Oct

Google Voice: A Valuable Tool for Photographers

This app is one that is a bit different from most that I review. And though it is not photography-related per se, it is certainly a valuable tool for photographers on the move. To sign up you simply go to the Google Voice website and sign up. Once you get your number you can download the app and enjoy full functionality on your iPhone.

So what can you do with Google Voice? First, it is a free dedicated phone number. I was able to get a local number and I don’t exactly live in a major metro area. But Google voice advertises itself not as a phone service, but as a way to manage your phones. They do so by giving you one number that can ring into any phone you determine. You can have the number forward your calls to any number you select. Other features include voice mail, the ability to record calls, voicemail transcription, conference calling and a number of other features.

But let’s talk about the app. You will find the menu at the bottom of the screen. On the left is the inbox where you can look at your voice mails, calls and text messages. The next menu item is the dialer (pictured at right) where you can call or text message someone. The next menu item is “Quick Dial” where you can program in your favorite numbers. The final menu item is “Settings” where you can turn on “Do Not Disturb” and other features.

So is Google Voice and its iPhone app right for you? That’s for you to decide, but the good news is that you can sign up for free and give it a try. The best part is that you can give it a try and utilize various features as you see fit. So check it out.

All the best…Mike

A college administrator by profession, Mike Kennamer enjoys the opportunity to take photos and improve his skills by shooting events at work, church, and for friends. He enjoys landscape photography, portraiture and is starting to dabble in HDR. His current photography project involves learning to control flash manually. “My goal”, according to Kennamer, “is to be the best photographer I can be.”

Kennamer is also the President of Kennamer Media Group, Inc., a provider of traditional and online media, specializing in the healthcare industry. On CurrentPhotographer.com he writes about iPhone and iPad applications for photographers.