Introducing the new Google Voice, 5 years in the making

Following reports earlier this year that Google Voice (the search giant’s own Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP, calling and messaging service) would receive an update, today Google released a new version of the service. The update is more like a refresh; Google has changed the look and feel of the service more than anything else. In addition to the aesthetic overhaul, Google Voice is also gaining some new features.

The layout of the service has been changed to reflect a more modern design. The “cleaner, more intuitive design” focuses on organization. In their blog, Google said the following:

“Your inbox now has separate tabs for text messages, calls and voicemails. Conversations stay in one continuous thread, so you can easily see all your messages from each of your contacts in one place.”

The update also brings a better messaging with “support for group and photo MMS as well as in-notification replies.” Google is also working to bring Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging to Voice. RCS offers similar features to messaging apps like iMessage such as improved group chat management and read receipts.

This update looks like it may be the first of many to come. In their blog, Google stated that they’ll continue to work to provide future updates and more features to Voice. The update should roll out to more and more devices over the next few weeks. Android smartphones are (as expected) first in line. iOS and web updates will follow soon after the initial rollout.

More information about the update can be found on Google’s blog.

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