Google Launches GrandCentral, Free Phone Routing Service
Last summer, Google's stock was soaring. It had plenty of cash and went on a bit of a buying spree, gobbling up a number of startups with interesting ideas. One was GrandCentral, a site that let you create a single, local phone number for all of your calls. Google has just re-launched the new "GrandCentral from Google" site, and if you're quick you might just be able to sign up for an account.The service, which is available now in limited beta form (meaning not everyone can sign up just yet), enables you to pick a new phone number. You can then add all of your existing phone numbers (home, cell, work, etc.) and select where your calls get routed. When you hit the road, for instance, you can send everything to your mobile number and never miss a beat. When you get to a hotel, you can add that number and direct everything there. If someone leaves you a voicemail on the service it'll be happy to e-mail or text you a heads up, and you can even create lists of people who you never want to hear from again -- calls from them won't even ring your phone when they call.
The potential here for making life easier is endless, but so too is the potential for creative misuse. When you create a GrandCentral account you can pick any area code you like. So, if you have a friend across the country that you're constantly calling and are sick of paying long-distance to chat with, have them make a GrandCentral account in your local area code and -- viola -- no more long-distance calls. Or, if you have a cell phone plan that lets you receive unlimited calls from a certain number, just add your GrandCentral number to that list, have your friends call you there, and then it's unlimited calling plan time without paying $99 a month and up.
From Compiler
Related Links:
- http://www.switched.com/2008/02/20/unlimited-calling-plans-are-the-new-black/
- http://www.switched.com/2008/02/21/friending-on-myspace-violates-restraining-orders/
- http://www.switched.com/2008/02/13/mobile-world-congress-coverage-and-highlights/
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dan @ Feb 29th 2008 10:28AM
This is a great service for families. Currently, both my wife and I have a cell phone. If someone (like daycare) needs to reach one of us, and doesn't care whom, they can call our Grand Central number, and both cell phones will ring (along with my office line). This saves time and makes it easier on our provider.
It's a great service. I just wonder how Google is going to make money from it.