Guess what new toy Google’s got under their belt. Well if you can read the huge title above, you know what I’m talking about. Google has purchased GrandCentral.com
What Is GrandCentral?
If you aren’t familiar with this wonderful service, GrandCentral proclaims the whole “One number to rule them all” premise. It really is a nice service. You have one, that’s it. It’s meant primarily for those of use with multiple phones (Home, cell, work, friend’s house, etc). The idea is that someone calls your GrandCentral number and all your phones ring at the same time. It’s not as bad as it sounds people, it’s not like all the phones are in the same room, remember? If you’re home you don’t have to kill your cell phone minutes, if you ran to the store, but you’re still waiting for an important call, you wont’ miss it. If any of your numbers change, you go to the accounts section and change the number there.
Personally, I use it because I like all the neat features and I’m a new technology freak; especially when it’s free. Like a lot of people, I don’t see the point in a land line, so I only have a cell phone. So what’s the point of me using GrandCentral? When I moved for my new job, I wanted a number which was local to my new surroundings, but all my friends still reach me at my old number. With GrandCentral, I have the best of both worlds.
The service gives a full call log with Caller ID and MP3 voice mail. You can also do amazing things with caller groups: block all “blocked numbers”, send certain numbers straight to voice mail, etc. There is also a screening option. After you pick up the phone you can either press “1″ to pick up the call or listen live to the person while they leave a message. So you can screen Bob to find out whether he’s calling for a legit reason or because he needs another $50.00, again.
There is also a call recording feature. Anytime during a call you can hit the number “4″ and the conversation will be recorded. You can could also upload an MP3 that would serve as a “RingShare” for your users. And as with everything else, you can set rules based on number or caller group.
For you home phone users there is a minimal caller ID feature. If you have the user in your address book, it will say the name in a lil’ computerized voice.
What Does Google Bring To Table?
Who knows, but right now I see restrictions. For one, you can no longer upload an MP3 or any music file for that matter to use as a RingShare, copyright issues I suppose. Well I guess it couldn’t be free for ever. There are still going to be more features stripped from the free version. But rest assured that receiving incoming calls to all your phones will remain free.
But seriously, Google brings themselves, their name, and a whole butt load of money for further development. Right now, the beta is open by invitation only. Each old member (like myself) is given five (5) invites to donate to their friends. I have half a mind not to give out any. I’ve been ranting and raving about this great service for months now while the door was wide open, but no one listened.
Source: GrandCentral - We’re now part of Google [GrandCentral]
Popularity: 14%
Similar Posts
- None Found
8 Comments until now.
One’s already gone. Had to give the girlfriend one. After all, she gave me a Joost invite. But there are four more up for grabs. I’m sure selling them is against some fine print somewhere (we are dealing with Google here. I remember the days when EBay canceled accounts for selling gmail invites).
But I can certainly give them away. Let me make a quick assessment.
I will remember that you were first in line to ask though
–
Baz L
Day In The Life of Baz
http://www.LifeOfBaz.com
I was unable to enter the two-digit activation code into my phone because I am using a dialup and a single landline, so when GC calls, my phone is busy.
Thanks!
Comment!