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When Google, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) bought GrandCentral, a small telecommunications company, a few years ago, few wondered why Google wanted to become a provider of telephone numbers.
The service, which recently became Google Voice just a few months ago, is one of the slickest Google products that you probably haven't heard of. But now we know -- the goal isn't just to "organize the world's information," but to centralize it for customers as well -- be it data or voice.
That said, Google has released a few downloadable applications that can turn an Android-powered mobile phone or a BlackBerry into a Google Voice phone. Imagine this: you place a phone call from your BlackBerry and it "comes from" your Google Voice number -- not your actual phone number. You can also send and receive text messages through this Google Voice number. Does your actual phone number become meaningless at some point? That's what Google wants to happen.
This means Google is now a telecommunications company competing with the likes of AT&T, Inc. (NYSE: T) and others. With so many dumping landline phones and going the all-wireless route, Google's Voice software becomes even more relevant. When the iPhone version is soon released, Google will have a good chunk of the wireless customer world covered. And, the service (of course) is free. But, that's what Google is good at -- complete market disruption.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-22-2009 @ 11:55AM
Avazed said...
"Does your actual phone number become meaningless at some point?"
I think the concept behind Google voice is that when you call someone, it's the *person* you are trying to reach, and not any specific device! If I want to call my friend Dave, I shouldn't have to worry about whether to use his mobile or his home or office number or skype account or anything. It makes perfect sense to have one unique number per person for life, and to let Dave decide which one of his devices or phones should ring at any given time!
So to answer the question: YES.
The only problem is actually not going berzerk trying to get your new unique number to all the people out there who still have your old business cards and skype accounts and mobile numbers etc. I highly recommend using a dynamic contact updater like www.avakit.com to make that inital transition easier!