Google Voice was launched in 2009 as a free internet service that uses VoIP technology to link phone numbers. It also includes features such as voicemail transcript and sms managing. The service is strictly by invite. Google has decided to give priority to students for obtaining invites to the service.

YOu can use the service with your existing number to get some of the below mentioned features :

  • Google voicemail: voicemail like email
  • Voicemail transcription: read what your voicemail says
  • Custom greetings: vary voicemail greetings by caller
  • International calling: low cost calls to the world
  • Notifications: read voicemail messages via email or SMS
  • Share voicemails: forward, embed, or download voicemails

You can also add a google number to get the below mentioned additional features :

  • One number: a single phone number that rings all your phones
  • Free SMS: send, receive & store text messages online
  • Block calls: send unwanted callers straight to voicemail
  • Record calls: record phone calls and store them online
  • Conference calls: join several people into a single call
  • Screen callers: hear who is calling before you pick up

Google has come out with similar strategy as they adopted with Google Apps and Google Wave. Google is trying to target students and avid users of technology to gain early adopters of their technology. Google believes that the features of Google voice which include voice and email integration, free text messages, voicemail in a transcript form are perfect for students and suited to their lifestyles.

A student signing up for the service will be given priority over other invite requests. The students registering for the invite must have an .edu email address. There is even a special page for students to sign up for the service. Any student applying here is said to be expected to receive invite within 24 hours.

Google voice invite registration

Student registration page

Google voice video :