[Q] Free calling/SMS apps - Android Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

(mods move if this is the wrong section)
What do you guys believe are some of the best free calling/SMS apps for android. Only ones that go over the internet, but reach any phone without needing the app installed on the other phone.
So not like Skype etc, but like groove ip, and dingaling. I need it to be free, (excluding data charges of course), and to be able to make calls/texts from Australia to Australia. I don't mind if you suggest two separate apps.
The reason I would like this is I am considering getting a tablet data plan for my phone, and just doing everything over the internet.
Thanks for the help!

Jesse72 said:
What do you guys believe are some of the best free calling/SMS apps for android. Only ones that go over the internet, but reach any phone without needing the app installed on the other phone.
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Viber or WhatsApp
But i prefer viber.
There's also: BBM (but it's laggy )

Free sms would be like @MihailoZoric
Whatsapp, Viber, telegram , we chat , line,
There is no exclusive "free" calling app
Hangouts can call other users but they charge after 1st minute at different rates.
You will need play stre credit
Same thing with viber,skype and other calling apps.

Thanks for your replies, but I was looking for apps that can call/text phones without the app both people having the app, eg dumbphones and landlines.

Jesse72 said:
Thanks for your replies, but I was looking for apps that can call/text phones without the app both people having the app, eg dumbphones and landlines.
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Hangouts ,skype and others can call landlines and dumbphones. Except you have to pay for calling to landlines and dumbphones. If you want free communication then you need to have app installed.

karandpr said:
Hangouts ,skype and others can call landlines and dumbphones. Except you have to pay for calling to landlines and dumbphones. If you want free communication then you need to have app installed.
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Click to collapse
Yeah, I'm looking for something that gives me free calls to landlines and dumbphones. I have found apps, but they were mostly US only. That's why I'm asking for suggestions.

Bump

Set up a Google Voice account and download hangouts & hangouts dialer. In the hangouts settings menu check voice and text options. Verify you have linked the apps by going to the Google Voice app settings & there should be a new notification indicating you have successfully paired the apps. Now you can call and text free over WiFi via Hangouts Dialer

Related

[Q] Text over data?

Sending SMS over Data
Yes I know this question might have been asked before, at least at some length. But I am taking it a step further
A long while ago I tended to use voipbuster.com and their corresponding mobile app to send texts to my friends in the UK and US for cheap. Lately their service has been none existant and no texts has been delivered and thus forcing me to look for a replacement.
But what good and decent "online" texting services are there?. I dont mind paying a small fee pr text in order to avoid apps or get "assured" delivery rather then getting them for free and they are either full of spam, or they wont make it to the recipient. Naturally it would be perfect if the company suggested has a full Android app.
I did take a look at FishText, but they have no android app so they are not really of use to me, until they develop one. Also tried Haywire from Android Market and well it didn't really work to the level of stability that I want :/
So what other companies are there out there that can fulfill my requirements?. ANd other good ideas or suggestions are naturally welcome as well.
Thanks in advance.
Viber works fine for me, both texts and calls, but the other person must have it installed too
Sp1tfire said:
Viber works fine for me, both texts and calls, but the other person must have it installed too
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Click to collapse
And thus it does not work for me :/. If it is required that the other person also has the app then its not a "Text message" sadly.
Perhaps I should have been more clear, but I am atually looking for a service that does not require the reciepients to have any special kind of app or software on their phones in order to recieve the messages
Been using an app called jelly sms, and after downloading the app it gives you the option to choose the sms carrier and have been using my cool sms as my sending option and the main advantage of my cool sms is after sending a text, in the app, if you then go on the web u can see the delivery report. It's saved me a tone texting to Africa, so can imagine, you will save more, sending to Europe. You have to topup though to get my cool sms credit, and you can also send texts online without using your phone. I must admit though the same app, is much better on the iPhone, as you get the delivery report in the app, nevertheless its a great and reliable way of sending.
marvi0 said:
Been using an app called jelly sms
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That might actuallu do the trick. I am however more searching for a single service to sign up with / subscribe to rather then the massive list that Jelly SMS gives me. But if anyone can recommend any of the services listed inside Jelly then I am open ears.
But like i said I tried getting some credit for Voipbuster and it did work for some time but these days my messages are not getting through. Tried the Haywire app which isnt really working out either.
So I am looking for a service like FishText, but since they dont have an android app I cant use them..... And paying around 50 Cents for a text is just not appealing to me
Yes choose my cool sms

Google voice

(Q) Hey guys does any one know more or less how to work google voice? And have you ever used it for international calls if so please help thanks in advance.
Sent from my PG86100 using XDA App
frankrmz said:
(Q) Hey guys does any one know more or less how to work google voice? And have you ever used it for international calls if so please help thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i've been using google voice for a few years now but have never used it to make an international call. i have seen them publish their international rates, which can be viewed on the web site version of google voice. i googled the terms, "google voice international rates" and found them published - https://www.google.com/voice/b/0/rates
also in the google voice application you can set the application to route all international calls from the phone through google voice hence having the call charge your google voice account at the international rate google voice offers.
thats a bunch of general information to answer your general questions. if you have a more specific question, let us know and we'll do our best to answer!
hope that helps!
I think you can use skype for international for free?
I have used it
I have been using Voice since the beginning and have used it many times to call internationally. My girlfriend calls home to Russia with it sometimes since the rates are better than Yahoo and it is easy to use the phone with the Voice app set to make international calls via GV. It is true that you can call for free with Skype as long as you are calling to another Skype device, but this is the same for GTalk, Yahoo, etc.
A note about adding credits (it has been a while since I last did this, so they might have fixed it), when you add credits, it takes a while for them to display via the app and via a web browser. I think even when I tried to call they had not posted right away and it took a few hours which sucks. I ended up getting double the credits bc I thought it didn't work the first time and did it again. So my advice is if you plan to use it someday, add the credits now so you will have them if you need them.
integra3g said:
I have been using Voice since the beginning and have used it many times to call internationally. My girlfriend calls home to Russia with it sometimes since the rates are better than Yahoo and it is easy to use the phone with the Voice app set to make international calls via GV. It is true that you can call for free with Skype as long as you are calling to another Skype device, but this is the same for GTalk, Yahoo, etc.
A note about adding credits (it has been a while since I last did this, so they might have fixed it), when you add credits, it takes a while for them to display via the app and via a web browser. I think even when I tried to call they had not posted right away and it took a few hours which sucks. I ended up getting double the credits bc I thought it didn't work the first time and did it again. So my advice is if you plan to use it someday, add the credits now so you will have them if you need them.
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Click to collapse
very helpful advice. i know google has quite an advanced scheme to detect fraudulent transactions so their process can sometimes take a few hours to verify a legit transaction.
in addition to the comments on using skype/gtalk for free international chatting, if you're really into your google voice account and are at a computer, you should able to make phone calls out of your gmail account, using gchat which automatically routes through your google voice account.
i've only used this method to make and receive calls domestically, so i'm not sure how the international portion would work. maybe somebody has tried this method internationally and can post up their experience?
domestically, it has been very convenient if you're at your computer and sometimes calls your google voice number, it will ring in gtalk and you can answer directly there. makes it convenient to have one phone number ring everything.
hope that helps!
il Duce said:
I think you can use skype for international for free?
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Click to collapse
Only Skype to Skype but yes.
Same for GTalk
If you try and call a regular LAN line or cell number via GTalk that is domestic, it is free (for now), but international calls still cost money and the rates vary. GTalk to GTalk voice is free. I don't think there is any way to call internationally totally free without the use of the same app on both ends or PCs being involved (correct me if I am wrong). I think if there was, it would rule the market. My girlfriend only uses it to call a cell phone or LAN line to tell them to get on Skype or one of the many other video chat apps they use. My dad has a MajicJack that he uses when he travels but even that is $20 a year (I think??).

[Q] free sms app

i want to send international sms.... is there any app that can send free international sms to any country from any country? thanks in advance.
Well depending on what phone plan you're on, it might charge you. But one free app that I know of that allows you to send texts internationally is Viber. Keep in mind the receiver of the text also needs Viber installed as well. I believe there are other apps like Viber that you can send free SMS internationally, but the receiver would still need that certain app installed as well to receive it.
I was going to recommend Google Voice, but it doesn't appear that it works internationally. You may need to find an app for each region you're wanting to text to.
Further, you could just set up gmail accounts with push, and use that. Most carriers have email->text addresses like [email protected] or some such.
whatsapp is the best app for u

[MOD][REQ]Remove 100 text/hour limit for AOxP ROMS

This seems to be a common but unaddressed issue with AOxP ROMs. Apparently ICS does a poor job of splitting messages nor does it allow more than 100 messages to be sent an hour. For messages that are split the text received is garbled (not in the order sent or unreadable). It does not matter what SMS app you use (Handcent, GoSMS, or stock) the results are the same.
To recreate the issue, send a text with 200 characters or more, to 20 or more recipients. While that message is sending, send another text (test) to one person. You will get a popup stating that a large number of texts are being sent; press cancel to stop or ok to keep sending. If the message is sent the recipient will either not get the entire message or it will not be received at all. This is for messages sent to any carrier (GSM or CDMA).
This is such a frustrating issue for me, I am willing to pay for help. If you are a developer, and are willing to help, please let me know. If the fix works it should be made available to everyone.
I did try this tweak to no avail.
Sir, I see and understand your question/request.
This may be better placed in the Gen section?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1480557
Mod: Please move to Gen section
bigjoe2675 said:
Sir, I see and understand your question/request.
This may be better placed in the Gen section?
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1480557
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Thanks I'm cool with that. Just don't want it to get lost in the shuffle, or not receive the attention it deserves.
That's a fk ton of texts. I'm curious why you would want to send so many texts on a regular basis? Not flaming, just genuinely curious.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
Why so many texts?
yollasho said:
That's a fk ton of texts. I'm curious why you would want to send so many texts on a regular basis? Not flaming, just genuinely curious.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I717 using Tapatalk 2
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Click to collapse
I lead a men's ministry and the best way to communicate with them in realtime is via text.
How realtime is Google +, making a circle for just your group, but then all would have to have Google accounts....?
A Fan page via Facebook...?
Twitter page wth just your group?
Palringo: desktop and app...I use it.. Palringo...you can make room/chats for just your group...Palringo is a server-based instant messaging client for various platforms. It supported several protocols such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, XMPP/Jabber, Google Talk, Gadu-Gadu, ICQ, MobileMe/iChat and Facebook IM.[1] As of May 11, 2012, Palringo stopped supporting third party IM protocols to focus on their own group messaging system
Idk...just ideas... Just an idea till your request is looked at?
bigjoe2675 said:
How realtime is Google +, making a circle for just your group, but then all would have to have Google accounts....?
A Fan page via Facebook...?
Twitter page wth just your group?
Palringo: desktop and app...I use it.. Palringo...you can make room/chats for just your group...Palringo is a server-based instant messaging client for various platforms. It supported several protocols such as AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, XMPP/Jabber, Google Talk, Gadu-Gadu, ICQ, MobileMe/iChat and Facebook IM.[1] As of May 11, 2012, Palringo stopped supporting third party IM protocols to focus on their own group messaging system
Idk...just ideas... Just an idea till your request is looked at?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great ideas! Unfortunately many of the guys are not tech savvy and even less do social sites. Most of them have regular, non-smart phones. All of them have text plans so this is the agreed up method of communication. Trust me, I'd rather do something like Facebook. I have 6 phone lines for my family (four children). All the children text. We do so little calling that we have the smallest/lowest voice plan AT&T offers. I just can't believe AOSP has built in limitations for texting in 2012.
mobilelew said:
Great ideas! Unfortunately many of the guys are not tech savvy and even less do social sites. Most of them have regular, non-smart phones. All of them have text plans so this is the agreed up method of communication. Trust me, I'd rather do something like Facebook. I have 6 phone lines for my family (four children). All the children text. We do so little calling that we have the smallest/lowest voice plan AT&T offers. I just can't believe AOSP has built in limitations for texting in 2012.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
so.....
a non-AOSP rom is not an option for you?
some do work great ya know....
How about using google voice for texting. I use it along with the stock messaging. Doesn't seem to split texts. No mms support as of yet, but texting works great. Just need to get a google voice number. You can use that number strictly for your ministry. Can even receive calls on it on multiple lines. Works very well. You can also send and receive texts from your PC.
froidroid said:
How about using google voice for texting. I use it along with the stock messaging. Doesn't seem to split texts. No mms support as of yet, but texting works great. Just need to get a google voice number. You can use that number strictly for your ministry. Can even receive calls on it on multiple lines. Works very well. You can also send and receive texts from your PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I 2nd that! I've been using Google Voice for my computer repair & Audio/Video Service for about 3 years now. Plus I cracked my Note's screen Saturday night shooting pool so now i have a black screen,but i use Google Voice via text messaging from my laptop to keep in touch with people until my replacement arrives tomorrow Fedex.
froidroid said:
How about using google voice for texting. I use it along with the stock messaging. Doesn't seem to split texts. No mms support as of yet, but texting works great. Just need to get a google voice number. You can use that number strictly for your ministry. Can even receive calls on it on multiple lines. Works very well. You can also send and receive texts from your PC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's actually a great idea. I will give that a try. I still want the functionality in the ROM if possible.

Google Voice (VOIP) App

Is there a Google Voice VOIP app like Talktone or Groove IP on Android/Apple?
I have already tried GoVoice and numerous others, none do VOIP calling. With LTE, I could save a lot of minutes. Skype is nice, but is not free. If not in marketplace, is there a xap that would do Google VOIP calling for me?
Skype is FREEWARE http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/c3f8e570-68b3-4d6a-bdbb-c0a3f4360a51
With Skype calls to Skype users is free. The app is obtainable on market place.
malvo26 said:
With Skype calls to Skype users is free. The app is obtainable on market place.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
But you can't call US/Canada numbers for free...you can do that in Google Voice, so I can save my minutes on AT&T.
titi66200 said:
Skype is FREEWARE http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/apps/c3f8e570-68b3-4d6a-bdbb-c0a3f4360a51
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
App itself is free, but calling phone numbers is not. US/Canada calling is free with Google Voice.
There seem to be some Google Voice apps in the marketplace. I don't know how good these are, but you should be aware that the Google support on WP tends to be weak in general. This GoVoice app looks promising though, I guess.
Metrotalk... Try that
Aaron McCarthy said:
Metrotalk... Try that
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Click to collapse
Tried the free version that doesn't do VOIP calling.
MetroTalk works
I have metrotalk and mainly use for SMS though so the refresh is set rather high. It also suffers from a lack of data connection with my T2 which isn't the apps fault. The calling also works but requires a 'callback' for your own voice number to show up.
Good app for the money.

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