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What is the voice calling capability found in Gmail (on the desktop) called officially? I've been trying to search for solutions for this, but I don't even know what to call it- Google has SO many voice services now (chat, talk, voice, etc) that all sound like the same thing, yet aren't!
Here's what I'm looking to do:
I used the phone call function in Gmail to call abroad a few weeks ago via my laptop. I put about $10 into my balance there because it was cheaper per minute to call outside the US than Skype was. Worked perfectly.
Now, I'm trying to see if I can replace my netbook with a Tablet, so I'm trying to make those same calls from Android. I'll be honest, I'm wishing I had picked Skype to put the $10 credit on! Skype seems pretty straight forward- install it on the android device, make calls. But I've already spent the $10 on Google, so I'd like to find a way to make this work!
I tried going to Gmail from the browser and seeing if there was a link to install an app or something to make calls (like there is on the desktop side of things), but there is nothing there (ok, I didn't really expect it to work like that, but worth a try).
Is this part of a google chat application or something? Or is there no way to use that calling credit on an Android device??
I don't know for sure, but here are two options:
* Change the user agent in your Android browser to "Desktop" and use that interface. Though I am not sure if there will be issues with that.
* Use Google Voice. Which I am pretty sure is part of the same service they are using for Gmail calling. I use this for everything so I can read and send texts from my computer.
Tubes6al4v said:
I don't know for sure, but here are two options:
* Change the user agent in your Android browser to "Desktop" and use that interface. Though I am not sure if there will be issues with that.
* Use Google Voice. Which I am pretty sure is part of the same service they are using for Gmail calling. I use this for everything so I can read and send texts from my computer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, I tried the first one, but it requires a browser plugin to work (which is windows/mac only, so I can't get past that point).
Google Voice sounds like it could be it... but as far as I know, GV on Android doesn't actually let you place calls over IP yet, does it?
I thought it requires you to have a phone number it can call and then connect you via regular cellular minutes to the other party?
The device I'm using for this is a Tablet PC, so there isn't even a cellular radio or phone call system present. I'm trying to determine if I can replace a netbook for all the functions I use it for. This is something I know I can do on the netbook over wifi using the dialer in gmail, so I'd like to know I can do it on the Tablet as well. Does GVoice do that?
It's a paid app, but download GrooVe IP. It's the same thing that you did on your laptop, but with Android.
It is a third party app. But you get free, reliable calling anywhere in the US and get to use Google Voice's cheap international calling plans. [Edit: Over wifi, of course]
Dishe said:
So, I tried the first one, but it requires a browser plugin to work (which is windows/mac only, so I can't get past that point).
Google Voice sounds like it could be it... but as far as I know, GV on Android doesn't actually let you place calls over IP yet, does it?
I thought it requires you to have a phone number it can call and then connect you via regular cellular minutes to the other party?
The device I'm using for this is a Tablet PC, so there isn't even a cellular radio or phone call system present. I'm trying to determine if I can replace a netbook for all the functions I use it for. This is something I know I can do on the netbook over wifi using the dialer in gmail, so I'd like to know I can do it on the Tablet as well. Does GVoice do that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
the new google talk for android 2.3.4 allows for vid chat (so probably just voice as well), over wifi or 3g. there are ways to get it on 2.3.3 devices, for some devices, maybe not all, don't know. but, i chatted with my buddy from my phone to his pc, so it's definitely a voip service
im doing google voice from my gingerbread phone (EVO 4G) as my primary line... i dont pay a monthly cell phone service... i get picture mail, txt messages, internet, and unlimited cell service.
Pbxes+Google Voice= Unlimited
I have no delay on my phone, it sounds better than sprint when i had it...
the only catch is; u have to have Wifi around... basically everywhere i go its wifi avaliable....
jojo757 said:
im doing google voice from my gingerbread phone (EVO 4G) as my primary line... i dont pay a monthly cell phone service... i get picture mail, txt messages, internet, and unlimited cell service.
Pbxes+Google Voice= Unlimited
I have no delay on my phone, it sounds better than sprint when i had it...
the only catch is; u have to have Wifi around... basically everywhere i go its wifi avaliable....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is this only Google Voice for Gingerbread that supports that? Or is this a new feature in GV in general? Last I checked they didn't support it...
+1 for GrooveIP. Its much easier than the alternatives imo.
WiredPirate said:
+1 for GrooveIP. Its much easier than the alternatives imo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But if Google Voice has a native app that does this for free, I'm totally game! Nice to know there are choices, tho!
Dishe said:
But if Google Voice has a native app that does this for free, I'm totally game! Nice to know there are choices, tho!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, Google Voice does not do what GrooveIP does. When you have no cell coverage or lose cell coverage GV will drop your call or not place it, defeating the point. Even though you are on wifi you cannot place a call with GV w/o cell coverage. With GrooveIP you dont have to have cell coverage, you dont even need a sim.
I'm trying out this Groove IP right now. I must say I'm impressed by the call quality and the seemless functionality of the program. Not a huge fan of the constant notification, but I can live with it. OP it sounds like you should use this program, it's 3.99 in the market but boy is it worth it!
jojo757 said:
im doing google voice from my gingerbread phone (EVO 4G) as my primary line... i dont pay a monthly cell phone service... i get picture mail, txt messages, internet, and unlimited cell service.
Pbxes+Google Voice= Unlimited
I have no delay on my phone, it sounds better than sprint when i had it...
the only catch is; u have to have Wifi around... basically everywhere i go its wifi avaliable....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I setup pbxes + google voice and it seems to work most of the time. I'm interested to know how you are getting picture mail though - I thought googlevoice only supported txt messages.
k4p741nkrunch said:
I'm trying out this Groove IP right now. I must say I'm impressed by the call quality and the seemless functionality of the program. Not a huge fan of the constant notification, but I can live with it. OP it sounds like you should use this program, it's 3.99 in the market but boy is it worth it!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can turn off the notification in the settings :]
And OP, Android 2.3+ has built in support for SIP addresses. You register with a provider online, and they'll route your calls. It's a bit more complicated to set up, and typically costs (But sites like PBXes will give them out for free if you use them at least once a month). You typically get a US number and can set that up with Google Voice. Apps like csipsimple and sipdroid are alternatives for supporting SIP if you don't have Android 2.3+
I suggested GrooVe IP because it's a 1 step setup (Login with your Google account and you're done), and is identical quality to the calling through Gmail because there's no middleman. It's certainly possible to set it up for free using SIP instead, and there are some great guides on google.
I am getting picture mail because: I had a Google voice number before I got me Sprint number. Then I migrated my Sprint # to my Google voice acct.
Since then my Sprint service was disconnected because I recently lost my job, so I decided since I was out of contract anyway i'll say forget Sprint and use my Google voice acct. But back to how I got picture mail, when they disconnected my Sprint acct they didn't disconnect the Sprint number because it migrated over to my Google voice.
So when I call my Sprint number it forwards it to my GV number... But to get picture mail (keep in mind my Sprint acct has been disconnected for like a month) u have to have mobile network always on, and have wifi connected at the same time, if someone sends me a picture mail it'll come thru but I can't download the picture (not by Sprint network), but since I have wifi on it'll download the picture for me (Sprint can't officially cancel the number because u migrated over to GV, so now its your number for good. The only catch u can't respond to the picture mail and u can only respond thru the Google voice app.
Back in April sipdroid gave people a way to merge pbxes & Google voice... So since I upgraded to gingerbread, I no longer use sipdroid and I use the built-in internet call feature in gingerbread...
So I have service like everyone else with no problem, just no 3g or 4G service, all wifi on my phone.... Plus I can use my Bluetooth with my phone with no problem...
Hopefully talk understood that, if not PM me and i'll try to break it down...
Sent From Evo
Hello People!
I've been trying to research whether or not it is possible to set up a SIP account so that I can call my Google Voice number and then using the voice prompt menu in Google Voice gain access to toll free telephone calls.
I want to do this via the Nexus S. Has anyone done this? If so did you make step by step instructions? I'd like to do the same.
Thank you very much!!!!
It is indeed possible, through a combination of Google Voice, SipGate, and SipSorcery. It is not very stable in my experience, however, and it also drains your battery rather quickly because you need to be constantly connected (PBXes does help, but adds one more possible point of failure). I honestly wouldn't recommend it, but I can help you set it up if you really want to try it.
@Some_Person, Thanks for the offer for assistance. I just came across this instruction manual:
http://www.labnol.org/software/get-usa-local-phone-number/18407/
Now when I want to try I can't do it over 3G. Apparently SIP on Nexus S only allows for Wifi....
I'll let you know what happens when I test tomorrow and I certainly will take you up on your offer if this don't work.
Thanks again and I appreciate your response!
... don't you guys think that your operator has been already considered situation like this ? using 2G/3G/4G network to do "online - voice chat" or IP phone call , which will make them loose a lot of money ...
-------------------
to Suomalainen , you are unable to do this in 3G , i think that's probably banned by your operator ... because i have seem experience ...
@Some_Person
I got a IPKall number. I now need a SIP provider that will allow me to place free outgoing & receive free incoming calls.
I guess once I have this then I need to re-edit IPKall with new settings.
BUT can Google Voice be used/edited so that incoming calls are routed to my IPKall number which then are routed to my SIP software?
Alot of the stuff I'm finding on the web simply doesn't work.
Thanks!
@qtwrk- What would you rather have? Money made from the voice side of the business OR money from the data side of the business. With all the apps out there people are burning more data using these apps and this is where the revenue stream is for operators. The voice side of the network is a " just nice to have" for most of them....
but ...
data cost and voice cost are very different
i haven't used any IP call software , so i don't really know (i would image IP call software like skype is very similar), but i do have some online voice chat software (because some of my friend who i want call can just sit before a computer and then we can talk , exactly like phone...) , 1 hour , taking 1 hour only needs 3 - 5 mb
by my current operator
500 mb = 8 euros/moth
talking 60 minutes = establishment 0.15 euros , 0.08 euros per minute
0.15 + 0.08*60 = 4.95 euros , plus 18% of Value added tax
5.84 euros ...
so , 8 euros can allow you talk about 1 hour and 20 minutes , or by using Internet , chatting about 100 hours .
if i were your operator , i would definitely have these applications prohibited
I don't want to take up anymore space with this issue. This thread was suppose to be for getting help setting up SIP on my Nexus S. Please start new thread to voice your opinion.
Thanks!
Suomalainen said:
Hello People!
I've been trying to research whether or not it is possible to set up a SIP account so that I can call my Google Voice number and then using the voice prompt menu in Google Voice gain access to toll free telephone calls.
I want to do this via the Nexus S. Has anyone done this? If so did you make step by step instructions? I'd like to do the same.
Thank you very much!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have you looked at GrooVe IP? Dunno if it'll fit all your SIP needs but it integrates well with Google Voice outside of the US.
@Slonn- Now this looks like something real interesting. Let me give it a shot and report back how it went. Thanks! Much appreciated!!!
Suomalainen said:
I don't want to take up anymore space with this issue. This thread was suppose to be for getting help setting up SIP on my Nexus S. Please start new thread to voice your opinion.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
oops
, okay , sorry about changing subject , good luck to you to find what you looking for
I've not tried it myself, but my co-workers GrooveIP+G Voice is the solution you are looking for. It's on sale in the Amazon App Store for $1.99 BTW.
Some complaints I've heard are that service latency is often an issue when on 2g/3g. Should be a good solution on Wifi at the house though I would imagine.
@The Gurgler - This is perfect. Got it installed and it works. This is indeed exactly what I was looking for!!!!
Thanks very much for pointing this app out to me.!!!!
P.S.-Let's just hope google voice to USA remains free next year....
Can i use GrooveIP since i am situated outside of USA ?
@Ibn Saeed - If you read the info about this app via the app market it clearly states that prior to purchasing GrooveIP the user needs to ensure they have a GV # and a gmail account. What this means is that you cannot move forward until you have obtained these two items FIRST. Then when these two pieces are collected you still need to install the plugin for GV into gmail so you got the U.S . dial pad appearing under chat on the left side of gmail window. The instructions say you even need to test it prior to app install and/or download.
Once you have satisfactorily obtained a GV # and a gmail account and did the GV plugin install then you can purchase the GrooveIP app. After that installation is a piece of cake.
I had in the beginning static and echos but then I adjusted the Echo Cancellation and Echo tail settings and things have been working thus far.
Also, you need a good friend to help you test the bluetooth. It works for me but you need to be wary of Mr. Bluetooth's feelings. Sometimes as call is ringing I need to turn it off then back on in order to work.
Also, dial pad is quite similar to the normal dial pad. I could see how one could mistakenly use one over the other.
I also noticed one call in the call log that was recorded as 00:00 long but I spoke for 15 minutes!
I use this over 3G 1MB plan and am amazed how well this works.
Pay attention to Google rate plans. It might be worthwhile having $20 in their account for those calls you might want to use their service when making.
Greetings fellow G-tabbers,
I appreciate everyone's input here and am hoping to be a long-term member of this community.
I would love to keep this tablet but am thinking it's going to have to be returned before my 14 day window with T-Mobile is up.
My questions: Is it possible to set up some kind of workaround to be able to receive CONDITIONALLY FORWARDED calls via the G-Tab/T-Mobile phone number to my other T-Mobile phone (basically, set up conditional call forwarding)? According to T-Mobile they can't because the tablet plan has a code in the system blocking calls.
Or if that's not possible, is there some other way, perhaps spoofing my own cell phone number as my outbound text number instead of using the assigned tablet phone number?
I realize that there are 3rd party apps out there but I'd much rather use the native text messaging application and not a 3rd party app such as Google Voice, Line 2, etc.
Here's the background:
I am a headhunter for a Federal DoD contractor and as such, I review resumes on various job boards (i.e. Monster.com, etc). As a way to connecting with candidates (I know who they are but they do not know me yet), I send them a text message, email and then voicemail. When setting up my Data Plan, I learned T-Mobile scripted within the system "call block" or "voice barred" feature, Tier 3 tech support at Tmo is unable to set up conditional call forwarding.
As a result of this, should a candidate decide to call my text number they'll get a dead number message saying something to the effect that this phone line cannot take incoming calls.
So what happens is that the candidate things I am unreachable or worse yet that the text message was spam (unless they fully read their text and check their email account).
Thanks so much in advance for your help and consideration.
Im assuming you have a GT-P6200 since tmobiles GTab+ doesnt have phone abilities.
Tell them you dont want/need a tablet plan becuase YOU DONT HAVE A TABLET!
tell them it IS a smartphone, have them try to put you on a smartphone plan, thats
how most of ATT guys sneak by.
at least try to find a smartphone SIM with data/voice to see if it works without issues. It should.
last resort: "bribe" a young tmobile rep to spoof an IMEI to put you on smartphone plan.
Thanks Chris! I'll try that! I am using 2 other phones (work + personal), I wonder if I set up call forwarding prior to swapping SIM cards if it'll work.
Your thoughts?
Yes i think the call forwarding should stickt
chrisrotolo said:
Yes i think the call forwarding should stickt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great!
I just realized that my mini Sims won't work. Have to buy an adaptor to try/test out.
Quick question... Only because I am new to Tmo and sim cards (just fired Sprint) . What is involved with spoofing an IMEI?
Thank you again for your help!
P.S. how do you use your tab? Do you have it rooted?
V/r.
I think other people here use smartphone sims with unlimited data on tmobile. Its do-able. Next time, a good rule is to always avoid telling your carrier how you will use your device because you know they think they know what is best.
Anyways spoofing an IMEI, means.. they need a smartphone IMEI in their "system", so a friendly helpful tmobile rep who doesnt care much about getting in trouble or knows his way around takes an IMEI from a never used phone like a demo model, you run an application that reports your IMEI the demo, etc. Its actually probably more involved than this. And Ive heard it may well be illegal, Class C felony. What you might want to ask them is if there is a way to just enter your device as a smartphone and not a tablet, but it is probably generated by IMEI.
PROTIP: if you do have 6200, it's good idea to make 2 backups of your /efs folder (if rooted).
MrJinx said:
Greetings fellow G-tabbers,
I realize that there are 3rd party apps out there but I'd much rather use the native text messaging application and not a 3rd party app such as Google Voice, Line 2, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Voice is not a 3rd party app, it will completely and natively integrate with your Android stock dialer. If you were on an iOS device it would be terribly clumsy, but not on Android.
iso1600 said:
Google Voice is not a 3rd party app, it will completely and natively integrate with your Android stock dialer. If you were on an iOS device it would be terribly clumsy, but not on Android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no stock android dialer in Honeycomb as it was meant only for tablets and not phones. I thought I saw a thread somewhere in here of people using Google Voice with a third party app to make calls. I think you could also use the Goolge Voice number for texting as there were threads on how to do this in my phones forum when Google Voice first came out. I think Skype will also assign you a static phone number to use if you pay for the service. I would also search the other tabs forums to see if anyone in those has a mod for it to work as a phone off a sim card from a carrier. Personally I would trade it in for the Galaxy Note if I wanted to use it as a phone and tablet.
or check out GrooveIP in play store one of the more popular VOIP/SIP applications, has option for 3G, cant guarantee quality will be the same as regular voice, but Im sure its one of the top 3 out there.
After doing some Googleing and reading up on some GTab 10.1 threads it appears that Honeycomb 3.2 on a GSM tablet should be able to make calls if the carrier supports it. Which TMO doesn't. You could try getting a pre-paid sim card and dropping it in to see if it will work, maybe something like Virgin Mobile. There maybe something in the OS from TMO that may block other sims so not sure how that would work.
After thinking about it the tablet is more than likely locked to TMo and it has to be moded to use anohter carrier, like boost mobile. For phones its a complicated hack getting it on another network. I still think your better off getting the Galaxy Note but then you would have to pay for a second phone line and data plan to use both the tablet and your phone at the same time and then conditionally forward your calls as you suggested.
Hi,
I'm not interested in using my tab to make calls; only to send texts via the native in-built messaging app. I don't want to use other Android apps, just the stock messaging. I am able to do this to great success on Sprint. Sprint is able to go into the backend system and apply conditional call forwarding. Not the case with Tmo.
My main purpose is to NOT miss calls from people who may decide to call via reply to text as that's what appears as my callback number when it's not.
Thanks so much to everyone for your input.
MrJinx said:
Hi,
I'm not interested in using my tab to make calls; only to send texts via the native in-built messaging app. I don't want to use other Android apps, just the stock messaging. I am able to do this to great success on Sprint. Sprint is able to go into the backend system and apply conditional call forwarding. Not the case with Tmo.
My main purpose is to NOT miss calls from people who may decide to call via reply to text as that's what appears as my callback number when it's not.
Thanks so much to everyone for your input.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
.
Sorry to say, but TMO won't support this. They have silly notion that you should buy a separate phone from them if you want to make calls.
still not sure what device you have. this may be worth a shot, although I understand tmobile says its not possible, etc.
http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/T-Mobile_Conditional_Call_Forwarding
what is wrong with other messaging apps?, there are usually many on the market which have many more options than stock. just asking.
Fairy Princess said:
.
Sorry to say, but TMO won't support this. They have silly notion that you should buy a separate phone from them if you want to make calls.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi,
Don't want/need to make calls. I only need for texting, however, if one of my candidate prospects (I am unknown to them at this point) attempts to call me via the link on their phone because of my text from the tablet, it'll ring to a dead number, the tablet number.
I ONLY want the calls to be conditionally call forwarded to my other Tmo cell phone which already has unlimited phone minutes.
chrisrotolo said:
still not sure what device you have. this may be worth a shot, although I understand tmobile says its not possible, etc.
http://wiki.howardforums.com/index.php/T-Mobile_Conditional_Call_Forwarding
what is wrong with other messaging apps?, there are usually many on the market which have many more options than stock. just asking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hi Chris,
The reason I don't want to use other apps is if/when we move to ICS some of those apps may not be compatible for some time until they upgrade. I was burned using a VOIP app (Line 2) which worked very well and suited my needs on my older Gingerbread Tab (HTC EVO View) and when I upgraded to HoneyComb I learned that Line2 won't and never will support HC and I now know that the EVO View tab will not be upgraded to ICS.
I don't want to go there anymore, it severely impacts my ability to get my work done. I'd much rather use the native messaging app. Also because it doesn't use any data to use the native app, if I use an app from the Play Market, I'm likely going to have to use up my data plan and then I am prone to crashing, etc. Unless I am missing something are there any other alternatives?
V/r.
Two options:
(1) Sign up for GoogleVoice and port your number to that. This is very easy and will give you full control over where that phone call routes.
(2) Go get a straighttalk SIM ($15) and service ($45, for unlimited) and tell TMO they've lost your business.
Or, do both.
I am trying to consolidate all of my calling and texting into one app with one phone number that i can use on any device, I.E. android, windows, and hopefully, IOS in case i need it in the future using only an internet connection. Here is what i have right now, how i use it.
I have a Google voice account with one phone number. The problem with this is that i can't receive or make phone calls, i can only send and receive texts, and limited texts at that. Just to try to increase my text limits, I signed up for a Google business account, but really that just gives me a bunch of extra crap i don't need, I.E. a webpage.
When i first signed up for this account i had Verizon as my carrier so i linked my current number to the Verizon account. I have since canceled my service with Verizon, but i don't want to delete my current Google number because i am being told, once i click on delete, that i have to wait 90 days to get a new one. I would also prefer to not get a new number, but as long as i can gain full functionality for voice and text, i really don't care.
To make phone calls I use Skype. This works good enough for outgoing calls, but it shows my Skype number on caller ID, and i can't receive calls with it. So these two apps combined allow me to send limited texts, receive texts, make calls, but i don't have a way of receiving calls.
I am already paying more than enough for my twelve gigs of data through sprint every month, and I refuse to pay fifty bucks a month to only be able to receive phone calls, but paying a little more every month for an outside service wouldn't bother me too much. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Tell Sprint to go have sexual intercourse with itself, and switch to T-Mobile. Unlimited high-speed data, text, and minutes for $80/mo.
Planterz said:
Tell Sprint to go have sexual intercourse with itself, and switch to T-Mobile. Unlimited high-speed data, text, and minutes for $80/mo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wow i wish that i could immigrate to America...
[email protected] said:
I am trying to consolidate all of my calling and texting into one app with one phone number that i can use on any device, I.E. android, windows, and hopefully, IOS in case i need it in the future using only an internet connection. Here is what i have right now, how i use it.
I have a Google voice account with one phone number. The problem with this is that i can't receive or make phone calls, i can only send and receive texts, and limited texts at that. Just to try to increase my text limits, I signed up for a Google business account, but really that just gives me a bunch of extra crap i don't need, I.E. a webpage.
When i first signed up for this account i had Verizon as my carrier so i linked my current number to the Verizon account. I have since canceled my service with Verizon, but i don't want to delete my current Google number because i am being told, once i click on delete, that i have to wait 90 days to get a new one. I would also prefer to not get a new number, but as long as i can gain full functionality for voice and text, i really don't care.
To make phone calls I use Skype. This works good enough for outgoing calls, but it shows my Skype number on caller ID, and i can't receive calls with it. So these two apps combined allow me to send limited texts, receive texts, make calls, but i don't have a way of receiving calls.
I am already paying more than enough for my twelve gigs of data through sprint every month, and I refuse to pay fifty bucks a month to only be able to receive phone calls, but paying a little more every month for an outside service wouldn't bother me too much. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i dont know about calling, but google hangouts consoilidates all your sms in one place.
I got the hangouts desktop extension for chrome, and I can make calls from it, and I'm pretty sure i can send texts, but i still cant receive calls. One problem I'm having with it is that when i try to just type in a contact's name, it brings up a bunch of people i don't know instead of at least bringing up my google contacts first. Does anyone know how to fix this. I can't remember where, but I've also read that google is on a path to eliminate google voice, and consolidate everything to hangouts, so this might be future proof as a stable phone solution for at least the life of a cell phone contract.
Hi guys, after the Hangouts Google Voice merge, I've been highly tempted to port my number over to Google Voice. The main thing that attracts my attention is how all my texts will be stored on the cloud so I won't have to constantly backup and restore when flashing different ROMs (approx. once a week). What do you guys think on this? I'm hesitating right now due to the $20 fee and that if I send an MMS picture, it shows up as a link on the other side. Also, I tried calling using my current GVoice number, and my mom said its not as clear. Do you guys think it'll be worth it?
ryukiri said:
Hi guys, after the Hangouts Google Voice merge, I've been highly tempted to port my number over to Google Voice. The main thing that attracts my attention is how all my texts will be stored on the cloud so I won't have to constantly backup and restore when flashing different ROMs (approx. once a week). What do you guys think on this? I'm hesitating right now due to the $20 fee and that if I send an MMS picture, it shows up as a link on the other side. Also, I tried calling using my current GVoice number, and my mom said its not as clear. Do you guys think it'll be worth it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As far as the call quality of using the Hangouts Dialer/your Google Voice number vs. regular calls- at least over WiFi I noticed a difference, but not so much that it interfered with the call or understanding the person on the other end, for me. Haven't tried it over normal LTE data at this point.
I've used Google Voice for a long time (since my Evo 4G days, even a little before that) and having all my texts backed up was one of the big draws. I don't use Google+ Hangouts, so I also can't speak to text backups there but if your experience is that your texts are there and waiting for you right now, I can't imagine that would change.
So, in my estimation, it kind of depends on what you want more: backups vs. call quality. I don't make a lot of calls, so I'm more on the side of texting and having a single number that I can then use for multiple lines, but that's just me. Hope some of this helped!
I find the call quality to be good, the big issue is you don't get HD Voice. So if your mom is on T-Mobile with an HD Voice capable phone you will get HD Voice when making a regular T-Mobile call with your Nexus 5, while the Hangouts calling is just a standard voice quality level. I had no issue using it over LTE, but I haven't tried 3G. I would think an Edge area would definitely give you a problem.
Keep in mind that you can always continue to use the call forwarding feature rather than the VOIP functionality. This won't solve the issue of no HD voice, but it will work in Edge areas without issue.
Joshmccullough said:
As far as the call quality of using the Hangouts Dialer/your Google Voice number vs. regular calls- at least over WiFi I noticed a difference, but not so much that it interfered with the call or understanding the person on the other end, for me. Haven't tried it over normal LTE data at this point.
I've used Google Voice for a long time (since my Evo 4G days, even a little before that) and having all my texts backed up was one of the big draws. I don't use Google+ Hangouts, so I also can't speak to text backups there but if your experience is that your texts are there and waiting for you right now, I can't imagine that would change.
So, in my estimation, it kind of depends on what you want more: backups vs. call quality. I don't make a lot of calls, so I'm more on the side of texting and having a single number that I can then use for multiple lines, but that's just me. Hope some of this helped!
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raptir said:
I find the call quality to be good, the big issue is you don't get HD Voice. So if your mom is on T-Mobile with an HD Voice capable phone you will get HD Voice when making a regular T-Mobile call with your Nexus 5, while the Hangouts calling is just a standard voice quality level. I had no issue using it over LTE, but I haven't tried 3G. I would think an Edge area would definitely give you a problem.
Keep in mind that you can always continue to use the call forwarding feature rather than the VOIP functionality. This won't solve the issue of no HD voice, but it will work in Edge areas without issue.
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Thanks for the replies! Is HD voice a big difference compared to normal? My mom had a Moto X FYI. Can you explain more on call forwarding? I don't know how it works or what it is. Does it forward a call from your GVoice number to your regular Sim card number? If that's the case, will there be a delay?
ryukiri said:
I'm hesitating right now due to the $20 fee ...
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You can avoid $20 fee by porting to Ring.to then have Ring.to forward to Google Voice totally free of charge. :highfive:
ryukiri said:
Thanks for the replies! Is HD voice a big difference compared to normal? My mom had a Moto X FYI. Can you explain more on call forwarding? I don't know how it works or what it is. Does it forward a call from your GVoice number to your regular Sim card number? If that's the case, will there be a delay?
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Yeah, you can set it up to forward calls to your SIM number instead of using VoIP. I imagine there is a slight delay for the call to forward but there's no delay while speaking. The call gets forwarded so it is actually handed off from Google Voice to your carrier, just like when your phone forwards to voicemail.
ryukiri said:
Hi guys, after the Hangouts Google Voice merge, I've been highly tempted to port my number over to Google Voice. The main thing that attracts my attention is how all my texts will be stored on the cloud so I won't have to constantly backup and restore when flashing different ROMs (approx. once a week). What do you guys think on this? I'm hesitating right now due to the $20 fee and that if I send an MMS picture, it shows up as a link on the other side. Also, I tried calling using my current GVoice number, and my mom said its not as clear. Do you guys think it'll be worth it?
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I would like to add a few things.
First off, remember that if you opt in for the Hangouts and Google Voice integration, the text messages will be stored in the Hangouts application, and not Google Voice. It is a plus to have the messages backed up, but I wouldn't say that was the winner for me.
The winner for me is being able to send SMS messages from the Hangouts extension for Chrome Browser on my work PC, or any other PC/Laptop for that matter. Everything is consolidated now in one app. Whereas before I would use the Google Voice extension to text, Hangouts is just nicer to use. More functional. Better user interface.
I ported my number a while back from Sprint, and I'm a Tmo subscriber as well. A few words of caution: the biggest drawback is MMS, or lack thereof. For me, I don't really use it. I send all pics and MMS content through Hangouts already. What bugs me is when people send me MMS content to my Google Voice number, and I'm never aware of it, since I can't receive it. (I can get MMS from other Tmo subscribers though).
Since I travel a lot internationally, it's nice being able to use your same number for texting and calling over data. If you make your Google Voice number your primary number, that's another perk.
I use Skype as my main calling app. (I have a yearly subscription with them to make unlimited calls to landlines and mobile in the U.S.). When I need to, I make calls through Tmo. As stated before, don't expect to be able to make calls over data if you're on EDGE. Even 3G might be skeptical. If you've got 1Mbps down/up speeds, you'll be all right. Use speedtest to check out your data speeds where you plan on making calls over data.
Overall I would recommend it. I didn't mind the $20 bucks. If you're on a budget, look into alternative means of porting, as stated above. Any other questions, ask away.
jnbanda said:
I would like to add a few things.
First off, remember that if you opt in for the Hangouts and Google Voice integration, the text messages will be stored in the Hangouts application, and not Google Voice. It is a plus to have the messages backed up, but I wouldn't say that was the winner for me.
The winner for me is being able to send SMS messages from the Hangouts extension for Chrome Browser on my work PC, or any other PC/Laptop for that matter. Everything is consolidated now in one app. Whereas before I would use the Google Voice extension to text, Hangouts is just nicer to use. More functional. Better user interface.
I ported my number a while back from Sprint, and I'm a Tmo subscriber as well. A few words of caution: the biggest drawback is MMS, or lack thereof. For me, I don't really use it. I send all pics and MMS content through Hangouts already. What bugs me is when people send me MMS content to my Google Voice number, and I'm never aware of it, since I can't receive it. (I can get MMS from other Tmo subscribers though).
Since I travel a lot internationally, it's nice being able to use your same number for texting and calling over data. If you make your Google Voice number your primary number, that's another perk.
I use Skype as my main calling app. (I have a yearly subscription with them to make unlimited calls to landlines and mobile in the U.S.). When I need to, I make calls through Tmo. As stated before, don't expect to be able to make calls over data if you're on EDGE. Even 3G might be skeptical. If you've got 1Mbps down/up speeds, you'll be all right. Use speedtest to check out your data speeds where you plan on making calls over data.
Overall I would recommend it. I didn't mind the $20 bucks. If you're on a budget, look into alternative means of porting, as stated above. Any other questions, ask away.
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OK thanks! So one question regarding SMS, I already opted in for them to show up on hangouts. I'm pretty sure that even after I factory reset my phone, my texts will still be I'm hangouts after I log in and everything. Is that correct? My texts won't disappear after a full wipe or anything? (Texts are stored on the cloud rather than physically on the device right?)
Yeah I love that feature of being able to text from a computer also. Its very convenient.
Hopefully MMS gets fixed soon, I don't use it much but every once in a while, my friend sends me pictures.
ryukiri said:
OK thanks! So one question regarding SMS, I already opted in for them to show up on hangouts. I'm pretty sure that even after I factory reset my phone, my texts will still be I'm hangouts after I log in and everything. Is that correct? My texts won't disappear after a full wipe or anything? (Texts are stored on the cloud rather than physically on the device right?)
Yeah I love that feature of being able to text from a computer also. Its very convenient.
Hopefully MMS gets fixed soon, I don't use it much but every once in a while, my friend sends me pictures.
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I believe, but I am not sure, that SMS are only stored in cloud storage if they are from/to your Google Voice number. I think that texts that are sent to your carrier number are not backed up.
If you port your current telephone # to GV, T-Mobile will automatically cancel your current account. It does not automatically reassign a random number to your account once you port your mobile # out.
PaisanNYC said:
If you port your current telephone # to GV, T-Mobile will automatically cancel your current account. It does not automatically reassign a random number to your account once you port your mobile # out.
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Can we just go to a store and do it there? Like port the # to GV, and then have them assign another one to my phone?