Google Voice

Overview
Google Voice (GV) is a free internet-based telephony service created and provided by Google.

What It Does
Through GV, you select a phone number in the area code of your choice. Calls to this number are connected to Google's telephony computers, which then give you a number of options for handling incoming calls.

The response can be individually tailored for different incoming numbers (using Caller ID). Possibilities include forwarding to another number with or without a pre-announcement of the caller's identity (which they must record, if this option is enabled), sending to voicemail (with the option to "listen in" as the message is being recorded, and possibly pick up), reject the call with a prerecorded message, or answer the call with the option to record the subsequent conversation.

Most general configuration operations (including choice of phone number and automatic handling of calls) are done through GV's web site. Some per-call operations require you to press buttons on your telephone.

Official

 * Google Voice

Articles

 * 2009-08-14 Google's Newest Service: Google Voice