Google Voice

[dodgechevy]

Hello all,

Just wanted to tell everyone about Google Voice. Don't know if it's already been posted, a quick search didn't pull up anything.

So essentially its a great way to get a second number for phones. We created one specifically to use with swinging. So we use the same cell phones, but with Google Voice both our phones ring, not only that but Google requires the caller to state their name so we can screen the calls.

Also any voice mails that are left are transcribed and are sent via text and email.

The biggest problem however is actually getting a Google Voice account. Currently they are only sending out invitations (a la when Gmail first came out). Or you have to find someone who already has Google Voice and have the ability to hand out invites (they are only given 3-5).

Any way, great way to give out a number without giving out YOUR number.

If we get any more invites we'll probably offer some here.

[JustAskJulie]

I set up a Google Voice account (thanks to a friend) and I agree this is a great alternative to giving out your real number. I have mine set up to just ring directly to my cell phone. You can also call from the GV # you get by going online and typing in the number you want to call. GV will then ring your phone and at the same time call the number you are calling. Your GV # is then displayed on their caller ID instead of your home or cell.

[Learning]

I hear it's not compatible with the iPhone.

[slevin]

I've heard today that you no longer need an invite to get a Google Voice account. It does work on the iphone, you just need to use the mobile web interface. There is no iphone app for it.

It also only works in the US.

[PB&J]

Originally Posted by slevin

IIt also only works in the US.

Which really sucks for us Canucks!

[dodgechevy]

Originally Posted by Learning

I hear it's not compatible with the iPhone.

It's compatible with any phone. However Google tried creating an app specifically for the App Store, but Apple rejected it for seemingly no apparent reason.

[dodgechevy]

Originally Posted by slevin

I've heard today that you no longer need an invite to get a Google Voice account. It does work on the iphone, you just need to use the mobile web interface. There is no iphone app for it.

It also only works in the US.

Oh wow your right, Google voice is out of beta (wow that was fast compared to gmail). Looks like all you need is a gmail account, which really is the best free email out there.

[good times]

Originally Posted by dodgechevy

It's compatible with any phone. However Google tried creating an app specifically for the App Store, but Apple rejected it for seemingly no apparent reason.

Actually the reason is pretty obvious, Google's mobile operating system (Android), either has already or is about to (depends on who you ask) surpass Apple in the amount of phones using it. Apple has a well known reputation for rejecting compatibility with competitors products, so no surprise to me that they don't want their users to have access to all the features of Google voice.

On the android phones the Google voice app gives you the option of automatically using Google voice for your outgoing calls. No need to log into Google to dial the number. Pretty cool.