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I am not advertising this app, I am just sharing what I saw. Thought this was pretty Handy for International Travelers or anyone.
Free Unlimited Google Voice Calls Over Wi-Fi or 3G (Android App: GrooVe IP) Uses No Minutes! $3.99 in Android Market
I personally don't have much use for this but for some people, I can see this app being pretty handy. Basically, in conjunction with Google Voice, this Android app lets you make and receive free calls over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G without using any of your minutes. It's a fairly new app so there might still be some bugs but the developer seems to update it regularly. The app costs $3.99 in the Android Market. Seems like a hot deal to me. Details are below:
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.gvoip
Description
Voice without Minutes!
This app, in conjunction with Google Voice, lets you make unlimited calls to any phone in US or Canada using the data connection of your mobile device without using up any of your mobile minutes! Once you get a free public phone number from Google Voice, you can use this app to make or receive calls to/from anyone in the world. (For details of how to get a free US phone number, the low international calling rates, or any other details, please visit the Google Voice web site at http://www.google.com/voice.)
This app supports making and receiving calls using Wi-Fi and/or 3G/4G data connections. It brings the power of Google Voice to you without the need to use any of your mobile minutes. You get all the advanced voice features provided by Google Voice on your mobile device. These features include:
- A single number that rings you anywhere
- Online voicemail--transcribed messages delivered to your inbox
- Free calls within US and Canada, and super low rates everywhere else
- The ability to send incoming call to voicemail
- Incoming call recording
- And many, many more...
It's like having two-phones-in-one. For example, you can use your original phone number for business and use the new one for personal use.
This app is also perfect for you if you are in a location with poor or no mobile reception but still have Internet connectivity over Wi-Fi.
Take your number with you when traveling with GrooVe IP! If you are traveling overseas, now you no longer have to be without a cell phone, or aquire a local cell phone in the country you are visiting. You can use your GrooVe IP phone to make and receive calls as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection.
If you have a smart phone with Wi-Fi connectivity but no mobile plan, you can use this app to convert it to a free, full-featured working phone.
This app has a separate dialer that can be used to make calls. Alternatively, the native dialer/call-log/contacts/favorite functionality can be shared between the "two phones" on a call-by-call basis.
** NOTE ** Please ensure that your Google Voice account is associated with either a gmail or google apps account.
** NOTE ** To receive incoming calls you MUST go into your Google Voice account and forward calls to Google Chat. You may also need to sign out of Google Chat or Google Talk in other locations as calls are only routed to one sign-in.
Thanks, yes I be been using it and it works well.
Sent from samsung vibrant
I've also been using it...
...with minimal troubles:
I use it exclusively via wifi, and have to use Tasker and the Google Voice Settings Plugin to uncheck mobile #, and check gtalk as forwarded phones. I believe that this should be a setting that might be built into the app, as it would make it much more useable, imho. The tasker workaround, however, did have the added benefit of allowing me to also disable the phone radio, while wifi connected, to save power, etc...
I often leave gmail page open on one or more of my computers, and this confuses incoming calls, so must log out of all, as calls can only be routed to one gtalk client at a time (Google's issue)...
Nearly as often as not, when I receive an incoming call, the GrooveIP dialer does not open to permit acceptance, and I have to chase it into the taskbar, to answer. Also, not quite as often, when I do answer, the call connects just long enough for a "hello", before the wifi connection dies, and the call is disconnected. No other apps do this, nor do any of my other wifi client systems lose connectivity when it happens, so I'm guessing it's the GrooveIP app, tho I cannot say for sure...
Otherwise, it'll soon completely replace my cell-service, once our car and truck are fully outfitted with carputers and 3G/4G data, so I'm excited to see their progress!!
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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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.
whats the difference? seem to me pretty much the same, why everybody insists on having wifi calling in their amaze when they can just install grooveip?
WiFi calling allows incoming calls and SMS to your T-Mobile number while on WiFi. It's also better integrated, so outgoing calls and messaging is easier, and it originates from your T-Mobile number. If you don't have number equity and don't mind the clumsy interface, Groove IP should work just as well for you.
The older phones that had true UMA could also handoff the call between WiFi and cell tower, but the Android WiFi calling has so far not had that ability.
I need to tether my phone to my tablet. i would like to make, and receive phone calls and texts using my phone through the Z3 Compact Tablet. Since the Z3 is waterproof, it makes it better to lug around during the rain and my pohone is in my bag snug and dry. Is it possible? What app should I use?
Thank you so much.
I am confused. First of all, the SGP621 is a phone and can make and receive cellular phone calls and texts the same way any smartphone makes and receives cellular phone calls and texts. If you purchased the 611, you might be interested in the 621 instead (and then you can get rid of your other phone if you are comfortable using the Z3TC instead).
Second, this is technicality, but you say you want to tether a phone to your Z3TC, but it sounds like you want to tether your Z3TC to a phone.
Third, your Z3TC should be able to use the phone's internet connection, and you could make calls using VOIP. Vonage is a popular app but Play store reviews will be your friend. Call quality likely will not be as good as cellular. Youmight be able to receive texts via Whatsapp, or somethin.
"Xperia link" or "tablet talk" but that's from phone to tablet. Not sure if the other way will work
Sent from my D5503 using Tapatalk
I had the same problem as you. what you can do is 1- use a google voice to make and receive calls and to do this you must have internet on the tablet as you can tether it to the phone or get a data plan for your table assuming you have the SGP621 LTE version. 2- get a whatsapp working on your tablet and make call with whatsapp for free now. with option 1 ( google voice ) you can set your regular phone number to the google voice number with call forwarding that's how I do it and when I call my regular number the phone does not ring but my tablet
Never saw people using this kind of setting......probably you just need to buy a bluetooth headset or Smartband Talk should meet your needs....
thref23 said:
I am confused. First of all, the SGP621 is a phone and can make and receive cellular phone calls and texts the same way any smartphone makes and receives cellular phone calls and texts. If you purchased the 611, you might be interested in the 621 instead (and then you can get rid of your other phone if you are comfortable using the Z3TC instead).
Second, this is technicality, but you say you want to tether a phone to your Z3TC, but it sounds like you want to tether your Z3TC to a phone.
Third, your Z3TC should be able to use the phone's internet connection, and you could make calls using VOIP. Vonage is a popular app but Play store reviews will be your friend. Call quality likely will not be as good as cellular. Youmight be able to receive texts via Whatsapp, or somethin.
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Anyone else face this issue? if you tether the phone internet to your laptop, it works as expected but once you make/receive a call, the internet on the laptop will stop working. I also note that the phone signal will drop from 4G to 3G/H+ on the phone once you make/receive a call.
I have tried to reach out to Huawei for support but not getting any resolution from them.
Issue can be reproduce as below:
1. Tether your phone to your laptop and check that internet is available on your laptop.
2. Have someone call your phone or make an outgoing call, you will notice your mobile signal drop from 4G to 3G/H+. Keep the call ongoing and dont hang up.
3. Check your laptop to confirm that internet has stop working.
Not surprising at all, it's by design and not linked to the fact you're tethering the smartphone's data connection.
Without tethering, use a hands free kit or earphones, make a call or simply call your voicemail and now on the smartphone try browsing or any connected app, they'll fail: data connection is lost during voice call.
In order to keep your (4G) data connection, your mobile provider has to support VoLTE and you must activate related option on your phone. I did it, it's working, didn't try calling while tethering but I'm quite sure it's the same case =)
Still no internet with either VoLTE on and off. And I dont think this is to be expected as my previous phone, Xiaomi Mi Max has no issue and can do both call and tethering at the same time. And my colleague just did a test with his new Samsung Note9 and also didnt face this issue. Not sure if this is a software bug or a hardware design flaw/limitation
I use tethering/hotspot every few days and didn't notice any problem. Signal drops from 4G to 3G because Mate 10 doesn't support VoLTE but internet works fine for me.
ALP-L29 8.0.0.138(C636patch01)
domy_os said:
I use tethering/hotspot every few days and didn't notice any problem. Signal drops from 4G to 3G because Mate 10 doesn't support VoLTE but internet works fine for me.
ALP-L29 8.0.0.138(C636patch01)
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Please test tethering while on call, not just tethering alone. Tethering alone works fine for me as well.
Internet will pause during phone call unless your network is VoLTE. My phone network signal will change from 4G to H+ during phone call.
jasperchc said:
Anyone else face this issue? if you tether the phone internet to your laptop, it works as expected but once you make/receive a call, the internet on the laptop will stop working. I also note that the phone signal will drop from 4G to 3G/H+ on the phone once you make/receive a call.
I have tried to reach out to Huawei for support but not getting any resolution from them.
Issue can be reproduce as below:
1. Tether your phone to your laptop and check that internet is available on your laptop.
2. Have someone call your phone or make an outgoing call, you will notice your mobile signal drop from 4G to 3G/H+. Keep the call ongoing and dont hang up.
3. Check your laptop to confirm that internet has stop working.
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Click to collapse
Sent from my BLA-L29 using Tapatalk
jasperchc said:
Please test tethering while on call, not just tethering alone. Tethering alone works fine for me as well.
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As I said, it works fine while on call. I use tethering in my second apartment, airports and in almost every caffe bar and didn't notice any network problems on my notebook if someone calls me. There is one lost packet when phone starts ringing and that's it.
The first photo is WiFi hotspot + phone call and the second photo is USB tethering + phone call.
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the input on VoLTE, base on this info, i query my telco (Starhub) regarding this, and just a few mins ago i received an SMS that "HD Voice Plus" had been activated for my number. HD voice plus is just what they call VoLTE. Now i have a VoLTE icon on the top left of my phone. I tried the same case again and sure enough it is working now. Cheers.