Replace Rogers Voicemail with Account/Device Based Service - Android Apps and Games

Hey folks. I'm not a huge fan of Rogers' voicemail service on my S4. Access and navigation is clunky, and I'd really rather just use a device based service, or if possible, Google account based service. I understand that in the US, Google Voice has this option, but I also understand this specific option isn't available in Canada.
I was hoping people could give me a couple options based on their own experiences, and also maybe tell me if there's a way to get Google Voice's voicemail service. I can make calls in Hangouts with my own Rogers number, so it would be great to have the voicemail.
YouMail is the top search option, but before I go ahead, I wanted some opinions. Thanks for any assistance.

JavaMac said:
Hey folks. I'm not a huge fan of Rogers' voicemail service on my S4. Access and navigation is clunky, and I'd really rather just use a device based service, or if possible, Google account based service. I understand that in the US, Google Voice has this option, but I also understand this specific option isn't available in Canada.
I was hoping people could give me a couple options based on their own experiences, and also maybe tell me if there's a way to get Google Voice's voicemail service. I can make calls in Hangouts with my own Rogers number, so it would be great to have the voicemail.
YouMail is the top search option, but before I go ahead, I wanted some opinions. Thanks for any assistance.
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Click to collapse
Did you ever come up with a solution? I have been using YouMail, but their Android app is terrible. I don't receive notifications. There is a discrepancy between messages on the app and messages on their web app. The app is clunky and rarely receives updates.
I am just now investigating InstaVoice. Their app looks great. I am looking into whether they have Canadian phone numbers to forward to.

Related

[Q] Google Voice SMS via native app

Hey guys I havent been able to find anything current as if this was possible on android device.. I have JB IP4 and im using google voice sms through bitesms as my native app using the sms google voice extension. The way it works is that when the google voice app sends a push notification on the phone the google voice sms extension catches the push notification and sends it through bitesms as a normal sms. That way I was able to ditch the unlimited sms plan from ATT. Is something like that possible on android? Thats huge for me since 20 bucks a months is a damn ripoff. And i do lots and lots of txting lol. Thanks for any info =)
I've been an SMS GV Extensions user since it launched and finally bought an Android phone last week.
I took it for granted that Android would either do this already or be able to do this more easily (iOS required a jailbreak), but I instead find that you can only integrate incoming messages with the native Android messaging app and there doesn't seem to be a solution even with rooting your phone. This is disappointing, to say the least.
The fact that the Android GV app has an option in integrate inbound messages with the native messaging application but not outbound implies that is is a deliberate decision on Google's part because it is an obvious feature that is only half implemented. It is probably less a concern with cutting into the carriers' SMS revenue and more to do with constraining use of the service (Google has taken actions to curb heavy use in the past). If it integrated seemlessly, people would use it more.
This is something Google is just going to have to get over if they hope to remain competitive. There is some hope in that the new iMessaging that integrates with text messaging on iOS will put competitive pressure on them to do something similar with Android.
I will be first in line!
Psst... if anyone has found a way that I am unaware of despite constant searching in the past week, please advise us in this thread!
Google Voice Integration App?
I have not used this personally, and am in no way associated with the developer, but I found this app when searching for this exact functionality today. My Nexus S is currently integrated with GV on Sprint, so I have no way of actually testing whether this works or not, but if it does, its definitely worth $0.99!
I've been contemplating a switch to Verizon because of Sprint's slow network speeds, and would do so if I could have this functionality. If anyone has tried it, please provide feedback.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.MDRTools.GVMI2&hl=en
kashah said:
I have not used this personally, and am in no way associated with the developer, but I found this app when searching for this exact functionality today. My Nexus S is currently integrated with GV on Sprint, so I have no way of actually testing whether this works or not, but if it does, its definitely worth $0.99!
I've been contemplating a switch to Verizon because of Sprint's slow network speeds, and would do so if I could have this functionality. If anyone has tried it, please provide feedback.
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.MDRTools.GVMI2&hl=en
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried that app about 20 minutes ago. It shows promise. If you compose a message using the native SMS app it will send via Google Voice.
However, it doesn't integrate incoming messages. If you use GV's built in text forwarding, messages will come from your contact's alias (406, 973, etc) number. Also, you won't see messages you've sent using the Google Voice app or website in the native client.
I refunded it but I'll definitely buy again after improvements are made.
check out the google voice sms integration app on the market.
just search for mdrtools and u will find it.

Sprint Visual Voicemail App

Hi,
Does anyone know if a Sprint Visual Voicemail App exists for the Nexus 5? I know I can use Google Voice, but I just don't like it. I have tried one 3rd party application, YouMail, but I didn't like that one either, it seemed to "heavy".
T-Mobile has a NICE visual voicemail system, I really like theirs.
I was thinking Sprint would have their own dedicated one, but that Sprint chat support has no idea what I am talking about and keep giving me weird directions to just setup regular voicemail, not visual voicemail.
Thanks in advance,
Greg
No. I bothered Sprint Support on twitter and they gave me a no.
mattrb said:
No. I bothered Sprint Support on twitter and they gave me a no.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Damn... Was looking forward to it...
Well does anyone suggest a 3rd party app that seems light, good, and free?
Google voice
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
freshlysqueezed said:
Google voice
Sent from my Nexus 5 using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Yeah, as I said in my first post, I don't really like Google Voice. I guess I'll just have to try out each app in the play store one by one until I find out what I like.
Thanks for your suggestions though, it is much appreciated!
gsteelx said:
Yeah, as I said in my first post, I don't really like Google Voice. I guess I'll just have to try out each app in the play store one by one until I find out what I like.
Thanks for your suggestions though, it is much appreciated!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Most of the ones in the play store, like Visual Voicemail, requires you to set up call forwarding for missed calls to their VOIP services. I felt uncomfortable with companies I never heard of having access to all my voicemails, contact info, etc.
freshlysqueezed said:
Most of the ones in the play store, like Visual Voicemail, requires you to set up call forwarding for missed calls to their VOIP services. I felt uncomfortable with companies I never heard of having access to all my voicemails, contact info, etc.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ahh. Thanks for the insight on this one. I didn't even think about that.
Yeah, thats not cool at all...
Damn, hopefully Sprint can come up with something, I hate dialing and listening to the slow ass computer lady before hearing a message!
Somehow I doubt Sprint will work on anything since they already support free Google Voice integration using your native Sprint number. So, unofficially, Google Voice is your Sprint Visual Voicemail. With the GV app, voice mail even integrates in to your call log.
Sent from my Nexus 5
HenryDCase said:
Somehow I doubt Sprint will work on anything since they already support free Google Voice integration using your native Sprint number. So, unofficially, Google Voice is your Sprint Visual Voicemail. With the GV app, voice mail even integrates in to your call log.
Sent from my Nexus 5
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This. Its kind of nice because you can listen to and scrub through voicemails, within the call app. however, I was a fan of my iphone's visual voicemail, which was nice because you just went into it and it listed all the voicemail you got. but the integration with google voice make it pretty spiffy, just not in the same aspect as having visual voicemail in its own spot.
OP, is there anything specific you don't like about google voice? if you log into your google voice account online, you can change settings and such. you can set it up to practically not even see google voice anymore, once the sprint integration with the phone app works for you.
Use YouMail. Been using it on Sprint since gnex
Sent from my Nexus 5 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
unvaluablespace said:
This. Its kind of nice because you can listen to and scrub through voicemails, within the call app. however, I was a fan of my iphone's visual voicemail, which was nice because you just went into it and it listed all the voicemail you got. but the integration with google voice make it pretty spiffy, just not in the same aspect as having visual voicemail in its own spot.
OP, is there anything specific you don't like about google voice? if you log into your google voice account online, you can change settings and such. you can set it up to practically not even see google voice anymore, once the sprint integration with the phone app works for you.
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Click to collapse
Actually, if you open the GV app and select "Voicemail" from the top left drop down, Voicemail had it's own folder. The convince of also having full access to my voice mail and text messages on my phone, Nexus 7, and laptop, including bring able to send text messages from those devices makes GV worth it to me.
Sent from my Nexus 5
unvaluablespace said:
This. Its kind of nice because you can listen to and scrub through voicemails, within the call app. however, I was a fan of my iphone's visual voicemail, which was nice because you just went into it and it listed all the voicemail you got. but the integration with google voice make it pretty spiffy, just not in the same aspect as having visual voicemail in its own spot.
OP, is there anything specific you don't like about google voice? if you log into your google voice account online, you can change settings and such. you can set it up to practically not even see google voice anymore, once the sprint integration with the phone app works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I mean, I tried it. It just seemed to me, like Google was taking over my phone, IE the voicemail message, saying this Google subscriber canot come to the phone right now, I know I can customize that, but it made it seem like Google was taking the whole account of my phone and it just didnt sit well with me... Call me paranoid I guess :/
I liked the TMobile Visual Voicemail, its simplicity was nice, you just clicked on the voicemail, listened, done. Easy peasy
unvaluablespace said:
OP, is there anything specific you don't like about google voice? if you log into your google voice account online, you can change settings and such. you can set it up to practically not even see google voice anymore, once the sprint integration with the phone app works for you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I personally dislike Google Voice for 3 reasons:
1) It's just flat out UGLY. The UI of the app is just not pleasant to look at and is in serious need of being updated to reflect Google's current design standards.
2) I don't like that it shows all my texts within the app. It makes no sense to me that they would even add texting functionality into a voicemail app. It's just totally unnecessary. I realize that I can disable SMS notifications in GV, but it's functionality that I don't want or need.
3) Why would I want to change my voicemail settings online and not within the app itself? It's completely inconvenient that I had to use a computer to remove the "press 1 to answer the g*dd*mn call" option that I found myself saddled with after activating GV for the first time. Ditto for the fact that I don't need an SMS message AND an email in addition to the GV notification when I get a voicemail, and the only option to change my notification settings is online. Why can't I just change all the settings right within the app?
maxpower7 said:
I personally dislike Google Voice for 3 reasons:
1) It's just flat out UGLY. The UI of the app is just not pleasant to look at and is in serious need of being updated to reflect Google's current design standards.
2) I don't like that it shows all my texts within the app. It makes no sense to me that they would even add texting functionality into a voicemail app. It's just totally unnecessary. I realize that I can disable SMS notifications in GV, but it's functionality that I don't want or need.
3) Why would I want to change my voicemail settings online and not within the app itself? It's completely inconvenient that I had to use a computer to remove the "press 1 to answer the g*dd*mn call" option that I found myself saddled with after activating GV for the first time. Ditto for the fact that I don't need an SMS message AND an email in addition to the GV notification when I get a voicemail, and the only option to change my notification settings is online. Why can't I just change all the settings right within the app?
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Click to collapse
Why use a computer at all? Chrome, request desktop site, login to voice.google.com and change settings right on your phone.
Sent from my Nexus 5
HenryDCase said:
Why use a computer at all? Chrome, request desktop site, login to voice.google.com and change settings right on your phone.
Sent from my Nexus 5
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Click to collapse
I'll give you that. I'd still much rather be able to change all the settings right within the app.
I know OP asked about Sprint VVM and is aware of GV, but my experience with GV and the Nexus 5 has been very good. Sprint has a good arrangement with Google but i only use GV for VVM. If you skip the first prompt, tell it never to dial with GV, and then tell it to act as your VVM and confirm, it very much blends into the phone.
I get a notification with info and the option to play from the notification drop down. The VM plays via the dialer (stock dialer used to call/answer). You can delete it/call back etc via the dialer. I almost never find myself in the GV app at all, and when i do its the VM folder and looks basically like any other vmail. My sprint VM message plays for the caller too.
At first i was very angry i couldnt get the sprint VVM app, but after about a day or 2 i was actually liking the integration into the dialer. Now i think id be bothered now by the Sprint VVM app.
As others pointed out my VM's follow me to other devices or just about any browser as well. Additionally its very easy to download your messages for backup (altho i think you can download them via the sprint VVM too).
If i have the time later maybe ill post creen shots of the step by step setup to get things the way i have it.
Sprint Visual Voicemail - flashable
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2577373
Anybody tested that yet ^^
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus
CRIME INC. said:
Anybody tested that yet ^^
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus
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Crime -- I just noticed you posted this... Have you tried this yet?
CRIME INC. said:
Anybody tested that yet ^^
sent from my Hammerhead Nexus
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just tried it, I may be doing something wrong, but it is not working for me... Hoping OP of that thread can assist me.

Can't send international text messages in lollipop??

I'm hoping someone has a way to help me untie my balls from this Google **** up.
I pay for an international texting plan from T-Mobile.
I used to be able to send international text messages via hangouts until lollipop.
Firstly, I'm sick of hangouts constantly asking if i want to send the text via my Google voice number or my carrier. I've tried to default this to no avail. Even when i select my carrier number, I'm informed i am not allowed to send international text? WTF?
So I called the geniuses at Google. Can you believe that after all the work they did to centralized hangouts as the default app (which I like - it's helpful to have both text and voicemail from each contact in one place), no specific support team exists?? Instead they have a general help number, and they don't know much more than anyone doing a Google search. In fact he had to search for his suggestion to open the Google voice app and "opt out" of hangouts for SMS, which I did. This makes hangouts a paperweight, and now the default SMS app is Google voice, an ugly archaic looking thing that clearly they are in the process of phasing out. Anyways, i checked my settings in Google voice and the default number was my carrier number, so tried sending an international text (the UK, definitely a supported country in my plan), and was once again informed that i could not send international text messages?? WTF?
Google is a global company, they should know that people move around the world and need to send text messages. This never used to be a problem, why the international **** block all of a sudden?
Appreciate any suggestions or workarounds, but this will be my last Google phone if they expect me to jump thru hoops to use services that I'm paying for and which are hardly cutting edge!
Thanks.
Do you put 1 before the number?

Native Visual voicemail

Does anyone know of there's a possibility to bring native visual voicemail to my unlocked HTC One A9??
I too would like to know. Would be way more convenient than the old school way
I have no clue about HTC doing so, but for the time being you may be interested in Google Voice. Rather than send messages to your carrier, it goes to Google, where you can also set your custom message. It allows you to check the messages both in app, transcribed via email, online in the Google Voice service and in the dialer as a playable audio file. It's quite similar to Apple's implementation but more versatile in my opinion. It might be what you're looking for.
z28camaroman said:
I have no clue about HTC doing so, but for the time being you may be interested in Google Voice. Rather than send messages to your carrier, it goes to Google, where you can also set your custom message. It allows you to check the messages both in app, transcribed via email, online in the Google Voice service and in the dialer as a playable audio file. It's quite similar to Apple's implementation but more versatile in my opinion. It might be what you're looking for.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the heads up.
FatKris said:
Does anyone know of there's a possibility to bring native visual voicemail to my unlocked HTC One A9??
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Click to collapse
Is this not a stock feature of Android?
I'm unhappy about this part as well.
But unlock bootloader is a must, so I don't actually have a choice.
Itll be brought to unlocked version soon...

audio voicemail

So...my old S2 had an app on it that would record missed calls to an audio file. There was a pro-version (sans ads) but the free version was adequate.
Now that I have an S5 and an S6, I don't see anything similar. Not among the default apps, not on Playstore. There is voice mail but you have to dial a separate number, listen to the voicemails and then decide to keep or delete.
The old S2 app stored the recording on the phone...or at least it was directly accessible from the phone.
When I search Google play, all I see are voice to text (visual voicemail) and voice recorders. I don't really see any that automatically redirect a missed call to a recording on the phone. And I'm not sure how faithful and precise voice to text is, esp. if the caller isn't very clear or is long-winded.
Any thoughts, suggestions or help? Plz.
I'm using YouMail, pretty nice app. Have you tried it yet?
Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.youmail.android.vvm&hl=en
apk: http://choilieng.com/apk-on-pc/com.youmail.android.vvm.apk
I installed this app on my Android phone and iphone.
Or, Google voice is another good choice but only available in US. Your data will be stored with Google account, this acts as you phone number.
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.google.android.apps.googlevoice&hl=en
apk if you need: http://choilieng.com/apk-on-pc/com.google.android.apps.googlevoice.apk
hope it will help
AlanRiad said:
I'm using YouMail, pretty nice app. Have you tried it yet?
I installed this app on my Android phone and iphone.
Or, Google voice is another good choice but only available in US. Your data will be stored with Google account, this acts as you phone number.
hope it will help
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your reply.
I tried Google Voice. But after further research, I suspect I will never get what I am looking for despite apps being out there that might be able to do the job...if only I weren't on a third party carrier. I use TotalWireless and they use Verizon towers. But Verizon apps won't work on my phone.
Despite that, the voicemail I do have goes through Verizon and the procedures for activating it and accessing it are identical to the procedures used to activate and access voice mail directly through Verizon.
I got through the set up of Google Voice but when I went to get voicemail, I got a message that connection couldn't be established or something similar.
Called Verizon and TotalWireless--the upshot is that it won't work.
YouMail also states that it won't work with third party carriers.

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