GrooVe IP Makes Free Calls from Google Voice Over Wi-Fi or 3G/4G, Uses No Minutes [App Of The Day]
Source: http://lifehacker.com/5807075/groove-ip-makes-free-voip-calls-from-google-voice-over-wi+fi-or-3g4g
The official Google Voice app for Android hooks into your Google Voice account but isn't really a VoIP service on the smartphone. We've previously mentioned a method to make free VoIP calls with Gizmo5, which is no longer available since Google bought the service, as well as a method that uses the Sipgate service, now only free for Sipgate to Sipgate calls and toll-free numbers. GrooVe IP is much easier to set up and likely worth the $3.99 price if you have only so many voice minutes.
GrooVe IP supports making and receiving Google Voice calls over Wi-Fi and/or 3G or 4G, so it doesn't eat up your voice minutes. The app may come in particularly handy if:
- You want a second virtual phone line (a la Line2, but without the monthly fee)
- You're in a location with Wi-Fi access and a poor cellular connection
- You have Wi-Fi access but no mobile plan
- You're traveling overseas and don't want to have to rent a phone. You can make and receive calls using your Google Voice number anywhere you have Wi-Fi connectivity instead.
The app integrates with your phone's contacts database and has a separate dialer that can be used to make calls, or you can use the default dialer and choose whether to use GrooVe IP or your cellular service to make calls on an individual call basis.
GrooVe IP worked great in making and receiving calls from Google Voice over a Wi-Fi connection during my tests, though there were a few hurdles setting up the service. Upon initial install, I kept getting errors about the app not being registered, which, according to the app's help section, suggested an error in the login details. Restarting my phone resolved the error, though occasionally the app would again briefly display that registration error before quickly connecting again.
Those glitches aside, if you're on a calling plan with a very limited number of voice minutes or want to be able to call the US/Canada for free from abroad, GrooVe IP is likely worth the $3.99 investment. Thanks bokscutter!
You can follow or contact Melanie Pinola, the author of this post, on Twitter
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