Google Voice is currently being tested internally within Europe ahead of an International launch, The Next Web is reporting. After Google’s European Director of Business Development, Jens Redmer, made a surprise appearance at the European Pirate Summit event in Cologne, he was able to be questioned on the Google Voice rollout.
After being asked when the Google Voice service, currently available in the US, would be more widely available, Redmer replied saying that Google is taking “concrete action” on bringing Voice to Europe. Redmer was unable to provide an exact launch date for Google Voice but explained that it was currently being internally tested in Europe.
Features of Google Voice
Google Voice currently provides free PC-to-PC voice and video calling worldwide between users of the Google Voice and Video Chat browser plugin (available for Windows, Intel-based Mac OS X, and Linux). This service has been particularly popular in the US, where users can also place outbound calls to domestic and international destinations from their cell phone app, the web-based application, or by dialing their Google Voice number. One of the standout features of Google Voice is the ability to have a single phone number for all their phones, which simplifies communication and ensures that users never miss an important call.
In addition to voice and video calling, Google Voice offers several other features that enhance its usability. For instance, users can receive voicemail transcriptions, which convert voice messages into text and send them to the user’s email. This feature is particularly useful for those who prefer reading messages over listening to them. Google Voice also allows users to block unwanted callers, customize voicemail greetings for different callers, and screen calls before answering.
Potential Impact of Google Voice in Europe
The introduction of Google Voice in Europe could significantly impact the telecommunications landscape. With its array of features and the backing of Google’s robust infrastructure, Google Voice could offer a compelling alternative to traditional phone services. European users could benefit from the cost savings associated with free PC-to-PC calls and the convenience of having a single phone number for multiple devices.
Moreover, the integration of Google Voice with other Google services, such as Gmail and Google Calendar, could provide a seamless communication experience. For example, users could initiate calls directly from their Gmail inbox or receive call reminders from their Google Calendar. This level of integration could make Google Voice an indispensable tool for both personal and professional communication.
However, the rollout of Google Voice in Europe may face some challenges. Regulatory hurdles and competition from established telecom providers could pose obstacles to its widespread adoption. Additionally, Google will need to ensure that the service meets the diverse needs of European users, who may have different communication preferences and requirements compared to their US counterparts.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of Google Voice make it an exciting development for European users. As Google continues to test and refine the service, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and what new features may be introduced.
The internal testing of Google Voice in Europe marks a significant step towards its international launch. With its comprehensive set of features and the promise of seamless integration with other Google services, Google Voice has the potential to revolutionize communication for users across Europe. While the exact launch date remains uncertain, the ongoing testing and development efforts suggest that European users may soon be able to experience the benefits of Google Voice for themselves.
Source: TNW
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