Google Voice With Google Takeout Liberates Your SMS Voicemail Data!

Those liberating forces at Google bannered under Google Takeout is set out to liberate data and now they have added Google Voice to it.
There are many other products available at Google takeout but with Google Voice addition, you and I will be able to takeout any data on the Google Voice, from call histories, Voicemail messages, Greetings (exported to MP3), TEXT Messages or SMS (as micro formated HTML) and the forwarding phone numbers (as vcards).
This is good if you need to use the these data elsewhere but I think Google Voice is a good place my data, unless something drastic happens.
See the video for some explanation and fun.
Google Voice Blog: Google Voice for Takeout

"Time to Call" App From Vonage, Call Internationally With iOS Devices

"Time to Call" App From Vonage http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
The Voange Mobile app (which is like three years in the making) is finally on iTunes app store.
With "Time to Call", Vonage (NYSE) is planing to ease the international calling a bit of less pain and tap into the vast market of iOS devices with it's new app for iPhone.
The pricing seems to be a bit difficult to understand. Two countries I call most, Holland (The Netherlands) and Japan costs $1.99 (13.3 Cents a minute) making it not economical for me there are other cheaper ways to call the same countries, using the iPhone, like Skype ot Google Voice. But on the other hand, India is $ 0.99 per 15 minutes and I call our developer team in India a quite a bit. You can make the payments through iTunes, and it will come handy to use it in an emergency (for me) as my iTunes account is always positive. So I will keep the App on my iPhone, just in case.
Calling fees for the 90 countries (not on the $0.99-1.99 list and Vonage can reach can be as high as $9.99 for that same 15 minutes—taxes apply to all calls. (Users can look up country rates on the Time to Call site or on the app.) The service handles calls to landlines and mobile phones at the same rate.
"With the launch of Time to Call, Vonage has simplified the process of making affordable international calls for iPhone users around the globe, Not only does this service offer tremendous value for international callers dialing from their home countries, it also provides a great solution for international travelers who want to avoid the bill shock associated with international calls and roaming charges when they call back home. Time to Call requires far less effort than calling card services and other international calling plan options, and is substantially less expensive than dialing direct through a mobile carrier. It's simple, fast and fair." said Marc Lefar, CEO of Vonage.
With the new app, iPhone, iPad users and iPod users will be able to;

• Pay per call and talk up to 15 minutes to 100 countries for $1.99 or less Plus Tax
  
• For an additional 90+ countries, talk up to 15 minutes for $2.99 to $9.99 Plus Tax
  
• Works on Wi-Fi worldwide
• Also for use on high quality 3G networks(Carrier charges may apply if you have a limited data plan) in the U.S. and Canada
• Significant savings over mobile carrier rates
• App is a FREE download iTunes.

Apple's App Store App Link
Vonage Press Release

Your Google Voice : Global And Individual SPAM Management

Google Voice Spam Management http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Ever since I started using GMail, say for last 7 years, I have been largely shielded from spam that infects every other mail system I use.
There have been a few times that some spam gets through but I always, report those, preventing them from appearing in my inbox next time.
So same goes for my / our Google Voice accounts, there are some spammy calls that ring our phones and we again report spam.
You can activate your spam control by taking a few simple steps;

Global Spam Filtering

Global Spam Filtering makes it possible to automatically redirect calls, texts, and voicemails from any of the numbers in the Google database that have been identified as spam directly into your spam folder. To enable this feature simply:

1. Click the wrench icon and select Voice Settings.
2. Click the Call tab.
3. Check the box next to Global Spam Filtering.

1. 
   

If a number ends up incorrectly marked as spam, you can easily unblock it by selecting the message and clicking the Not Spam button in your spam folder.

And for spam individual callers management or completely blocking callers;

Spam from Individual Callers

If you get unwanted calls, you can choose to send the caller directly to voicemail, treat all calls from a particular number as spam, or block the caller. Follow these steps:

1. Go to your Contacts list in Google Voice.
2. Select the checkbox next to your contact's name.
3. Click Edit Google Voice Settings and select the second radio button under the 'When this contact calls you:' section, next to the drop-down menu.
4. Choose one of these options from the drop-down menu:
   
   • Send to Voicemail: None of your phones will ring, but the caller will be prompted to leave you a voicemail message.
   • Treat as Spam: The caller will hear ringing and then be prompted to leave you a voicemail message. None of your phones will ring. The voicemail will be automatically marked in your inbox as Spam, and you won't receive a notification for the voicemail.
   • Block Caller: The caller will hear a 'Number not in service' message when calling your Google number. None of your phones will ring. The call will be marked as 'Blocked' under 'History' and 'Missed.

Google Voice Blog: Global SPAM filtering

FTC Approves Microsoft Skype Deal!

FTC Approves Microsoft Skype Deal! http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
The long waited and most discussed tech deal in the recent past has got approval from The U.S. Federal Trade Commission today. The unprecedented $8.5 Billion dollar deal has made people wonder about the feasibility of the deal. Most thought this will be the end of M$ big honcho Steve Ballmer. Well now we have to wait and see.
Microsoft already got the blame for Skype's recent spotty service, even though it had nothing to do with Microsoft.
We can in any case expect Skype to pop up in all things Microsoft like XBox, outlook and possibly it's partners.
We will just have to see, if Microsoft can Kill Skype but who is there to take the place? Google Voice? Possibly.
Reuters

Keep Your Original (Secondary) Google Voice Number Forever.

If you originally got an Google number and later on if you;

Changed Google Voice Number,
Ported You Home or Soho Office number to Google Voice,
Made your Sprint Number the Google Number,

Then you will have two Google numbers for 90 days. After the 90 day period, Google took back the original number.
But if you are attached to your original Google Number, Google Voice is allowing you to keep the number now! So your friends and family will still be able to text or call you on the original google number but when you call out or text, your new number will show up as the caller ID.
So if you would like to keep the original number, get to the settings tab, and click "make permanent" next to the number you want to keep. (There is a one time $20 administrative fee)
Go ring those numbers! and if you need further help, Google Voice Help Centercan help you.

Google Voice Blog: Make your secondary Google Voice number permanent

Switching To Gmail As Easy As Walking Away!

http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
We all know the benefits of using GMail (We have switched to GMail and other Google services like Google Docs for our work at DiorDna Group now.) and switching from other email providers are becoming much easier.
Almost two years ago, GMail told us how to switch from other providers like AOL or Hotmail. With all the services GMail providing now like easy and free calling and receiving calls from Google Voice it is really beneficial to switch over to GMail.
But the GMail team has thought about all the contacts and mail you have accumulated over the years in your previous accounts. So the team continue to add new email providers to the list you can import contacts and email from. There are 14 new providers in the list of supported email providers:

• aol.com.br
• hotmail.es
• hotmail.it
• hotmail.co.jp
• Kimo.com
• live.jp
• yahoo.es
• yahoo.cn
• yahoo.com.cn
• yahoo.com.hk
• yahoo.com.sg
• yahoo.com.tw
• yahoo.co.jp
• yahoo.it

To make the process even easier GMail team created a site, gmail.com/switch, explaining why and how to switch to GMail. If you have any feedback, please provide them at GMail Support forum.

Switch to Gmail - Official Gmail Blog

Gizmo5 Will Go Offline On April 3rd 2011

Gizmo5 Will Go Offline http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

Google will take Gizmo5 (Gizmoproject) offline on April 3rd 2011 according to a message posted on Gizmo5 site. Google acquired Gizmo5 / SIPphone for $30 Million in 2009.

As of April 3, 2011, Gizmo5 service will be discontinued. If you are an existing Gizmo5 user, please log in to your account to learn more about available options for call credit refunds, credit balance transfers and the possibility of keeping your call-in number.

If you have credit in your Gizmo5 account, you can transfer it to Google Voice account or request a refund at http://my.gizmo5.com. On the money wise, Google Voice calls are actually cheaper than Gizmo5 calls. So it is recommended to create a Google Voice account if you are USA.

Skype in the classroom (Beta) Brings Teachers And Students Together.

Skype in the classroom (Beta)  http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Like the rest of us finding innovative ways to use Skype to reach into the near and far corners of the country, world, teachers across the world use Skype to take their students to places . They use it to bring experts, authors, and guest instructors into the classroom, those who would never otherwise be able to visit the school. Students can take virtual field trips, if you will, via Skype as they're connected to places through video chat. A Skype communication session can involve foreign language learning or a cultural exchange. It can connect classrooms across the city, state, country or around the world and bring an expert on any subject in front of the class. This would have been impossible without an aid of a tool like Skype.
Now SKype has taken a step forward and created Skype in the classroom (beta); 

Skype in the classroom brings together a community of people and information to save teachers time and help them make the most of Skype and the international teaching community.
Teachers create a profile that sets out their interests, specialities and location. They can then browse through the community to look for teachers who can offer them help, or whom they might be able to help. Once teachers find someone they’d like to connect with, they can add that person as a Skype contact, or share Skype-related teaching resources.
Skype in the classroom is in beta, which means it is still being developed and refined. We are very open to feedback as to how we can improve it, so please share your comments and ideas using the Feedback tab on the left of the page. Equally, if you have an inspiring story about using Skype in your classroom, please share it with us.

I just wrote about how a University professor leverages Google Voice and other Google tools to interact with his students. So there are other solutions if Skype is not for you.
Have a look at Skype

Google Voice, How University Professors Use it.

If you thought how could I get creative with Google Voice and out of ideas, after all those call forwarding, call screening, voicemail transcribing and getting your phone calls to follow you, you are in luck.

There is another soul who really gets creative with Google Voice and able to give some ideas.

Todd Stanfield a professor at Union University in Jackson, manages his classes and students with the aid of Google Voice. Dr. Stanfield interacts with students with combining Google Voice with Google Docs and GMail and even draw lines between his professional and private life with it. Follow the link, to learn what he does and to get some inspiration, if needed.

Google Voice Blog: Google Voice & the Snowpocalypse

Google Voice without Google Number, your existing number

Google Voice has made it even easier to use by allowing your existing number to be your Google Number, Google Voice announced today.

As we have already told many of you, Google Voice and Google Number have made our lives and communications much easier to handle. We are able to to do call recording, call screening, getting text messages and even have transcribed Google voicemail messages as email.

So either way, with a Google Number or your own number, you will have ability to use many of the features that Google Voice offers, like the Google Voicemail.

There are many ways you can get an Google Voice account, one is to request an invite directly from Google or someone who already has a Google Voice account.

You can see how Google Voicemail makes life easier for many Google Voice users.

Official Google Blog: Use Google Voice with your existing number

Google Beefing Up Android App Development

#Google Beefing Up #Android #AndroidApp http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Google seem to be working on to promote and energize Android app development and balance off those app surplus of 250,000 apps that Apple enjoy, at the moment.(Android App Market has more than 100,000 apps and Apple App store has nearly 350,000 Apps)
WSJ has learned from reliable sources, that Google is planing to hire developers for mobile app development for phones and the multitude of tablets that are emerging. It is not surprising because the mobile app market seem to be in an upward swing with billions of dollars as markers. Gartner research envisions the total mobile app income to be 15.1 Billion, both from advertising in free apps and paid app downloads.
The new Android app development force will be deployed, spread all over the global Google offices and will concentrate on developing apps like Angry Birds (game) to social apps like the mobile app from foursquare, providing location based services. But I am sure there are more targets than the WSJ reporter or the repeatedly reported "the people familiar with the matter" could think of. Google already has some apps that relates to its various services, like Google voice that AT&T and Apple tried to keep away from Apple app store or healthcare apps to support the massive initiative by Google on the healthcare and patient management.
Either way, according to the WSJ source, some of these apps will be exclusively for Android platform to support and spur the momentum Android has at the moment.
"Between the geolocation capability of the phone and the power of the phone's browser platform, it is possible to deliver personalized information about where you are, what you could do there right now," wrote the outgoing CEO and incoming Chairman of Google, Eric Schmidt, on the Harvard Business Review website recently. Yes it is significant, with nearly 150 different mobile phone with Android OS and more joining everyday, Android is on par with Apple infamous apple devices, and set to overtake pretty soon, in both phone and tablet market.
wsj

Google Voice, BYON, Bring Your Own Number.

GoogleVoice,  BYON http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Google Voice has enabled a new feature that allows you to port your own mobile number, as the google number. Access your Google Voice Account, select voice settings and under phones, you will see "Change / Port" next to your number.
After that it will check if that number can be used and there you are, putting that age old mibile number in the cloud.

Asterisk 1.8.1.1 Fixes Ready For Download

#Asterisk 1.8.1.1 http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/

The Asterisk Development Team has announced the release of Asterisk 1.8.1.1 which is available for download at http://downloads.asterisk.org/pub/telephony/asterisk/

The Asterisk 1.8.1.1 resolves two issues reported by the community since the release of Asterisk 1.8.1.

• Don't crash after Set(CDR(userfield)=...) in ast_bridge_call. Instead of
  setting peer->cdr = NULL, set it to not post.
  (Closes issue #18415. Reported by macbrody. Patched, tested by jsolares)
• Fixes issue with outbound google voice calls not working. Thanks to az1234
  and nevermind_quack for their input in helping debug the issue.
  (Closes issue #18412. Reported by nevermind_quack. Patched by dvossel)

For a full list of changes in this release candidate, please see the ChangeLog:
http://downloads.asterisk.org/pub/telephony/asterisk/ChangeLog-1.8.1.1

Santa Is On Google Voice And Will Call All Good Kids

#Googlevoice
If you and your kids are tired of writing letters to Santa informing how good they have been and what they expect as gifts in return, you can relax a bit.
In addition to the good old snail mail routine, Santa this year has got a Google Voice Number and will call all the kids on his list. (You got to get on the list :)
All the adults can send a personalized phone call from dear Santa to any kid (including very old kids like myself, as well) from sendacallfromsanta.com.
You can choose from multiple options to create compose and send a brilliant message from Santa to your own kids, neighbors children or your Grand Parents, over the phone (limited to USA numbers only)
If you or your kids want to deliver a message to Santa, you can call 855-34-SANTA and leave a message. But as you know Santa is extremely busy and you adults need to create your own (return) call at the sendacallfromsanta.com.
You can also watch Santa as he travels around the world. Now you can also do that via Google maps or Google Earth, so don't forget to book mark, so you can track his journey

There is another choice of message delivery as well, over the social media. People who are out side of USA can receive Santa's message via email, twitter or facebook.
Official Google Blog: Santa’s calling (from his Google Voice number) 
or at Google Voice

Skype Hiring For The Cloud And The Enterprise.

#Skype Hiring For The Cloud And The Enterprise. http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
In preparing for the IPO push, Skype has been looking for ways to expand the business and offerings. One of the solutions seem to be taking Skype and VoIP to the cloud. Cloud based VoIP offerings  are the target of most companies and Skype Cloud will certainly be dark clouds over efforts like Microsoft's new Lync offering. I have no idea how it will affect Google Voice which is now integrated with GMail, even though it works only in USA and Canada at the moment.
Enterprise IT still go for the likes of Cisco, Avaya and ShoreTel, for their VoIP and communication solutions because they offer security and stability rather than the latest buzz.
But SMBs and small business do go for these services and sometimes fall prey to companies or services like Packet8 by 8X8.Yet Skype have proven to be resilient many factors that others failed. So these new hirings will further enhance the position as it embarks on yet another new frontier. These hiring (and many more at the link given below) looks to “build an infrastructure capable of supporting hundreds of millions of users.” to deliver “voice, video, chat and presence” to the web and “enable radically new Skype applications.”

But it will be helpful if Skype posted the link to the website properly ;) (http://skypecareers.com/ instead of http://wskypecareers.com/) We have modified the link so go find your Skype Job.
Here are the SIlicon Valley Jobs;

• C++ Developer, Video on Platform
• Software Engineer - Cirrus
• Product Manager - Skype for Web
• Quality Engineer - Platforms

 Techcrunch via VoIP Watch

Say Goodbye to GOOG-411! Hello To SMS 466453!

#GOOG-411 gone but use #466453 http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Google is pulling the plug on Google 411 service, GOOG-411 (1-800-GOOG-411) a voice-powered directory assistance service that connect users quickly to businesses across the U.S. and Canada which was launched a three years ago.
The innovative service provided;

• Voice Search - search Google by speaking instead of typing.
• Voice Input - fill in any text field on Android by speaking instead of typing.
• Voice Actions - control your Android phone with voice commands. For example, you can call any business quickly and easily just by saying its name.

Google is not just shutting down the service, it is utilizing the lessons learned elsewhere and if you still need similar service, there are many ways you can get it ro Google it self. If you do not have a smartphone, you can just send a TEXT message to GOOGLE (466453) with the name and the location of the business  as shown above. You can also use Gmail calling feature to call anyone in the US and Canada for free.
Thank you GOOG-411

HTC G2, T-Mobile G2 With Google, A HSPA+ Phone Coming Soon,

T-Mobile HTC G2 with Google http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
T-Mobile has confirmed that the new HTC G2, a HSPA+ phone, a replacement for the HTC G1 is on the way and every one can sign up for the Pre-sales orders. T-Mobile G1 owners get the priority. The phone will sport Android 2.2 Froyo and carries a lot of Google centric capabilities like, Voice Actions for Google Search; integrated access to Google's Internet calling service, Google Voice(somethin iPhone can't do or wont do); and the regulars, Gmail to Google Maps.
T-Mobile was the first US carrier to release an Android based phone, T-Mobile G1. 

“T-Mobile ignited the spark that set the Android world ablaze two years ago with the launch of the world’s first Android-powered mobile phone, the T-Mobile G1, which remains an important milestone for both T-Mobile and the Android operating system, Now, with the launch of the T-Mobile G2, we are re-teaming with our partners at Google and HTC to provide T-Mobile customers with another first — the first Android smartphone designed to deliver 4G speeds on our new network.” said Cole Brodman, chief technology and innovation officer, T-Mobile USA. 

The phone is not 4G but operates on HSPA+ network which is said to reach speeds of 21Mbps. T-Mobile already announced that it has upgraded it's 3G network to HSPA+ in 25 major metropolitan areas. HSPA+, also known as "evolved HSPA".

The Phone, The T-Mobile G2, carries an 800MHz Snapdragon processor, a 3.7-inch touch screen display, and Wi-Fi, GPS and Bluetooth capability with slide out keyboard on hinges. It also has support for a 32-GB microSD card, a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash and auto focus, and  shoots video in 720p HD resolution. The G2 also offers smartphone essentials such as easy access to personal and work e-mail, including support for Microsoft^® Exchange e-mail, contacts and calendar; social networking; and instant messaging.

You can sign up for pre order HTC G2 here

Frontier Sues Google Over Google Voice : Frontier Communications Corp. v. Google Inc., 10-cv-545

Frontier Communications Corp. v. Google Inc., 10-cv-545 http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Frontier Communications Corp. filed a case against Google for infringing their patents with Google Voice. Google has acquired Grand Central and later converted it in to Google Voice. (A service we find very useful). Google is accused of infringing a new patent for enhanced telephony services, by the Stamford, Connecticut, based company in a complaint in federal court in Delaware.
Google has irked many telephony carriers like AT&T with it's Google Voice Service and it was a grand scandal when Apple blocked Google Voice from iPhones. Google is now working to expand the service even further. Google plans purchase to buy Global IP Solutions Holding AB, a IP Telephony and video conferencing technology pioneer, for about $68 million to expand Internet video and audio capabilities.

“We believe these claims are entirely without merit, and we’ll defend against them vigorously,” Andrew Pederson, a spokesman for Google, said by e-mail, Bloomberg / Businessweek reported.

The case is Frontier Communications Corp. v. Google Inc., 10-cv-545, U.S. District Court, District of Delaware (Wilmington).

Businessweek

University Students Get Google Voice Invites

Google Voice Invites for students. http://snapvoip.blogspot.com/
Google is looking in to providing the communication medium to students. This sector of the market is the most active and could be associated with the TXTing, always on the phone crowd, next to high schoolers. They are also the most secluded crowd as well. While in the class, which could be one hour to two hours, there no way to answer phones or call out to someone. But these students are able to sneak in a TXT message or a short email while pretending to listen to the lecturer. I think most do so.
Google voice have attending two parts of the student communication equation;
1 Free TXTing allowing students to save precious $$ for ham burghers or salads.
2 Get transcribed voice mail sent to them as emails, all these on their mobile phones or notebooks.
They also get a free phone number or they will be able to use their current number.
I think it is a good move on Google's part because this will attract tomorrows users. Apple and Microsoft may give discounts but nothing beats free, even if it is only free TXTing and Free Phone numbers.
So it is easy to get Google Voice, if you have an email address that ends in ".EDU", like Good.student@best.University.EDU, you can head over to google.com/voice/students
Google Voice Blog: Google Voice invites for students

Call Haiti For Free With Google Voice

Free calls to Haiti snapvoip.blogspot.com

Google Voice has joined the other relief efforts by Google and others to help devastated Haitians.
Google Voice will provide free calls to Haiti for next two weeks to help people in USA to call Haiti. If one does not have an account, request an invitation at Google Voice.
These calls could be invoked by click2call on Google Voice site, Google Voice Mobile App or by calling your own Google Number and pressing 2 to make an outbound call.
If you are interested in helping out, you will find more information at Google's disaster relief page,
Thank you
Google Voice Blog: Doing our share to help Haiti