You know how we love technology and new gadgets here at Firegeezer.  Well, a new one has just come sailing in from left field that has just taken two newly-created services and merged them into one potential powerhouse.  I’m speaking of Google’s recent purchase of start-up Gizmo5 that will apparently be merged with Google’s new GoogleVoice platform.  Last week Google officially confirmed what the Geek universe had suspected for a couple of weeks, namely that the internet giant had bought Gizmo5 for $30 million.

When Google Voice came out, I didn’t pay any attention to it other than read the headlines.  This kind of stuff goes on all the time and it’s not worth my time to try and keep up with all of it.  But what I remember about the Google Voice is that it has the ability to re-route all of your incoming phone calls from all of your phone lines (home, office, mobile) to one cellphone number.  Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you had to have a Google-assigned phone number to complete service.

Gizmo5 is a VoIP (voice-over-internet-protocol) web-based service, like Skype, that permits computer-users to make phone calls anywhere through their PC.  These type of services usually charge a flat monthly fee in exchange for unlimited telephone calls to most anywhere in the world, including domestic long-distance.  Now you connect Gizmo5 with Google Voice and you get, in effect, what will soon be “free” telephone service anywhere and (eventually) everywhere directly through your cell phone or land-line phone.  You will still have to maintain a traditional phone company service, but that’s all.

Google Voice has some additional features that some people will like, such as a voicemail service that can be accessed easily anywhere and can include images or videos.  Also a feature where you can record your conversations as they are happening.  (THIS ARTICLE briefly reviews all the unique features of Google Voice.)  And how is Google going to profit from this acquisition and “free” service?  They have also recently spent $750 million to buy a telephone advertising service, AdMob, that implants ads onto your phone calls.

Nothing is ever free, but we are embarking on a communications experience where we will be able to direct-dial anyone from your cellphone or PC,  anywhere easily and without being charged by the minute.  Oh…..there’s one more thing.  Google Voice is constructed on Google’s open-source Android platform.  That’s the same platform that Verizon’s new Droid phones operate on.  Watch out, A T & T.

Let’s get this equipment that we’re already using checked out now.  It’s time to get the morning started, so I’ll go get a fresh pot brewing.  See you back in the day room.