Google has released a mobile phone service called Google Voice that converts voicemails into emails, potentially stepping on the toes of companies such as Spinvox. The new service will enable a person to store transcripts of voicemail phone messages in their email inbox. These messages are fully searchable. This is another move by the internet giant to move away from its more traditional products and into related Web 2.0 fusion areas.
Google Voice is based on Grand Central Communications technology bought by Google in July 2007. The new version uses speech-recognition technology that automatically changes voicemails into text. The messages can then be forwarded as an email or SMS text message.
It is unclear how Google Voice will fit into Google's business model, which relies on advertisers to provide 97 per cent of the company's revenue, advertising placement would be difficult to say the least. Other than a feature that bills users when they make long-distance phone calls, the product has no immediate means of generating revenue. Google are saying the new application wil be available to existing Grand Central users on Thursday and to the general public in the following weeks and the smart money suggests that the long term aim is to keep people on the Google sites for longer.
