Is Google Your New Wireless Carrier?

I sure hope so considering the type of service and lack of ‘innovation’ by my existing carrier. Fans of Google products and services will be happy to know that Google Voice Apps for Blackberry and Android are now available for download. I know I have been waiting quite a while to get my hands on these apps, specifically for the Blackberry.

What benefit do I get from Google Voice?
In its simplest form, Google Voice serves as a middleman between you and the wireless phone company, essentially making your existing carrier a far less useful player in the call process. Here are some unique features of Google Voice:

1. Google Voice phone number – you will receive a single unique Google Voice phone number that can route calls to multiple phones. The user will also be allowed to choose from an array of options for receiving calls based on time of the day and which will be displayed to the recipient.
2. Google Voice calls – Whereas normally you would directly make a call through your address book, the call is now placed through Google Voice. Though, you will have the option to use your existing carrier for calls, or use Google Voice for all calls.
3. Access and playback voicemails – Google Voice allows you to not only access your voicemail, but it transcribes the voicemail as well.
4. Access and playback SMS – Google Voice apps allow you to access SMS messages and read aloud the message. Better yet, users do not have to pay SMS charges when using Google Voice. This feature alone is a game-changer and will force the big wireless carriers to finally offer that service for free, as opposed to the annoying $5 – $10 additional charge per month.
5. Local or long distance calls – you can make both local and long distance calls using Google Voice, with the option to disable the service for one or the other. Though, why would you? We expect that long-distance calls will be cheaper using Google Voice than your existing carrier. That being said, don’t be surprised when you start receiving new promotions, discounts, and features from your wireless carrier in the coming weeks.
6. Address book integration – Google Voice Apps integrate well with your existing address book so calls can be placed directly through your phone.

Given Google’s innovative approach, you can bet more features will be added in the future, which makes me wonder why I need my existing carrier anyway? Hmmm…

Where can I download the apps?
The Google Voice applications can be downloaded at m.google.com/voice and are available today for both Android-based phones and the Blackberry.

See the video below or watch it on Google’s site: