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Ring, ring, it's the computer

R

Rgarner

Android Expert
I know it's possible to make phone calls with a pc, but I don't know how. Voip probably costs extra (beyond wifi). Would it be possible to send text messages to phone numbers, and how would that work?
 
Yes, it is voice over IP, but that's a generic description of any voice calls over internet protocol. The best-known way of making such calls is probably Skype, but there are other services of course. Generally these things are free if you are calling to someone else using the same service but charge for calls to phone services.

SMS from a computer to phone requires an SMS gateway (since SMS is intrinsically a mobile network service you need an interface into a cellular network). They exist, of course, but I can't recommend one because like most Brits I've had unlimited SMS for years, and hence no need (my service provider used to offer one, but discontinued it years ago).
 
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Rgarner said:
I know it's possible to make phone calls with a pc, but I don't know how. Voip probably costs extra (beyond wifi). Would it be possible to send text messages to phone numbers, and how would that work?
Click to expand...

Does Skype ring a bell?
 
I know it's possible to send text from the pc but can't remember how though. Honestly I haven't tried since about 15 years ago when me and a friend would send each other abusive texts in IT lessons. Was always funny watching the other from across the room sneaking their phone out their pocket just to read it. Funnier when caught by the teacher and asked if you want to read that out. Oh the good old days :)
 
On Samsung phones Nougat and below, if supported, can use SideSync. The phone is connected to the PC via USB cable or by sharing the same WLAN network, and the phone screen will be mirrored in a window on the PC which you can use to text and do other stuff. Calls are also routed to the PC.

On Oreo and above, it should be handled by Samsung Flow.
 
Thanks for all your answers, but I mainly want to be able to send text messages to phone numbers by computer, not phone. I don't want to have to hook up a phone to do this (last resort). I'm sure there's a way to do this.
 
How exactly would I text with SKYPE? Does it require a camera? How would I import phone numbers, or could I?
 
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