Google Buys GrandCentral

As expected, Google picked up GrandCentral, which is great news for GrandCentral users and potential future users. I said that my main concern with GrandCentral is whether or not they'd be able to keep the service running long-term - if you're going to consolidate your numbers into a single number you want to be darn sure that it's going to stick around for awhile. Now all Google has to do it get text-message forwarding working -- which I'm actually really optimistic about since they already have their fancy SMS search.

Being part of Google will helps us make our vision of improved voice communications one step closer to reality and bring innovative communications services to millions of users around the world. This will also ensure that your GrandCentral number is here for the long run, and that no matter how often you move, change jobs or phone providers, everyone can still reach you through the same phone number.

Read: GrandCentral: The New Way To Use Your Phones

Update: A little bad news - now that Google's messing with GrandCentral's innards, bringing them into the fold, they're limiting new sign-ups for awhile:

While we're moving their technology over to Google's network, a limited number of invitations will be available to register for a GrandCentral beta account. If you have a U.S. telephone number, you can sign up for an invitation at www.grandcentral.com. Current GrandCentral customers will continue to have uninterrupted access to the service.

Read: Official Google Blog: All aboard