Calling on the cloud with Google Voice

If you haven't heard about Google Voice, let me be the first to tell you about it. Google Voice is a telephony service that can be used on any cellular phone and any carrier. Just a Gmail account is required.

The Google Voice web-based interface

Google Voice was designed to complement your existing cellular phone carrier. Recently, Google has added Phone Number Porting, which allows you to use Google as your primary carrier. The set of features are vibrant, with all of the usual stuff (personal greetings, voicemail, etc.). And when used inside a web browser, you can make calls from your computer (headphones/speakers and microphone required).

Use Google Voice to make calls from your computer

For me, the two best features of Google Voice are the free calls within the U.S. and Canada and cheap international calls. Some of my family is in New England and France. Here's a complete list of features:

• Voicemail transcription to e-mail
• One phone number that can be ported to multiple phone numbers
• Personalized voice mail greetings
• Cheap international calls
• Block/screen callers
• Conference calling
• Mobile app (Android, iPhone, and Blackberry)
• SMS to e-mail

Here's a quote from the Google Voice website:

Teach your phone new tricks

Google Voice enhances the existing capabilities of your phone, regardless of which phone or carrier you have - for free. It also gives you:

One Number
Use a single number that rings you anywhere.

Online voicemail
Get transcribed messages delivered to your inbox.

Cheap calls
Free calls & text messages to the U.S. & Canada.
Super low rates everywhere else.

For more information on Google Voice, follow the link below:

Google Voice