Google Voice Update

Just wanted to mention how satisfying it is to use Google Voice[GV] to put those dinner time fund-raising calls in their proper place. The GV caller ID gives us the number calling and time of day. I google that number to get the identity of the caller and confirm that it is indeed a fund-raiser. Then, back on Voice, I assign that number to the group that will "go straight to voice mail". Now when that number calls, it will never again ring on through. Almost too easy. And free to boot.

Early Results from Google Voice

We called several family members using Google Voice in the last couple of days.

Two calls to New England were flawless. Great sound quality for the entire duration of each call. One call to rural northeast Ohio was sub-par in sound quality -- with a slight tinny echo in the background-- but that might have been an effect of the destination hardware.

In addition to putting a "Call me Free" gadget on my blog pages, I also put a little blurb into my email signature that does the same thing. This works by opening a little window that asks for your name and phone number. It then calls you, and then immediately begins ringing my Google Voice phones. How cool!

So on balance, we are very happy with the performance of the system, and delighted with the free cost structure.

Phone Number Change -- Google Voice

On our last trip, I wanted to switch off the desktop computers for economy and safety. That inadvertently also switched off the phone answering machine. As a result, our home voice mail reverted to an older phone that was having fits, and called my cell several times a day. We also probably missed many legitimate phone messages. In looking for a better system, I found Google Voice which requires a new phone number, but is free.

I was lucky to be able to get a new number, 614-859-9365, which is only 1 digit different from our old one which had the 855 in the middle.

There are some game-changing features that come with Google Voice:

Free long-distance calling in North America

Incoming calls ring on multiple different phones that you set up

Voice mail is transcribed and sent as text to your Internet page

You can initiate calls from your computer

You can read about all the features here: Google Voice

The drawback, is that you have to request an invitation, and that can take some time. In my case it was only a couple of weeks. Anyhow, we will see how well it works -- stay tuned.

I Can Haz Money 4 Cheezburger???

Imagine my surprise when a Google postcard arrives in the mail telling me that cash is accruing in my account.

From Family & Pets

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