Google Voice allows you to make free long distance and local calls from your landline and mobile devices, including smartphones. Google lets you choose your own phone number and charges nothing for this service as of August, 2011, unless you make international calls; the rates for these calls are currently quite low. When choosing a Google number, use a number that's in your area code so that your local friends and family can call you without incurring long distance charges.
Interface
On the left pane of the main Google voice window you'll see buttons for making calls and sending text messages. This pane also displays buttons for retrieving recorded messages and viewing a record of your calls. Pressing the "Contacts" button opens a list of contacts, each with their own button. Click a button to call the contact without dialing. The right pane of Google Voice fills with the items from one of the commands just mentioned. For example, clicking the "Contacts" button fills the right pane with a list of your contacts.
Setting Up
To set up Google Voice, first get a free account with Google, either by setting up a Gmail account or going to the Google accounts home page and entering your existing email address. Get a Google Voice phone number by clicking the "Get a Number" button from the Google Voice home page at http://voice.google.com. Follow the prompts that Voice provides to search for an available number and then assign that number to your account. After choosing a Google number, choose an existing phone that Google will ring when someone dials your Google number and a pin number to access your voice mail.
Make Calls
To make calls with Google Voice, click the "Call" button on your Google voice home page. Google will display a dialog box prompting you to enter the number you want to call. After typing the number, Google will dial the number, then dial the forwarding number you specified when creating your Google account. When you answer this phone, Google will connect you to the person you called.
Receive Calls
When someone calls you on your Google voice number, Google will ring the forwarding phone you specified when signing up for Voice. When you answer that phone, Google will tell you who's calling you -- if you choose this option through the gear-shaped "Settings" control on your Google Voice home page. Google then offers these options for responding to the call: you can accept it and begin speaking with the caller. Or, send the caller to voice mail and listen as he leaves a message. A third option is to accept the call and begin recording the conversation.
Voice Mail
To check your Google Voice voice mail, call your Google number. When you hear the greeting, press the asterisk key on your phone to enter the voice mail system. Key in your pin number when prompted. Google will play your messages and prompt you with options for archiving or deleting each message. Note that Google will use its voice recognition system to transcribe voice mail messages to text, if you choose.
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