Just when the year was coming to an end, Google pulled a new gimmick, got clad in the robe of Santa Claus and extended free Google Voice calling via Gmail till end of 2011. Google Voice acts as voice mail transcription, free local calls, free local SMS, cheaper International Calls and single number for several other numbers – mobile, home, office. Free calling for US and Canada citizens via Google Voice was destined to end by this year’s last day. Back in June, Google opened up Google Voice for all US and Canada based citizens.
After the tremendous success of Google Voice App for iPhone, Google released the same for iPad and iPod touch as well. However, the technology remained available only to US and Canada customers. Google has been trying hard to use Google Voice wherever possible, and recently we saw its integration into Gmail. Consequently, a new Call Phone option appears in the Gmail interface based Chat list. Of course, US and Canada consumers must have a Google Voice account to reap such benefits.
Recently, Google had enabled Google Voice function in Gmail for Indians for a brief period. However, we see no official whistles of Voice feature for India. We hope Indian consumers expectation would be meet soon in the New Year.
