Can you use the Nexus 7 as a phone?

[Beef Cake]

Anyone know? Considering buying it for myself for Christmas but I've got a Nexus 4. Would sell that to fund the Nexus 7 purchase if so.

Cheers.

 

[tukatz]

I don't think so, but then do you really want to hold a 7" tablet up to your ear?

 

[strollin]

You could make/take calls with Skype and similar apps as long as you had a wifi signal.

 

[jhawkkw]

You would need the mobile data enabled version to get the closest effect, and then use Google Voice + a VoIP app like GrooveIP or talkatone to utilize it as a mobile number. Though this solution seems to have problems coming up in May.

 

[tukatz]

We've used my wife's to talk with friends in Italy over Skype and it works great. The speakers produce plenty of volume and the mic is adequately sensitive as long as you don't cover it.

Of course, a friend with a phone could not simply dial a number, and this would not work if you did not have a WiFi connection.

 

[whs37]

I use GrooveIP all the time. Works very good and is free. I even call for free from Europe to the US because it was setup in the US. Did that all the time on my last vacation in France.

Calls from the US to Europe cost 2c/minute but North America is free. For a call withing my area code I do not even have to dial the area code - from anywhere in the world. Very handy.

At the time, tcat007 gave me some useful setup tips that you find here:

http://androidforums.com/nexus-7-2012/657423-echo-groove-ip.html

 

[mmoy]

I use mine from time to time as a phone when I don't have my iPhone handy. I use Talkatone combined with Google Voice. I've used an iPad with Skype to make calls too though they charge you for calls to phones. In general, I use the Nexus 7 as a speaker-phone when doing a call on it.

 

[thisoneis3d]

oh man thanks for the heads up on google voice and grooveip having problems in may. a quick google tells me as it stands now it will cease to function on the 15th of may...lame!

 

[mtiberio]

yea, but it works great now...

 

[Bushbug]

Hi, Good comments but apps seem to have shortfalls for Non-USA New Asus Google Nexus 7 3G/LTE, WiFi Tablet.
What apps are available to add Voice & Message Capability to New Tab ???

I miss the Comms ability of my old Samsung Galaxy 7" Tab included Phone & ancillaries.

Wanted to have 'What's App' on new Tab, Google Play Store said NO, App is NOT compatible with device. Got hold of What's App Developers and they provided download and now works great !

 

[brosko]

I use talkatone

 

[Bushbug]

Unfortunately Google Voice is not available for Download in South Africa !!!