Semi-OT: Google Voice Numbers

Submitted by joeyb on

For those of you who get Google Voice in the next couple of days, there are lots of numbers of the format 33G-OBL-UExx. Then you can end it with a jersey number or the year you graduated if you want. 01, 20, 21 are all available along with about 50 others.

This is just an FYI because I would rather see these numbers go to Michigan fans than people from that area code (Alabama).

joeyb

October 20th, 2009 at 9:46 AM ^

Basically, phone service providers buy packages of numbers by the first 3 digits of a phone number within the area code. So the only area code-prefix combo that is able to contain GO BLUE is (334)-625-xxxx. It isn't just that you get to pick your number; you have to pick from numbers that they have already purchased.

I hope this makes sense.

maracle

October 20th, 2009 at 2:29 AM ^

Anyone know how I can get an invite? I signed up for an invite on the google site a few weeks back, it said they were processing them quickly and I'd hear back "soon." No dice so far. I'm going to be living abroad next year so it would be really useful.

If anyone knows someone who doesn't much care about the invites they're giving to current users let me know!

RDDGoblue

October 20th, 2009 at 7:20 AM ^

Took about 2 weeks for me to get my invite. I just used a variant of my name.

No one ever calls me through that number though, fun trick to have people dial it, but everyone uses my regular number.

joeyb

October 20th, 2009 at 9:53 AM ^

I just got it last night and it seems more like a party trick so far. I could see how it could be useful for someone who does business from their home.

Features that I noticed:
- Transcripts the voicemail so you can read it (not perfect but it would be great for trying to search through several voicemail).
- Ability to record conversations for later use.
- Can essentially autodial for you from your phone to another number (They actually call your phone, then connect you to the other phone).
- Allows you to screen callers.

This is just what I noticed in half an hour of fiddling last night. It reminds me of the voicemail service that Ford has where it will put the voicemail in your inbox but with some added features. It's pretty cool, but I don't see any use for it until I can transfer my cell phone number over there so that I don't have to "switch" my number with all of my contacts. If I were able to do that, I might actually consider using it full time.