Google Rebrands GrandCentral as Google Voice

Google has recently rebranded GrandCentral, an online command center they acquired almost two years ago, as Google Voice.

From the Official Blog:

We've just started to release a preview of Google Voice, an application that helps you better manage your voice communications. Google Voice will be available initially to existing users of GrandCentral, a service we acquired in July of 2007.

The new application improves the way you use your phone. You can get transcripts of your voicemail (see the video below) and archive and search all of the SMS text messages you send and receive. You can also use the service to make low-priced international calls and easily access Goog-411 directory assistance.

The AP reports that this amplifies their push into telecommunications.

Here's how it works: Google Voice assigns a unique phone number to each user. Calls to the Google Voice number can then be directed to any other phone line. The service also provides a hub for all messages. The online command center also enables a user to customize greetings for friends and family or ward off unwelcome callers.

"Google is all about helping you manage your information and one of the big holes right now is in the management of voice communications," Paquet said