GrandCentral Relaunches as Google Voice

Thursday, March 12th, 2009 by Andy Beal

GrandCentral Relaunches as Google Voice

You’re going to hate me.

Hate me, because I managed to get a GrandCentral account before Google acquired the company and stopped issuing new accounts.

Hate me, because as of today, existing GrandCentral customers will be the first to get their hands on the newly launching Google Voice service!

There’s a host of new features being announced, but the one I am most excited about is Voicemail Transcripts. The main reason I use GrandCentral is that all voicemails are emailed to me as audio files that I can play within my browser. Now, I won’t even have to play them because Google will transcribe the audio message for me!

Other new features include:

Send, receive, and store SMS
Call US numbers for free
Low-cost international calls
Conference calling

The service is only available to US residents and will initially roll-out to existing GrandCentral users, but I’m sure it won’t be long before everyone can sign-up.

I still use Skype for my actual calls, so I’m keen to test out how well Google Voice competes–maybe I can dump Skype and move one-step closer to my full assimilation by the borg!

Have you tested Google Voice? What do you think of it?

Social Media Monitoring in Just 60-Seconds. Guaranteed!

Similar Stories in: General | Forward: Email This Post

Share this post

13 comments on “GrandCentral Relaunches as Google Voice”

Shane Eubanks - Internet Marketing Specialist Says:

March 12th, 2009 at 9:16 am

I won’t hate you if you happen to have an invitation for Google Voice to hand out.

It sounds really cool….looking forward to giving it a spin!

-Shane

Shane Eubanks – Internet Marketing Specialist’s last blog post..See Where Shortened URLs Redirect To
Hershel Miller Says:

March 12th, 2009 at 9:37 am

As long as you have “Data” with you, you’ll be able to fend off a Full assimilation by the Borg.
Rebecca Zwar - Social Web Diva Says:

March 12th, 2009 at 10:41 am

I don’t *hate* you, I’m just making faces behind your back while you’re not looking! I wanted a Grand Central account, but apparently just missed it. I signed up for notifications for when they’re accepting new accounts, and haven’t heard anything yet. Lucky!

Rebecca Zwar – Social Web Diva’s last blog post..21 social marketing tasks and projects to pass along to your VA
Eddie Gear Says:

March 12th, 2009 at 1:36 pm

Hi there,

I’ve read some real good information about this product online. I’m looking forward to testing the product sometime soon.

Cheers,
Eddie Gear

Eddie Gear’s last blog post..Update: Disclaimer and comment policy
Google Voice: Bells, Whistles, and Voicemail Transcripts | Blippitt Says:

March 12th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

[...] of today, current GrandCentral customers will be the first ones selected to test the brand-new Google Voice service. Lucky [...]
Ste @ / Marketing Bristol Says:

March 12th, 2009 at 4:47 pm

Ebay wont be liking this news! Who’s going to buy Skype now?

Ste @ / Marketing Bristol’s last blog post..Redesign for Forward Slash Marketing
Teresa Greaves Says:

March 12th, 2009 at 10:34 pm

Numerous services like this already exist with much more of a robust feature set.

Services like RingCentral, GotVmail, OneBox, VirtualPBX etc.

They all offer this and 1000 times more.

Granted they are paid but they also offer 800 numbers where Google doesn’t.

All depends on if you view the service for personal use or business.

If for business I’d definitely go for one of the others…for $10 vs. free you get much more.

My 2 cents.
Listorbit Says:

March 13th, 2009 at 5:40 am

Ya skype is going to struggle now. If not then offer.

Listorbit’s last blog post..listorbit – Email Marketing Solutions.
Chris Says:

March 13th, 2009 at 9:16 am

No I don’t hate you. What I do hate is that Grand Central never had numbers in my area code. I would like to know if Google Voice will have my area code available.
How To Connect Google Voice to Skype — LucaFiligheddu.com Says:

March 23rd, 2009 at 5:21 am

[...] GrandCentral Relaunches as Google Voice (marketingpilgrim.com) [...]
How To Connect Google Voice to Skype | Telecom Update Says:

March 24th, 2009 at 10:12 pm

[...] GrandCentral Relaunches as Google Voice (marketingpilgrim.com) [...]
Buy email lists Says:

March 27th, 2009 at 5:09 am

Really very good innovation..
rashmi Says:

April 9th, 2009 at 1:09 am

great competition for skype! great feature set .I am waiting for it to roll out to everyone.