Google Voice users...What do you think so far?

[ltldrummerboy]

I love using GV Mobile on my iPhone. Since I'm in AK I can't get free calling, but free unlimited texting isn't anything to complain about. Plus, I have a phone number with my name in it that's really easy to give out.

 

[sinsin07]

i've found it rather...useless so far to be honest.

Other than being able to give someone you MAY NOT want to talk to again in the future a number that isn't your real number...it pretty much mimics the functionality of the iPhone.

Do I really want a txt message/email of my voicemessages transcribed? (if I had the time to check the transcription..which usually is god awful to begin with...don't I have the time to listen to the message in Visual Voicemail?)

Can't I see who called, when, right from the phone app?
This is all the free functionality at least...

If you run a business or are in high demand for work, then I could understand maybe wanting certain calls, to forward to certain numbers or having different voicemails depending on the caller, but if you're an everyday person...I think its asking a little much.
Also if you pay for credits and use the calling functionality, it would be of much more use...but simply as a service...I don't really see the point when you own an iPhone.

Maybe if you owned a Razr

Uses for everyday "single people":

Men
Meet a female in a bar. Not sure, give google number out. If she turns out to be a stalker, you don't have to worry about her abusing your real number. You can get transcripts of the abusive messages she leaves.

Women
Meet a guy in a bar. Not sure, give google number out. If he turns out to be jerk, you don't have to worry about him abusing your real number. You can get transcripts of the abusive messages he leaves.

Job
Have to give someone your job number because they need to call you during working hours, maybe a oneshot deal? But you don't want them calling again, give them your google number.


Business
Ok you don't have your own business, but you met someone who you may want to contract to do work on your house. Give them your google number in case you change your mind.

Have a kid going to college in another state, and may want to work in the state part time? It may be helpful to have a local number to put on job application.

Just some quick ideas. You have to think beyond Apple and they App store.

 

[IBradMac]

I believe the person calls you via the GV number, then you answer the phone, and mid-conversation, when you want to switch, you press a key; when you press a key, all your GV registered numbers/devices ring; you pick up the one you want and the conversation continues on it.

The major limitation, AFAIK, is that the call has to start with GV -- that is, the person has to call your GV number, or perhaps you can call out from the menus in GV. If I understand correctly, they cannot call your real cell phone number, for instance -- GV wouldn't have a connection to the call and can't forward it.

Thanks for the explanation. I must be an idiot. I'll re-watch the videos and see what key to hit.

 

[mkrishnan]

Thanks for the explanation. I must be an idiot. I'll re-watch the videos and see what key to hit.

It's "*".

(And it seems it is only for incoming calls, and does not apply to any sort of outgoing call, according to that doc.)

 

[IBradMac]

It's "*".

(And it seems it is only for incoming calls, and does not apply to any sort of outgoing call, according to that doc.)

Good find! I was watching the video, and its a little confusing and it mentions nothing about only being able to switch for incoming calls. What a crock! YouTube video I'm referring to.