Google updates its Voice service for the first time in five years

Google has given its Voice service an update. The SMS-voice chat combination has a new interface on Android and iOS and can now also be used as a web application. The updated versions are delivered to users in stages.

The new design for Google Voice, which will be seen not only in the apps, but also in the web interface, divides the functions into three columns. That’s text messages, voicemails, and phone calls. There is now also support for MMS messages in conversations. That was a feature in which Voice lagged behind other apps for a long time. A response can now also be drawn up directly from a notification of a new message.

However, Google Voice is still only for users in the US and Canada. The service requires an American or Canadian mobile phone number, after which Google assigns the user a different, new phone number. This can then be used with the Google Voice apps. This can be done on multiple devices at the same time.

It is the first time in five years that Google has implemented an update for Google Voice. The company also promises that more updates for Voice are coming in the future. With this move, Google is breathing new life into one of the many communication apps the company offers. In addition to Google Voice, users can also get started with Allo, Duo, Hangouts and Google Messenger.