Tagged : Mobility

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.

Google Nexus One Better Choice for Travel?

Today Google announced the much anticipated Nexus One phone. From a quick perusal it appears to rival the iPhone in terms of its specifications. Don’t get me wrong, I love my iPhone and all that it does, but there is one thing that Apple has royally screwed us with and that is the inability to choose your own wireless provider.

Google-Nexus-One

I am in full support of open source software and hardware and the fact that the Google Nexus One will be available for purchase as an unlocked device means that I will be free to choose whichever wireless carrier I want. For me the main reason for wanting this is travel. I travel frequently in the USA and often return to absolutely heinous mobile phone bills. I’ve tried using Skype for the iPhone whenever possible, but it’s not always easy to find a free wireless connection. The ability to insert a US or European SIM card when travelling will be hugely advantageous for me in my business travels. Apple is an amazing company with great products, but if they want to stay ahead of the curve they will need to embrace consumer choice and a new way of selling phones. The iPhone should really be available unlocked so that consumers are able to choose their device independently of their wireless carrier.

Check out the Engadget review of the new Google Nexus One.