Google on Tuesday made it more tempting for people to try its nascent Voice service that lets users merge home, office and mobile phones into a single number.

People can keep their current mobile telephone numbers and - still get many of Google Voice's features - product managers Craig Walker, Vincent Paquet, and Pierre Lebeau said in the blog post.

Previously, it was required to switch to a "Google number" to get Voice services.

Those that switch to Google numbers get a richer array of features, including cheap international calling and merging home, office, and mobile telephones.

- We know not everyone wants to switch to a new phone number - Walker, Paquet, and Lebeau said in the post.

- So, it made sense to create a lighter version of Google Voice for people who are willing to trade some features for the ability to use their existing numbers. -

Google Voice can take voicemail messages, playing them back on demand or converting them into transcripts delivered by email or SMS.

Voice is in an invitation-only test mode in the United States. Invitations can be requested online at services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/.

- Google Voice is about giving you more control over your communications - Walker, Paquet, and Lebeau said.     - We hope this new option makes it easier for you to manage your messages and personalize your voicemail experience. -