Many of you might already know that Google acquired, about two years ago, the uber-phone service GrandCentral for about $50 million, and closed it soon after. The search engine company has relaunched the service, only that it has re-branded it Google Voice. Basically, the new service comes as a sort of gmail for mobile phone users, yet there are some other features included there as well.

In addition to this functionality, the service is also stated to provide users with a new phone number that would offer them a wide range of voice utilities. The list of these features includes call screening, as well as allowing users to listen in before accepting the call and to block calls.

An SMS feature is also available, offering users the possibility to send, receive, or store SMS messages, as well as to read them, search between SMSs and forward them directly from the Web. Those who have an account with the service will also be able to make calls to any number in the US for free, while the Google Voice number can also take calls.

Another feature of the service is voicemail transcription, which transcribes voicemail into emails, while also allowing users to listen to the voicemail either online or from the phone. Those registered will also receive notifications for voicemails via either SMS or email. Conference calling is included too.

Another nice option is the ability to switch the call from one phone to another, and the list of utilities does not stop here. Those who had the chance to register with GrandCentral before being purchased by Google will benefit from all the aforementioned features, but those who would like to sing up with the service will also be able to do so in the near future, though no specific date has been announced at the moment, However, we learn that all those who want to register will be able to do so for free.