Related
As I do not have the unlimited sms plan, is there anyway for me to send sms by default with the GV program instead of having to go into GV every time to send sms? Is there a program I can download that will sync with GV? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
anyone? bump
boodies said:
As I do not have the unlimited sms plan, is there anyway for me to send sms by default with the GV program instead of having to go into GV every time to send sms? Is there a program I can download that will sync with GV? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yes, you can do this with GV
swipe to the left on a contact and it should ask you what you want to use as your default texting program.
if it doesnt, go into settings, manage applications and set it
boodies said:
As I do not have the unlimited sms plan, is there anyway for me to send sms by default with the GV program instead of having to go into GV every time to send sms? Is there a program I can download that will sync with GV? Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is an app that I use to txt friends that do not have unlimited txt as I do, it's an app called TextPlus its in the Market. It does not link to GV but it does not give out your "real" phone number. You may be familiar with it already as it is a pretty popular app but like I said it does not link to your GV account but I thought this may help you till you find one or something. Good luck.
thanks for the help. I guess the program that I really want is an sms program that is capable of hooking up with GV. Although I already did Andy's method, I don't really like how GV's GUI is not so great with SMS.
Try using "Voice" it's actually by google and it's in the market, I think this is exactly what you are looking for. You can also set it up to be your voicemail client for your actual cell phone so it is more intra-grated.
kronos82 said:
Try using "Voice" it's actually by google and it's in the market, I think this is exactly what you are looking for. You can also set it up to be your voicemail client for your actual cell phone so it is more intra-grated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It sure sounds like the OP already has the "Google Voice" application. I believe what he is looking for is an application kind of like Handcent SMS or Chomp SMS but it doesn't use the carrier's # and instead it sends the text from the Google Voice # so he could get free unlimited texting.
Yes that is exactly what I am looking for. Maybe its still an non existent program.
Sent from my Samsung Beast Vibrant with XDA App.
I wish there were one. As you said the GV UI is not very good. Infact even the UI for text on GV web site is not great... No clue why texts from one contact sometime makes a new thread, makes it hard to follow compared to most text apps
I shut my service off yesterday as I will be in Japan for a few months and the international roaming is crazy! Any options to make it work with Google voice only over Wifi? I tried calling and it says no service available.
Also, I'm in Japan, are there any other options like configuring it to work with Softbank or anything like that? Thanks.
Have you tried to download and use the skype app over wifi? It may cost you a little to call but would be better than the roaming fees.
jmd1981 said:
I shut my service off yesterday as I will be in Japan for a few months and the international roaming is crazy! Any options to make it work with Google voice only over Wifi? I tried calling and it says no service available.
Also, I'm in Japan, are there any other options like configuring it to work with Softbank or anything like that? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google Voice on Android does not currently support VOIP from the handset to the server. That feature is only available through the Gmail desktop browser page on an operating system that is supported by the Gtalk voice and video chat plugin. Another way to get end-to-end VOIP with Google Voice is using Gizmo5, if you had signed up for that service before Google bought it out. That only lets you do incoming calls though.
Also, I'm in Japan, are there any other options like configuring it to work with Softbank or anything like that? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have a temp visa or better yet a coworker or friend there you could probably get month-to-month service there. That would be the best bet, but it's generally one of the more difficult countries for visitors to get a sim card in. The airport might have some rental services, but iirc they rented you the whole phone (by the day no less) and it's fairly expensive compared to regular service.
Also it goes without saying that if you want to use a Softbank sim you will need to subsidy unlock (also known as sim unlock) the phone.
Edit: it is rumored that the WiFi calling feature that T-mo is bringing to the G2 and other Android devices will allow a connection and minutes usage internationally. Personally I think this is unlikely (for a few reasons, some of which are legal/regulatory) but it would be pretty nice. Of course this would seriously short circuit the way GV for Android works. You would not be able to make outbound calls with GV in the caller ID.
If you need an unlock code for that phone. to use a japan sim. Let me know via PM
You could always install skype and set your outgoing caller id to your google voice number. Then sign up for a number at sipgate.com and add your new number to google voice. Once that's activated, download and install Fring or sipdroid and add your sipgate information. Use skype to making outgoing, take incoming calls with fring or sipdroid. Alternatively, if you don't want to pay for unlimited skype-out, you can try one of the many google voice dialer apps out there. They basically initiate calls using the google voice web interface, which you can actually do via your browser if none of the apps work out.
Edit.
Or just buy a skype number and unlimited skype out then setup skype caller id and forward your GV calls to your skype #
I'm not sure if any devs will see this here, so I will probably post in the G1 dev forum or the general android forum as well, but I wanted to do a search first and this is the only similar thread I have found. Anyway...
As some of you know, you can now place FREE calls to anywhere in the US or Canada using GMail and the "voice and video chat plugin". You can also receive calls from within GMail if you have a GoogleVoice account and you set it up to forward GoogleVoice calls to "Google Chat" as well as your phone(s).
This is awesome! I can now answer calls from GMail instead of my phone. I wish the desktop GoogleTalk app did that so I wouldn't have to always keep a webbrowser page open to GMail, but that is not what this post is about...
I got to thinking: if GMail can place and receive free phone calls, why can't I do that on my phone (or any device with internet)? I downloaded every available webbrowser for Android and tried to surf to GMail, but none of them even loaded the page (???), much less the plugin.
While searching for any possible solution, I learned that the required "voice and video chat plugin" is available for Linux. This fact makes me almost positive that it is somehow possible for someone to develop an Android app that loads that plugin, logs in to GMail (spoofing a desktop browser), and displays the Pop-out dial pad capable of placing and receiving free calls!
Is anyone up to the challenge? This is huge people! FREE phone where ever there is internet. I hope someone can make this happen.
There is a way of doing this... you ARE talking about calling and using your 3g/4g network, right?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Um... ok, what is the way of doing it?
I am talking about using the Google "voice and video chat plugin" along with the dialer in GMail to make/receive free calls anywhere with internet (WiFi/3G/4G, without using minutes) just like you can already do if you have a Windows/Mac/Linux webbrowser, but through an Android device.
Don't you have WiFi Calling?
AndroidBoston said:
Don't you have WiFi Calling?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Do you not realize the WiFi calling app still relies on the TMO network?
rpmccormick said:
Um... ok, what is the way of doing it?
I am talking about using the Google "voice and video chat plugin" along with the dialer in GMail to make/receive free calls anywhere with internet (WiFi/3G/4G, without using minutes) just like you can already do if you have a Windows/Mac/Linux webbrowser, but through an Android device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No, there is no equivalent of the gmail chat plugin. You're limited to using a sip client and forwarding your GV to that number
I'm pretty sure you can't even roam in Japan anymore. Unless this phone has the UMTS frequencies for 1900, you wont get anything. Recently, Softbank shut off GSM/2G service.
Ok I am going to start some crap!!! Keep it civil of course I want to hear from you guys which is better for you.
Pros for Visual Voicemail.
1. Allows you to keep you custom ringtones for text messaging.
2. You get your messages via sprint visual text message app and email.
3. Does not interfere with your voicemail message box set up.
4. Does not require background data to be on to receive messages saving tons of Battery life.
5. Allows you to receive your texts through you text messaging application.
Cons for Visual Voicemail.
1. You can not keep track of your voicemail text message with one application.
2. Does require a data plan for text messages.
3. I don't think the application does thread messaging.
4. You can only save your message for 30 days I think?
5. Cost $1.99 per month.
Pros for Google Voicemail.
1. Slick interface one shop for text message and voice messages.
2. Intergates with google voice.
3. Sends voicemail to your gmail account.
4. It is free!!!!
Cons for Google Voicemail.
1. Required data background on to receive messages.
2. Interferes with text messages so they don't play through your text messaging application.
3. No individual customizable ringtones for text messages.
4. You have to set up a voice message through google voice and manage your account online.
I personally like Visual Voicemail better than google voice. If google voice did not require us of background data and if it had customizable individual ringtones for each person especially text messages I would like google voice better.
I'm using Google voice for my Voicemail only right now. I don't use the Google Voice app. I prefer it over Visual voicemail because of the transcriptions. I use Handcent for SMS so I still have custom notifications for voicemails.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
mattallica76 said:
I'm using Google voice for my Voicemail only right now. I don't use the Google Voice app. I prefer it over Visual voicemail because of the transcriptions. I use Handcent for SMS so I still have custom notifications for voicemails.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is the difference between the Google Voice and the Google Voice app?
You can use google voice without it interfering with your native sms app. You just have to set it to not use your number as your google voice number. (I think you have to do this online) You can still use the google voice app and have native sms.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Ok, this may sound stupid, but what do these bring to the table, over the standard free VM/Text Msg app included with android
Is it simply the VM messages are typed out for you?
Or is there some major advantage to be gained, by using the free google or the paid visual VM
I may get a VM once every other month or so, so I just dont use VM pretty much at all, most of my friends have graduated to the 21st century and use texting over VM, so if I do get a VM, I know it is probably not anything I care about.
I use GV and I get both vm and txt through the stock messaging app. I don't use the GV app at all
GituSum Epic4G
I use Google voice to sent and receive text messages at work so I'm not on my phone at all.
I use it also for voice mail transcriptions but I only get voice mail about once a month.
Grompy said:
You can use google voice without it interfering with your native sms app. You just have to set it to not use your number as your google voice number. (I think you have to do this online) You can still use the google voice app and have native sms.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I recently installed Google Voice to integrate with my Sprint number, and now all my texts go to the GV app. For the life of me, I can't figure out how to make the texts go to my messaging app (Handcent). I tried calling Sprint, and they had no clue. Could you (or someone) please post some specific instructions? Thanks in advance.
mattallica76 said:
I'm using Google voice for my Voicemail only right now. I don't use the Google Voice app. I prefer it over Visual voicemail because of the transcriptions. I use Handcent for SMS so I still have custom notifications for voicemails.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you post the google voice so I can download it and use it. I believe they only have the google voice application on the android market. I can not find google voice only the google voice application on the android market place.
If you log into it google voice account from a pc. I was able to force the messages to forward to my phone and see them on my regular messaging app and turn off notifications for gv texts. But then my gv app still showed all the texts. Kind defeated the purpose.
nutswillkillme said:
If you log into it google voice account from a pc. I was able to force the messages to forward to my phone and see them on my regular messaging app and turn off notifications for gv texts. But then my gv app still showed all the texts. Kind defeated the purpose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just uninstall the gv app. It sends the transcripted voicemails tour your stock sms app. Since sprint converted to GV you dont need the GV app
jamice4u said:
Cons for Google Voicemail.
1. Required data background on to receive messages.
2. Interferes with text messages so they don't play through your text messaging application.
3. No individual customizable ringtones for text messages.
4. You have to set up a voice message through google voice and manage your account online.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. If you intergrate your number to google voice you dont need the app, so it doesnt need the data backround running.
2. If you intergrate your number it sends it to the stock sms app
3.This one may be true I havent figured out away to change this
4.This is true but it also means that it backs up all your vm and txt online. You can also dail 1 and get into and listen to your vm from your phone.
In my opinion I live the GV intergration. Ive been able to get rid of two apps that constantly run in the system(Visual VM app, and a call blocking app). I get all my txt and vm's sent to the stock sms app and I can txt and call from my computer. It also has call blocking which our phone is missing. If you intergrate your number it allows you to do all this, but if you dont and just want the extra number you have to keep the apps.
I used Google Voice for just over a year for the voicemail...I liked getting my VM's transcribed, but the quality of the transcriptions was often nearly on readable.
I've recently switch to using the Visual Voicemail included on the Epic for 2 reasons:
1. The Google Voice app seems take up an inordinate amount of resources
with the background service it's running.
2. The transcription quality seems to be much better.
(even for some of my friends who have thick accents )
So I guess my opinion is I'll give them to $2 a month if the service is reliable and quality.
The GV integration will be great if they deduct the charge for txt from my sprint bill, they integration isnt so clunky, they get VVMs transcription engine (not that I use it). Just seems sprint dumping off resources onto google and still charging us for them. One advantage I thought I had was to be able to get txt thru wifi via GV, but this doesnt seem the case... like I said, clunky... but I will love for my sprint bill to go down... yah, like they would do that. Plus Google needs to ditch the white backgrounds, I know theres custom apps, but by default the most annoying scheme? I think google stuff will be great, if it gets off the ground and sticks... then they can really invest time and thought into it...
If you already use Google Voice for a seperate phone number for business, you can't set up seperate outgoing messages. Visual Voicemail without the stupid texts that are always soooooo wrong is free. I was happy to see it supplied with EG22 again. If they were able to seperate outgoing messages for those calling your regular Sprint number from those calling your Google Voice number I would only use the one app. But since they don't use both voicemails for 2 numbers.
itek said:
I recently installed Google Voice to integrate with my Sprint number, and now all my texts go to the GV app. For the life of me, I can't figure out how to make the texts go to my messaging app (Handcent). I tried calling Sprint, and they had no clue. Could you (or someone) please post some specific instructions? Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't have my Sprint number integrated, but this is how I stopped the text forwarding to Google talk when it started happening on my phone.
1) Log into you Google Voice account on your computer.https://www.google.com/voice
2) Click on the gear in the upper right hand corner and then click "voice settings."
3) Click "edit" under the your phone number.
4) There should be a "text setting" with a check box next to "receive text on this phone." Uncheck it and click save.
GituSum said:
1. If you intergrate your number to google voice you dont need the app, so it doesnt need the data backround running.
2. If you intergrate your number it sends it to the stock sms app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use Google Voice integration and:
1. If I don't use the Google Voice app, I do not receive voicemail notifications, but I do get an email.
2. If I do not use the GV app, I do not get text messages on my phone, even though I have "receive text messages" unchecked for my Sprint phone in my Google Voice web settings. This is most annoying and my one peeve about GV integration. I do remember this working before (receiving text messages via standard Messaging app), but I cannot seem to get it back no matter what I try. If anyone has any better understanding of this please do chime in!
cresny said:
I use Google Voice integration and:
1. If I don't use the Google Voice app, I do not receive voicemail notifications, but I do get an email.
2. If I do not use the GV app, I do not get text messages on my phone, even though I have "receive text messages" unchecked for my Sprint phone in my Google Voice web settings. This is most annoying and my one peeve about GV integration. I do remember this working before (receiving text messages via standard Messaging app), but I cannot seem to get it back no matter what I try. If anyone has any better understanding of this please do chime in!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You need to go into the settings. And put a check on send a text to your number and un check send email so it will send the vm to your stock msg app. And I get my txts just fine in the stock app so I'm not sure about that
GituSum Epic4G
GituSum said:
You need to go into the settings. And put a check on send a text to your number and un check send email so it will send the vm to your stock msg app. And I get my txts just fine in the stock app so I'm not sure about that
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, that helped. What's interesting is I had to reinstall the Google Voice app to tell it not to synchronize inbox. I guess it leaves a setting somewhere other than the app data.
Grompy said:
You can use google voice without it interfering with your native sms app. You just have to set it to not use your number as your google voice number. (I think you have to do this online) You can still use the google voice app and have native sms.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you use sprint google intergration with your sprint number it will interfere with text based location services such as lookout mobile security as th text is sent to a web text server and not to your cellphone. Think of it like outlook email when you setup sprint google intergration in that all your text and voice messages are stored in the g cloud.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA Premium App
I have an HTC EVO (with a bad esn) that I'm using just on wifi - I'm using Google Voice and GrooveIP to make calls but without service I can't finish the Google voice setup - It needs an active # so that it can send a text.
My question is - Is there an easy way to get around this? I've looked around for answers and I've learned a little about SIP but it seems like there's got to be an easier way. The other thing I was thinking was to just flash it to cricket, activate service for an hour, activate GV and then cancel.
Anyone been through this already and have advice?
SIPAndroid might be useful. Back when I set it up it did not ask me for a confirmation SMS. I used the default provider that comes with the application.
The reason I am trying to finish activating GV on the phone is so I can text from the same GV # that I call from. Wouldn't going through a SIP service force me to use a different #?
Snadoosh said:
The reason I am trying to finish activating GV on the phone is so I can text from the same GV # that I call from. Wouldn't going through a SIP service force me to use a different #?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
No since you already have a phone # (your GV #), the SIP is just the connection between the phone line and the internet.
I take it your setting up through your computer? Stop what your doing. Its a pain in the butt. (I know from experience)
Just download the Google voice app and sign in using the email account used to set up your Google voice account. Takes like 2 min and no calling necessary
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
PhxkinMassacre said:
I take it your setting up through your computer? Stop what your doing. Its a pain in the butt. (I know from experience)
Just download the Google voice app and sign in using the email account used to set up your Google voice account. Takes like 2 min and no calling necessary
Sent from my PC36100 using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this way it still tries to call using the regular radio and not WiFi
fenixjn said:
I think this way it still tries to call using the regular radio and not WiFi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worth a try.. and i dont think it would.. GV and others like it that have calling, like skype, generally KNOW your trying to not use talk time so they know to do it via internet/3g/4g/wifi
ReapersDeath said:
Worth a try.. and i dont think it would.. GV and others like it that have calling, like skype, generally KNOW your trying to not use talk time so they know to do it via internet/3g/4g/wifi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I just confirmed it on my phone. If you shutdown the radio but leave wifi on, GV will complain about being unable to place the call because of airplane mode. I'm using the network app to disable only the CDMA radio, all others (BT, WiMAX and Wifi) are enabled.
So yes, you MUST use a SIP to be able to use GV without the CDMA radio attempting to make a regular call.
I just remembered the name of the SIP app: SIPdroid
Thanks to fenixjn and the others in this thread. I got it going on my EVO 4g.
If u haven't figured out a way to set it up. use the internet. When it ask for a phone number use a landline number. After that u can use the google voice app like u wanted to. Hope that helps. After the activation call just unforward to that number and forward calls to gtalk or g chat. I forget exactly what the option is. I use groove IP to make and receive calls. I had sip Droid set up but it stopped working for me a few months ago. The money for groove IP is worth it. The calls are great quality. It has dropped calls on my a few times. But I can't complain for the ease of use and the low price.
Now I'm even more confused. I already set up the Google voice app and grooveIp and have been making and receiving calls just fine. My issue is having a number I can use to complete the Google voice app on my phone. The app wants to send me a confirmation text and since I have no service it cant. So now my question is how do I use SIPDroid to do that??
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
By the way if I wasn't clear - I'm only trying to get google voice fully on the phone so i can text over wifi too. If there's an easier way I'm all ears.
I used my home phone number to set up google voice(it is a vonage number now that I ported to them from my old land line company). I first set up the google voice on my computers and it went smoothly. I then took my EVO 4g (which does not have service) and connectected by wifi to the market and downloaded voice, it kept prompting me for a cell number and I didnt enter one but it did load google voice onto my phone. I then downloaded Sipdroid and used my Google Voice number and it handled everything. I can send and receieve text and can send and recieve calls. A friend did try to send me two picture files via the text messaging that would not come thru. I don't know if there are limitations on what you can send but the normal text messages come thru fine. The phone service works ok but the quality leaves something to be desired. I havent started trying to tweek that yet.
Thanks, I'll try it right now...
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
It can be done. I did it to mine. i cant remeber how cause its been a long time. Bit i thought all i did was add another number to gvoice on the computer. Then when it asked for comfermation it made a phone call to the number i had set up to forward it to. U may have to set up another gmail account just so u can get another gvoice number. Then use a number u can receive calls to ass the primary number. I'm gonna see if I can find the link I found the info for and post it for u. Don't be discouraged. It took me a while to figure out how to do it.
Thanks for all your help so far, I haven't got it working yet but I'm closer than I was
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Alright I finally got it. It was actually pretty simple, I downloaded the text plus app to get a free number and used that to complete Google voice and voila.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
Hi- could you explain in a bit more detail how you got GV to use your Text+ to complete the GV registration? I am trying to do the same exact thing you did, but cannot get GV to "see" my Text+ number. Thanks for any help you can offer...
[added note] just realized my sig line is waaay out of date...sorry!
It's been awhile and I promptly forgot everything but here's what I remember - Text plus lets you send and receive texts for free and lets you receive voice calls for free. As far as I recall GV needs to send you a text? or possibly a voice message. I think I just entered my Text + number as the cell # in GV and it all worked out
Hi, my phone isnt android but my tablet obviously is. I'm in the military with orders to korea and want to keep in touch with everyone, but my phone is a cheap cricket flip phone. All the apps that allow things like this that i could find require me to install the app on my tablet and phone, which obviously wont work. Is there an app (free or paid, i dont care which) that will let me plug in my phone number and send texts from it on my tablet? Skype's text rates are ridiculous, gtalk is great but i can only communicate with other gtalk users, facebook messenger will only be instant for people with smart phones or data plans, etc. A text app will allow me to text everyone that doesnt have a smart phone as well as those that do, and not have to hope they are at their computer to reply. Thanks for any help you guys can give me.
Have you tried using Google Voice app on your tablet? I have used it with mine and I was able to send/receive text messages using the Google Voice number I chose. I was connected to wifi when I did this.
i have google voice from before i canceled my smart phone plan, i love how it transcribes my voice mails. I dont see a send text option though, even with my new cricket number in it. All i have is an inbox, settings, labels, balance, search and refresh, and the inbox just seems to be call logs and voicemail transcribes. If you can tell me how to set up texting with it i will be quite grateful.
Edit- okay text is under labels, but i cant figure out how to send one.
nifterific said:
i have google voice from before i canceled my smart phone plan, i love how it transcribes my voice mails. I dont see a send text option though, even with my new cricket number in it. All i have is an inbox, settings, labels, balance, search and refresh, and the inbox just seems to be call logs and voicemail transcribes. If you can tell me how to set up texting with it i will be quite grateful.
Edit- okay text is under labels, but i cant figure out how to send one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Download the google voice app on your tablet, and from there you press "compose" and than just type in the number (or select a contact) and txt away .
I to have cricket .. Google voice works .. as described above.. Also two more..
PALTALK VIDEO chat has a new sms feature.. I have not used it as its brand new..
YAHOO MESSENGER NOW HAS A SIMILAR Feature. and does video chat..
Yahoo messanger for the tablet is now compatable with Crickets sms service.. IT USED to not work..
i would check them out in the order i mentioned above I do use google voice and PALTALK .. the paltalk you get from www.paltalk.com
Good Luck and STAY SAVE OVER THERE... i hear its not much better then the middle east. one of my best Girl Friends just returned from EAU .. she says they treat women over there as if they are a Possession.. i would be hung because im very independent
I have the Zio cell phone It works well well for what it is .. I love the NO contract and i get awesome signal here.. I also have a at&t cell for work and my cricket is better service ..
Something must not be compatible with my rom because there is no compose option in voice and in settings the google voice number is greyed out and i cant select it. I'll look at yahoo messenger since i have it installed and hopefully that works. Thank you both for your help.
Edit- the website for google voice has more options than the app. I thought my voicemail number i made was enough, but i made a new number thst works with texting after signing out of the app then signing back in. Just one more question, since the texts show up as from the voice number amd not the cricket number, this means i dont have to pay for the cricket service when i leave, right? I can just use this free voice number to text? It seems too good to be true.
As far as i can remember your google Voice ..must have a telephone number to be linked to.. Rather or not its just for the initial setup verification im not sure .
i Use google voice number for things i register to keep text spam off my cell phone number.. Go to CRICKETUSER FORUMS Register and ask this same Question over there. EVERYTHING you ever need to know about CRICKET Wireless is on that forum..
Cricket now offers world wide text as well.. but im not sure if it from over there to us or just from us to over seas..
Thanks again for your help, i should have everything i need to adequately keep in touch with everyone now. Seems like its a free number that can route to my existing numbers, but wont require them(aside from activation) if i just want to use the tablet or a pc. so i can cancel my cricket service for the year im gone, thanks for helping me save money.