Database Users

Google voice only?

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.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.

Galaxy Tab - Phone application?

Since the Epic and Tab will are very similar devices i figure someone here might know the answer to my question.
Sprint had decided to remove the phone calling capabilities from the Galaxy Tab.
I want to get the Tab but do not want to pay for both a phone and tablet service.
would I be able to side load the phone application and just make calls from my Google Voice #? or would i have to use some other VOIP service?
Help

Google voice works good for me, also fring, skype. Sprint Galaxy Tab.
Sent from my SPH-P100 using XDA App

I have the Tab and Google Voice on it. All I can do with it is use the SMS and Voicemail functions. It will not use Google Voice for calls.

Isn't there a sgs tab forum?
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

(Q) Calls on USA gt with no minutes?

I have been reading many posts on flashing roms and such to USA galaxy tablets that allow them to make calls. Ok, I understand that. What I want to know is how that all works out since no US plans have call minutes for our tablets. I am looking for specifics. Is this VOIP? or what? Second, Why only 2G if this mod is made?

For GSM tabs, you need to use a sim with voice and data.
Sent from my GT-P1000 using XDA App

Its VOIP. At least the ones I've seen. Made over wifi. Since there is no calling plan with minutes tied to the Tab it can't be a typical voice call. Sipdroid from the market with Google Voice accomplished this as well and is very easy to set up without root (I'm pretty sure). Just set up GV. Download sipdroid and before entering anything click on the bottom tab that says create with GV account. It will ask password and to create a pbx account and ow right in that screen. Then its done.
Its funny but if you try to select the dialer it says calls can't be made with Samsung Galaxy Tab. But if you select the box for a number the keyboard dialer pops up and allows you to type a number! Works great.
I just tried it over 3g with wifi off and works as well. Just select allow voice over 3g in your account tab.
This was showed to me and there is a thread on droidx forums
I realize this isn't 100% relevant to your thread, just thought I would point you to it if you were wanting to make calls on tab.
I have VZW tab. I have no idea on GSM
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App

Mandelbrot.Benoit said:
Since there is no calling plan with minutes tied to the Tab it can't be a typical voice call.
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Click to collapse
All the provider cares about is the Sim card. So all you need is a sim with what you want, and then change/disable the IMEI of your tab.

I was able to set this up bit when I call my goog voice # from my wife's phone it still only rings my dumbphone. Do I need to add my tab number to Google voice somehow?
Mandelbrot.Benoit said:
Its VOIP. At least the ones I've seen. Made over wifi. Since there is no calling plan with minutes tied to the Tab it can't be a typical voice call. Sipdroid from the market with Google Voice accomplished this as well and is very easy to set up without root (I'm pretty sure). Just set up GV. Download sipdroid and before entering anything click on the bottom tab that says create with GV account. It will ask password and to create a pbx account and ow right in that screen. Then its done.
Its funny but if you try to select the dialer it says calls can't be made with Samsung Galaxy Tab. But if you select the box for a number the keyboard dialer pops up and allows you to type a number! Works great.
I just tried it over 3g with wifi off and works as well. Just select allow voice over 3g in your account tab.
This was showed to me and there is a thread on droidx forums
I realize this isn't 100% relevant to your thread, just thought I would point you to it if you were wanting to make calls on tab.
I have VZW tab. I have no idea on GSM
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sent from my Galaxy Tab using Tapatalk

Go to your Google account and select the voice icon. Settings in top right. Voice setting. Then at bottom select add another phone. I was able to add it, but cannot get it to verify. So I'm not sure if it can receive calls, just make.
And to the poster about the SIM card, I'm on VZW, no sim card or slot.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App

Mandelbrot.Benoit said:
And to the poster about the SIM card, I'm on VZW, no sim card or slot.
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App
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I was Quoting you to the OP.

Mandelbrot.Benoit said:
Its VOIP. At least the ones I've seen. Made over wifi. Since there is no calling plan with minutes tied to the Tab it can't be a typical voice call. Sipdroid from the market with Google Voice accomplished this as well and is very easy to set up without root (I'm pretty sure). Just set up GV. Download sipdroid and before entering anything click on the bottom tab that says create with GV account. It will ask password and to create a pbx account and ow right in that screen. Then its done.
Its funny but if you try to select the dialer it says calls can't be made with Samsung Galaxy Tab. But if you select the box for a number the keyboard dialer pops up and allows you to type a number! Works great.
I just tried it over 3g with wifi off and works as well. Just select allow voice over 3g in your account tab.
This was showed to me and there is a thread on droidx forums
I realize this isn't 100% relevant to your thread, just thought I would point you to it if you were wanting to make calls on tab.
I have VZW tab. I have no idea on GSM
Sent from my SCH-I800 using XDA App
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For SIPDroid, does it do that annoying thing where it asks the receiving person to accept the call ? Or is it just like regular calling?
Does it do that call back thing?

If you install firmware that allows phone calls it works no different than any other Android phone. Pull the SIM out of your Android phone and insert into the Tab and viola you have a 7" Android phone that can make calls and browse the web. The easiest way to think about it is that the Tab is a big Android phone, the carrier's don't know any difference because it's running the same O/S as Samsung's Android phones.

[Q] Calls from Wi-Fi Tablet.

Is it possible to make regular calls from the wi-fi Acer tablet? Like maybe from Google Voice?

I beleive the answer is Google Voice, which doesn't work on tablets, but if you google around you'll find hacked versions for Honeycomb that might work. Those allow you to do incoming calls, but for outgoing you need a dialer, and there is a program on the market called GrooVe IP which does what you need. It's cheap, about $2 or something. Your phone number would be your Google number, and you have to have it set to forward calls to Chat. I also think you have to log out of all your other Chat sessions on other computers for it to work. I played with it but gave up for now and am hoping Google will bless us with a fully functional version.

mknewman said:
I beleive the answer is Google Voice, which doesn't work on tablets, but if you google around you'll find hacked versions for Honeycomb that might work. Those allow you to do incoming calls, but for outgoing you need a dialer, and there is a program on the market called GrooVe IP which does what you need. It's cheap, about $2 or something. Your phone number would be your Google number, and you have to have it set to forward calls to Chat. I also think you have to log out of all your other Chat sessions on other computers for it to work. I played with it but gave up for now and am hoping Google will bless us with a fully functional version.
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Click to collapse
Wait, there's a way to get incoming calls to work?
Sent from my DROID X2 using XDA Premium App

Technically you should be able to call with skype, need to get credit first or subscribe to premium also there is another voip app like buster which also works with credit on your account.
Sent from my SPH-D700 using XDA App

I will look around for the hack. I will post it here once I find it.

What's the best way get Google Voice to work on an unactivated phone?

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 #?
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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
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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
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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
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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