Well, since I got an invite to the Beta of Google Voice, I decided to write a series of reviews concerning the product. As of now, I haven't done much with it, and will write more in the future. 
When you open google voice, you see the screen at left. It looks somewhat like Gmail, which I believe was google's aim with the product. A gmail for your phone calls. The tips across the bottom of the screen fill you in on some of the features in Google Voice that may not be apparent to you at first. I can say that I didn't know that some features existed before I saw it in the tips panel. Me not having any voicemails, this window may look pretty boring for everyone else. However, when I start to migrate to this number, more voicemails will start to show where it says "No Items in your inbox." What's really cool about this service is that if a voicemail comes in, google voice will automatically transcribe it for you. That way, you can read it. It is right most of the time, but it does allow you to listen to them in the little bubble that contains the voicemail. the play button is right above the transcription.
The inbox bar very much resembles Gmail, but has a few more features. It allows access to all of your calls and SMS messages, along with transcriptions that you have made or recorded. At the bottom of the screen is your account balance. This money is used to make international calls. As it turns out, the rates offered by google for international calls is significantly less than the rates offered my most phone companies.
When you want to place a call from Google Voice, all you have to do is navigate to one of your contacts and click call. Google voice will automatically connect your call to the recipient, who will see your caller id as your google voice number. Because you are hooked up by google, you can record and transcribe calls through google. All of the recordings are accessible through the online service.
All of your contacts are listed in the contacts pane, and can be edited and used from there. A contact can have an individual greeting, which is changed from the Google Voice Settings link under the contact. For instance, of your brother calls, you can have it set up so that he hears you telling him specifically that you're not available, and can be reached at a different time or number. But if your annoying mother in law keeps calling you, you can have a message telling here that she has the wrong number. A very useful feature, if you ask me.
All in all, Google Voice is a very useful product. If you have signed up for an invite and haven't gotten one yet, BE PATIENT! I signed up for an invite when google bought the product and got one four days ago. They are still sending them out, so hold on. You won't be disappointed.
More on Google Voice in the near Future.
All for Now!
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