This fall, Gmail launched integration with Google Voice allowing users to place and receive calls directly from your computer, saving your cell phone minutes and allowing better call documentation. This month, Google has given a small but growing number of users the ability to record incoming Google Voice calls inside of Gmail.
Reports are that it currently isn’t the most effective feature (TechCrunch reports that users have to hit “4” on their keypad although Google doesn’t make it clear that they can or must do this in order to record).
Voice recording verbally tells the caller and the receiver that the call is being recorded so there is no secret spy activity going on here. There are several iPhone and Android apps however that record and store calls in case you need more functionality.
Our favorite features of Google Voice are still call screening and voicemail to text message. Although voice record is not fully functioning yet, it is an interesting move.
There are several ways you could use the Google Voice record on Gmail ranging from interviewing a former client who has relocated for a testimonial or getting in touch with the mayor for a quick word on why your city is the best. Agents could use this as a means of record keeping, especially with clients and other agents (most notably during negotiations… knowing they’re being recorded could keep your competitor on their toes).
When it’s available to everyone, what uses can YOU see for this new feature?
Sheila Rasak
December 1, 2010 at 11:46 am
Oh yes, this is such a lovely feature when it’s never been my attempt to record private calls with my clients.
I’ll take or initiate a call, we will be speaking for several minutes when suddenly an operator like voice announces that “call recording feature is now on”. It’s super trying to explain that there’s an obvious glitch that Google Voice needs to address and they are NOT being recorded. Most clients haven’t even heard of Google Voice. I then get to attempt to explain that.
The other fun feature is when I’m on my cell talking with someone and my voice mail announcement comes on. At that point I pretty much tell the caller that I’ll need to phone them back.
Some days modern technology bites. Or is that bytes?
Lani Rosales
December 1, 2010 at 11:49 am
Weird, I use Google Voice and I’ve never had any of those problems! That stinks!