Google Voice Gains Three-Way Calling Feature and On-Call UI Tweaks

Google revealed a new feature for its Voice platform on Thursday, which allows you to make three-way calls. In addition, the call interface has seen multiple tweaks for easier navigation and to make the new merge call features easier to access. 

Google Voice has been around for quite a while and still has a loyal fanbase. It’s currently one of the easier free call-forwarding and voicemail subscription services you can find, and while it doesn’t receive a ton of updates these days, it’s nice to see that Google hasn’t forgotten about it.

A Google representative did not immediately reply to CNET’s request for comment. 

New three-way calling feature on the way

Sometimes adding another person to a call is necessary. Whether you’re trying to finalize some customer service issue between two third-party businesses or even bring on a translator to the call, the feature is a welcomed one to Voice, even if it’s not something you may find yourself using every day. 

With the latest update, you’ll be able to add another person to a call with just a few taps. Two new buttons will now appear while you’re in a Google Voice call to support the feature: Add and Merge. Each new button functions how you’d expect them to: Add will allow you to add a new person to the call, while Merge will let you merge two existing calls together to create a conference call. 

Revamped in-call UI

The addition of the Add and Merge buttons are a part of a larger reworking of Google Voice’s in-call user interface, which is now displayed more consistently across devices and easier to navigate. All of the important and expected call controls are now easily accessible from the UI without being hidden behind menus. 

Google likens the updated UI layout and placement to that of Meet’s, which is to say, simple and straightforward. 

Availability

The new in-call UI update will be available to all Google Voice users, where three-way calling will be available for Google Workspace subscribers with Voice Starter, Voice Standard and Voice Premier subscriptions, along with those customers who have SIP Link, according to the blog post. 

The rollout of the updates begins on May 1, but may take longer for the features to appear for some. The features are available on a computer, Android, and iPhone or iPad devices.