re wondering to yourself “what is google voice?” than let me explain it in English.

Google Voice allows you to manage all of your communication from different mobile and land lines using one single account. You can check voicemail, receive voicemail notifications, send and receive text messages, and receive text transcripts of voicemails and listen to them through your voice account which works through your smart phone or your computer.

Many of us now have multiple email accounts, multiple phone numbers, a Skype account, etc, etc. Google voice is a step in the right direction for personal communication management. Unfortunately it is only available in the USA right now, so it will be a while before I can test the service. If only Google would hurry up and make a single passport account compatible with all websites so I could stop having to remember so many different login names and passwords.