After a long period of neglect, Google Voice is finally getting some much-needed attention. The company has announced a significant update to its Voice-over-IP service, introducing a refreshed call interface and a highly anticipated three-way calling feature.

The new call interface, which is now more reminiscent of Google Meet, boasts a prominent and easily accessible layout with key call control buttons lined up in a row. This includes a "Transfer" button to the left of the Hold button, and an "Add" button to the right that changes to "Merge" when you have a second call waiting. This redesign aims to provide a more streamlined and intuitive call experience for users.

The three-way calling feature is perhaps the most exciting addition to Google Voice. To initiate a conference call, users can simply tap the Add button during an existing call and select someone from their contact list. Google Voice will then start a call with the other person and allow users to merge the calls with a single tap. The interface also provides a notification-like message on top to let users know when someone is on hold, along with a button to switch between calls.

At present, this update is only available to Google Workspace customers who have a Voice Starter, Voice Standard, or Voice Premier subscription, as well as customers with SIP Link Standard and SIP Link Premier. However, Google has assured that the new features will eventually roll out to all Google Voice users, although it remains unclear whether this includes iOS users, as the examples provided by Google only showcase the interface for Android.

The extended rollout of this update is expected to take up to 15 days or longer, giving Google time to iron out any potential issues before making it available to a wider audience. This move is likely to be welcomed by Google Voice users, who have been waiting for significant updates to the service for some time.

In the context of Google's broader strategy, this update suggests a renewed focus on its Voice-over-IP service. With the rise of competitors like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, Google is likely looking to revamp its offerings to remain competitive in the market. The addition of three-way calling, in particular, brings Google Voice more in line with its rivals, making it a more attractive option for businesses and individuals alike.

As Google continues to refine its communication services, it will be interesting to see how this update impacts the wider VoIP landscape. With its massive user base and reputation for innovation, Google is well-positioned to drive adoption of new features and technologies in the space. As the company continues to invest in Google Voice, we can expect to see further updates and improvements in the coming months.