links for 2009-03-12

Sweet.

A preview release of Google Voice, an application that helps you better manage your voice communications. Google Voice will be available initially to existing users of GrandCentral. The new application improves the way you use your phone. You can get transcripts of your voicemail (see the video below) and archive and search all of the SMS text messages you send and receive. You can also use the service to make low-priced international calls and easily access Goog-411 directory assistance.

Internet access at 35,000 feet is no longer next year's technology. Several dozen planes over the US have broadband over WiFi backed by satellite or ground cell stations, and hundreds more are coming this year. Here's how the technology works, which airlines offer Internet service, and what's coming up.

Me @ TMV: More from P. W. Singer on robots of war (and a fun Samantha Bee video)