By JR Raphael
Contributing Writer, [GAS]

A new service can let you take the personal touch out of voice communication.

SlyDial gives you the option to dial directly into anyone’s voicemail — whether they’re on the same cell phone provider as you or not. You can use it for free if you don’t mind listening through a 30-second ad, or you can pay a small fee (15 cents a pop, or less if you buy a prepaid package) to go ad-free.

The setup is simple: You call 1-267-SLY-DIAL, punch in anyone’s cell phone number, and it’ll connect you to their voicemail — without their phone ever ringing. Some phones will even go as far as displaying an actual missed call from the number you specify.

This thing has plenty of possible uses, both positive and manipulative. It could definitely come in handy for the times you want to leave a quick note without getting into a whole conversation — almost as an alternative to a text message.

SlyDial is limited to the U.S. only as of now.

Tags: cell phone, slydial, text message, voicemail