Google Voice Updates Look But Keeps Most Requested Feature Behind Paywall

The post Google Voice Updates Look But Keeps Most Requested Feature Behind Paywall appeared first on Android Headlines.

May 2, 2025 - 13:22

Google has announced a couple of notable updates to Google Voice. The company has opted to refresh the Google Voice UI a bit, to update part of its look, while it has also brought forward a feature people have been requesting for a long time.

Google Voice will now look a bit different, thanks to a slight UI change; long-requested feature added

Let’s focus on the feature first, shall we? The feature in question is three-way calling. This was one of the most requested features for a long time, and Google finally decided to give in.

Google did some examples on when this may be useful. The company said it allows you to add a translator to a call, bring legal advice into the conversation, and so on. Realistically, most people will likely use it for a simple three-way call between friends or for business purposes.

If you’d like to use a three-way call in Google Voice, you’ll need to tap the ‘Add’ button during a call in order to find a third person you’d like to include. You cannot start a three-way call from the get-go. Once you find a third person, then choose the ‘Merge’ option.

Now, even though three-way calling is a new feature for Google Voice, it won’t be available to everyone, unfortunately. It’s coming only to Google Workspace customers who subscribe to specific plans. Those plans are Voice Starter, Voice Standard, Voice Premier, SIP Link Standard, or SIP Link Premier. If you’re not a subscriber, you won’t have this option.

The in-call user interface now looks better than ever

Alright, what about the UI refresh? Well, Google decided to update the in-call user interface. This change is coming to everyone, regardless of whether you’re a subscriber or not. This change is inspired by Google Meet, and it’s a change for the better.

You’ll find the main controls towards the bottom of the screen, and they’re very easy to spot. We’re talking about the keypad, mute button, sound option, and the record feature. Additional actions like call transferring, call hold, and merging calls are easy to find, but less prominent.

Google is not adding features all that frequently to Google Voice. That may be one of the reasons why a report earlier this year said that Google Voice is losing users. Even though Google has added new features now, plenty is still missing. For example, RCS is still not included, while it’s also not a good look when something as simple as a three-way call is a paid feature.

The post Google Voice Updates Look But Keeps Most Requested Feature Behind Paywall appeared first on Android Headlines.