I’m a big Google fan (that doesn’t mean I’m a Google fan that’s BIG, however). I have a gmail account (Google e-mail) which is easier to use and more efficient than my Hotmail account (Hotmail is owned by Microsoft). I also use the Google iPhone app quite often, especially the voice lookup, which allows me to tell the phone what I’m looking for, and have it brought up in a Google search.

It also continues to be the best search engine on the Internet (although I’m intrigued by Microsoft’s Bing, and will continue to use it). Now, Google is entering a new realm of unified communications by adding Google Voice, a phone service that may revolutionize the way you use phones.

Still in beta (i.e. pre-release), Google Voice supplies you with a single phone number. That phone number is tied into all your other phone numbers: your home phone, cell phone, work phone — whatever numbers you want it to support. That means that your phone numbers follow you around. If you move and change numbers, or change your cell number, those with your Google Voice number don’t need to know; they continue to call your Google number.

You can also do all kinds of cool stuff, like choose which calls you get on which phone, from which people. Calls from your mom can go to all your phones, for example. Calls from your boss can go to your work or cellphone only. You can even choose to have certain callers go directly to Google voicemail. How awesome is that?

You can read your voicemail through your phones, online, or even have it automatically transcribed and get it e-mailed to you.

I’ve signed up for the program; I’ll update you regularly on my progress. I have to say I’m very excited by this new use of technology, and can’t wait to try it out.