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Google Voice
Developer(s)Google
Stable release
Android2024.10.21 (Build 691108989) / 29 October 2024; 13 days ago (2024-10-29)[1][2]
iOS24.43 / 1 November 2024; 10 days ago (2024-11-01)[3]
Websitegoogle.com/voice

Google Voice is a telecommunications service by Google[4] launched on March 11, 2009. Google Voice had some 1.4 million users in October 2009, 570,000 of which used the service 7 days a week.[5]

The service is configured and maintained by the user in a web-based application, styled after Google's e-mail service, Gmail. Google Voice currently provides free PC-to-PC voice and video calling worldwide between users of the Google Voice and Video Chat browser plugin (available for Windows, Intel-based Mac OS X, and Linux)[6], and free PC-to-phone calls into North America (this service will remain free at least until the end of 2011).

Google Voice users resident in the US may also make low-cost calls to international phone numbers. For incoming calls, users must have an established US telephone service to activate a Google Voice phone number. Users must configure this and optionally, additional phone numbers that ring simultaneously when the Google Voice number receives a call. The user may answer and receive the call on any of the ringing phones. The service provides a US phone number, chosen by the user from available numbers in selected area codes, free of charge to each user account. Inbound calls to this number are forwarded to other phone numbers of the subscriber. Outbound calls may be placed to domestic and international destinations from the web-based application or by dialing the Google Voice number.[7] Domestic and outbound calls to the US (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada[8][9] are currently free of charge. International calls are billed according to a schedule posted on the Google Voice website.[10] Google Voice provides additional features such as voicemail, call history, conference calling, call screening, blocking of unwanted calls, and voice transcription to text of voicemail messages.[11] Received calls may be moved between configured telephones during a call.

Overview

Google, via Gmail currently provides free PC-to-PC voice (and, optionally, also video, which has been around much longer) calling worldwide. Currently free PC-to-phone calls are available into North America (this service will remain free at least until the end of 2011). Google Voice users in the US may also make low-cost calls to international phone numbers, as described above. A Google Voice local phone number for incoming calls is currently available only for users in the United States.[12] Users may select a single US phone number from various area codes. Incoming calls to the number may ring simultaneously any of the user's configured phones or the account's Google Talk feature. Based on the calling number, or contact group (e.g., Family, Friends, Work), or on time of day, e.g., disabling a home phone during business hours and routing calls to mobile or business number, individual numbers may be configured to ring. The service also features voicemail with indexable automated voicemail transcription, accessible via a web browser, e-mail, or by phone. The number of rings before voicemail takes over is preset, however, and cannot be changed by the user. Google Voice provides automatic blocking of known numbers, e.g., telemarketers, the ability to switch lines in mid-call, differentiated voice mail greetings based on caller, SMS forwarding, and call recording. Additionally, customers of Gizmo5, a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) service vendor now owned by Google, were allowed to forward calls to their Gizmo service which may be answered using a free computer application, a web application[13], or SIP-based telephone hardware, until Google discontinued Gizmo5 service after April 3, 2011.

Similar in concept, free Personal Numbering services have been available in the UK since 1993. It is also similar to the AT&T True Connections 500 service offered in the 1990s. AT&T's service required the direct involvement of AT&T to change the phone number list, while the Google service is user-configurable on the web application.

The original voice of GrandCentral and Google Voice belonged to actress and voice-over artist, Laurie Burke, but has been replaced with recordings by Kiki Baessell, a Googler who had no experience in professional voice-overs, but was chosen because of her pleasant, familiar voice.[14]

History

Origin

GrandCentral, founded in 2005 by Craig Walker and Vincent Paquet with funding by Minor Ventures, was acquired by Google on July 2, 2007, for US$95 million in a transaction led by Wesley Chan. After purchasing GrandCentral, Google appeared to have abandoned the project and very little information about it was released. Posters in the GrandCentral support forums complained frequently of the dearth of information about the service and the lack of customer support.[15] An "open letter" in Salon.com by reporter Judi Sohn entitled "Will the Last One to Leave GrandCentral Please Turn Out the Lights?" reflected the frustration many of GrandCentral's early adopters have expressed in the GrandCentral forums.[16] On March 11, 2009, the management of the service revealed that the team had been working on it throughout that period, apparently in secret,[7] and that it was being rebranded "Google Voice".[17] It was to keep most of the functionality originally offered in GrandCentral and add new features.[18][19]

Google transition

Google Voice was launched on March 11, 2009, based on GrandCentral, with new features, including voicemail transcriptions and SMS managing. Google transitioned former GrandCentral accounts to Google Voice[17] and announced that the service would start accepting new members "within weeks" of the announcement.[7][17] On June 25, 2009, NBC's Today Show stated that Google Voice would be available nationwide on that day.[20] Google confirmed this in a Twitter message stating: "Google Voice on NBC Today Show. Invites to people on reservations list starting to go out today."[21] The expansion has been limited to users queued[22] on the invitation list. Users with paid-in balances also receive a limited number of invitation opportunities.

On July 1, 2009, Google Voice provided the option for users to change their service phone number for a US$10 fee.[23]

GrandCentral termination

On September 15, 2009, GrandCentral calling services were shut down. Subscribers who use the website could still log into the site to retrieve old messages and data.[24] After termination of Grandcentral phone services, users who haven't moved over to Google Voice were still advised to upgrade their account to Google Voice.[25]

Gizmo5 acquisition

On November 12, 2009, Google announced that it had acquired Gizmo5[26] for a reported US $30 million in cash. A major effect of this announcement is that Gizmo5 has suspended new signups until it is re-launched by Google.[27] Google was reported to be working on a desktop application, though rumors now circulate that the project has been scrapped in favor of a browser-based solution.[28]

As of March 4, 2011, Google announced the discontinuation of the Gizmo5 service to its subscribers through email; Google stopped accepting balance credits on March 11, 2011 in preparation for the closure of Gizmo5 on April 3, 2011.

As of April 3, 2011, Google officially discontinued the Gizmo5 service.

Open availability

On June 22, 2010 Google Voice dropped the requirement for invitations to become a subscriber, and the service became available to anyone in the USA with a Google account.[29] As a result, many users have been unable to obtain local numbers in conjunction with the service.[30]

Features

Features of Google Voice, many retained from GrandCentral, include:

  • A single Google forwarding number to all of the user's phones
  • Unlimited free calls and SMS within the US and Canada, up to three hours in individual length.
  • Calling international phone numbers with rates starting at US$0.02 per minute
  • Call screening. Announcement of callers based on their number or by an automated identification request for blocked numbers
  • Listening in on someone's recording of a voice message before taking a call (press 2 while answering, * to "pick up")
  • Blocking calls from specified numbers
  • Send, receive, and store SMS online
  • Answering incoming calls on any configured phone
  • Call routing. Selection of phones that should ring based on calling number
  • Voicemail transcripts. Reading of voicemail messages online
  • Listening to voicemail online or from a phone
  • Notification of voicemail messages via email or SMS
  • Personalized greetings based on calling number
  • Forward or downloading of voicemails
  • Conference calling (press 5 when answering call)
  • Call recording and online archiving (press 4 while on a call)
  • Switching of phones during a call
  • Viewing the web inbox from a mobile device/phone
  • Customize preferences for contacts by group
  • Ability to change your number for a fee
  • Ability to port your mobile number for a fee
  • Specifying an existing phone number instead of the Google Voice number on initial setup for use with limited functionality, such as some voicemail functions.[31] and using the voice mail system for the user's phone number (mobile devices only).[32]
  • The inability to use short codes with Google Voice prevents exorbitant fees from being charged due to a single mis-dial.

While many customers in countries other than the United States have been grandfathered into Google Voice services, the features are reduced and often cost very small fees to call their own country. Currently Google Voice PC-to-phone calling works only for calls into North America or for domestic or international calls from North America; Google plans to implement this for other countries, but a time frame has not been released. A US telephone number is required to obtain a Google Voice phone number for redirecting incoming calls.[33]

Users in Hawaii and Alaska were originally only minimally supported. No local area codes were available until October 3, 2009, and charges were required for calls to those areas until October 7, 2009.[34][35][36]

Caller line identification

As a call forwarding service, Google Voice also forwards the caller line identification (CLID or caller ID) of incoming calls to the user's telephone service. In order to correctly transmit their own CLID, based on the Google Voice number, the call must be initiated with Google Voice rather than with the physical handset.

The caller's Google Voice number is used as CLID on outgoing calls when a call is placed by calling their own Google Voice number and using the service's menu choices,[37] or when the web-based account portal is used to place a call.[38]

Mobile phone applications

Google Voice applications for Google Android, BlackBerry and iPhone can automatically place outgoing calls via the user's Google Voice service.[39]

Google Voice does not officially support SMS to phone numbers outside of the United States.[40] As of 1 June 2010 Google had purposely blocked International texts, with the intention of reintroducing the service once billing systems are in place.[41]

Integration into Gmail

When Google Voice was offered during beta testing, Gmail Labs offered an add-on so users could listen to their voicemails in their Gmail inbox.[42] Since August 26, 2010, U.S. and Canadian Gmail users may place calls to the U.S., Canada, and international destinations from within Gmail.[43] Calls to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers are free, while calls to international destinations cost as low as 2 cents per minute.[44] This is possible with the help of a voice and video chat plugin that users download and install so their browsers can take advantage of cameras, microphones, and speakers installed in the computer.[45] Additionally, all of these features are being made available to Google Apps customers as Google transition all of the apps accounts (gmail, etc. within your own domain name instead of google.com) to be regular Google accounts. The account transitions should be complete by the end of 2010 and domain administrators are able to initiate the transition from their dashboard immediately if they so desire. If the user has a Google Voice account, the account phone number is used as caller identification relayed to the destination.

Restrictions

No emergency calling

Google Voice refers to itself as an "enhanced call management application" and as such "is not capable of placing or receiving emergency services calls."[46] Attempting to dial 911 in the U.S. indicates that the number is not valid. Google previously recommended having "an alternative means of accessing 911 or similar emergency services."

VoIP services

Google Voice permits Voice Over IP (VoIP) connections through Gmail or Google Talk, but offers no simple way to communicate with users of other VoIP services, e.g. by direct connection between IP addresses or SIP gateway. [47]

Voicemail

The number of rings before a call is transferred to voicemail is preset to 4 and cannot be changed by the user.

Call recording

There is no option to automatically record calls. Additionally, when recording is manually initiated during a call, Google inserts a recording notification that is heard by all parties. This occurs whether the subscriber is in a U.S. state requiring such notification or not (most do not).[48]

Partners and infrastructure

Google Voice's partners that provide phone numbers, call-termination, call-routing, and other infrastructure include:

In 2009, Google reserved 1 million telephone numbers with Level 3 Communications which were presumed to be for Google Voice.[49]

Dispute between AT&T and Google about call blocking

Main article: Traffic pumping § Role in dispute between AT&T and Google

AT&T petitioned the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC)[50] that Google should be required to allow calls to high-cost destinations. Google responded that it is not obligated to allow these calls.[51][52]

Rejection from iPhone App Store

On July 27, 2009, Apple Inc. rejected a Google Voice app that had been submitted by Google six weeks earlier. Other apps created for use with Google Voice, such as GVdialer, GV Mobile and VoiceCentral, were removed from the App Store. Apple states that the reason for the rejection and removals is that these apps replaced certain iPhone functions and features.[53]

A Google spokesman released this statement on the matter:[54]

We work hard to bring Google applications to a number of mobile platforms, including the iPhone. Apple Inc. did not approve the Google Voice application we submitted six weeks ago to the Apple App Store. We will continue to work to bring our services to iPhone users – for example, by taking advantage of advances in mobile browsers.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened an inquiry regarding the rejection of Google Voice for the iPhone. "The FCC asked why Apple rejected the Google Voice application for the iPhone and removed related 'third-party applications' from its store." The FCC has also requested Google to submit a letter describing the application of Google Voice. "The request is part of a broader-ranging inquiry by the commission on exclusive deals between cell phone carriers and handset manufacturers for hot phones."[55]

In their response to the FCC, Google stated that the Google Voice application uses the carrier's voice network to place phone calls,[56] dispelling misconceptions that it is a Voice over Internet Protocol application. AT&T stated that they had no role in approval or rejection of the Google Voice application.[57] Apple stated that they have not rejected the application but are continuing to examine it. One argument against allowing the Google Voice app on the iPhone is that they are concerned that it replaces the iPhone user interface with its own; however many dialers and messaging apps are available from the app store.[58]

As a result of rejection from the Apple Store, Google released its Google Voice iPhone application as a web app in January 2010, and certain apps like GV Mobile are available through Cydia on jailbroken iPhones.[59][60]

In September 2010, Sean Kovacs, creator of the app GV Mobile +, announced on his Twitter that Apple had re-accepted the application, and it has since been available for purchase on the Apple App Store. This is the second Google Voice service app available in the Apple's official application store for a year and a half, released just a day after "GV Connect" had been available.[61][62]

In November 2010, the official iPhone application became available in the App Store in the US. Google Voice is still not available in the App Stores outside USA. .[63]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Google Voice". Google Play. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  2. ^ "Google Voice 2024.10.21.691108989". APKMirror. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  3. ^ "Google Voice". App Store. Retrieved 2024-11-07.
  4. ^ Chan, Wesley (2007-07-02). "Official Google Blog: All aboard". Google. Retrieved 2008-03-12.
  5. ^ "Business Week: 1.4 million Google Voice users". ZD Net. Retrieved 4 October 2010. Google confirms
  6. ^ "Google voice and video chat". Retrieved 2010-01-03.
  7. ^ a b c Pogue, David (2009-03-11). "One Number to Ring Them All". The New York Times.
  8. ^ Paquet, Vincent (2009-10-07). "Google Voice Blog". Google. Retrieved 2009-10-07. When we launched Google Voice, we offered free calling to the continental US. We've just expanded this to all 50 states by adding free calling to Alaska and Hawaii.
  9. ^ "Google Voice: Calling Rates". Google Voice website. Retrieved 28 July 2010. Canada: $0.00
  10. ^ "Google Voice: Calling Rates". Google Voice website. Retrieved 28 July 2010.
  11. ^ "Google Voice". Retrieved 2009-08-21.
  12. ^ "Google Voice invitation request,". Google. Retrieved 2009-08-03.
  13. ^ "Gizmo5 browser-based telephony application". Retrieved 2009-09-19.
  14. ^ "Google Voice Blog: The new voice of Google Voice". Google. 2010-06-28. Retrieved 2010-07-06.
  15. ^ For example, see Sohn, Judi (2008-08-11). "Ready to Ditch GrandCentral? Take a Look at PhoneFusion One". Web Worker Daily. Retrieved 2009-12-08. which mentions the problem. The original GrandCentral support forum is no longer online, having been replaced by a Google Groups forum with newer content.
  16. ^ Sohn, Judi (2009-01-26). "Will the Last One to Leave GrandCentral Please Turn Out the Lights?". Salon.com. Retrieved 2009-12-08.
  17. ^ a b c "Moving to Google Voice!". Official Google Voice Blog. 2009-03-12. Retrieved 2009-03-13.
  18. ^ Broida, Rick (2009-03-12). "GrandCentral Becomes Google Voice, Adds Features". BNET. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
  19. ^ Peng, Dennis (2009-03-18). "ooma and Google Voice". Ooma. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
  20. ^ One number for office home and cell (Television). Today. 2009. {{cite AV media}}: External link in |title= (help)
  21. ^ Google Voice Twitter feed on 6/25/09
  22. ^ Walker, Craig. (2009-06-25) Official Google Blog: Google Voice invites on their way. Googleblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  23. ^ Google Voice Help- Settings: Changing your number
  24. ^ GrandCentral will be shutting down as of today
  25. ^ Google Voice Twitter feed on 9/14/09
  26. ^ "Google welcomes Gizmo5". Google Voice Blog. Retrieved 2009-11-12.
  27. ^ Kovitz, Steven (14 November 2009). "It's Official – Google Acquires Gizmo5!". Google Voice Secrets. Retrieved 2009-11-15.
  28. ^ Google Voice Desktop App Launch Delayed, May Be Scrapped. Techcrunch.com (2010-06-11). Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  29. ^ Walker, Craig. (2010-06-22) Google Voice Blog: Google Voice for everyone. Googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  30. ^ Notification System For The Addition Of Newly Available Numbers – Google Voice Help. Google.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  31. ^ Paquet, Vincent (2009-10-26). "Use Google Voice with your existing number". Google. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  32. ^ Walker, Craig (2009-10-26). "Use Google Voice with your existing number". Google. Retrieved 2009-10-26.
  33. ^ Can Google Voice be used in Canada? – Google Voice Help. Google.com (2009-07-05). Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  34. ^ Google Voice looks to transform your phone – chicagotribune.com
  35. ^ "NEW GV FEATURE: Free calls to Hawaii and Alaska (3 October 2009)". Google Voice Help Forum. Retrieved 2009-10-07.
  36. ^ Free calling now to Hawaii and Alaska – Google Voice Blog
  37. ^ Google Voice: Bring us your number?
  38. ^ YouTube – Google Voice – Place calls
  39. ^ "Google Mobile". Retrieved 2009-07-15.
  40. ^ International Text Messaging : Basics – Google Voice Help. Google.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  41. ^ International SMS sending/receiving as of 06/01 – Google Voice Help. Google.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  42. ^ Listen to Google Voice Messages in Gmail. Googlesystem.blogspot.com (2009-09-10). Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  43. ^ Schriebman, Robin. (2010-08-25) Call phones from Gmail – Official Gmail Blog. Gmailblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  44. ^ Google. Google. Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  45. ^ Google. Google. Retrieved on 2010-12-07.
  46. ^ Google Voice Legal Notices
  47. ^ Posting about VoIP in Google help forums
  48. ^ Telephone Recording Laws
  49. ^ Fontana, John (2009-06-20). "Google Grabs 1 Million Phone Numbers for Google Voice". PCWorld. Retrieved 2010-12-20. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  50. ^ Siegler, MG (2009-09-25). "AT&T Goes After Google Voice, Net Neutrality And Double Standards (Full Letter To FCC)". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2010-07-24. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  51. ^ Kincaid, Jason (2009-10-09). "AT&T Complaint Prompts FCC Letter To Google Inquiring About Google Voice". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2010-07-24. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  52. ^ "10-28-09 Google Voice Letter to FCC". Scribd. 2009-10-28. Retrieved 2010-07-24. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  53. ^ Mills, Adam (2009-07-27). "Google Voice iPhone app rejected by Apple". Examiner.com. Retrieved 2009-07-27.
  54. ^ Jason, Kincaid (2009-07-27). "Apple Is Growing Rotten To The Core: Official Google Voice App Blocked From App Store". TechCrunch. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
  55. ^ Johnson, Fawn (2009-08-01). "FCC Opens Inquiry of Apple's Ban of Google Voice". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 2009-08-30. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  56. ^ Whitt, Richard S. (21 August 2009). "Google's Response to FCC Inquiry Regarding Apple's Rejection of the Google Voice for iPhone Application" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
  57. ^ Cicconi, James W. (21 August 2009). "AT&T Response to Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Letter, DA 09- 1737 (July 31, 2009); RM-11361; RM-11497" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
  58. ^ Novelli, Catherine A. (21 August 2009). "Apple's Response to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Questions of July 31, 2009" (PDF). Federal Communications Commission. Retrieved 2009-08-30.
  59. ^ "First look: Google Voice's improved Web app for iPhone", Ars Technica, 26 January 2010
  60. ^ Kovacs, Sean (28 July 2009), "Wow", Sean Kovacs
  61. ^ Greg Kumparak (17 September 2010), "Apple Finally Lets A Google Voice Application Into The App Store (Again)", Andreas Amann
  62. ^ Trey (18 September 2010), "GV Mobile + Accepted into the App Store", Sean Kovacs
  63. ^ "Google Voice for iPhone", Google Voice, 16 November 2010
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