BajaNomad

Google Voice

bajaguy - 2-12-2011 at 10:38 AM

Is anybody using Google Voice???

I am interested in receiving voicemail messages from my US home phone that I can read on my Google account while traveling.

gnukid - 2-12-2011 at 11:43 AM

Yes, you can forward your phone either home or cell to the google voice number using appropriate phone codes for your carrier and then receive the phone call on your google phone number which will attempt to ring the google phone if on line or go to voice mail, then google phone will transcribe, translate and send you the message as email sound and text and also can text message you the transcription to another cell if you want. Of course one would assume its not very private but it does work and its free.

http://google.com/voice

bajaguy - 2-12-2011 at 11:45 AM

OK, are any Nomads using Google Voice.....would like pros and cons

Thanks

gnukid - 2-12-2011 at 12:04 PM

Pros and cons of a free service?

Pro: It works.

Con: Google/NSA will analyze your calls and keep these forever, they will market ads to you based on the words and phrases you use.

CaboMagic - 2-12-2011 at 12:43 PM

No experience w/google voice.

Offering an alternative idea.

Magic Jack device can be purchased for around $50 from Radio Shack, Walmart, Target - I think just about every nob retailer seems to sell it.

You can choose a particular area code if that matters.

You can set up your personalized voicemail, and establish it to send received messages to your email address. Once you've set it up, MJack does not have to be on or even inserted to a computer to work.

About 5 yrs ago we bought one and set up the system - it has not been plugged in for nearly that long ... Phone number/s are forwarded to that number and, if the caller leaves one, voice messages are forwarded to designated email addy. Its not text transcribed, but easy to listen to.

For the $20 annual renewal its worth it to us. We bring it with when travelling in the event we need it.

Another choice, Vonage, does offer text transcrption for voice mail - sometimes the transcription is amusing as its not perfected! Here again, the system does not need to be on for it to work, and we find this quite handy.

Hope this is helpful to you, even tho its not about google voice ...

Google

bajaguy - 2-12-2011 at 12:50 PM

OK, thanks for the info.

We will be on the road for about 6 weeks......As I understand it, I can have Google Voice forward my home and US cell number to the google account. Google Voice will then transcribe the messages/voicemails so I can read them from my laptop. I don't need the phone voice service, just the voicemail transcription

Just wondering if any Nomads other than the NSA or the CIA have/use the program

Mexicorn - 2-12-2011 at 12:55 PM

I have had it for over a year works great!

I have all my lines hooked up to it.

You definitely get it.

No matter where you are you will never miss another call again.

gnukid - 2-12-2011 at 01:01 PM

Here's Google voice transcription, but you have to read it online.

[Edited on 2-12-2011 by gnukid]

bajaguy - 2-12-2011 at 01:02 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mexicorn
I have had it for over a year works great!

I have all my lines hooked up to it.

You definitely get it.

No matter where you are you will never miss another call again.





Thanks, 'Corn

Mexicorn - 2-12-2011 at 01:06 PM

No prob great service I put 10 bucks on it but have yet to use.

bajadock - 2-12-2011 at 06:00 PM

BG,
Now on Google Voice for 3 months. Really like the accuracy of voice to text transcription.
It also provides me free 2 way SMS texting to my budz in USA.
The live voice quality is dependent upon your internet connection.

I'll email my phone number to you so that you can leave a voice message. I'll send back the text message to see how well you enunciate. Cheers.

[Edited on 2-13-2011 by bajadock]

bajaguy - 2-12-2011 at 06:07 PM

I'm really just interested in the voicemail and transcription so we can pick up our messages on the net