So, we recently were invited to Google Voice. It's still in private beta, and I was surprised to get an invitation. I think it's because I wrote them a poem when I submitted my request to be added. And, seriously, who can turn down a beautiful poem?
Anyway, what it does is give us one phone number to which we can attach all our other numbers. Then we can set up rules and permissions for specific callers, groups, times of day, etc. For example, if Dawson or Van were to call our number, it would go to my cell phone instead of Pheobe's, and if I didn't answer, they would get their own very special voicemail message. Also, when they leave me a message, Google will transcribe said message and email it to me. All for the lovely price of free.
You can send text messages to this number, and they come to us. Probably you'll be able to send faxes to it soon, too.
And, if for some reason, you call us from a number that isn't in our contact book yet, it will ask you to say your name so we know who is calling and whether we want to answer or send you to voicemail.
But, don't worry. It will only do that on the first call.
That's right, it's one number to rule them all. One number to bind them.
Rather than post our new number for the world to see, you'll have to wait for us to tell or email you directly. But you can click the button above to leave us a voicemail.
Be patient as we continue to set up and refine all of our many rules for every conceivable situation. (Or don't be patient and leave us messages to see how Google transcribes it.) In the end, though, this should make everybody's lives simpler and more hilarious.
Oh, and if you want my theory on why Google is doing this (especially since it's free), I think it's one of their last steps before becoming a cell phone provider. My guess is they'll offer free cell phone and data service and make all their money from Internet ads. You heard it here first!
