So i’ve been trying out Google’s newest  nifty service “Google Voice” lately, and I am thoroughly impressed.

If you’re not familiar with it, you should go check out their webpage at http://www.google.com/voice.

Google assigns you a new phone number (most area codes have numbers available)  I got a number in my area code, but unfortunately not one that is a local number for my area.  However, long-distance charges are not that big of an issue now though since everyone uses a cellphone now.

Once you get your new number, whenever anyone calls that number, all of your phones ring (or whichever ones you want, based on time of day, who is calling, etc.)

Then as soon as you answer on one of the phones your call is connected.

That’s a nifty service, but in my opinion the real killer feature of Google Voice is the free voicemail transcription.  I hate..  and by hate I mean absolutely loathe voicemail.  Having to call in, push a bunch of buttons, listen to someone talk for 15 minutes to get to the point makes me crazy.  With transcription, a text copy of their message is sent right to my email.

In addition, sms messages (text messages) can be handled right in your web browser.  No more trying to peck out a text message on your phone keypad.  This means I can text someone at 100+ words per minute.

If you’re one that uses landlines often, and would like to be able to get free long distance.  You can have Google Voice call you and after you pick up, call someone else, and connect you.  Meaning that since as far as your home phone is concerned, all you did was receive a call, there is no long distance charge.  (the applet below and on my “contact me” page works by similar concept.)

(This one will send you directly to my voicemail)

Theres lots of other little features too..  call recording, listenin on voicemail as it’s being sent, switch to other phones during a call, etc.  check them all out here, and sign up to get your own number.