Google buys Grand Central

Google has acquired GrandCentral Communications, which lets users combine all their phone numbers and voicemail boxes under one phone number so they can manage various phone features online. For example, users can set up their accounts so that the number can ring on one or multiple phones, based on who is calling.

Google will continue to support existing users without interruption but will issue only a limited number of invitations for new beta customers while it transitions the service over to Google.

The acquisition adds to other Google communications services, including Google Talk, an instant messaging service that includes VoIP calling.