Google Voice is a telecommunications service offered by tech giant Google that provides call forwarding and voicemail services, voice and text messaging, as well as international call termination services for Google Account customers. It allows users to link their mobile phone numbers with a Google Voice number and make calls, send texts, and manage voicemail through a web-based platform or mobile app. Google Voice aims to streamline communication and offer a unified phone number that can ring on multiple devices.
Google Voice falls under the category of Phone technology, specifically Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. VoIP technologies enable users to make voice calls over the internet rather than through traditional telephone lines. Google Voice leverages VoIP to offer users a range of calling and messaging features that integrate with Google's suite of services, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for personal and business communication needs.
Founded in 2009 as a result of Google's acquisition of GrandCentral, Google Voice has since evolved into a popular telecommunication service. Originally, GrandCentral was founded by Craig Walker and Vincent Paquet in 2005 with the vision of simplifying and centralizing phone communications. Google's motivation behind acquiring GrandCentral and launching Google Voice was to enhance its portfolio of communication tools and provide users with innovative ways to stay connected.
In terms of current market share, Google Voice holds a significant position in the VoIP and virtual phone number sector, competing with other providers like Skype and Zoom Phone. With Google's vast resources and integration capabilities, Google Voice is poised to continue growing its market share in the coming years. The increasing demand for remote work solutions and virtual communication tools is expected to drive the adoption of Google Voice, making it a competitive player in the evolving telecommunications landscape.
