How exactly does Google voice work? I want to set it up for text so I don't have to pay att the 20 dollars a month for unlimited text. For calls I'll stick with carrier I don't know how much data a call will eat up.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA
You're going to want to Google that from your computer. You need to set it up from there
Sent from my CM9 ICS i897 Captivate
darkchyldx101 said:
How exactly does Google voice work? I want to set it up for text so I don't have to pay att the 20 dollars a month for unlimited text. For calls I'll stick with carrier I don't know how much data a call will eat up.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
keep in mind that mms also goes over text plan, so any mms would have to be google voice as well.
I really don't text much right now I pay 5 bucks for 200 text. But when I upgrade soon it seems I'll have a choice between $20/month for unlimited text or .20 cent for every text. Just wondering if Google voice is a better alternative.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA
darkchyldx101 said:
How exactly does Google voice work?
...
For calls I'll stick with carrier I don't know how much data a call will eat up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
gVoice does not work that way! A call is still a call, why go through the extra effort to make something VoIP when the current system for wireless audio transmission works very well. Google is never going to make the Android app do VoIP.
Also gVoice does not support MMS, thanks to social media sites/apps and web browers on the phone, there is no reason for gVoice to support them. Again another system exists that does a better job. The purpose to gVoice is not to bypass the services that wireless providers offer, it is to make managing multiple numbers an easier process (just as the video says). One other thing is that gVoice does not work with other text servers, only actual phone numbers. So no texting "LOL" to 12345 to vote for something on TV.
As to "how exactly" it works. Simply put gVoice is a redirection service.
They give you a what is essentially a mobile number that you hand out to whomever you wish, then you tell gVoice what numbers you want it to contact when it's number is called or gets a text. With the app it automaticaly adds your cell number to the list.
A call works like this: Person A dials the gVoice number, a computer answers and calls you, you answer and person A is forwarded to you. The exact opposite is true for the other direction. You > computer > person & forwards. If you watched the video explaining gVoice then you'll see that you can have gVoice dial multiple numbers at once on in-coming calls.
A text works like this: Person A sends a text to the gVoice number, a computer receives the text. At this point, it can either send you a text acting exactly the same as a call, or you can have it do nothing and rely on the app to let you know a text was sent to gVoice. Sending a text via the app is just like posting something via twitter or such except that instead of it going to a web site it goes to a computer that sends a text back to Person A. gVoice will figure out how to break up the message on its own for the size limit of a text, if sending to another gVoice number it sends the whole message and one piece.
If you want more exact then that you'll have to ask Google.
Now, due to the nature of the system there are a lot of neat/useful/mean things you can do. you can have gVoice block numbers instead of relying on the carrier. you can have all calls from one grouping of people get redirected to a specific number (to only your cell, or only to home,maybe even to one that is not actually yours ). you can set up some groups to be forwarded immediately, and others be given a prompt (your end) to screen their calls. you can save yourself from needing text messaging by relying on the app. you can give specific groups a different recording that they hear when they call and have to leave a message (if you use gVoice as your voicemail). Or you can do like me, and give some people the gVoice number and others only the cell number, so that if I ever have a reason to change the cell number the gVoice users are none the wiser.
I guess the best thing to do is give it a try. If its doesn't work the way I need it to I'll guess I'll have to choose the unlimited text plan. Thanks for the info.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA
For what it's worth, i have the $5 / 200 text plan + Google voice. I use the AT&T mms on the 200 texts and Google voice for everything else. It works great for me because i can send text messages from my browser when i can't use my phone (plus i type faster on a full keyboard), and i don't have to worry about overages. I don't call that much, so minutes aren't an issue.
I liked that voice let he pick a number that made sense to me.
Also, if someone sends an mms to your Google voice number, you can have it set up to go to your gmail.
I use Google voice as a separate thing. I have a tmobile pay as you go plan on my captivate. As long as I have wifi. I get free texting through Google voice. Note, you get a separate number assigned by area. Porting your own number costs 20 bucks.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA
I use Google voice to call people so they don't get my actual number, I also text on it, but you can't receive mms which sucks, but you can use Google Voice And Textfree for mms
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Related
Is there any app out there that lets you send free sms?
google voice
any others?
SMS is a feature of your cell provider, not the phone, so there is no magical free SMS app.
Google Voice routes incoming text via their own servers, as opposed to your provider's. It then has the option to either forward it to your phone as an actual SMS (in which case you will incur the usual charges) or via the data connection (GPRS/EDGE/3G), in which case it will be "free" since it bypasses providers' networks. However, forwarding is the default behavior unless you turn it off in your account settings at http://voice.google.com.
did you search in the market. i think there may be one ( i know there was one a while back) but how reliable it is, i cannot tell you (unlimited sms)
you could just use aim to send sms for free. as long as you have a data plan.
i know for a fact that there are free sms apps out there. search the market.
Or quit being cheap and get the data plan with unlimited texts.
This is a good question. It's either you being ripped off by the big companies or you being considered "cheap". If you have a data plan (which I'm guessing you do if you have a G1), you could just use email to text people's numbers. Most popular carriers let people receive texts from email, so if my number was (555)555-5555, you can email to [email protected] for verizon, [email protected] for AT&T, [email protected] for T-Mobile, and a few others listed here and at other places on the Internet.
To read more about the ongoing ripoff that is what we know as SMS, read below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/28/business/28digi.html?_r=3
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/05/14/txts_r_v_pricey/
You can also find more info on it by Googling "sms ripoff".
if you use google voice then the first time you text someone your phone will ask you to use messaging or google voice, choose google voice and check the box to make it default. From that point on you will text like normal but everything will go out via google voice. The only downfall is that people have to send texts to your google voice number instead of your phone number and google voice's app sometimes has a couple minute delay on receiving the sms.
supremeteam256 said:
Or quit being cheap and get the data plan with unlimited texts.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No! I'm sick of bending over to the carriers.
<rant mode>
I refuse to pay their exuberant prices for services that cost them NOTHING. I already pay for data (btw, the US data plans are one of the most expensive in the world), so how is it that different from text? I understand charging extra for MMS since it puts extra load on the network, but friggin' TEXT?!? Come on. The only reason there hasn't been a major public outrage about this ridiculous scam is because the silent majority of texters are teenagers whose phone bills are paid by mommies and daddies.
</rant mode>
Is there an texting app that uses the data plan instead of text plan? I currently only have 200 txts per month and don't want to go over it. I believe iPhone has that type of app and hopefully Android would have one too.
i believe google voice does this
systoxity said:
i believe google voice does this
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can confirm from personal experience -- just make sure you turn off SMS alerts in GV settings. In other words, the app on your phone checks for SMS but GV doesn't send a real SMS to your phone.
I don't know if this is still true, but almost every carrier allows txtx from emails.
Example everyone on att has an email address that it [email protected]
If you email them at this address (it will use your data plan), and they will receive it as a txt.
Not sure if ATT changed this you might want to verify that this will go over data.
Bjd223 said:
I don't know if this is still true, but almost every carrier allows txtx from emails.
Example everyone on att has an email address that it [email protected]
If you email them at this address (it will use your data plan), and they will receive it as a txt.
Not sure if ATT changed this you might want to verify that this will go over data.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That does work, but if that person receives your txt and replies back, I think it comes back to your phone as a SMS. So you still use one SMS.
Try Google Voice. You can send SMS from it and when they reply back it goes to your Google Voice number in lieu of your real cell phone number. That way it comes in to the Google Voice app. But just as someone else recommended, make sure you turn off SMS notifications, otherwise every time you get a voicemail or txt message google will send you an SMS message to notify you.
or use google talk, its quicker, and they have a BB/Android/iOS client... AND its already installed on your phone.
I just tried TALK last night, and I have Google Voice. I can get messages, but and reply to them.
But I can't figure out how to send a text to someone in my address book whom I have not received a text from yet. The only people who show up in the contacts list for TALK are people who have Google IM set up in email, and that is very few.
Any tips?
ewingr said:
I just tried TALK last night, and I have Google Voice. I can get messages, but and reply to them.
But I can't figure out how to send a text to someone in my address book whom I have not received a text from yet. The only people who show up in the contacts list for TALK are people who have Google IM set up in email, and that is very few.
Any tips?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
When I go into my regular contact list and tap Send Message I get the option to choose Messaging, Handcent or Google Voice to send the message with. What happens if you just tap send message on a contact?
Edit: Oh you said Google Talk. I didn't know you could send text messages using talk. Nevermind then! But you can use Google Voice. Additionally you can set Google Voice notification to e-mail instead of SMS so you'll be e-mailed when you get a new SMS.
That is interesting. It does NOT come up and ask me how to send it. It just tries to send it.
Now, here is something maybe: I did not ever see any insructions that I need to install Google Voice on my phone. I just now went to the market and searched for it, and am installing right now. (Google seems to me to be horrible about providing documentation/instructions).
....
Ok, it is installed. I just went to contacts, selected send message, and it is the same.
Another thing...I have seen demos that if you swipe a contact to the left it goes into message, and to the right it calls. It calls no matter how I swipe.
Another note: I do not have SMS messaging with AT&T, and in fact I have it turned off, because I don't want people sending me SMS that I get billed for. I wonder if that could have anything to do with this.
By the way, I had been told I needed Google Talk to get the TEXTs that others send me. But...that was when I was on a WinMo phone. Maybe I don't need Google Talk. Maybe I just need to figure out how to get Google Voice working on this phone. Alathough I will say that the text message I did get from a friend I'm trying to test with came in via Google Talk.
Got it working. The install of voice on my phone helped
brandonb81 said:
When I go into my regular contact list and tap Send Message I get the option to choose Messaging, Handcent or Google Voice to send the message with. What happens if you just tap send message on a contact?
Edit: Oh you said Google Talk. I didn't know you could send text messages using talk. Nevermind then! But you can use Google Voice. Additionally you can set Google Voice notification to e-mail instead of SMS so you'll be e-mailed when you get a new SMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm pretty sure Google Talk is more like a chat IM service than a text messaging service. The person you are wanting to chat with has to have the client installed on their phone as well.
I think Google Voice is the best option for free text messages. You can get a free new phone number, then you just open Google Voice and text away. Anybody who replies to your SMS, their txt will come into Google Voice for free. You can send and receive free text messages all day long.
Not paying AT&T for a texting plan is definitely going to be nice! Thanks for the info.
derek4484 said:
That does work, but if that person receives your txt and replies back, I think it comes back to your phone as a SMS. So you still use one SMS.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It will come back to you as an e-mail if you send it that way. I've texted my mom a few times this way and the reply shows up as an e-mail.
Google voice is open now. You'll have a new #, but free texts over data. Very good push integration too.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
Yep Google talk is the way to go!
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897 using XDA App
derek4484 said:
That does work, but if that person receives your txt and replies back, I think it comes back to your phone as a SMS. So you still use one SMS.
Try Google Voice. You can send SMS from it and when they reply back it goes to your Google Voice number in lieu of your real cell phone number. That way it comes in to the Google Voice app. But just as someone else recommended, make sure you turn off SMS notifications, otherwise every time you get a voicemail or txt message google will send you an SMS message to notify you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Email method works. When the person replies, it would come to email, not as text... I used this method over an year, before I switched to google voice recently.
Ping chat works great
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I897
Has anybody tried getting SMS on your nook? I tried getting Google Voice to work but can't remember specifically but I ran into some roadblocks getting it to work. It was looking for local phone services or something. Has anybody got at SMS to work on the nook. I think it would be nice to send and receive text messages.
this would be awesome
I got Google voice am to work but I'm not sure how.
Magically transmitted across the interwebs by my kickass NookColor!
Google voice works great on NC for SMS
Thanks, I have to retry this. It was late when I was installing, could have missed something.
Make sure you have a Google voice number not just the account. I had to pick a gv number in order for texts to work.
Works great here too.
Sent from my Nook Color.
Google voice working here. Yes, make sure you have chosen to get a gv. Number and not just using your cell phone number with gv
Google voice downloaded from the market works on my daughter's nook. She can send and receive texts. Is there a way to get the contacts to show up? When she tries to compose, it seems the only option is to manually type in the number. I can't find a way to access an address book from within google voice. Am I missing something?
Thanks!
How do you get a number for. The nook.
I have gv on my phone already but how do I assign a number to my nook.
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App
beehiveblack said:
How do you get a number for. The nook.
I have gv on my phone already but how do I assign a number to my nook.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just use the same credentials. You should receive messages on both devices. I have my iPhone 4 and nook set up for that. Unless you want to deal with another number there is no reason to create a new one.
Nook [email protected]+Nookie+Contributed$=Awesome
Has anyone tried getting WhatsApp to work? It needs to send a confirmation sms to your specified number, I'm trying to find a way to bypass that portion. Google Voice works great in the mean time, but Whatsapp is great for sending multimedia.
I am sensing a little confusion here...
Remember folks, true SMS messaging requires cellular service, as it uses the cellular radio to send packets of information to the cell towers and through the service providers.
The only way to go about text messaging without a cellular radio on a device is to use a VOIP service (Voice Over IP) that also allows text-messaging. I'm actually not familiar with Skype at all, so I'm not sure if they also use phone-numbers, but with Google Voice, you have to have a phone number, which is one that is provided to you (you get to choice of available numbers).
The only other option for messaging over text, other than using a VOIP service that offers a texting feature, is to use an instant-messaging service (i.e. AIM).
Agreed. I completely understand the sms bit, which is why google voice works. But Whatsapp is also data based, which is why its so great. However it still requires an activation step but sending an sms to your number which obviously cant be done. However I'm curious of anyone knows of a way to bypass the activation portion altogether?
Humanio said:
Agreed. I completely understand the sms bit, which is why google voice works. But Whatsapp is also data based, which is why its so great. However it still requires an activation step but sending an sms to your number which obviously cant be done. However I'm curious of anyone knows of a way to bypass the activation portion altogether?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cant you tell it to send a sms to your google voice number?
I can't seem to get this to work. I DLed the google voice app from the market, it walks me through set up, I log in with the same gmail account that my gvoice # is assigned to, but then it only shows my mobile number, not my gvoice #. I select add a # and then the screen just stays put....nothing happens. I have to press n to go back to my home launcher.
Any hints?
Has anyone got a contract list to work with google voice?
Sent from my LogicPD Zoom2 using XDA App
not working
lifegoesby said:
Google voice working here. Yes, make sure you have chosen to get a gv. Number and not just using your cell phone number with gv
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what do you guys mean by this? I can't get mine to work. Like the other guy said, i downloaded from market, selected my mobile phone number (when I try to add a phone number it doesn't work). I can send text messages that send from my GV number but I can't receive any messages. I can't receive any messages on my mobile phone either, for that matter.
Any ideas?
I don't have Google Voice installed on my mobile phone, but that shouldn't matter, right?
Thanks!
GTalkSMS / TalkMyPhone
I've been using a neat app called 'GTalkSMS' (available on Market) that allows me to use Google Talk to send and receive SMS from my phone number. GTalkSMS works great when I'm at desktop and is also quite serviceable from the Nook.
You may have to first set up a separate Jabber chat account for the phone (if you're using Google Talk as the chat program). After that step, I've used it for:
- sending & receiving SMSes (after forgetting my phone at home/other side of the house (lol));
- looking up contact info on the phone (includes email & physical addresses as well as phone numbers);
- locating my phone with GPS coordinates and by setting it to ring;
- writing on my phone/sending links or clipboard content...etc.
I don't have Google Voice locally, so I'm not sure how it compares -- let me know!
TextPlus seems to work. (;
Sent from my rooted Nook Color.
pianoblack said:
I've been using a neat app called 'GTalkSMS' (available on Market) that allows me to use Google Talk to send and receive SMS from my phone number. GTalkSMS works great when I'm at desktop and is also quite serviceable from the Nook.
You may have to first set up a separate Jabber chat account for the phone (if you're using Google Talk as the chat program). After that step, I've used it for:
- sending & receiving SMSes (after forgetting my phone at home/other side of the house (lol));
- looking up contact info on the phone (includes email & physical addresses as well as phone numbers);
- locating my phone with GPS coordinates and by setting it to ring;
- writing on my phone/sending links or clipboard content...etc.
I don't have Google Voice locally, so I'm not sure how it compares -- let me know!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've used GTalkSMS and Google Voice, and I prefer Google Voice, only because I don't have to set up a Jabber chat account to make it work, and it allows me to use the same number for SMS on all my devices. But if you don't have a Google Voice number, GTalkSMS is the way to go!
http://www.att.com/shop/apps/att-messages.jsp?source=IAMS2500000000ZCU#fbid=2j54IbKcpyR
Its essentially just like Google Voice but uses your own AT&T number with voicemail, texting, mms, and missed call notifications.
Just loaded it... be weary, looks like it take some time to sync and begin... its not as quick as GV either
do you see any obvious advantages? other than being able to use your own number
EDIT: installed it, nice app. i like it
Backup and review of all messages on the cloud. Slightly safer than Google.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
tried it right now and here is my thoughts on it
Pros: You are able to text from your computer using YOUR number and not the number that google has given you. Also if you dont have a signel on your phone you are still able to text from your computer, this also goes if you dont have your phone with you but you are still at a computer. Its an all in one system were you can get your text and voicemail in one place
cons: For some reason i cant get the website to load my messages but that could be just me, at this moment you cant disable notifications, not that much customization
i feel that it can be a great app given more time to improve on it but for right now i installed it tried it and uninstalled it because google voice is still better
Took a couple hours but it started working super smoothly. I don't like how it handles missed calls so now I use the messaging app for texts and what not and Google voice for voicemail.
Sometimes tthe messages don't sync but a force kill and app restart fixes it.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
does this require a texting plan? currently I block all texts to and from my phone and just use GV, does this use data only for texts? I'm guessing AT&T wouldn't be that stupid...
it requires data and text but the data doesnt count unless you have a 4g plan (for now). just texts at some point. says so in the fine print.
camelontherun said:
it requires data and text but the data doesnt count unless you have a 4g plan (for now). just texts at some point. says so in the fine print.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Figures, GV for me!
Cool. I'm gonna give it a try.
Miui 1.9.23 w/V6 Ram script, 3g Booster & Kick Ass Kernel Tweaks
jgotti107 said:
Cool. I'm gonna give it a try.
Miui 1.9.23 w/V6 Ram script, 3g Booster & Kick Ass Kernel Tweaks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
after you sync, give it a couple hours to settle (youll know when you only get notifications for the att app and not from the Android Messaging app).
Does this cost money to use like at&t navigator, at&t music, etc?
BenKranged said:
Does this cost money to use like at&t navigator, at&t music, etc?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no
10chars
Great timing for this app. I was debating purchasing a DeskSMS license but this is a good alternative.
this app is weird. i was kind of hoping for an app to sit in my sys tray so that i could see my texts from there and reply, like any other instant messaging app. This app requires you to log in to a clunky website to send and receive texts. the notifier app only tells you that you have messages.
It is clunky. Also expired my VM. ATT guy had no idea about the app or what it does and couldn't answer why the VM was expired. Seems that this app sets up another VM or sorts. Not crazy about the notifications either as they don;t seem to update when on the conversation...I dunno. Deleted it per the ATT service rep...funny really as one section has no idea what the other is doing.
I just get a message that says it can't complete the setup and I should contact AT&T support...
After you install the app and activate the service, this will change your voicemail retrieval number. If you used to call from another line to check your VM, you will need to call a different number from now on. Of course you also get Visual VM now.
I coud not access my mailbox, I was getting a prompt saying that my mailbox was not found, until I realized about this change. I fixed it by updating the call forwarding setting, under Android settings > call settings.
Tried it and don't like it. "Messages" app seems to take up a lot of RAM as well as battery. Made my phone a little laggy at times as well. How do I get my OLD voicemail back? I hate calling and having to enter my PIN # every single time to check messages. I used to be able to just click the notification icon and it'd go right through. Any help would be appreciated.
I had to call ATT to have the VM reset. It turned in to an hour long process with the ATT guy calling me back 3 times.
Edit..I take that back PIN still isn't working.
the app tells you that your voicemail will change. Its not a surprise by any means. If you want to change back your voicemail just ask that the give you basic voicemail. Takes two minutes. Just don't forget to set your greeting.
Sent from my SGH-I897 using XDA App
Should I port my number to Google Voice?
What are the issues with having your number on Google Voice?
I will soon be switching from AT&T to an MVNO (probably straight talk). I don't totally understand the process and benefits. It seems like people recommend doing this in order to avoid hassles when changing MVNOs. I know it costs $20 but it gives you some benefits like backing up your communications and more ownership of your number.
I have an unlocked T-Mobile Moto X.
Do you MMS?
Skip Google Voice
Texting isn't as reliable over data than via cell radios in my experience.
MVNO's have high data pings, if you can stand this then you are fine saving $15 a month, otherwise just go with GoPhone, same ping as postpaid, no data speed caps, roughly same coverage map, and you keep AT&T customer support.
Sent from my XT1053 using Tapatalk
Almost 2 years ago I ported my number from Verizon to Google Voice before switching to Straight Talk, primarily because it was my published business number and I wasn't comfortable trusting Straight Talk with it. About 5 months ago I switched to GoPhone, and a few weeks ago I ported my number from Google Voice to GoPhone, and posted "Why I'm ditching Google Voice as my public number" at Android Forums:
Almost 20 months ago I ported my number from Verizon to Google Voice, bought a Galaxy Nexus, and activated it on Straight Talk (I've since switched to AT&T Go Phone). I told no one, and used my Google Voice number as my only number. Immediately I noticed the latency on voice calls, resulting in lots of me talking over the other party, or vice versa. During the 20 or so months of use, I've seen absolutely no improvement in this area. As a result, this morning I put in a port request to transfer my Google Voice number to AT&T.
There have been other issues too, like:
The crappy UI and pathetic attempt at threading GV conversations
The inability to use Google Voice for quick responses when ignoring an incoming call (the API and permissions have existed in Android since 4.3)
Lack of MMS support
Incompatibility with some services (i.e. banks) that send texts to mobile numbers
The concept of Google Voice is great - one number, forever and always. It made it very easy for me recently when I was testing out the Nexus 5 and Moto X - I could use either phone and no one knew I was changing phones on a (sometimes) daily basis.
For those who primarily use data and texting, and make/receive few voice calls, it may not be a deal breaker, but for me the frustration of the voice latency far outweighs the benefits, even if all the other issues I listed are fixed.
But... once my port is complete, I'll probably get another GV number for use as voicemail, and for exchanges with possible Craigslist buyers, or others I don't want to give my real number to. In that case, the benefit of anonymity outweighs the downside of the latency.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
pa5tabear said:
Should I port my number to Google Voice?
What are the issues with having your number on Google Voice?
I will soon be switching from AT&T to an MVNO (probably straight talk). I don't totally understand the process and benefits. It seems like people recommend doing this in order to avoid hassles when changing MVNOs. I know it costs $20 but it gives you some benefits like backing up your communications and more ownership of your number.
I have an unlocked T-Mobile Moto X.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
UncleMike said:
Almost 2 years ago I ported my number from Verizon to Google Voice before switching to Straight Talk, primarily because it was my published business number and I wasn't comfortable trusting Straight Talk with it. About 5 months ago I switched to GoPhone, and a few weeks ago I ported my number from Google Voice to GoPhone, and posted "Why I'm ditching Google Voice as my public number" at Android Forums:
Almost 20 months ago I ported my number from Verizon to Google Voice, bought a Galaxy Nexus, and activated it on Straight Talk (I've since switched to AT&T Go Phone). I told no one, and used my Google Voice number as my only number. Immediately I noticed the latency on voice calls, resulting in lots of me talking over the other party, or vice versa. During the 20 or so months of use, I've seen absolutely no improvement in this area. As a result, this morning I put in a port request to transfer my Google Voice number to AT&T.
There have been other issues too, like:
The crappy UI and pathetic attempt at threading GV conversations
The inability to use Google Voice for quick responses when ignoring an incoming call (the API and permissions have existed in Android since 4.3)
Lack of MMS support
Incompatibility with some services (i.e. banks) that send texts to mobile numbers
The concept of Google Voice is great - one number, forever and always. It made it very easy for me recently when I was testing out the Nexus 5 and Moto X - I could use either phone and no one knew I was changing phones on a (sometimes) daily basis.
For those who primarily use data and texting, and make/receive few voice calls, it may not be a deal breaker, but for me the frustration of the voice latency far outweighs the benefits, even if all the other issues I listed are fixed.
But... once my port is complete, I'll probably get another GV number for use as voicemail, and for exchanges with possible Craigslist buyers, or others I don't want to give my real number to. In that case, the benefit of anonymity outweighs the downside of the latency.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
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Correct me if I'm wrong but.... I'm under the impression that if you port your number to google voice you don't have to use the google voice app.
I'm sure you could just set up the call forwarding and avoid using the google voice app so you could still have the benefits of your own actual phone number?
drago10029 said:
Correct me if I'm wrong but.... I'm under the impression that if you port your number to google voice you don't have to use the google voice app.
I'm sure you could just set up the call forwarding and avoid using the google voice app so you could still have the benefits of your own actual phone number?
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There are two things to consider with Google Voice: calls and texting.
Porting your number to Google Voice does not necessarily require you to use the Google Voice app. You can setup the forwarding so that all calls to your GV number get forwarded to your real number. If you subsequently change your real number, you can easily change the GV forwarding to that new number and callers won't know the difference. For outgoing calls, you can choose to use Google Voice for no calls, all calls, international calls only, or to ask each time you make a call. If you don't use GV for a call, your real number will appear to the called party - ruining the transparency of Google Voice (that I enjoyed while testing phones). This may not be a problem for you.
For texting you have several options:
use the GV app to read and send "texts" - this maintains the transparency of Google Voice, and others send texts to your GV number and receive texts from your GV number
Skip GV and use another messaging app (including the stock app) - this totally eliminates the transparency since all texts are sent to/from your real number
Use GV's "mapping" feature - others send texts to your GV number, but the GV redirects them to your real number, making them appear in your default messaging app. The caveat here is that the messages you receive this way will appear to be from a number that's different than the number of the person that sent the text, but the message body will be prefixed with the senders name (taken from your contacts). If you send/reply to this other number, the recipient will see the text as coming from your GV number. To really make this method useable, you have to add these alternate numbers to each contact that you text. Also, until you receive a text from someone, you have no way of knowing what their "other" number is.
If you are rooted, you can use xvoiceplus which allows you to use other messaging app instead of Google voice to send or receive text message. You can even make google voice voicemail appear on the phone call log, so you never really have to use the Google voice app directly. But then voice mail thing is kinda buggy; old voicemails sometimes reappear as notification when you restart the phone.
If you can live with sms only then google voice can save you a few bucks every month. Since texting will be done through data instead of cellular signal, it won't be as good when you are in a bad signal area.