Google Voice Unleashes Cool Features for Gmail Phone Calls

Google recently introduced phone calling in Gmail and the feature seems to have been a hit, at least by Google's account. The feature, somewhat surprisingly, is not directly tied to Google Voice, so users can get started right away. However, there are a few advantages to linking or creating a Voice account.

"Last week, we launched Google Voice in Gmail to let you make calls right from your computer. The uptake has been amazing," Michael Bolognino, Google Voice Product Marketing Manager, wrote.

"10,000,000 calls later, we wanted to offer some tips and tricks on how you, as a loyal Google Voice user, can unlock additional features when you setup Gmail to receive calls with your Google Voice number," he announced.

"If you haven’t already hooked it up, go to Google Voice, click on settings and check the box next to Google Chat in your list of forwarding phones," he explained.

All of the features have been around since the VoIP feature was introduced in Gmail, but some users may not be aware of them.

One advantage of hooking up your Voice account to the Gmail feature is the possibility to screen calls. If you get an incoming call from someone you don't know, you can hit the Screen button and the caller is sent to voicemail.

You can listen to what the caller has to say and you can jump into the call at any point. Otherwise, the voicemail message will be available in Gmail, just like any Voice messages.

An even more useful feature is the possibility to jump from Gmail to any of your phones in the middle of a call without the other person even noticing.

If, for example, you need to leave from your computer during an important conversation you can hit * on the dial pad in Gmail and all of the phones linked to your Voice account will ring enabling you to continue the conversation uninterrupted.

Finally, a feature that comes in very handy when doing lengthy interviews, you can record any conversation you have through Gmail with your Voice account.

Note that Google Voice is only available in the US so, even if you can make calls in Gmail elsewhere around the world, you won't be able to link the two accounts.