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Google Voice Apps

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wcp

Lurker
I just got a Google Voice number and had a few questions to ask the experts among you:

1. I understand that it's possible to make free phone calls (meaning, I don't use my anytime minutes) from my Android cell phone using Google Voice and a wifi connection. I also believe that it's necessary to download an app in order to do this (for example, GV Dialer, GV Mobile, GV Callback, etc). Is it necessary to download one of these apps to make free phone calls, or am I mistaken and I can just do this using the Google Voice app? If it's necessary, which app do you think is best? If it's not necessary, what's the advantage of downloading these apps?

2. What's the difference between making free phone calls using wifi and Google Voice versus using, say, Fring or any similar apps out there (other than the additional functionalities of Google Voice, such as call forwarding, etc)? Are there advantages to one over the other?

3. This may sound like a naive question but does this technology (free phone calls using wifi) work while driving or must I remain in one location with a wifi connection?

4. I text and call overseas. Are there ways to text and/or call overseas for free using any of the above mentioned apps?

Thanks for your help!!
 
Unfortunately, Google voice is not a VOIP service. You will use your minutes. It is just a service that allows you to have a separate number with voicemail that does transcription. Not sure about international things.

Sent from my Nexus One using Tapatalk
 
In regards to #1: Google Voice calls are not inherently free. You need to have a cellular plan that has a feature that allows you to make unlimited calls to a few numbers you choose (like Verizon's Friends and Family).

The Google Voice app dials through an access number each time you make a call, so if you make that number one of your unlimited numbers, then all your outgoing calls are free.

There's a rumor that the access # changes on occasion, so if you're worried about missing when it changes, you can also make calls by dialing your own Google number, going through a voice menu, and then dialing whoever you want to call...those other apps like GV Dialer automate this process (in which case you'd add your own Google number to the friends and family plan)--GV Dialer-type apps are a bit too annoying for me since instead of direct dialing, you've got to sit and wait for the dialer app to go through the voice menus and then dial.

I haven't quite figured out all the aspects of how incoming calls are handled just yet, but depending on your settings you can get it so that all calls that come into via your Google number are also free.
 
Anybody know what is the easiest way to convert all my telephone contacts to google contacts so I can use Google Voice?

Thanks!
 
Raija said:
Anybody know what is the easiest way to convert all my telephone contacts to google contacts so I can use Google Voice?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I know on my iPhone there was an app that allowed me to upload all my contacts to the internet then export them to a CSV file(or something like that) and then you can import that .csv file into your google mail account and all of your contacts will become a part of your google account. Check and see if the mr. number app is available in the app store. :)



edited: It is available here's the link. http://www.appbrain.com/app/com.skydeck.razor
 
wcp said:
What's the difference between making free phone calls using wifi and Google Voice versus using, say, Fring or any similar apps out there (other than the additional functionalities of Google Voice, such as call forwarding, etc)? Are there advantages to one over the other?
Click to expand...
Depends on what you're looking to do. One example is that you don't have to use a different number with GV, assuming that you've switched to the GV number. However, as others have pointed out, GV itself isn't a VOIP solution. The specific VOIP solution you're considering will affect whatever comparisons you want to make. Have you searched or Googled for info on VOIP on Android and VOIP with GV? The info's out there if you take the initiative.

wcp said:
This may sound like a naive question but does this technology (free phone calls using wifi) work while driving or must I remain in one location with a wifi connection?
Click to expand...
You (obviously) need Wifi coverage. If you can find a road with continuous Wifi coverage along the entire drive then you're set. ;)

wcp said:
I text and call overseas. Are there ways to text and/or call overseas for free using any of the above mentioned apps?
Click to expand...
You need to clarify what you mean. You test and call while you're overseas? Or you text and call contacts that are overseas? Or both?
 
Thanks everyone for the information.

Takeshi: I was able to get a sipgate number and, using sipsocery and sipdroid, got my cell phone working over my home wifi with GV. I guess I am wondering, what's the advantage to using sipdroid when I can simply add my GV number to my friends and family list and then make calls through GV using a callback app, such as GV Mobile? Granted I don't have to go through receiving a callback with sipdroid, but are there any other advantages? It appears that both sipdroid and GV mobile will work with a 3G network.

As far as international calls go, I make calls from the US to mainly Asia and also make calls from Asia to the US when I travel there. It would be nice to find a way to make free calls in either direction.
 
Free international is the holy grail that everyone is trying to get too.

I have vonage VOIP at home which gives me unlimited international...but it does suck that I pay $30 pre month for it while my wife and I pay for cell phones with data plans.

If anyone knows a way to get the cell to go through my voip...that would help for convenience (but would not allow me to eliminate the vonage).

Google voice charges are decent, but still not competitive for heavy international users.

I have to imagine that the industry is close to offering some kind of transfer from the phone to your home internet for voip calls. Someone way smarter than I is likely to already be doing it somewhere.

Any advice is appreciated...
 
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