The Google Voice app can be a good option if you require a second number that will still ring through to your smartphone.
Using this second number, service users can send and receive text messages as well as place and receive phone calls.
Google just rolled out a new update to Google Voice which can really make it a solid alternative to smartphone calls.
Google Voice Intelligent Network Switch Update
Google Voice recently received a helpful update from Google. A Google Workspace update mentioned that Google Voice now decides which network type will result in better call quality, and automatically changes ongoing calls between cellular data and Wi-Fi to ensure the optimal call experience.
Prior to this modification, Voice simply determined the optimum network at call setup and did not adjust for potential network performance changes that might arise during the conversation.
What This Update Means For Users?
To put it another way, prior to the update, you were stuck if the call quality on a Google Voice call placed over cellular network declined in the middle of the call because you were unable to switch to a Wi-Fi connection in that situation.
Google Voice will now automatically switch to the network with the highest call quality following the update. All Google Voice users now have access to the new feature.
Should You Use Google Voice?
If you have a business that you don’t want associated with your personal number, you can use the second phone number for that.
You can also use the second phone number for personal calls. In this way, even when you’re on the go, calls made to your company number will be delivered immediately to your smartphone.
Availability and Important Details
Google Voice is available on both iOS and Android-powered smartphones, and using it for personal use is free. It will function online as well.
You can keep the phone number provided by Google for the following six months as long as you call or receive a call using it once during that time.
If you don’t use the assigned number for more than six months, Google will take it back and issue it to another Voice customer.
Google Voice will save your voicemail in addition to allowing you to make and receive calls, send and receive text messages, and more.
In reality, Voice will not only preserve your voicemail but also translate these messages into text, save the text, and share it with others.
Pricing
Pricing for the “Starter” tier with a cap of 10 users is $10 per month per user if you use Google Voice for business. Ten domestic locations are available for calls.
Without a limit on the number of users, the “Standard” tier with unlimited domestic calls will cost $20 per month per user.
The Premier tier, which has no user cap and costs $30 a month per user but includes unlimited domestic and international calls, is also available.
Wrapping Up
Google Voice’s new update can be a game changer and finally make it a relevant option for users. But it all depends on how well the feature actually performs.