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I have a Google Voice number local to my area code that forward to my pbxes.org account, which in turn takes the call and sends it to my phone via the SipDroid app. I can make incoming/outgoing calls all day long for free, but have a problem with call quality.
I have linked two voicemail files. I placed a call from SipDroid out to the same number in both cases, but one was done over WiFi and the other over 3G (2-3 bars, average signal). The WiFi one is acceptable, but the 3G one is not. Listen for yourself (For the message, I read one of the opening paragraphs from the US Declaration of Independence, same on both so you can compare accurately.)
Setup: Google Voice number -> pbxes.org -> SipDroid app
Wifi VOIP Voicemail: http://www.corusa.com/public/voip-wifi.wav
3G VOIP Voicemail: http://www.corusa.com/public/voip-3g.wav
Now, with that said you need to understand my intent. I am wanting to use my Google Voice number for work, as my off-hours support phone, so I do not accrue charges on my personal cell plan (not covered by employer, and they do not provide work mobile phones). So, since I am usually on the go, I will not be connected to WiFi, thus I need a reliable VOIP option that will get acceptable call quality over 3G. There are multiple options out there, and I do not have a problem with a monthly fee, but they all come with caveats. For example, if I got an "Online Number" from Skype, and just forwarded my Google Voice number to that, it would work through the Skype app, no SIP app needed; however, the Skype voicemail cannot be disabled, so I can no longer use the Google Voice app to easily see my support calls/messages from my home screen. I have use the Skype app (or website) to listen to voicemails. Skype would solve my quality problem (based on reviews of other users that use it over 3G), but introduce the new voicemail issue. The setup I have now (GV->pbxes->SipDroid) allows me to use the GV voicemail, but quality is lacking...catch 22. Is there a better more reliable solution out there for VOIP on Android? I am fine with paying
There's also the Google Callback app, that I have been trying to avoid at all costs, since it is kind of hokey, and I tried the GrooVe IP app, but it has a lot of echo for the person I am calling, and no setting change could fix it.
p.s. - I will be updating my phone from the DroidX (3G only) to the Bionic (4G). If you think that will make a difference, and make all my concerns moot, then just say so, and that's what I'll do
Thanks!!
Since you mentioned GrooVe IP, figured I'd respond. Did you try the echo canceler setting in the GrooVe IP audio/echo settings? Enabling that should get rid of echo heard by the person you're talking to. And/Or reducing the mic gain & speaker volume.
snrb Labs said:
Since you mentioned GrooVe IP, figured I'd respond. Did you try the echo canceler setting in the GrooVe IP audio/echo settings? Enabling that should get rid of echo heard by the person you're talking to. And/Or reducing the mic gain & speaker volume.
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Already tried that, and every option in between, including the manual millisecond settings.
Viber has amazing quality...not sure if you can use it over 3g or 4g though.
lowandbehold said:
Viber has amazing quality...not sure if you can use it over 3g or 4g though.
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Click to collapse
Viber is not a true VOIP solution, as you can only call other people using the Viber app. Here's an excerpt from the Viber FAQ...
Q: Can I call people who don't have Viber?
A: Yes, if the person you're calling doesn't have Viber, the call will be placed like *regular call, but don't forget to invite your friends to Viber so your next call is free . *Regular calls are calls placed through your cell phone service provider, using your cell phone rate plan.
That's pointless...I need to call any phone number (land line, mobile, cell, work, etc) in the USA from my Google voice number using only a 3G/4G connection. I really need to find that one or two providers that use a low enough bitrate for voice that can work fine on 3G without being echoey or choppy (this is why I posted the 3G sample voice-mail above). I would just install the Google Voice callback app, but I do not have a 'Friends & Family' option for my cell plan to add my GV number to, which is essential for that to be feasible.
Is this really not something a lot of people have dealt with? I know I am not the first person in the world who has tried to call via VOIP over 3G - the technology has been around forever. Anyway, still need an answer if anyone has one
crobs808 said:
Viber is not a true VOIP solution, as you can only call other people using the Viber app. Here's an excerpt from the Viber FAQ...
Q: Can I call people who don't have Viber?
A: Yes, if the person you're calling doesn't have Viber, the call will be placed like *regular call, but don't forget to invite your friends to Viber so your next call is free . *Regular calls are calls placed through your cell phone service provider, using your cell phone rate plan.
That's pointless...I need to call any phone number (land line, mobile, cell, work, etc) in the USA from my Google voice number using only a 3G/4G connection. I really need to find that one or two providers that use a low enough bitrate for voice that can work fine on 3G without being echoey or choppy (this is why I posted the 3G sample voice-mail above). I would just install the Google Voice callback app, but I do not have a 'Friends & Family' option for my cell plan to add my GV number to, which is essential for that to be feasible.
Is this really not something a lot of people have dealt with? I know I am not the first person in the world who has tried to call via VOIP over 3G - the technology has been around forever. Anyway, still need an answer if anyone has one
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I'm also an early adapter of GV voip service.
I'm using Dell streak 7 (dual core 512 mb ram, horrible software config, honeycomb 3.2)
I manage to have stable voip quality with clear portable 4g hotspot connected through wifi. Unlimited calls and data, pretty cool. However, talking through a bluetooth device and 3GHSPA+ have been horrible. My friends keep complaining about bad call quality until I find this issues. If calling through wifi (I use groove ip) with internal mic and speaker, everything is fine. I guess it's either due to bad hardware coding of the streak 7 or due to the narrow bandwith of the bluetooth 2.1 or 3G. I'm not familiar with the tech details of streak 7.
I'm gonna try the new nexus 7 and sony xperia z ultra to see if any issues above can be solved.
Hey everyone, so as you can tell, the Galaxy Player 5 has the phone speaker grill and microphone placed just as if it was a phone. However, I can't seem to find a way to get Google Voice to allow making VoIP phone calls over the Galaxy Player since there isn't a native dialer app built into the phone (from what I can see).
Anyone know a fix around this? I use an AT&T unlimited non-smartphone data plan + DUN connect to have my Galaxy Player connected via the 3G HSDPA network 24/7 and I used it to make calls on my iPod touch prior to picking up a Galaxy. I would love to do the same with this more "Phone-like" device.
If this isn't possible since there isn't a dialer associated with this first "Android" non-phone devs, is there any chance to spoof it into thinking that there is a dialer app so it enables the "Call with Google Voice" function? Considering that it's only using VoIP and not an actual carrier network to carry the call through (unless I'm completely confused lol which is possible).
Thanks in advance!
~ ZaIINN
If you get GrooveIP and combine it with the Google Voice app you can make and receive voice calls through a Google Voice account on the SGP. Many have had good results.
Yep. Get grooveip. It's a paid app but worth every penny. Works flawless.
Thanks both of you! Works great, well worth $5.
i will be spending a week in japan (narita/ tokyo) next month and would like to stay connected (voice, texting, data) while there. however, i'd like to do this in the most cost-effective (ie cheap as possible) way.
i am currently with an AT&T plan. my SGH-i777 is rooted, running CM7, and is sim-unlocked.
where do i go from here?
will i be able to use this phone at all?
can i buy a prepaid sim and use that instead for the duration of the week?
rental phones? (i have read about rental phones, etc, but it seems you may be required to present local (japanese) id.)
sweetrobot said:
i will be spending a week in japan (narita/ tokyo) next month and would like to stay connected (voice, texting, data) while there. however, i'd like to do this in the most cost-effective (ie cheap as possible) way.
i am currently with an AT&T plan. my SGH-i777 is rooted, running CM7, and is sim-unlocked.
where do i go from here?
will i be able to use this phone at all?
can i buy a prepaid sim and use that instead for the duration of the week?
rental phones? (i have read about rental phones, etc, but it seems you may be required to present local (japanese) id.)
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Click to collapse
My guess would be a prepaid SIM. I THINK the I777 has support for the bands that NTT DoCoMo uses.
I don't know how much prepaid SIMs in Japan cost or their cost effectiveness though. Probably better to ask in a forum related to travel/tourism in Japan since that's a generic non-phone-specific question once you go beyond band support.
I have used this:
http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/international/roaming/travel-guide.jsp
Click on "Use the Travel Guide" and select your country and phone. It says the I777 is compatible with both voice and data.
But prepaid SIM is definitely the way to go.
stone_ship said:
. . . But prepaid SIM is definitely the way to go.
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+1
10char
Forget about a prepaid sim from docomo they want all sorts of paper work. Either long term stay or id papers (Japan is rather xenophobic) softbank does have prepaid but you will need a Japanese friend to get it for you. Other than that check with some sellers online that sell multi national prepaid sims. Att will screw you over with international charges
I forgot to mention you may be able to find a raku raku phone ( prepaid ) not sure if it comes with a sim or not though
Go to Howardforums.com and look in the Japanese phone section. They may have some more answers for you
Check out xcom global WiFi hotspot. Easiest way to stay connected.
hexproject said:
Check out xcom global WiFi hotspot. Easiest way to stay connected.
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Damn! Wish i saw this earlier- leaving in a few hours.
I will 100% keep it in mind.
Anyway, definitely not going the prepaid phone or sim way, as the rates, aside from all the paperwork as mentioned, are higher thant he romaing rates i will gfet by simply using at&t. also, at&t will work on nttdocomo and softbank networks, which have the biggest presence in the regions i will be visiting.
thanks for the suggestions and ideas!
so, i just got back.
first, after calling at&t, i had to enable roaming on my account (free setting so one can connect to the carriers while romaing), which enabled me to connect to either softbank or ntt docomo, both of which had equally great signal in tokyo- ginza area. worked well in shibuya, and roppongi as well.
i had disabled data while roaming, and also disabled the auto-retrieve of sms. for some reason, sms messages came through anyway... is that an issue with my rom (cm7)?
since we had wifi in our room, i used the Viber app for voip calling, text and picture messages, while google voice via the Groove IP app for calling anyone who didn't have Viber, including landlines in the US and canada. Groove IP is a must if you plan on calling any US/ canada numbers while away- the voice quality was nearly flawless, and you can also receive calls if you enable call-forwarding on your carrier, and set google voice to forward calls to google chat (which end up in Groove IP).
if anyone else is travelling, and needs some suggestions, just post a reply. i think now, after the fact in my case , i have it all down.
I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!
MaxRabbit said:
I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!
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Foremost, no matter the country you represent, thanks for your support!
Now, this sounds like you will be there a while. I'm guessing you will have some basic wifi access while at base. If that's the case, I recommend a few things:
1. Get Viber. It's completely free. No ads, no signup! It automatically scans your contact list and will tell you what other users in your existing contact list have Viber installed. It works on Android and iOS, so be sure to tell those you most often talk to to also get Viber. It's by far one of the most transparently integrated applications I've used in that it has no learning curve, and works immediately out of the box.
The downsides are: requires a data connection (in your case, wifi), and both parties must have the app installed. Other than that, sending pictures and texts is a breeze, and voice quality is superb over wifi. Keep in mind, the other party can receive your communication via Viber simply over their 3g/4g, and don't necessarily have to be on wifi themselves.
2. Assuming you are based in the US or Canada, get yourself a Google Voice account setup asap, if not already done. This allows you to call any phone (mobile or landline) in those regions entirely free. You can call using your computer while on wifi.
3. Get Groove IP. Grovoe IP requires a Google Voice account. Pairing the two allows you to make and receive calls on your mobile, using data, or wifi.
The power of using Google Voice paired with Groove IP is that, while you're on wifi when abroad, you can call a mobile or landline directly- unlike in Viber's case, whereby you can only call another Viber user on their mobile. Also, this combination, allows you to send sms, though not any picture messages- can always use email for that.
Additionally, you can receive calls via the Groove IP setup from any number(you must setup GV to forward to Google Chat- this step is in the setup instructions of Groove IP).
So, the ideal setup is this:
Get Viber, and tell all your family members and friends to get it as well
Setup Google Voice and Groove IP
Before leaving, get your phone setup to forward all calls to your GV number, and in turn, setup GV to forward calls to Google Chat (which ends up in Groove IP on your mobile).
So, when you are at the base, and have your handset connected to wifi, as long as GrooveIP and Viber are running, you will be fully connected. Anyone calling your regular number as if you had never left will be able to reach you, as will any of the Viber users calling via mobile.
Sorry for the long-winded rant, but I hope I've covered some useful ground, which worked well through my experience anyway.
UPDATE
Just to mention the obvious- don't forget google chat- as long as you are on wifi, and so is the other party, you can do voice or video chat. There is modded version of google talk so at least the other party with 3g/4g access does not have to also use wifi.
MaxRabbit said:
I'm deploying to Kuwait. Definitely keeping this thread in mind!
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Click to collapse
Lucky, we aren't allowed to bring cell phones.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
sweetrobot said:
Foremost, no matter the country you represent, thanks for your support!
Now, this sounds like you will be there a while. I'm guessing you will have some basic wifi access while at base. If that's the case, I recommend a few things:
1. Get Viber. It's completely free. No ads, no signup! It automatically scans your contact list and will tell you what other users in your existing contact list have Viber installed. It works on Android and iOS, so be sure to tell those you most often talk to to also get Viber. It's by far one of the most transparently integrated applications I've used in that it has no learning curve, and works immediately out of the box.
The downsides are: requires a data connection (in your case, wifi), and both parties must have the app installed. Other than that, sending pictures and texts is a breeze, and voice quality is superb over wifi. Keep in mind, the other party can receive your communication via Viber simply over their 3g/4g, and don't necessarily have to be on wifi themselves.
2. Assuming you are based in the US or Canada, get yourself a Google Voice account setup asap, if not already done. This allows you to call any phone (mobile or landline) in those regions entirely free. You can call using your computer while on wifi.
3. Get Groove IP. Grovoe IP requires a Google Voice account. Pairing the two allows you to make and receive calls on your mobile, using data, or wifi.
The power of using Google Voice paired with Groove IP is that, while you're on wifi when abroad, you can call a mobile or landline directly- unlike in Viber's case, whereby you can only call another Viber user on their mobile. Also, this combination, allows you to send sms, though not any picture messages- can always use email for that.
Additionally, you can receive calls via the Groove IP setup from any number(you must setup GV to forward to Google Chat- this step is in the setup instructions of Groove IP).
So, the ideal setup is this:
Get Viber, and tell all your family members and friends to get it as well
Setup Google Voice and Groove IP
Before leaving, get your phone setup to forward all calls to your GV number, and in turn, setup GV to forward calls to Google Chat (which ends up in Groove IP on your mobile).
So, when you are at the base, and have your handset connected to wifi, as long as GrooveIP and Viber are running, you will be fully connected. Anyone calling your regular number as if you had never left will be able to reach you, as will any of the Viber users calling via mobile.
Sorry for the long-winded rant, but I hope I've covered some useful ground, which worked well through my experience anyway.
UPDATE
Just to mention the obvious- don't forget google chat- as long as you are on wifi, and so is the other party, you can do voice or video chat. There is modded version of google talk so at least the other party with 3g/4g access does not have to also use wifi.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Groove IP sounds awesome! That seems like the most practical solution since everyone already has my Google Voice number!
And thank you for YOUR support!
skatin707 said:
Lucky, we aren't allowed to bring cell phones.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
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Who is "we"?
MaxRabbit said:
Groove IP sounds awesome! That seems like the most practical solution since everyone already has my Google Voice number!
And thank you for YOUR support!
Who is "we"?
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I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end
redking117 said:
I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Did you need to necro this 4 month old thread though?
Sent from my SGH-I777 using Tapatalk 2
redking117 said:
I keep finding these threads trying to make calls out of mexico.
THE SOLUTION IS NOT TO USE GOOGLE VOICE GOOGLE VOICE DOES NOT WORK OUTSIDE OF THE US
bobsled sounded like a good alternative but no one can hear me on the other end
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why did you have to tell them that. I don't think they need to know that since it's been 4 months.
The answer is, people don't look at dates. They just see a problem and think "hey, my post count could use a boost...feck it!" And dive right in. In all fairness he could be blind and have everything being read to him. In which case maybe he missed it telling him how old the thread was.
Sent from my SGH-I777 using xda premium
I have the rezound, as well as a Kindle Fire, and I installed Google Voice on them. I read through other threads, and no luck with my problem.
I have used Google Voice on my computer to call and text people, and with my upcoming trip to europe, it would be nice to use that to call people back home.
Problem, I have it installed on two devices, yet on both it doesn't give me the option to call, or even compose any sort of message at all. Any ideas on what I can do? The only options I get are refresh, settings, and search.
For me, when I'm in my inbox (or any other folder) I have a compose button on the bottom left. For calls, can you go into settings, Making calls, and change it to ask for all calls? Then use your dialer to place a call and it should prompt you.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using XDA
Fontos said:
I have the rezound, as well as a Kindle Fire, and I installed Google Voice on them. I read through other threads, and no luck with my problem.
I have used Google Voice on my computer to call and text people, and with my upcoming trip to europe, it would be nice to use that to call people back home.
Problem, I have it installed on two devices, yet on both it doesn't give me the option to call, or even compose any sort of message at all. Any ideas on what I can do? The only options I get are refresh, settings, and search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
click settings. the second option in the settings menu controls the ability to make calls via google voice. it is however done by dialing a forwarding service and therefore uses your minutes. it is not voip.
Fontos said:
I have the rezound, as well as a Kindle Fire, and I installed Google Voice on them. I read through other threads, and no luck with my problem.
I have used Google Voice on my computer to call and text people, and with my upcoming trip to europe, it would be nice to use that to call people back home.
Problem, I have it installed on two devices, yet on both it doesn't give me the option to call, or even compose any sort of message at all. Any ideas on what I can do? The only options I get are refresh, settings, and search.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I pretty much use Google Voice as my primary mode of voice calling. You don't make a call through the app. Simply go to settings, and tell it to either use GV for every call, or ask it to prompt you at every call whether to call from your phone or to call from GV. Then when you simply dial as normal through the dialer app, it will either just use GV if you told it to, or ask you which to use.
BTW, All GV calling functionality is disabled on wifi tablets. I honestly have no experience with 3G/4G tablets, but on my Wifi Transformers I have to install a SIP client on the tablet and route GV calls to another VOIP service I use.
a.mcdear said:
I pretty much use Google Voice as my primary mode of voice calling. You don't make a call through the app. Simply go to settings, and tell it to either use GV for every call, or ask it to prompt you at every call whether to call from your phone or to call from GV. Then when you simply dial as normal through the dialer app, it will either just use GV if you told it to, or ask you which to use.
BTW, All GV calling functionality is disabled on wifi tablets. I honestly have no experience with 3G/4G tablets, but on my Wifi Transformers I have to install a SIP client on the tablet and route GV calls to another VOIP service I use.
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Click to collapse
I'm a bit confused. I thought the only Google Voice calling solution was GrooveIP if you want to send and receive calls properly for your Google Voice phone number. GrooveIP does not use your minutes and is definitely VOIP.
On every device I tried it on, there is a bit of delay with GrooveIP, but the quality is good (good internet connection required, whether its 4G or strong 3G or WiFi.)
Can you please elaborate a bit? Are you just using Google Voice app, but its using your minutes?
xdadevnube said:
I'm a bit confused. I thought the only Google Voice calling solution was GrooveIP if you want to send and receive calls properly for your Google Voice phone number. GrooveIP does not use your minutes and is definitely VOIP.
On every device I tried it on, there is a bit of delay with GrooveIP, but the quality is good (good internet connection required, whether its 4G or strong 3G or WiFi.)
Can you please elaborate a bit? Are you just using Google Voice app, but its using your minutes?
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Click to collapse
When you use the google voice app, it dials into the google voice services which then forwards the call to the number you dialed. You get charged for the minutes during the call as a result. This also breaks free mobile to mobile calling.
GrooveIP is a 3rd party app that lets you connect to GV via VOIP so you don't have that forwarding call.
Use sipdroid with pbxs function. Tie it to Google voice, download Google voice callback, and presto. Have it on an old evo for my 8 year old daughter. She loves texting with Google voice. Makes her feel like a teenager. There is sometimes a slight echo, but completely usable.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
JeramyEggs said:
Use sipdroid with pbxs function. Tie it to Google voice, download Google voice callback, and presto. Have it on an old evo for my 8 year old daughter. She loves texting with Google voice. Makes her feel like a teenager. There is sometimes a slight echo, but completely usable.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
This is exactly how I made voice calling possible with my GV number on my wifi tablet.
I need help... Where I live i get NOOO service on my nexus s 4g. I know there is internet calling but i have no clue on how to set it up so I can actually use wifi to make and recieve calls?? If anyone can please help me figure out how to set it up that would be AWESOME.. Cause I think google voice charges you... Thanx in advance!!!!!!
subnoize soulja said:
I need help... Where I live i get NOOO service on my nexus s 4g. I know there is internet calling but i have no clue on how to set it up so I can actually use wifi to make and recieve calls?? If anyone can please help me figure out how to set it up that would be AWESOME.. Cause I think google voice charges you... Thanx in advance!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
erm, maybe you can try viber? It has this feature though(although I've never used it)
Google Voice is free for calls in the US and possibly Canada IIRC. If you set up your Google voice number to not forward calls, and use the GrooveIP app. The Lite version will work fine for wifi only, but if you want to use 3G or find the app useful and want to support the dev while getting extra features, get the paid version.
Can you call numbers too or do you have to have the contacts themselves like skype?
Google voice is NOT a VOIP service, just a call forwarding service. You might want to give this thread a look.
:Edit: I didn't read spunker88's reply thoroughly enough. The thread I mentioned has a lot of information about setting up VOIP as he recommends.
TehEbil said:
Can you call numbers too or do you have to have the contacts themselves like skype?
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Yes, you can call any US number, landlines or cell phones using GrooveIP which uses your Google Voice account. The app itself is done pretty well, it acts as a dialer and allows you to dial your phone's contacts through it.
Just be aware that this with this setup you'll have a separate phone number and you'll have to leave GrooveIP running while connected to wifi in order to receive calls.