New Google Service Goog411 - General Topics

This isn't really pertaining to WM6, but I wanted everyone here to see it.
Google is offering free directory assitance now via voiceplan http://labs.google.com/goog411/ Just in case you are (like I frequently am) caught in a car when I cannot get online to type in the number and talking would much much simpler. I've only tried it once, and it worked for me.
From their site:
Welcome to Google Voice Local Search
Google Voice Local Search is Google’s experimental service to make local-business search accessible over the phone.
To try this service, just dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone.
Using this service, you can:
search for a local business by name or category.
You can say "Giovanni's Pizzeria" or just "pizza".
get connected to the business, free of charge.
get the details by SMS if you’re using a mobile phone.
Just say "text message".
And it's free. Google doesn’t charge you a thing for the call or for connecting you to the business. Regular phone charges may apply, based on your telephone service provider.
Note: Google Voice Local Search is still in its experimental stage. It may not be available at all times and may not work for all users. We’re fine-tuning the service to get better at recognizing your requests. It’s currently only available in English, in the US, for US business listings.

ajmoncrief said:
This isn't really pertaining to WM6, but I wanted everyone here to see it.
Google is offering free directory assitance now via voiceplan http://labs.google.com/goog411/ Just in case you are (like I frequently am) caught in a car when I cannot get online to type in the number and talking would much much simpler. I've only tried it once, and it worked for me.
From their site:
Welcome to Google Voice Local Search
Google Voice Local Search is Google’s experimental service to make local-business search accessible over the phone.
To try this service, just dial 1-800-GOOG-411 (1-800-466-4411) from any phone.
Using this service, you can:
search for a local business by name or category.
You can say "Giovanni's Pizzeria" or just "pizza".
get connected to the business, free of charge.
get the details by SMS if you’re using a mobile phone.
Just say "text message".
And it's free. Google doesn’t charge you a thing for the call or for connecting you to the business. Regular phone charges may apply, based on your telephone service provider.
Note: Google Voice Local Search is still in its experimental stage. It may not be available at all times and may not work for all users. We’re fine-tuning the service to get better at recognizing your requests. It’s currently only available in English, in the US, for US business listings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
its actually not THAT new but it is an excellent service. i love it. use it all the time. and its free.
*bows to google*
edit: since we are on the topic of new products. check out grandcentral.com. and thank me later.

hiimcliff said:
its actually not THAT new but it is an excellent service. i love it. use it all the time. and its free.
*bows to google*
edit: since we are on the topic of new products. check out grandcentral.com. and thank me later.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Grandcentral is old too

CUSTEL said:
Grandcentral is old too
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah i thought so too
but it was new to me when i read that google was buying it. thats when i googled grandcentral.com
its cool though isnt it?

grandcentral
Way cool, simply amazing stuff. What a find! Well done.
Cheers

So i take you guys already know about the text google at 46645 to find info out.

Funny I dropped my grandcentral account today because I just got an 8525 and well since you have to press the number 1, 2 or 3 on an incoming call in order to answer it from grandcentral I just began missing too many calls on this phone.
On an incoming call on these phones you are not presented with the dialpad for pressing a number. First I have to grab my phone, even though I have my bluetooth on which is a bummer in itself, then I have to hit the answer button, then I have hit the dialpad button, then I have to hit the corresponding number to answer the call.
This is not easy when driving, and it sucks to have to do so much to answer a call. Granted I love the service and think grandcentral rocks, not to mention the rumour that google is in talks to acquire them. But there has to be a way to disable this feature or use voice maybe to answer.

RasnCain said:
Funny I dropped my grandcentral account today because I just got an 8525 and well since you have to press the number 1, 2 or 3 on an incoming call in order to answer it from grandcentral I just began missing too many calls on this phone.
On an incoming call on these phones you are not presented with the dialpad for pressing a number. First I have to grab my phone, even though I have my bluetooth on which is a bummer in itself, then I have to hit the answer button, then I have hit the dialpad button, then I have to hit the corresponding number to answer the call.
This is not easy when driving, and it sucks to have to do so much to answer a call. Granted I love the service and think grandcentral rocks, not to mention the rumour that google is in talks to acquire them. But there has to be a way to disable this feature or use voice maybe to answer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
very valid complaint. post it to their feedback team. they are quite quick on the draw with answering concerns. try it and see.

This is some great info guys, but it needs to be moved to a more appropriate thread. Moving now...

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Google aquired grandcentral.com officially today and already dropped the mp3 ring back tones.
damn bureaucracy

Related

DialPlus - Display Information About Callers/Contacts

Don't know if any of you have played with this little app yet, but I discovered it this morning and I think I'm in love.
http://www.dialplus.net/product/
From the developer:
DialPlus changes the definition of a phone call.
DialPlus enriches the standard phone call experience by automatically and simultaneously providing dynamic, contextually relevant visual information about the called or calling party before the call is answered, during the call and after the call is over. DialPlus makes it easy for users to engage in mobile social networking or to get information about a business they're speaking with, such as directions, menus and reviews.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In a nutshell, it will link with any social networking accounts you have to display information about your contacts. It will also use the magics of the intarwebs to display information on business you call. Pretty nifty little add-on.
Hope y'all enjoy.
-John
In Love?
I downloaded. I tried it. I'm not really in love.
Don't get me wrong, it's an interesting idea, but not quite ready for prime time, as they say. I called myself from my work phone, and it never did bring up the browser page for my well known area hospital. It seems to only look at MySpace or Facebook for matches, but didn't find several of my contacts who are in both.
I'm not at all sure I would be in love with this app unless perhaps I had written it or was marketing it?
Okay, okay, maybe not in love. Since discovering it this morning, I have done some tinkering and it's definitely clear that it has quite a few bugs remaining in it. I don't guess I'm ready to make it a part of my daily life, but it will definitely be an interesting project to watch as it matures.

Phone Call Recorder

I need to record phone calls. My boss screams at me like a demon monster, and I'd like to preserve this fresh Hell for posterity... maybe make it my ringtone. (Yes, I have a right to in my state, as I am a party to the call)
Searching on AppBrain for 'phone call recorder' gives 13,997 results.
Ideally I'd like it to automatically start when I get a call from a certain number, and otherwise have a push-button start/stop while calls are in progress, and any other time.
Can anyone advise?
Quantumstate said:
I need to record phone calls. My boss screams at me like a demon monster, and I'd like to preserve this fresh Hell for posterity... maybe make it my ringtone. (Yes, I have a right to in my state, as I am a party to the call)
Searching on AppBrain for 'phone call recorder' gives 13,997 results.
Ideally I'd like it to automatically start when I get a call from a certain number, and otherwise have a push-button start/stop while calls are in progress, and any other time.
Can anyone advise?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think Google Voice has this feature, but it lets the other party know via an in-call announcement.
esone1ll said:
I think Google Voice has this feature, but it lets the other party know via an in-call announcement.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but no Google apps please. Don't trust them. Open-source is best.
Quantumstate said:
Thanks, but no Google apps please. Don't trust them. Open-source is best.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Interesting choice of phone platforms given that you don't trust Google.
By the way, much of Google's software is open source with that source code freely available, including Android.
Though I've only looked for this in Nexus One forums, it seems that no one can figure out how to get an application (at least not involving GV) to capture audio on both sides of the conversation, unless it's on speaker or maybe a headset. Might vary by device though if it's a hardware thing.
d0ugie said:
Interesting choice of phone platforms given that you don't trust Google.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Long story. Sure you want to know?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=730544
Yes N1 is the phone of concern. Odd that it's difficult to capture both sides. Shouldn't be difficult to emulate GV by looking at the source.
I was going to suggest Google Voice also. When you hit the number 2 or 4 (can't remember which), it will notify you and the other caller that the session is being recorded (which might shut your boss up for good!). You can even download the conversation into an mp3 format. It records both sides of the conversation, not just yours or his.
Now, why would Google give a crap what your boss is yelling about? My point exactly ... this isn't Big Brother ... yet.
Read that other thread to find out, if you're actually curious.
I notice that comments in many of the call recording apps say 'doesn't work', with one phone or another, usually newer phones. And I am gathering that G**gle Voice is closed-source, as are apparently many of their other apps, so reading source for tips on how to get both sides is not an option.
I wouldn't use G**gle apps in any case, but to notify my boss I am recording would probably get me fired today. I'm just wanting to collect his fiery, abusive calls just in case...
Apparently most apps are unable to record the other party's side of the conversation.
Does anyone know why this would be? What would it take to record both sides. I'm sure there are hooks in Android to get this.
All right, after considerable research it seems I am the best-informed around here.
It is now clear that there is no way a third-party app can record the orther end of the conversation, except in speakerphone mode. (MIC ONLY). Only Google Voice can do this, and it insists on using 'The Cloud' so they have control over all your conversations.
There is confusion over whether this is an API problem, or a driver problem, but if it's a driver problem both HTC and Motorola suffer from it.
So, this is a deal-breaker. No Android phone for me. I'm lucky I'm not already stuck with one.
Winduhs Mobile phones can record with third-party apps, as can the Symbian-based Nokia N8 when it comes out next month. So that's where I'm going.
Good bye Android
Hate to tell you this but you are butting you head up against a long time limitation of the "Smartphone" platform. It isn't limited to Android devices either. WinMo has the same limitations and it has to do with the OS not having access to the incoming audio stream.
Not true. Google Voice can do it, built-in, but I'm not sending all recordings to them, no sir.
This proves that the mechanisms are in place but that either the API is rigged, the drivers are, or documentation is lying. Everything records as documented in the emulated SDK, but not on the phone itself.
Phones that actually can record both sides are Nokia S60 & Maemo phones, including N900 & N8 (Recaller, Voxtrack Personal- beepless), Rseven on Symbian & WM, Mvoice & CallRec on Palm, Vito-Audionotes on HTC TouchPro2, Sony Ericsson c905 has the record option.
Right now I'm looking for a Linux port to any of the newer smartphones, as Linux can record and has nav apps, my two vital functions.
Quantumstate said:
Not true. Google Voice can do it, built-in, but I'm not sending all recordings to them, no sir.
This proves that the mechanisms are in place but that either the API is rigged, the drivers are, or documentation is lying. Everything records as documented in the emulated SDK, but not on the phone itself.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That doesn't prove anything. Google Voice calls go through their servers. I can record calls between two landlines, if the call is made through GVoice. Does this mean that my 1970s-era, rotary-dial phone has the SDK to record calls?
It proves that I can't use Android.
I am not going to bicker with you.
This thread is comedy gold. There are several reasons why access the audio stream is restricted. Phones from many platforms cannot record both sides of the conversation, and I am surprised to hear that 3rd party apps can do this on WinMo. I would hazzard a guess that this requires more than just a regular run of the mill type install.
You seem to hate Android, and Google in particular. I have read your posts. I thank you for your lack of contribution to the forum. A good chuckle doesn't really count.
Your fear mongering and paranoia regarding big business and biased news is typical of someone living behind a computer for 52 years. Oh yes, that's you too. If you wish to spread your opinion, I would suggest you start a blog, rather than fill a forum with posts like these.
Take care.
Voice recorder app on win mobile
Until about 10 days ago when I bought my first android phone, a samsung vibrant which i am loving it, I was a windows mobile user for many years and it's true that there is an free app called PMrecoder, that records phone conversation (both sides) and saves it in a folder on the SD card. I still have the app on my Tmobile wing. This app works great and records all coversations automatically. I wish there was an app like that for android also. I am sure someone will come up with a similar app for android soon.
You have nothing but insults "SpeeDemon". {snicker}
Means nothing.
But thanks mayart, for another app that works.
total recall (paid app, about 10 dollards) tryes to do the job.
I've buy it, but...nobody never calls me.
Seriously: i come from an excellent nokia E65. It knew how to record some in's and out's very efficiently.
Doesn't work on Nexus One...
You should send a mail to the developers (company).
I think they want now to be efficient on Android phones, as they are for ages
on symbian (Nokia) ones.
Ah, never mind, I've found an app that does it.
However because of the abuse I was given in this thread I am not sharing it with this forum.
Have a nice day.

[TOOL]Dialfaster - Skip Automated Phone Systems [FREE]

Hey guys,
Wanted to show you a application i have been developing for the last few months.
Do you ever sit in a endless phone tree wondering if you'll ever get to talk to a human?
Dialfaster gives you the information you need to bypass phone trees.
Two applications exist on the marketplace UK and US Versions.
In the UK we have 700 phone numbers plus dialing shortcuts.
In the US we have 500 phone numbers plus dialing shortcuts.
Features Include:
Save phone numbers you use regularly as a favourite.
Call-Log logs all your calls made to companies, so you can keep a record of contacting them.
Quickly search through all companies to find the one you need.
Updates regularly, so you always have the most recent dialfaster database.
View more info at dialfaster.com/app/
Sorry but i am still unable to post links
Just search for "dialfaster" in the marketplace
I am guessing since the list comes from a thirdparty, it would be futile to ask for a Belgian version?
I could really use this for work =P
Hey,
Thanks for your reply, this info doesn't come from a 3rd party, I have been working on the database for about a year now.
We have a website as-well @ dialfaster.com which does the same thing but is desktop.
The information for the UK has taken me along time to build up, calling companies throughout the day, and trying to work out the quickest way to reach a human.
Sorry but at present, we don't offer a Belgian version, currently working on iPhone, and moving over to other countries, so we might be doing European countries some time in the near future, but thanks for your interest.
Shuze said:
Hey,
Thanks for your reply, this info doesn't come from a 3rd party, I have been working on the database for about a year now.
We have a website as-well @ dialfaster.com which does the same thing but is desktop.
The information for the UK has taken me along time to build up, calling companies throughout the day, and trying to work out the quickest way to reach a human.
Sorry but at present, we don't offer a Belgian version, currently working on iPhone, and moving over to other countries, so we might be doing European countries some time in the near future, but thanks for your interest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Alright, Thanks for your reply.
I will point people I know online to that app.
In IT and most other Office work its a big hassle to go through the IVR menus all the time.
VoIP Phone System is one of the most widely used Avaya phone by most businesses to be able to contact people and businesses from different sides of the world in the most economical way. And since this phone system runs through the Internet, you don’t need any phone cable lines to get this working.

How to Block or Blacklist a phone number in windows phone 7 ?

is it even possible ? thanx
thanx guys, the basic function is just not possible. Iphone is in the same boat after 4 generations, so don't expected too soon also.
i saw an answer from microsoft on their forum saying something like there is need for an 3rd party application, if someone will develope it. It is not blocked like apple iphone. maybe there is hope.
Hello EMaini, welcome to the Windows Phone forums!
I have never had a Samsung before, so I'm not familiar with this functionality. What you're describing would have to be made into an App, as Microsoft would not likely block entire ranges of calls (e.g. only allow those on the white-list, block all others, etc).
So it would most likely take a 3rd party (like Samsung) to make it. You can check in the Samsung Marketplace ("Samsung Zone") on occasion to see if they update their inventory to include such an application in the future.
On a side note: You may wish to contact Samsung thru alternate avenues to let them know you appreciated that functionality, otherwise they may not know that end-users are interested in such an application.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- David A. Matson
Microsof MVP - Windows Phone,
Moderator, Windows Mobile Phone forums
Product Reviewer, Blogger, and Mobile Enthusiast In My Mobile World
coremi said:
i saw an answer from microsoft on their forum saying something like there is need for an 3rd party application, if someone will develope it. It is not blocked like apple iphone. maybe there is hope.
Hello EMaini, welcome to the Windows Phone forums!
I have never had a Samsung before, so I'm not familiar with this functionality. What you're describing would have to be made into an App, as Microsoft would not likely block entire ranges of calls (e.g. only allow those on the white-list, block all others, etc).
So it would most likely take a 3rd party (like Samsung) to make it. You can check in the Samsung Marketplace ("Samsung Zone") on occasion to see if they update their inventory to include such an application in the future.
On a side note: You may wish to contact Samsung thru alternate avenues to let them know you appreciated that functionality, otherwise they may not know that end-users are interested in such an application.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- David A. Matson
Microsof MVP - Windows Phone,
Moderator, Windows Mobile Phone forums
Product Reviewer, Blogger, and Mobile Enthusiast In My Mobile World
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't think it is possible until MS opens up the api's to 3rd party developers. If 3rd party apps can't even access your contacts, I don't see how they can access things like caller id.
nrfitchett4 said:
I don't think it is possible until MS opens up the api's to 3rd party developers. If 3rd party apps can't even access your contacts, I don't see how they can access things like caller id.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OEMs have the capabilities. Normal developers don't. For example, LG's DLNA streaming app, this isn't something a normal developer could make, but it's available on all LG Windows Phones.
It's not possible, contact your operator
6.5 had several programs like Magical that did a great job, when I got my HD7 I asked if they had it on the WP7 roadmap and they said no. They don't have low level APIs and they are sticking with Android and RIM.
Man, I want this too. Magicall was brilliant. Surely this can't be a hard one to make for the second party developers. Hasn't anyone managed to gain access to those parts of the API yet? Will they be available in Mango?
It's plain stupid for a smart phone not to have this feature
WP7 doesn't have that function yet as part of the operating system, though I've come across some non-smartphones which has this feature.
This function is most likely tied to your network operator, not to your phone. Check your network operator if they offer "Block Numbers" option. As far as I know vodafone AU and NZ offers number blocking to stop text bullying and threats. This feature should be available worldwide.
Since contacts can be accessed in Mango, hope the APIs support blacklist as well...
*bump*
Sent from my OMNIA7 using XDA Windows Phone 7 App
There's a list of 10.000 Finnish telemarketing numbers freely available to be used in a call blocker. When i had an Android phone i used an app called 'Enidroid' that used this list so that when an incoming call was identified as a number included in the list the phone went silent. I would so like to have a similar one in WP7 also!
work-around!
This tip doesn't get rid of the calls, but it does help you to identify them.
When I get an unwanted call, I add it to my address book with the name "Ignore". When they call again my phone displays "Ignore" as the caller. Use "Link" to link them all together and keep your address book uncluttered.
I remember back in the WM6.5 days there was this lil app named "Bouncer" or "Phone Bouncer" that use send those unwanted calls directly to voice mail. I wonder is it avilable for WP?
It's more wise to contact Samsung for this as they can do this if there is enough interest for it. They can develop an app and there.
On AT&T you can sign up for call blocking. I didnt' want to do that So I am using the magikmail. It lets you setup a lot of stuff. You can't block the number but after you ignore the call it will go to voicemail and you can give them a specific message or not allow voicemail.
I do like that idea of ignore that someone suggested. There for awhile I was getting called for someone's bad debt. Same number for two different people.
But is there any solution if operator doesn't support call blocking???
I couldn't get this to work for me (att) but this is from eHow:
To Block a Number From Calling You
1) Press *60 on your phone and listen carefully to the announcement. It will tell you whether your service is on or off.
2) Press 3 to turn this service on (or off), then press 1 to hear the numbers that are on your blocked list, if any.
3) Press #01# (pound 01 pound) to add the last number that called you to the list.
4) Press # (pound) to add a new number to your list. The voice instructions will tell you to enter the area code and number, and then press # (pound) again.
5) Press * (star) to remove a number from your list. Voice instructions will then tell you to enter the area code and number, and then press # (pound.)
6) Press 0 (zero) to hear all of the voice instructions again.
7) Deactivate selective number rejection by following Steps 1 and 2.

I got fed up with annoying survey calls and shut them down

Hey folks,
I’ve been dealing with these survey calls from Dynata lately. I got called really often. And blocking caller numbers did nothing. So, I’ve spent a lot of time on searching how to end it, and wanted to share this with you guys.
Apparently it’s possible to opt out by calling Dynata up. Here are their contacts. First call did nothing, but after two more they listened. They won’t tell me where they got my number from. My guess is, from public records or bought it from data brokers. Actually, I found my entire profile on Whitepages. So, it’s available even for a ten year old. And there is nothing much to do to prevent it. Only requesting deletion on these sites one by one.
Getting big companies to do what I wanted was a hassle. No surprise there. They kept on writing back that “they will delete my info soon”. Apparently “soon” can be half a year.
So, here are some tools to save you some time, if you’ll decide to delete your info too:
Whitepages opt out form. Here you have to confirm your email and phone number. Which sounds sketchy as you are confirming and serving your info.
Use services that do official requests on behalf of you, like Incogni or PrivacyBee. It’s paid, but it has recurring scans, which is nice.
This one’s not necessary but I recommend it. Put your Google privacy settings on a higher level. Make it synchronize your data less with websites with Activity controls, clear your cookies and cache once in a while, disable your location when you’re not using navigation.
I’m just a noob in this. But I believe we can give those companies a taste of their own medicine. If you have more experience or tips, drop them in the comments.
How about suing them? I think pretty much every regulator in the world has laws for this.

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