Google Workspace Changes

AI note-taking is now available in Google Voice to record, transcribe, and summarize phone calls.

Google Voice has introduced an AI-powered note-taking feature that allows users to record and transcribe calls, summarize key points, and organize action items. These notes are sent via Gmail and stored within the Voice app. The feature includes an audio disclosure for participants and is available for Google Workspace customers with Voice Standard and Voice Premier add-ons, or Voice Standard standalone plans, currently available in English.

Google Voice introduces Carrier Link to simplify adding phone numbers and calling plans from certified local carriers.

Carrier Link allows Google Workspace customers with SIP Link Standard and Premier subscriptions to easily integrate phone numbers and calling plans from certified local carriers, such as Tata Communications and Telefonica Global Solutions. By leveraging a pre-configured multi-tenant implementation of SIP Link, this feature simplifies the setup of cloud phone systems for small businesses, allowing them to make and receive calls with payment handled by the local carrier and minimal configuration required.

Google Voice introduces call queuing for ring groups.

Google Voice is introducing call queuing for ring groups. This feature allows administrators to customize aspects like music and announcements while callers are on hold, maximum callers in the queue, maximum wait time, and a wrap-up time for agents. This update aims to reduce unanswered calls, boost sales, and improve customer experience by providing a structured way to handle high call volumes.

On-demand call recording is now available for Google Voice Starter plan users.

The Google Voice Starter plan now includes on-demand call recording, a feature previously available in Voice Standard and Premier plans. This allows end users to easily record important calls for various purposes such as future reference, training, or compliance. An intuitive record button will be integrated into the Google Voice interface during active calls, enhancing the utility of the Starter plan as a more complete telephony solution within Google Workspace.

Google Voice Starter now supports desk phones and analog telephone adapters.

Google Voice Starter plan is expanding its capabilities to include support for compatible desk phones and analog telephone adapters (ATAs). This enhancement offers greater flexibility for organizations using the Starter plan, enabling users to make and receive calls on traditional desk hardware according to their preference. This feature aligns the Starter plan more closely with the comprehensive solutions offered by Google Workspace.

Google Voice has an enhanced, redesigned in-call user interface.

The Google Voice in-call user interface has been refreshed, bringing a consistent look and feel across all devices, an intuitive call layout similar to Google Meet, and improved placement of key call controls. Primary actions like the keypad and mute button are prominently highlighted, while secondary actions like transfer, hold, and merge are easily accessible.

Google Voice now supports three-way calling.

Google Voice now supports three-way calling, making it easier to connect callers with more relevant parties or loop in additional parties to keep the conversation moving. Use cases include bringing in a translator, including legal counsel, or facilitating smoother call transfers.

Google Voice expands SIP Link availability to new countries in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM.

Google Voice is expanding the availability of SIP Link to several new countries across the APAC, EMEA, and LATAM regions. This feature allows Google Voice Standard and Premier customers to connect Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) trunks with Voice, enabling the use of phone numbers from local carriers through certified Session Border Controllers (SBCs). Customers in these newly supported countries will need to purchase SIP Link Standard or SIP Link Premier licenses to set up the service.

SIP Link for Google Voice is expanding to new countries in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM.

Google Voice is launching in new countries by expanding SIP Link availability to Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Finland, Israel, Norway, Romania, South Africa, and Peru. Customers in these countries will need to purchase the new SIP Link Standard or SIP Link Premier licenses to set up SIP Link.

Google Voice expands SIP Link availability to new countries in APAC, EMEA, and LATAM.

Google Voice has expanded SIP Link availability to Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Finland, Israel, Norway, Romania, South Africa, and Peru.

Improved process for transferring personal Google Voice numbers to Google Workspace business accounts.

Google Voice has introduced a streamlined experience for transferring personal phone numbers to Google Workspace business accounts. Users can now initiate the transfer through the 'Account Settings' on the web by providing the number and the target Workspace email address. Administrators can then review and accept these transfer requests within the Admin console under Apps > Google Workspace > Google Voice > Numbers.

Transferring a personal Google Voice number to a Google Workspace account is now easier.

A significantly improved experience for transferring a personal Google Voice number to a Google Workspace account is now available. When using Google Voice on the web, you can go directly to “Account Settings” and then to the "Transfer your number to another Voice account" section.

It is now easier to transfer a personal Google Voice number to a Google Workspace business account.

Users can now transfer their personal Google Voice number to a Google Workspace account directly from the web interface, allowing admins to accept the transfer request in the Admin console.

Google Voice now supports call delegation, allowing admins to assign delegates to handle calls and voicemails on behalf of other users.

Admins can now assign delegates to manage calls for other users in Google Voice. These delegates can answer and place calls on the delegator's behalf, transfer calls selectively, and listen to voicemail messages and view transcripts. This feature is intended to help busy professionals and executives manage their communications more efficiently through support staff.

Admins can now assign delegates to handle other users' calls in Google Voice.

Admins can assign delegates to handle other users' calls. When assigned, delegates can: Answer calls on the delegator’s behalf, Place calls on the delegator’s behalf, including transferring the call to the delegator once connected, Transfer calls selectively to the delegator Listen to voicemail messages and view voicemail transcripts