View source for Google Voice

{{Distinguish|Google Talk|Google Voice Search}}
{{Redirect|GrandCentral||Grand Central (disambiguation){{!}}Grand Central}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2012}}

{{Infobox software
| title                  = Google Voice
| name                   = Google Voice
| logo                   = [[File:GoogleVoiceLogo.png|128px|Google Voice logo]]
| screenshot             = [[Image:Example_of_Google_Voice_in_2017_running_on_Web,_Android,_and_iOS.png|300px]]
| caption                = Google Voice running on a [[Web Browser|browser]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], and [[iOS]]
| collapsible            = yes
| developer              = [[Google]]
| released               = {{start date and age|2009|3|11}}
| programming language   =
| platform               = [[Web application|Web]], [[Android (operating system)|Android]], [[iOS]]
| genre                  =
| license                =
| website                = {{URL|https://www.google.com/voice}}
| operating_system       =
}}

'''Google Voice''' is a [[telephony]] service that provides [[call forwarding]] and [[voicemail]] services, voice and text messaging, as well as U.S. and international call termination for [[Google Account]] customers in the U.S. and Canada.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115061?hl=en|title=About Google Voice|work=google.com}}</ref> The service was launched by [[Google]]<ref>{{cite web|last=Chan|first=Wesley |title=Official Google Blog: All aboard|publisher=Google|date=July 2, 2007|url= http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2007/07/all-aboard.html |accessdate=March 12, 2008}}</ref> on March 11, 2009, after the company had acquired the service '''GrandCentral'''.

Google Voice provides a U.S. telephone number, chosen by the user from available numbers in selected area codes, free of charge to each user account. Calls to this number are forwarded to telephone numbers that each user must configure in the account web portal. Multiple destinations may be specified that ring simultaneously for incoming calls. Service establishment requires a United States telephone number. A user may answer and receive calls on any of the ringing phones as configured in the web portal. During a received call the user may switch between the configured telephones.<ref name="pogue2"/>

Users {{As of|2010|12|alt=in the U.S.}} may place outbound calls to domestic and international destinations. Calls may be initiated from any of the configured telephones, as well as from a mobile device app, or from the account portal.<ref name="pogue2">{{cite news|last=Pogue|first=David|title=One Number to Ring Them All|work=The New York Times|date=March 11, 2009|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/technology/personaltech/12pogue.html}}</ref> As of August 2011, users in many other countries also may place outbound calls from the web-based application to domestic and international phone numbers.<ref>{{cite web|title=Google Voice Blog|publisher=Google|date=August 2, 2011|url=http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/calling-from-gmail-now-in-38-languages.html|accessdate=August 4, 2011|quote=Calling from Gmail now in 38 languages, with lower rates to over 150 destinations.}}</ref>

Many other Google Voice services—such as [[voicemail]], free text messaging, call history, [[conference call]]ing, [[call screening]], blocking of unwanted calls, and [[Speech recognition|voice transcription]] to text of voicemail messages—are also available to {{As of|2010|12|alt=U.S. residents}}.<ref>{{cite web
  | title = Google Voice
  | url = https://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html
  | accessdate =August 21, 2009 }}</ref> In terms of product integration, transcribed and audio voicemails, missed call notifications, and/or text messages can optionally be forwarded to an email account of the user's choice. Additionally, text messages can be sent and received via the familiar email or IM interface by reading and writing text messages in numbers in [[Google Talk]] respectively (PC-to-Phone texting). Google Voice multi-way videoconferencing (with support for document sharing) is now integrated with [[Google+]] Hangouts.<ref>{{cite web | title = Google+ Hangouts (Videoconferencing) | url = https://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/ | accessdate =July 16, 2012 }}</ref>

The service is configured and maintained by the user in a web-based application, styled after Google's e-mail service, [[Gmail]], or with Android and iOS apps on smart phones or tablets. Google Voice {{As of|2010|12|alt=currently}} provides free PC-to-phone calling within the United States and Canada, and PC-to-PC voice and video calling worldwide between users of the Google+ Hangouts browser plugin (available for Windows, Intel-based Mac OS X, and Linux).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.google.com/chat/video | title=Google voice and video chat | accessdate=January 3, 2010 }}</ref>

Almost all domestic and outbound calls to the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) and Canada<ref>{{cite web|last=Paquet|first=Vincent |title=Google Voice Blog|publisher=Google|date=October 7, 2009|url=http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/free-calling-now-to-hawaii-and-alaska.html |accessdate=October 7, 2009 |quote=When we launched Google Voice, we offered free calling to the continental U.S. We've just expanded this to all 50 states by adding free calling to Alaska and Hawaii.}}</ref><ref>A few domestic calls are also billed at $0.01 per minute.</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Google Voice: Calling Rates|url=https://www.google.com/voice/rates#C|work=Google Voice website|accessdate=July 28, 2010|quote="Canada: $0.00"}}</ref> are {{As of|2011|10|alt=currently}} free from the U.S. and Canada, and $0.01 per minute from everywhere else.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/voice/rates?hl=en_US&currency=USD |title=Google Voice: Calling Rates |publisher=Google |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref> International calls are billed according to a schedule posted on the Google Voice website.<ref>{{cite web|title=Google Voice: Calling Rates|url=https://www.google.com/voice/rates#C|work=Google Voice website|accessdate=July 28, 2010}}</ref>

Late in 2009, Google Voice had approximately 1.4&nbsp;million users, of which 570,000 used the service 7&nbsp;days a week.<ref>{{cite web|title=Business Week: 1.4 million Google Voice users|url=http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/business-week-14-million-google-voice-users-global-push-in-the-works/26813|work=ZD Net|date=October 30, 2009|accessdate=July 20, 2010|quote="Google confirms"|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100904015357/http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/business-week-14-million-google-voice-users-global-push-in-the-works/26813|archivedate=September 4, 2010|df=mdy-all}}</ref> This number rose markedly after Google made the transition of its Google Voice service from "invitation only" to be available to all Gmail subscribers in the United States. A [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] blog post quoted a figure of 3.5&nbsp;million in 2013.<ref name="wired">{{cite news|url=https://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2013/04/google-voice-future-uncertain/|title=Will Google Hang Up on Voice? – Gadget Lab|publisher=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|accessdate=16 January 2014|first=David|last=Kravets|date=April 17, 2013}}</ref>

Google Account customers in most other countries other than the U.S. and Canada may only access the call termination services through the integration with [[Google Hangouts]].

==Overview==
{{Update|date=May 2016}}
Google provides free PC-to-PC voice calling worldwide.  As described above, Google Voice users in many countries may make low-cost calls to international phone numbers, and {{as of|2010|12|alt=currently}} may also make free PC-to-phone calls within the United States and Canada.  Vincent Paquet, a co-founder of GrandCentral who became a senior product manager at Google, said in 2009 that he expected Google Voice domestic service to remain free because the cost of operation is so low and, "We can generate enough revenue from international calling to support the service."<ref>{{cite web|title=Google’s Free Phone Manager Could Threaten a Variety of Services|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/12/technology/internet/12google.html|publisher=The New York Times|accessdate=16 June 2016}}</ref> Several years after this prediction, the service remains free of charge.

A Google Voice local phone number for incoming calls is {{As of|2010|12|alt=currently}} available only for users in the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/ |title=Google Voice invitation request, |publisher=Google |accessdate=August 3, 2009}}</ref> Users may select a single U.S. phone number from various [[area code]]s. 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. 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, [[Short Message Service]] (SMS) forwarding, and call recording.

Previously, customers of [[Gizmo5]], a [[Session Initiation Protocol]] (SIP) service vendor acquired by Google, were allowed to forward calls to their Gizmo service which may be answered using a free computer application, or a [[web application]], or SIP-based telephone hardware.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gizmocall.com/ |title=Gizmo5 browser-based telephony application |accessdate=September 19, 2009}}</ref>  Google discontinued Gizmo5 service on April 3, 2011.

There are several competing [[virtual number]] services. [[Personal numbering]] services have been available in the United Kingdom since 1993, similar to the [[AT&T]] [[Area code 500|True Connections 500]] service offered in the 1990s in the United States. 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 [http://www.laurieburke.com], 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.<ref>{{cite web|title=Google Voice Blog: The new voice of Google Voice|publisher=Google|date=June 28, 2010|url=http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/new-voice-of-google-voice.html |accessdate=July 6, 2010}}</ref>

==History==

===Origin===
GrandCentral, founded in 2005 by [[Craig Walker (businessman)|Craig Walker]] and Vincent Paquet with funding by [[Minor Ventures]], was acquired by [[Google]] on July 2, 2007, for US$95&nbsp;million in a transaction led by Miles Agha. Although Grand Central users were able to continue to use the service after the purchase, new users were not accepted, and Google made no public statements about their plans for the service.<ref name="pogue2" /> On March 11, 2009, the management of the service revealed that the team had been working on it throughout that period, apparently in secret,<ref name="pogue2" /> and that it was being rebranded "Google Voice".<ref name="Googlevoiceblog" /> It was to keep most of the functionality originally offered in GrandCentral and add new features.<ref>{{cite web
  | last = Broida
  | first = Rick
  | title = GrandCentral Becomes Google Voice, Adds Features
  | publisher = BNET
  | date = March 12, 2009
  | url = http://blogs.bnet.com/businesstips/?p=2976
  | accessdate =August 30, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web
  | last = Peng
  | first = Dennis
  | title = ooma and Google Voice
  | publisher = Ooma
  | date = March 18, 2009
  | url = http://blog.ooma.com/2009/03/18/ooma-and-google-voice/
  | accessdate =August 30, 2009 }}</ref>

===Google transition===
{{listen |
| filename = GrandCentralClosing.ogg
| title = GrandCentrals Closing Message
| description = GrandCentral's Closing Message that was sent to all users (0:26; Ogg Vorbis, 392 KB)}}
Google Voice was launched on March 11, 2009, based on GrandCentral, with new features, including voicemail transcriptions and SMS managing. However, GrandCentral's Ringback Tone feature was not transitioned over to Google Voice. Google transitioned former GrandCentral accounts to Google Voice<ref name="Googlevoiceblog">{{cite web|url=http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/moving-to-google-voice.html|title=Moving to Google Voice!|work=Official Google Voice Blog|date=March 12, 2009|accessdate=March 13, 2009}}</ref> and announced that the service would start accepting new members "within weeks" of the announcement.<ref name="pogue2" /><ref name="Googlevoiceblog" />  On June 25, 2009, NBC's ''[[Today (NBC program)|Today Show]]'' stated that Google Voice would be available nationwide on that day.<ref>
{{cite video
  | title = One number for office home and cell
  | url = http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31542107#31542107
  | medium = Television
  | publisher = [[Today (NBC program)|Today]]
  |date = 2009 }}</ref>  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."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/googlevoice/status/2327525856 |title=Google Voice Twitter feed on 6/25/09 |work=Twitter |date=June 25, 2009 |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref> The expansion was at first limited to users queued<ref>Walker, Craig. (2009-06-25) [http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/google-voice-invites-on-their-way.html Official Google Blog: Google Voice invites on their way]. Googleblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved on December 7, 2010.</ref> on the invitation list.<ref name="google">{{cite web|url=https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/|title=Google Voice invitation request – Google|publisher=services.google.com|accessdate=16 January 2014}}</ref> Users with paid-in balances also received 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 U.S. $10 fee.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=115114 |title=Google Voice Help- Settings: Changing your number |publisher=Google |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref>

On September 15, 2009, GrandCentral calling services were discontinued. Subscribers who used the website could still log into the site to retrieve old messages and data.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gadgetell.com/tech/comment/grandcentral-will-be-shutting-down-as-of-today/ |title=GrandCentral will be shutting down as of today |publisher=Gadgetell.com |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/googlevoice/status/3995477234 |title=Google Voice Twitter feed on 9/14/09 |work=Twitter |date=September 14, 2009 |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref>

===Gizmo5 acquisition===
On November 12, 2009, Google announced that it had acquired [[Gizmo5]]<ref name=GoogleBuys>{{cite web |url=http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/google-welcomes-gizmo5.html |title=Google welcomes Gizmo5 |publisher=Google Voice Blog |accessdate=November 12, 2009}}</ref> for a reported U.S. $30&nbsp;million in cash.<ref>{{cite web|author=Monday, November 9th, 2009 |url=https://techcrunch.com/2009/11/09/exclusive-google-has-acquired-gizmo5/ |title=Exclusive: Google Has Acquired Gizmo5 |publisher=TechCrunch |date=November 9, 2009 |accessdate=December 12, 2012}}</ref> A major effect of this announcement was that [[Gizmo5]] suspended new signups pending re-launch by Google.<ref>{{cite web |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711112827/http://www.googlevoicesecrets.com/its-official-google-acquires-gizmo5|archivedate=July 11, 2011|url=http://www.googlevoicesecrets.com/its-official-google-acquires-gizmo5 |title=It's Official – Google Acquires Gizmo5! |author=Kovitz, Steven |date=November 14, 2009 |publisher=Google Voice Secrets |accessdate=November 15, 2009}}</ref> Google was reported to be working on a desktop application, though rumors also circulated that the project had been scrapped in favor of a browser-based solution.<ref>[https://techcrunch.com/2010/06/11/google-voice-desktop-app-launch-delayed-may-be-scrapped/ Google Voice Desktop App Launch Delayed, May Be Scrapped]. Techcrunch.com (2010-06-11). Retrieved on December 7, 2010.</ref> On August 26, 2010 Gmail accounts with Google Voice were given a function to make and receive calls. Google Voice product manager, Vincent Paquet, confirmed that this function was added through the help of the technology received after the Gizmo5 acquisition.<ref name="engadget">{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2010/08/25/google-introduces-voice-in-gmail/|title=Google introduces Call from Gmail, free calls to U.S. and Canada (update: impressions)|publisher=engadget.com|accessdate=16 January 2014}}</ref> In 2011, the Gizmo5 site closed service to its registered members. As of January 2012, the website is no longer available.

===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.<ref>Walker, Craig. (2010-06-22) [http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/google-voice-for-everyone.html Google Voice Blog: Google Voice for everyone]. Googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved on December 7, 2010.</ref>

===Rejection from the 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 (iOS)|App Store]]. Apple states that the reason for the rejection and removals is that these apps replaced certain [[iPhone]] functions and features.

A Google spokesman released this statement on the matter:<ref>{{cite web
  | last = Jason
  | first = Kincaid
  | title = Apple Is Growing Rotten To The Core: Official Google Voice App Blocked From App Store
  | publisher = [[TechCrunch]]
  | date = July 27, 2009
  | url = https://techcrunch.com/2009/07/27/apple-is-growing-rotten-to-the-core-and-its-likely-atts-fault/
  | accessdate =August 30, 2009 }}</ref>

<blockquote>
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.
</blockquote>

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."<ref name="fccinquiry">{{cite news
  | last = Johnson
  | first = Fawn
  |author2=Schatz, Amy
  | title = FCC Opens Inquiry of Apple's Ban of Google Voice
  |work=The Wall Street Journal
  | date = August 1, 2009
  | url = https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB124908121794098073
  | accessdate =August 30, 2009 }}</ref>

In their response to the FCC, Google stated that the Google Voice application uses the carrier's voice network to place phone calls,<ref>{{cite web
  | first       = Richard S.
  | last        = Whitt
  | title       = Google's Response to FCC Inquiry Regarding Apple's Rejection of the Google Voice for iPhone Application
  | url         = http://wireless.fcc.gov/releases/8212009_google_filing_iPhone_Inquiry_PUBLIC_REDACTED.pdf
  | publisher   = [[Federal Communications Commission]]
  | format      = PDF
  | date        = August 21, 2009
  | accessdate  =August 30, 2009 }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web
  | first       = James W.
  | last        = Cicconi
  | title       = AT&T Response to Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Letter, DA 09- 1737 (July 31, 2009); RM-11361; RM-11497
  | url         = http://wireless.fcc.gov/releases/8212009_ATT_Response_FCC_iPhone_Letter.pdf
  | publisher   = [[Federal Communications Commission]]
  | format      = PDF
  | date        = August 21, 2009
  | accessdate  =August 30, 2009 }}</ref> Apple stated that they had not rejected the application but were continuing to examine it.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apple.com/hotnews/apple-answers-fcc-questions/ |title=Apple Answers the FCC's Questions |publisher=Apple.com |date=July 31, 2009 |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web
  | first       = Catherine A.
  | last        = Novelli
  | title       = Apple's Response to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Questions of July 31, 2009
  | url         = http://wireless.fcc.gov/releases/8212009_Apple_Response.pdf
  | publisher   = [[Federal Communications Commission]]
  | format      = PDF
  | date        = August 21, 2009
  | accessdate  =August 30, 2009 }}</ref>

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 [[IOS jailbreaking|jailbroken]] iPhones.<ref>{{citation|url=https://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2010/01/hands-on-with-google-voices-improved-web-app-for-iphone.ars|title=First look: Google Voice's improved Web app for iPhone|date=January 26, 2010|work=Ars Technica}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.seankovacs.com/index.php/2009/07/wow/|title=Wow|author=Kovacs, Sean|date=July 28, 2009|work=Sean Kovacs}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.mobilecrunch.com/2010/09/17/apple-finally-approves-a-native-google-voice-application/|title=Apple Finally Lets A Google Voice Application Into The App Store (Again)|author=Greg Kumparak|date=September 17, 2010|work=Andreas Amann}}</ref><ref>{{citation|url=http://www.ifans.com/blog/8480/|title=GV Mobile + Accepted into the App Store|author=Trey|date=September 18, 2010|work=Sean Kovacs}}</ref>

In November 2010, the official Google Voice [[iPhone]] application became available in the [[App Store (iOS)|App Store]] in the United States, but was still not available in other countries.<ref>{{citation|url=http://googlevoiceblog.blogspot.com/2010/11/google-voice-for-iphone.html|title=Google Voice for iPhone|date=November 16, 2010|work=Google Voice}}</ref>

===Google Hangouts Integration===
In September 2014, certain Google Voice features were integrated into the [[Google Hangouts]] application, which is Google's instant messaging client, and is a replacement for Google Talk.<ref>{{citation|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2014/09/google-hangouts-gets-a-huge-update-including-google-voice-integration/|title=Google Hangouts gets a huge update, including Google Voice integration|date=September 11, 2014|work=Ars Technica}}</ref>

=== 2017 update ===
In January 2017, Google made the first significant updates to Google Voice in approximately 5 years for Android, iOS, and the Web.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blog.google/products/google-voice/ringing-2017-updates-our-google-voice-apps/|title=Ringing in 2017 with updates to our Google Voice apps|date=2017-01-23|newspaper=Google|language=en|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref> The user interface was overhauled with [[Material Design]]. Group and photo MMS became natively supported in Voice, not depending on Hangouts integration. Voicemail transcription for Spanish was introduced, and Google promised to provide new updates and features.

==Features==
{{Refimprove section|date=March 2012}}
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 U.S. and Canada, up to three hours in individual length.
*Calling international phone numbers with rates starting at US$0.01 per minute<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/voice/rates|title=Google Voice: Calling Rates|work=google.com}}</ref>
*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
*Blocking calls from numbers identified by Google as telemarketers
*Send, receive, and store SMS/MMS online
*Answering incoming calls on any configured phone
*Call routing. Selection of phones that should ring based on calling number or time of day.
*Ringing all of a user's specified phones simultaneously, routing calls to the phone that is answered.
*Voicemail transcripts. Reading of voicemail messages online
*Listening to voicemail online/via app or from a phone call to your account
*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
*Initiating and receiving calls via VoIP
*Ability to change your number for a fee<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115114?hl=en|title=Change your Google Voice number - Google Voice Help|website=support.google.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref>
*Ability to port your mobile number for a fee<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://support.google.com/voice/answer/1065667?hl=en|title=Transfer or port your number - Google Voice Help|website=support.google.com|language=en|access-date=2017-02-01}}</ref>
*Specifying an existing phone number instead of the Google Voice number on initial setup for use with limited functionality, such as some voicemail functions<ref>{{cite web|last=Paquet|first=Vincent |title=Use Google Voice with your existing number|publisher=Google|date=October 26, 2009|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/use-google-voice-with-your-existing.html |accessdate=October 26, 2009}}</ref> and using the voice mail system for the user's phone number (mobile devices only).<ref>{{cite web|last=Walker|first=Craig|title=Use Google Voice with your existing number|publisher=Google|date=October 26, 2009|url=http://googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/use-google-voice-with-your-existing.html |accessdate=October 26, 2009}}</ref>

While many customers in countries beside the United States have been [[grandfathered]] into Google Voice services, the features are reduced and customers are often charged for calls to their own countries. {{As of|2010|12|alt=Currently}} Google Voice PC-to-phone calling works only for calls into the United States and Canada or for domestic or international calls from the United States and Canada; Google plans to implement this for other countries, but a time frame has not been released. A U.S. telephone number is required to obtain a Google Voice phone number for redirecting incoming calls.<ref>[https://www.google.com/support/forum/p/voice/thread?tid=7027689bed227171&hl=en Can Google Voice be used in Canada? – Google Voice Help]. Google.com (2009-07-05). Retrieved on December 7, 2010.</ref>

===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. A user can choose whether to display a caller's CLID, or their Google Voice number, when receiving calls via the service.

Google Voice uses the caller's Google Voice number as the CLID on outgoing calls when the user places a call by calling the user's own Google Voice number and using the service's menu choices,<ref>{{cite web|last=Krazit |first=Tom |url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10264936-2.html |title=Google Voice: Bring us your number? |publisher=News.cnet.com |date=June 15, 2009 |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref> or when the web-based account portal is used to place a call.<ref>{{cite web|author= |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHIWUw6cf1U |title=YouTube – Google Voice – Place calls |work=Youtube |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref> With the introduction of the Google Voice application on iPhone, Android and BlackBerry phones, Google Voice users can directly dial from the Google Voice app with their Google Voice number as the outgoing CLID.

===Mobile phone applications===
[[File:Google Voice.png|thumb|right|265px|Example of Google Voice inbox running on [[Android Jellybean]]]] 
Google Voice applications for [[Android (operating system)|Android]] and [[iOS]] can automatically place outgoing calls and texts via the user's Google Voice service.<ref name="googlemobileapp">{{cite web |url=https://www.google.com/mobile/products/voice.html#p=default |title=Google Mobile |accessdate=July 15, 2009}}</ref> They will also manage incoming texts and calls should the user desire. This allows Google Voice subscribers to send and receive free text messages on their mobile phones without paying for a texting plan or incurring service charges from their mobile provider, so long as all texts are sent and received through one's Google Voice number and not the number provided by the cell phone company.

Although Google Voice's iPhone app is not available outside of the United States, several other Google Voice clients exist for users outside the USA. For example, the GrooVe IP [[Android (operating system)|Android]] client offers this.<ref>{{citation|url=http://www.iphoneincanada.ca/reviews/talkatone-voip-app-free-iphone-google-talk-voice-calls-over-3g-wifi/|title=Google Voice on iPhone for Canadian Users|author=Gary Ng|date=December 7, 2010}}</ref>

Google Voice does not officially support SMS to phone numbers outside of the United States.<ref name="google.com">[https://www.google.com/support/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=117527 International Text Messaging : Basics – Google Voice Help]. Google.com. Retrieved on December 7, 2010.</ref> {{As of|2010|6|1}} Google had purposely blocked international texts, with the intention of reintroducing the service once billing systems are in place.<ref>[https://www.google.com/support/forum/p/voice/thread?tid=284eb31b6a1834cc&hl=en International SMS sending/receiving as of 06/01 – Google Voice Help]. Google.com. Retrieved on December 7, 2010.</ref>

===Integration into Gmail/Google Talk===
{{See also|Google Talk}}
When Google Voice was offered during beta testing, Gmail Labs offered an add-on so users could listen to voicemail messages in their [[Gmail]] inbox.<ref>[http://googlesystem.blogspot.com/2009/09/listen-to-google-voice-messages-in.html Listen to Google Voice Messages in Gmail]. Googlesystem.blogspot.com (2009-09-10). Retrieved on December 7, 2010.</ref> Since August 26, 2010, U.S. Gmail users may place calls to the U.S., Canada, and international destinations from within Gmail.<ref>Schriebman, Robin. (2010-08-25) [http://gmailblog.blogspot.com/2010/08/call-phones-from-gmail.html Call phones from Gmail – Official Gmail Blog]. Gmailblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved on December 7, 2010.</ref> Calls to U.S. and Canadian phone numbers are free, while the cost of calls to international destinations starts at 1&nbsp;cents per minute.<ref>{{cite web 
  |url= https://www.google.com/chat/voice/compare.html
  |title= International calling rates
  |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> 
  |date= 2016
  |website= Google Voice: Calling Rates
  |publisher= Google
  |accessdate= 2016-02-25
}}</ref> This is possible with the help of a voice and video chat plugin for web browsers to connect to cameras, microphones, and speakers installed in the computer.<ref>{{cite web 
  |url=https://www.google.com/chat/voice/ 
  |title= Make calls from Gmail
  |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> 
  |date= 2016
  |website= Chat Help
  |publisher= Google
  |accessdate= 2016-02-25
}}</ref>

Users can also opt to have their text messages, transcribed voicemails (including an audio attachment), and/or missed calls forwarded to their Gmail account. Forwarded text messages emails can be replied to as if they were regular emails. Contacts' SMS capable phones can also be added to the user's Gmail address book or Google Talk buddy list so that text conversations can be initiated and sustained through these interfaces.

===Integration into Google Hangouts===
As part of the migration of Google Voice to [[Google Hangouts]], the Hangouts dialer app is now required to place VoIP calls, whether a user has Google Voice or not. A user with a Google Voice number can also receive calls on Hangouts.<ref>{{citation|url=https://support.google.com/hangouts/answer/6079055?&ref_topic=2944851|title=Make calls with Hangouts on Android|publisher=Google|accessdate=December 3, 2014}}</ref> 

==Limitations==

===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."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/googlevoice/legal-notices.html |title=Google Voice Legal Notices |publisher=Google |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref>  Attempting to dial [[9-1-1|911]] in the U.S. indicates that the number is not valid.

===Limited domestic SMS===
Google Voice is unable to receive SMS messages from Apple iCloud Keychain.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5718307|title=WARNING: iOS upgrade pitfall: iCloud Keychain d... - Apple Support Communities|work=apple.com}}</ref>

===Limited international texting service===
Google Voice supports sending text messages to phone numbers in the U.S. and Canada, but users can receive text messages from anywhere in the world.<ref>{{citation|url=https://support.google.com/voice/answer/115116?hl=en|title=Send & receive text messages|publisher=Google|date=November 22, 2015}}</ref>

===VoIP services===
Google Voice permits [[Voice Over IP]] (VoIP) connections through [[Google Talk]] using XMPP signaling, but offers no direct interoperability with other VoIP networks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.google.com/support/forum/p/android/thread?tid=43c479f4a43b63b6&hl=en |title=Posting about VoIP in Google help forums |publisher=Google |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref> However, it has been reported that at one time some users could receive calls with their Google Voice accounts via the [[Session Initiation Protocol]] (SIP).<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.disruptivetelephony.com/2011/03/google-voice-now-offers-sip-addresses-for-calling-directly-over-ip.html | title=Google Voice Now Offers SIP Addresses For Calling Directly Over IP | accessdate=January 4, 2012}}</ref>

===Third-party devices===
Hardware manufacturers such as [[Obihai Technology]] have created devices that enable the home user to use conventional wired telephone(s) to place and receive calls over their broadband connection through Google Voice, as well as other service providers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nerdvittles.com/?p=720 |title=2011 VoIP Device of the Year: Obihai OBi110 for Google Voice |publisher=Nerdvittles.com |date=February 3, 2011 |accessdate=December 25, 2011}}</ref>

Google Voice terminated support for XMPP in May 2014, disrupting service for 3rd party apps and devices that use the XMPP signalling protocol. Affected vendors included Talkatone, GrooveIP and Obihai.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/talkatone/posts/755174614498473|title=Dear Talkatone Users|publisher=Talkatone}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.obihai.com/2013/10/important-message-about-google-voice.html |title=Important Message About Google Voice and Your OBi Device |publisher=obihai.com}}</ref> Obihai initially recommended its users to switch to rival providers<ref>{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2014/03/18/obihai-offers-new-low-cost-home-phone-options-as-technology-change-at-google-ends-free-service/|title=Obihai Offers New Low-Cost Home Phone Options As Technology Change At Google Ends Free Service|author=Jon Orlin|publisher=AOL|work=TechCrunch}}</ref> but returned with official Google Voice support for its hardware [[analog telephone adapter]]s on September 11, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.obihai.com/2014/09/google-voice-and-obihai-update.html|title=Obihai Technology, Inc.: Google Voice and Obihai Update|work=obihai.com}}</ref>

Software manufacturers have developed downloadable applications, like PCPhoneSoft.com's "GVJack" App that converts [[magicJack]] dongles to use Google Voice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forum.voxilla.com/threads/google-voice-can-now-be-used-with-any-old-magicjack.32280/ |title=Google Voice Can Now Be Used With Any Old MagicJack |publisher=voxilla.com |date=February 25, 2012 |accessdate=February 25, 2012}}</ref> The GVJackApp for magicJack and the GVMate Phone Adapter are signalling independent and continued to work (using [[Google Hangouts]]) after support for XMPP was terminated.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pcphonesoft.com/gvjackapp-unaffected-by-xmpp-retirement-may-2014.html |title=GVJackApp Unaffected By XMPP Retirement May 2014 |publisher=pcphonesoft.com}}</ref>

===Call forwarding and voicemail===
If the phone to which a call is forwarded does not connect within 25&nbsp;seconds, then calls are routed to Google Voice's voicemail.<ref name="google1">{{cite web|title=Google Voice: Preventing voicemail from picking up calls
|url=https://support.google.com/voice/bin/answer.py?hl=en&answer=115110&topic=1708439|work=Google Voice website|accessdate=December 10, 2011}}</ref>  Users who want calls to be picked up by their home, work, or mobile phone voicemail systems or answering machines must turn off call screening in Google Voice and make sure that their phone's voicemail systems or answering machines pick up before 25&nbsp;seconds.<ref name="google1"/>

==Support==
Google Voice provides no direct phone support contact number.<ref>{{cite web|title=Contacting Support – Google Voice Help |url=https://support.google.com/voice/bin/request.py?contact_type=contact_policy |website=support.google.com |accessdate=April 5, 2012 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120424024111/https://support.google.com/voice/bin/request.py?contact_type=contact_policy |archivedate=April 24, 2012 }}</ref> However, users can access the Google Voice Help Center<ref>{{cite web 
  |url= https://support.google.com/voice/
  |title= Welcome to the Google Voice Help Center
  |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> 
  |date= 2016
  |website= Google Voice Help
  |publisher= Google
  |accessdate=2016-02-25
}}</ref> FAQ, and use the free [[Google Groups]] official Google Voice product forum<ref>{{cite web 
  |url= http://productforums.google.com/forum/#!forum/voice
  |title= Welcome to the Google Voice forum! 
  |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> 
  |website= Google Voice Help Forum
  |publisher= Google
  |accessdate= 2016-02-25
}}</ref> for support.

==Partners and infrastructure==
Google Voice's partners that provide phone numbers, call-termination, call-routing, and other infrastructure include:
*[[Level 3 Communications]]
*[[Global Crossing]]
*[[Broadvox Communications]]
*[[Bandwidth.com]]
*[[Pac-West Telecom]]
*[[IBasis]] for international outbound call routing
*[[Neustar]]

In 2009, Google reserved 1&nbsp;million telephone numbers with [[Level 3 Communications]] which were presumed to be for Google Voice.<ref name="onemillionphonenumbers">{{cite web
  | last = Agha
  | first = Miles
  | title = Google Grabs 1 Million Phone Numbers for Google Voice
  | publisher = [[PC World (magazine)|PCWorld]]
  | date = June 20, 2009
  | url = https://www.pcworld.com/article/166978/google_grabs_1_million_phone_numbers_for_google_voice.html
  | accessdate =December 20, 2010 }}</ref>

==Dispute between AT&T and Google about call blocking==
{{Main|Traffic pumping#Role in dispute between AT&T and Google}}
AT&T petitioned the U.S. [[Federal Communications Commission]] (FCC)<ref name="att2fccletter">{{cite web
  | last = Siegler
  | first = MG
  | title = AT&T Goes After Google Voice, Net Neutrality And Double Standards (Full Letter To FCC)
  | publisher = [[TechCrunch]]
  | date = September 25, 2009
  | url = https://techcrunch.com/2009/09/25/att-goes-after-google-voice-net-neutrality-and-double-standards-full-letter-to-fcc/
  | accessdate =July 24, 2010 }}</ref> to require Google (as it requires [[Plain old telephone service|POTS]] providers) to allow calls to high-cost destinations, typically rural [[independent telephone company|independent telephone companies]] with wholesale prices up to ten times above the national average. Google responded that it is not obligated to allow these calls.<ref name="fcc2googleletter">{{cite web
  | last = Kincaid
  | first = Jason
  | title = AT&T Complaint Prompts FCC Letter To Google Inquiring About Google Voice
  | publisher = [[TechCrunch]]
  | date = October 9, 2009
  | url = https://techcrunch.com/2009/10/09/att-complaint-prompts-fcc-letter-to-google-inquiring-about-google-voice/
  | accessdate =July 24, 2010 }}</ref><ref name="google2fccletter">{{cite web
  | title = 10-28-09 Google Voice Letter to FCC
  | publisher = [[Scribd]]
  | date = October 28, 2009
  | url = https://www.scribd.com/doc/21776911/10-28-09-Google-Voice-Letter-to-FCC
  | accessdate =July 24, 2010 }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Bandwidth.com]]
*[[Burner (mobile application)]]
*[[Caller ID spoofing]]
*[[Comparison of VoIP software]]
*[[Level 3 Communications]]
*[[Public switched telephone network]]
*[[PrivatePhone]]
*[[Traffic pumping]]
*[[Yap (company)]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==
*{{Official website|https://www.google.com/voice}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4Q9MJdT5Ds "Google Voice"], and explanatory video from Google

{{Google Inc.}}
{{android}}

[[Category:2009 software]]
[[Category:Google acquisitions]]
[[Category:Telecommunication services]]
[[Category:Telecommunications in the United States]]
[[Category:VoIP services]]
[[Category:VoIP software]]