Google Voice is Google's answer to voice communications. Originally GrandCentral, the technology was purchased by Google and repackaged as Google Voice. Using Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, Google Voice allows people to place cheap long distance phone calls through their Internet connection.
Taking VoIP technology one step further, Google Voice also allows customer to have a Google Voice phone number and choose which devices rings when the number is dialed, so you could forward the calls to a home phone, work phone or cell phone, or even have the call ring all three numbers.
The services also features voice mail, text messaging, call recording and can even automatically block calls from known telemarketers. In many ways, it is the next logical step in voice communications.
What about the large telecom companies? How do they feel about Google Voice?
Obviously, large telecom companies like AT&T, Sprint and Verizon aren't big fans of Google Voice. Many people have already elected to skip having a home phone now that cell phones are so popular, and with Google Voice, you can even use the basic package and still talk as much as you want because the calls route through the Internet rather than through your cell phone service.
Google Voice also eliminates the need for a text messaging service with its ability to serve the same purpose for free, and it also eliminates the need for other services, such as paying for a call blocking service.
Nevertheless, Google Voice has made its way onto Blackberry and Android-powered smartphones, though AT&T successfully blocked its appearance on the ever-popular iPhone.