Words and Links

Yes, you can click on the above and Google will place your call to one of my phones, or to voicemail as I choose.  This is just one of the nice conveniences of Google Voice services. 

When you sign up for Google Voice you get a permanent number that you will give out to people that can be directed to whatever phone you choose based on the number that is calling.  For example if Joe from work calls, you might choose to have his call go to your cell, but when Mom calls you might route her call to your home phone.

Their call screening feature will announce callers and can allow you to listen to the message that is being left before answering.  Also you can create a list of numbers to block and phone spammers can be eliminated by banning them according to Google’s spam list.

SMS messages can be sent, received, and stored through this service and accessed through your phone or on the web.  The web interface allows for easy configuration of all services and management of call information and messaging. 

When a voicemail is left it is automatically transcribed and can be read on the web or sent right to your cell phone.  The transcription is not perfect, but this is a convenient feature allowing you to skip calling into voicemail to check messages.

Some other features are conference calling, the ability to record calls, saving preferences by groups, the ability to switch phones mid-call, and GOOG-411 directory information.

For more of the 411 on Google Voice check out their info site.

We all know that Google is the best and most useful tool for finding information on the internet.  What you might not know is how much the company has to offer that is at least as useful as the search engine itself. 

1. Google Alerts.  Google can send you updates and pointers to information that you request, as it happens.  For example, if you are interested in keeping informed about your local representatives actions in Congress, just enter their name and when they are referenced on the internet Google will send you an Email telling you where to find the information.
2. Blogger.  Did you ever want to talk to the world about what you find fun and interesting?  A blog is the perfect platform, and Google will set you up with one for free.  They also have all the support and help a beginner could need to start blogging in a professional way.
3. Knol.  Share your knowledge by writing articles that can be shared with the world.  You keep your authorship rights, and quality writing will be propagated through the internet.
4. Calendar.  A great online calendar with typical Google quality features.  Import events easily from your Gmail account.  Share your events with friends and family.  Get important reminders via Email or text to your phone.  Never forget an important event again. 
5. Talk.  Chat with your friends using text, voice, or video conferencing.  Another free fun service from Google that will keep you connected to family or friends or even your business contacts.  You can also leave voicemails and transfer files with no size restrictions.
6. orkut.  An online social network where you can manage your existing relationships or form new ones.  Orkut allows you to search out and interact with new people based on common interests and your search of profiles. 
7. Google Blog Search.  A convenient and fast way to search the blogosphere for content that will interest you.
8. Google Groups.  A Google Group is a user owned group that allows you to manage your mailing list and provides a forum for communication and collaboration with your fellow group members.  You also have online storage and customizable pages to share.
9. Picasa and Picasa Web Albums.  Picasa is a photo organization, indexing, manipulation, and sharing tool that can be downloaded from Google.  Picasa Web Albums allow you to share your photos arranged in beautiful interactive web albums with your friends and family.  As usual this is a free Google service with generous amounts of online storage.
10. Google Pack.  An easy and convenient download of Google’s more popular and fun applications for your use.  Most of the above listed products along with Google’s web browser, Google Earth, Google Desktop, and more can be downloaded and installed with Google Pack.  You can also pick and choose which apps you want to install.

Have fun with this list, and explore Google’s site to find more useful tools and applications.