WASHINGTON, Aug. 14, 2009 - Google is tinkering with a new service that could transform the way troops on the frontlines communicate with their families on the homefront.

Google Voice assigns users a single U.S. phone number that can ring at phones in multiple locations like the home, office or on a cellular device - all at the same time. Coupled with a feature that stores and transcribes voicemail in e-mail form, Google Voice can relieve some of the technical hassles that come with staying connected.