Google has relaunched the venerable GrandCentral call forwarding service purchased in 2007 as Google Voice and has begun integrating it into Google services.
The service integrates all of the functionality of the prior GrandCentral service with the customary Google look and feel along with several new features such as voicemail transcription to SMS or email, SMS send and receive functionality, as well as easy access to Google 411, cheap international calling, and free domestic calling via the web interface.
The new service is currently only available to current GrandCentral users via an upgrade, but the service is expected to go live in a matter of weeks with Google providing an invite link to be notified of the public launch.
Those that also pre-registered with GrandCentral before being assigned a phone number and account will also be notified of the new service. The new Google Voice service will also remain free
Have they opened up registration again?
Does this service cost more on your cell phone bill though? I like the voice mail to SMS idea…
They will not be opening registration for a few weeks while they roll out the upgrade to current Grand Central users. As for additional cost to cellphones, no more than standard airtime charges while dialing through the Google Voice number.