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Anyone else here using Google Voice? And I don't just mean for the voicemail part. I just set up a number online with them and I'm considering dropping my unlimited SMS with VZW and using the Google voice SMS instead.
I'm just curious to see if anyone else has tried this? The number I got is the same last four as my current one, but the prefix is different, so that's not too bad. I figure I could drop my bill almost $30 by no longer using VZW's SMS service.
This is one of the first reasons why Android interested me. I've never paid for txt messages & never will.
Limitations:
1. You can't send an email-to-txt to a GV number
2. You can't receive MMS
3. You can't send txts to short numbers (like "Text REDCROSS to 90999")
Unless those features are worth $360/year, I think it's an easy decision...
Been using GV as my primary number for over a year now. My most recent VZW bill shows 0 text usage even though any of my friends would tell you that we exchange tons of texts
The biggest shortcoming is the lack of MMS support. If your friends aren't in the habit of sending you picture messages though (my circle just uses email), then it's a non-issue.
It's also great that using the Local Google Voice Settings Plugin with Tasker allows me to tweak GV call forwarding on the fly. Call me while I'm at work and you'll hit my desk phone. Call me in the evenings and you'll hit my cell.
Ok everything sounds pretty good to me then, the lack of MMS support is kinda weak though, I do that pretty frequently. I was considering just straight porting my number to them, but then I decided it wouldn't be worth it with my ETF. I'll give it a shot though with email instead of MMS, with Androids and all the options to share media, I'm sure I could live without it.
Afterthought: next question about GV, anyone have a way to integrate the incredible's messaging app with the SMS of GV? Mostly because I like how I have my widgets set up and would like to continue to use them. And secondly because GV isn't the most aesthetically pleasing to me at the moment
Well, you can choose to have your GV# forward text messages to your cell#. That way you could still use your stock messaging app/widget. The problem with that approach is that people's numbers won't come through looking like their number. Instead, you'll see another number that GV is essentially using as a proxy.
Before I had an Android device, I had my contacts set-up to take this into acct. So Johnny Smith might have phone number 444-555-6767, but when he called or texted my GV#, my phone would show incoming from 999-111-2323. I would store both the regular number and the 'proxy' number into someone's contact.
Your life will be a lot easier if you just use the GV app/widget. I'll take functionality over aesthetics any day, but that's your call.
But the problem with forwarding the messages to my current carriers number is that it defeats the purpose of dropping the unlimited texting. I'll give it a shot, I future dated the change on my online account to start next billing cycle. Should give everyone enough time to take down my GV number. Thanks for the help guys! Anyone else that has something to add whether they're pros/cons please let me know.
Hypcrsy said:
But the problem with forwarding the messages to my current carriers number is that it defeats the purpose of dropping the unlimited texting.
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Indeed. But you asked how to use the stock messaging app with Google Voice. That's how.
No stock messaging system is going to integrate with Google Voice while also keeping your text usage at 0. Your phone doesn't 'think' it's receiving SMS. An SMS app isn't going to 'see' the GV text (unless you have it set to forward to your existing #)
I was actually thinking about this the other day....interesting responses, thanks guys
One thing great that has gone unmentioned is the browser accessibility of google voice....phone issues? Can text anywhere you can get internet via browser. I've used that a fair amount. The way the number can be routed to other phones is always a useful thing as well. I like not being attached to my physical phone numbers anymore.
I just got a google voice account the other day. I am still trying to figure out if I like it. So far it is pretty good. The voice to text is not that accurate yet but I hear that it improves over time. I have not given it out to people yet so not sure how it will work once I do that.
Thanks for the info...
SoBBie
I use GV as a business line. Complete with a business VM message. I love the fact u can screen the VM live then chime in if u wana talk. MMS is the only reason I will not use ot as a vzw replacement #.... Other wise I use it daily.
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
byrong said:
Indeed. But you asked how to use the stock messaging app with Google Voice. That's how.
No stock messaging system is going to integrate with Google Voice while also keeping your text usage at 0. Your phone doesn't 'think' it's receiving SMS. An SMS app isn't going to 'see' the GV text (unless you have it set to forward to your existing #)
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So if I have fowared on, will the phone company still charge for the txt message from my GV?
Sent from my ADR6300 using XDA App
that's correct, you will be charged if you have texts forwarded to your carrier phone #. Think of the google voice app on phone as a chat interface that is linked to a phone #. I have also thought as mentioned it's not the prettiest app...but there are some themed versions out there to be sure.
2faroffroad said:
So if I have fowared on, will the phone company still charge for the txt message from my GV?
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Click to collapse
Yes. If you have forwarding on, your phone treats it the same as receiving a regular text, since Google is forwarding a regular text to your Verizon phone #
I just use it to see how transcribing works. It is funny on many people but it usually gets the numbers right, which is awesome
I am with you 100% on the transcription - it is hilarious. It has no idea in the world what my wife is saying - 1 in 10 words right, I would guess! I only keep it on for the entertainment value.
So far I'm pretty happy with it. It does have those neat screening features for incoming calls. One weird thing I got was a voicemail recording of the phone ringing and my mom picking up and going "hello? hello?" Hopefully bugs like that don't happen too often. The one thing I will miss is the MMS ability, but hey, I have a Droid Incredible, there are many ways around that.
As for the themed versions of GV, can you point me in the right direction? I'd like like to see what I can find. Thanks again for all the responses, definitely made the decision a lot easier for me.
The best part of GV thus far is that I dropped my bill almost $30 a month. Sprint can suck it with there $69 simply everything plan....mine is Simply Unlimited Everything for $55 a month.
EDIT: Nevermind I found some solid looking themed GV inboxes. Thanks again everyone for responding!
So long story short had an Epic 4g Touch on Virgin Mobile's $25 plan but need unlimited minutes now so I switched to page plus 2 weeks ago in hopes of flashing my e4gt to page plus. But I missed the unlimited data so decided to go with a gsm gnex and straight talk. Already have the phone and sim should be here today or tomorrow and I will be porting my number over.
Question is should I just port my number to Google Voice to avoid this hassle in the future? Is GV reliable? I can still use the stock phone and messaging app right (CM10 is the OS ill be on)? Is there any way to get MMS, like MMS-to-Email on sprint? Anything else I should take into consideration?
So should I just port my number to straight talk or port it to google voice?
Thanks
I say google voice (and forward it to whatever number at the time). The tricky bit is that smses would come from your original number unless you send them with voice also.
Sent from my Nexus 7 "the most cost-effective iPad yet"
There are probably 3 threads about your topic already (and they are huge threads). I'm on mobile right now and don't have the link, but they should be in the general and q&a section, and a bit of googling will help you find them.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
hmm sounds like it would just be more convienient to port my number to straight talk..
Any other thoughts?
I recently ported my number to Straight Talk and it was active in about 20 minutes. As long as you have all the information they need to port, it's extremely painless.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
I decided to just port my number and its been over 12 hours and still hasn't gone through. WTF straight talk? Not off to a good start with me.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
I use Google voice with its own number. I use the app. My Google number shows on text to them just fine. nobody had real number. I use groove ip to make calls thru voice. I set it up this way so that if gonna be late on Bill or whatever i still have"service" that people can call and text me with provided I'm in wifi. actually ran it this way for about a year without any service at all. . Just Google. Since everyone already had my Google i never worried about missing calls or text. If i left wifi zone Google stored all missed notifications so could retrieve once in wifi again. Ill promote.voice any day of the week.
*Shaolin Shadowboxing*
---------- Post added at 02:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:11 AM ----------
brooksyx said:
I decided to just port my number and its been over 12 hours and still hasn't gone through. WTF straight talk? Not off to a good start with me.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
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Click to collapse
Just set up a Google seperately. Give everyone that number. Once service is up and running forward calls from the Google to your number. Then will have service until they get it going and won't have to tell people to go back to old number. Will always have a phone too
*Shaolin Shadowboxing*
Finally got my number ported to my at&t straight talk sim and all I have to say is damn this data is fast! 10x faster than my old virgin mobile trash. Even faster than my home DSL. Very happy now.
I think I'll hold off on Google voice for now though. My girl is always sending me picture messages.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
GV can be a hassle and finicky but its definitely reliable.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
martonikaj said:
GV can be a hassle and finicky but its definitely reliable.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda premium
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Never had a problem. Just can't integrate
*Shaolin Shadowboxing *
Sprint + Google Voice => Straight Talk, now problems.
I had my Sprint number. When Google voice came out and Sprint allowed integration, I did that. Last week I ported my Sprint/GV number over to Straight Talk (after buying an HTC One X+).
I want to get text messages in GV, not the HTC messaging app. I want to make phone calls from my normal GV number, and when I get a voicemail, i want that to come through GV as well. Basically, I want GV to do what is was doing for me on Sprint, handling my voicemail and my texts (both sending and receiving).
Currently, when my wife calls/texts me (she is still on Sprint), GV takes the voicemail/text. Perfect! But when other people call my voicemail gives a message saying that I haven't set up my voicemail box yet (Straight talk seems to not do this very well), and text messages all go into the HTC messaging app. Sending messages from GV or HTC messenger both work fine.
Does anyone have any help for me? Do I need to switch my number with Straight Talk and just have my old number stored in GV, then do the forwarding thing? Can I do that with outgoing calls, so they appear to come from my "old" phone number? Any help you can provide would me most appreciated.
Michael833 said:
I had my Sprint number. When Google voice came out and Sprint allowed integration, I did that. Last week I ported my Sprint/GV number over to Straight Talk (after buying an HTC One X+).
I want to get text messages in GV, not the HTC messaging app. I want to make phone calls from my normal GV number, and when I get a voicemail, i want that to come through GV as well. Basically, I want GV to do what is was doing for me on Sprint, handling my voicemail and my texts (both sending and receiving).
Currently, when my wife calls/texts me (she is still on Sprint), GV takes the voicemail/text. Perfect! But when other people call my voicemail gives a message saying that I haven't set up my voicemail box yet (Straight talk seems to not do this very well), and text messages all go into the HTC messaging app. Sending messages from GV or HTC messenger both work fine.
Does anyone have any help for me? Do I need to switch my number with Straight Talk and just have my old number stored in GV, then do the forwarding thing? Can I do that with outgoing calls, so they appear to come from my "old" phone number? Any help you can provide would me most appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to do call forwarding
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
Zepius said:
You need to do call forwarding
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2
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Please forgive me for being obtuse, but can you be a little more specific? I'm struggling with this question and would like more instruction. Did you mean that I need a second, non-GV number as my cell phone number? Or something else? I'm easily confused this week.
Michael833 said:
I had my Sprint number. When Google voice came out and Sprint allowed integration, I did that. Last week I ported my Sprint/GV number over to Straight Talk (after buying an HTC One X+).
I want to get text messages in GV, not the HTC messaging app. I want to make phone calls from my normal GV number, and when I get a voicemail, i want that to come through GV as well. Basically, I want GV to do what is was doing for me on Sprint, handling my voicemail and my texts (both sending and receiving).
Currently, when my wife calls/texts me (she is still on Sprint), GV takes the voicemail/text. Perfect! But when other people call my voicemail gives a message saying that I haven't set up my voicemail box yet (Straight talk seems to not do this very well), and text messages all go into the HTC messaging app. Sending messages from GV or HTC messenger both work fine.
Does anyone have any help for me? Do I need to switch my number with Straight Talk and just have my old number stored in GV, then do the forwarding thing? Can I do that with outgoing calls, so they appear to come from my "old" phone number? Any help you can provide would me most appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There's a spot in the GV settings to have your texts only appear in the GV app... or just remove notifications from the GV app and you're problem is solved (only using the HTC app then.)
You need a separate number on straight talk and then just forward your GV number to that one. (I believe that step needs to be done from a PC.) Once you've done that you can still make your calls using the GV app, just select it to be used for all calls.
About to make the plung to ST as well. Currently useing GV forwarding to a verizon number. The GV number is the only number used period, the veizon number is just a recptical for GV to rout to. I really miss the lack of mms and the txting over data sometimes isnt as reliable. Also really miss the mms and sms dedicated apps.
Is is possible to port your GV number to ST but not lose the GV service ?
I would love for my GV number to be the native number on my ST phone and enjoy all the sms mms and direct calls to that phone. But NOT lose the GV feature associated with that number. Not sure i can live with out the web interface on my desktop for checking voice mails and txt.
I know i can just forward to a new ST number but would love to only have one number for all communication as i would like to have mms back.
MattRussNC said:
About to make the plung to ST as well. Currently useing GV forwarding to a verizon number. The GV number is the only number used period, the veizon number is just a recptical for GV to rout to. I really miss the lack of mms and the txting over data sometimes isnt as reliable. Also really miss the mms and sms dedicated apps.
Is is possible to port your GV number to ST but not lose the GV service ?
I would love for my GV number to be the native number on my ST phone and enjoy all the sms mms and direct calls to that phone. But NOT lose the GV feature associated with that number. Not sure i can live with out the web interface on my desktop for checking voice mails and txt.
I know i can just forward to a new ST number but would love to only have one number for all communication as i would like to have mms back.
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Click to collapse
Matt, hopefully this reply won't be too late for it to help you. I've been recovering from surgery.
I actually have done this both ways now, so I think I can speak to various issues.
On My Phone:
I kept my main number with Google Voice and got a StraightTalk SIM with some other number. All of my calls, both incoming and outgoing, I route through GV (a simple setting in GV), and all my texts come through the GV app by default. I'm probably missing my MMS's, but that doesn't bother me as I only used to get 2-3 per year.
On My Wife's Phone:
She was much more concerned with GV's lack of text message threading, so we opted to port her Spring/GV number over to StraightTalk. Her voicemails go though ST, and cannot be transcribed. Her texts through her messenger app, and all her calls though ST. Basically she left GV. There is an option to still have GV try to grab your voicemails and transcribe them instead of going through ST, but ST does not support that feature, so it cannot be done.
Where you say "But NOT lose the GV feature associated with that number." I'm a bit confused. When I think of GV features, I think of text over data/from computer & voicemail recording, but you seem to imply there is some other I'm missing.
I hope this helps with your decision. Again, sorry about the delay in responding.
Michael833 said:
Matt, hopefully this reply won't be too late for it to help you. I've been recovering from surgery.
I actually have done this both ways now, so I think I can speak to various issues.
On My Phone:
I kept my main number with Google Voice and got a StraightTalk SIM with some other number. All of my calls, both incoming and outgoing, I route through GV (a simple setting in GV), and all my texts come through the GV app by default. I'm probably missing my MMS's, but that doesn't bother me as I only used to get 2-3 per year.
On My Wife's Phone:
She was much more concerned with GV's lack of text message threading, so we opted to port her Spring/GV number over to StraightTalk. Her voicemails go though ST, and cannot be transcribed. Her texts through her messenger app, and all her calls though ST. Basically she left GV. There is an option to still have GV try to grab your voicemails and transcribe them instead of going through ST, but ST does not support that feature, so it cannot be done.
Where you say "But NOT lose the GV feature associated with that number." I'm a bit confused. When I think of GV features, I think of text over data/from computer & voicemail recording, but you seem to imply there is some other I'm missing.
I hope this helps with your decision. Again, sorry about the delay in responding.
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Thank you, actually about to activate tonight with a ST number and route through GV. As far as the GV features i was referring mainly to the web integration. Love being able to check my txt and VMs from a browser. I know there are some apps that allow such but i like the way GV does it. I knew what i wanted wasnt possible but i had hoped. I wanted to think that i could port my GV number to ST so that it would be the native and only number to the phone and still have GV work as it does now without sacrificing anything. I knew it wasn't a reasonable wish. Should things ever change i can always port my GV number out another day.
Thank you for the response
MattRussNC said:
Thank you, actually about to activate tonight with a ST number and route through GV. . . . . .
Thank you for the response
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Matt, a quick update:
So there is a setting on the GV website that allows you to get your text messages through your phone's text message app, and a setting in the GV app that allows you to turn off GV notifications on your phone. Thus, you could conceivably use your phone as it was meant to be used (for SMS), and just keep the VM options enabled. I hadn't really known what that option did before, but it seems it may be helpful for you.
Also, if you found my posts helpful, please "thank" me. I'm pretty junior and I guess it would help me gain credibility in the forums.
I've always have had google voice but ive never actually used it.
What is it? is like like a google phone number with free text and free minutes?
I've never used it because i thought you have to pay for minutes and text.
Oh and this may or may not help but i have everything unlimited 1500minute plan on sprint
Also, what are the advantages to having this over just regular Sprint voice mail/text/calling?
IamFlynn said:
I've always have had google voice but ive never actually used it.
What is it? is like like a google phone number with free text and free minutes?
I've never used it because i thought you have to pay for minutes and text.
Oh and this may or may not help but i have everything unlimited 1500minute plan on sprint
Also, what are the advantages to having this over just regular Sprint voice mail/text/calling?
Click to expand...
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTAZCHz8d9Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2
As the saying goes, Google is your friend. IMO, voicemail is great feature, using gv for calls blows because of the frequent delay in audio (which makes you talk over each other), and I prefer to not integrate gv with sprint. I paid for my number so I don't want to lose it by integration. I do wish there was a better way to tell that a call is coming in from your gv number without losing caller id.
A few months ago I found several incomplete resources on the web to set up Google Voice as your voice mail service instead of using your carrier. In the case of Verizon, I was even more disgusted to pay $2.99 per line per month for a service that should be included with every smartphone. This guide is intended to be a more complete solution to using Google Voice as your voice mail service on Verizon.
Why Google Voice?
- Integrated FREE visual voice mail on your Galaxy Nexus (don’t pay Big Red more than you have to). Access from your call log or the Google Voice app.
- Transcripts of the message e-mailed to you (the translation is not very accurate, but you can get the main point of the message in most cases before you listen to it).
- Access your voicemail on your phone, tablet, or web browser.
Setup:
1. If you haven’t already, request a Google Voice number from http://bit.ly/obMhcy (Don't port your number, just get a new one from Google - porting your number from Verizon to Google Voice will cancel your Verizon service).
2. Once you have your Google Voice number, install the Google Voice app on your phone http://bit.ly/QDySzs
3. Once all signed in to the Google Voice app, you are ready to set up FREE visual voicemail on your Galaxy Nexus.
4. Go to your Phone app settings (not Google Voice, but the actual Phone app that makes your phone a phone). Under “Other Call Settings” is a “voicemail” option, open that. Under “Service” select Google Voice. You will get a pop up warning that your carrier cannot be autoconfigured, but just acknowledge the warning and continue on. To make this function on Verizon, you need to setup a “Number Busy/No Answer Call”, also known as conditional call forwarding by following this simple step:
Dial *71 [Your GV #] then hit Send — (*71-###-###-#### then Send)
You’ll hear a few beeps and then you’ll automatically be disconnected. This is a free Verizon calling feature that reroutes an unanswered call to the 10-digit number provided after the *71, which is your Google Voice number in this case. Make a test call to your cell phone number from another phone to make sure all is working – you can set up your personal message later.
Now, anybody that calls your cell phone (GV or regular cell number) will be redirected to your Google Voice voicemail. This way you can keep your Verizon phone number and still manage voicemail online (replay/save messages to your computer) and get transcriptions.
There are options on the Google Voice web interface to record a personal message, which can be different depending on who is calling. For example, a message for friends, one for work, etc. The Google Voice settings page is also where you set up your account to receive e-mail notifications of voicemails with transcripts, etc.
Don't forget to cancel your Verizon VVM subscription once this is complete and working, and uninstall yet another Verizon app from your Nexus device. :good:
Thanks OP! As someone who has used Google Voice for a few years I fully support this thread.
I ran this since Google Voice was in beta on VZW. No other way to have it.
Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk HD
Thanks, works great!! I Love how I can play VM right from the phone app!! And read them in the voice app. So sick. Thanks a lot
And if your plan supports it, add your GV # to your Friends & Family list to make voicemail airtime free (won't use minutes)
jpinsl said:
And if your plan supports it, add your GV # to your Friends & Family list to make voicemail airtime free (won't use minutes)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The VMs are downloaded and stored in the app via data, you wont ever have to call VM again.
I believe you are thinking of the old trick, change the GV settings to show your GV# instead of the callers #.
Thanks for posting this. I'm going to give it a go.
WiredPirate said:
The VMs are downloaded and stored in the app via data, you wont ever have to call VM again.
I believe you are thinking of the old trick, change the GV settings to show your GV# instead of the callers #.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Actually, I'm thinking that rather than burn data-bytes, I just reprogram the phone to call my GV# when I press and hold 1. By listing it in F&F, it's a free call, doesn't use data and works exactly like my carrier's VM.
Google voice has been working great for me for a couple months and is a huge step up from regular voicemail.... Highly recommended! Thanks for the guide.
jpinsl said:
Actually, I'm thinking that rather than burn data-bytes, I just reprogram the phone to call my GV# when I press and hold 1. By listing it in F&F, it's a free call, doesn't use data and works exactly like my carrier's VM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah but doesn't that defeat the purpose? If you're going to do that why not use the carriers VM? And I cant imagine that downloading a voice mail message uses much data. Oh well, to each his own.
So, is there anything I need to watch out for when flashing other ROMs
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
So, is there anything I need to watch out for when flashing other ROMs
sent from the bathroom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Set up phone as per instructions, don't have to do the *71 part. I've been doing this for a couple years now, and I tend to flash a different rom a few times a week, no problems.
Really want to screw the man? Just get a free sip line hooked to your gv number. All you need is a data plan. Saves big $$$$$
Phazmos said:
Set up phone as per instructions, don't have to do the *71 part. I've been doing this for a couple years now, and I tend to flash a different rom a few times a week, no problems.
Really want to screw the man? Just get a free sip line hooked to your gv number. All you need is a data plan. Saves big $$$$$
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I did the *71 thing. Now I can't send messages
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
I did the *71 thing. Now I can't send messages
sent from the bathroom
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Click to collapse
[SOLVED] disabled through app now I can send through either. The two different numbers are messing with my peeps, I have had the same number for years. Plus when you look below the surface there can be charges
sent from the bathroom
geomonroe said:
[SOLVED] disabled through app now I can send through either. The two different numbers are messing with my peeps, I have had the same number for years. Plus when you look below the surface there can be charges
sent from the bathroom
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have gv ring all numbers when a call comes in. No matter which is dialed, no matter which is in use, you'll get the call. Been working that way for me for a couple years. Texting the vz number will incur a charge, but that's about it. Only extra charges I see are from those texts. No cost if texts go to gv number.
Phazmos said:
Have gv ring all numbers when a call comes in. No matter which is dialed, no matter which is in use, you'll get the call. Been working that way for me for a couple years. Texting the vz number will incur a charge, but that's about it. Only extra charges I see are from those texts. No cost if texts go to gv number.
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Texting through Google voice is a nightmare. This thread's purpose was to show folks how stop paying Verizon for the ability to have visual voice mail on your smartphone.
Sent from my Xoom using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
Thanks for this! Had no idea I could even change the voicemail to something else. I got so tired of the voicemail icon constantly making my notification light blink since I never check it. Hell, I had no idea verizon even offered a visual voicemail service. +1Google
Youmail.. The best free visual voicemail ..use on all my phones and tabs.. And best of all works perfect and simple to setup
Sent from my QMV7A using Xparent Purple Tapatalk 2
Hey guys,
I tried searching for anything relating to this and I haven't found anything on this forum or Google thats helpful.
Issue: NO SERVICE!!! I work in a government building that has 0 reception inside (I also work in the basement). I also get almost no reception in my house, but i have an airave so that's resolved for the most part.
I would like to set up VOIP somehow without having to create a new number to give to people. I'm hoping to find someone who has done this already with success.
My thought is to install and set up google voice using my sprint number, and then integrate google voice into talkatone. That way I can call/text over wifi for free because it is still using my sprint number, just over a data connection instead of cell. I'm on a good family plan with a business discount, so this isn't me trying to get out of paying for cell minutes, my bill for 4 people is 200 bucks (we all have premium data). I just want to be able to receive my messages and calls while I'm at work on just a wifi signal. Unfortunately about a month ago my fiancees father unexpectedly passed and I didn't find out until I left work hours later because I never received a message.
If this is a taboo conversation I apologize (if its possible, the resources are already out there) or if nobody knows I understand. I was just hoping for some insight because I've heard complaints with people trying to integrate their sprint number to google voice.
So I took some time and did some individual research of each app and the google voice integration.
Google Voice itself does not all VOIP, which is where talkatone comes in. Most 3rd party VOIP apps require the person you are calling/texting to also have that app, or you need to create a new number through that app and give it out to everybody you want to communicate with over a data connection.
Talkatone works with Google Voice, which is why it's free, and the benefit of being on Sprint is that you can make your Google Voice number your Sprint Mobile number, therefore being able to make free calls and texts over wifi/3g/4g without spending any money. If you decide to go international you would only have to add a credit to google voice for international calls (which is significantly cheaper then the international rate from sprint).
I believe this is a very unknown loophole in sprints eyes that is completely legal and does not break the terms of service. They are the ones who have a contract with Google Voice to allow you to use your own number, then talkatone works on top of google voice to provide VOIP.
In essence I answered my own question, but I hope to have provided some insight to other people that have service issues with sprint.
I welcome anybody who uses this exact set up or just google voice to chime in with any issues they have experienced, or success stories.
I use GrooveIP to do this on my wifi only evo shift
CNexus said:
I use GrooveIP to do this on my wifi only evo shift
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What ive read is that because it works through google voice and google voice isn't considered a "mobile number" then any person you call that has a mobile-to-mobile feature will not take advantage of it, it will actually go towards their minutes. it doesnt hurt you because you arent using any minutes, but it hurts them. especially on a family plan.
Well obviously. It basically lets you use your disconnected device as phone whenever you have wifi.
For real "free" services, each person needs to be in on the same thing.