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Saturday, August 08, 2009

Google Voice Hack for mobile users

Last week I unveiled the Google Voice Hack which all allows non-US users to register and call US for Free from GTalk. Today im going to share another trick how to use this hack for mobile after a reader sent me the following e-mail:

Your blog about Google Voice hacks
8:18 AM (15 hours ago)

I have a Google Voice account and live in Japan. What software hack did you find to call to the US with this? I would really like to call my grandmother since she doesn't understand things like Gtalk or Yahoo Messenger, and my cellular phone costs too much.

Thanks!

Michele (last name hidden)


Well currently Google voice supports Blackberry and Android but it goes through the native dialer so you can't use that to call for free when you're outside US. So here is the trick to bypass that:
  1. After using the Google Voice hack, use Gizmo5.com's Phone client to receive calls via SIP.
  2. Open your phone browser to www.google.com/voice/m
  3. from the site enter the US number you wish to call.
  4. It will then ring your Gizmo5.com's Phone client, answer it.
  5. Wait while it rings the US number and connects you.
  6. The US receiver doesn't need to use this hack, they will receive the call like any other ordinary local call via their mobile or land-line phone.
Take note however that this trick uses data rather than native call so depending on your phone subscription it should be lots cheaper compared to calling US as an international call. Finally if your phone supports WIFI connectivity then just find a free hot-spot and call for free!

Saturday, August 01, 2009

Google Voice Hack: FREE Outgoing Call to US

voice_logo_sm

Today I'm unveiling the most anticipated hack for Google Voice which I have shared during the 1st Google Technology Users Group Philippines (GTUG PH) meet-up.

Here are the steps:

  1. Get Gizmo account from Gizmo5.com, take note of your Gizmo SIP number.
  2. Download and install the Gizmo for windows app.
  3. Sign-up for IPkall.com number and use the following details details:
    - Account type = SIP
    - SIP phone number = Gizmo SIP number (no spaces,dash,parenthesis)
    - SIP proxy = proxy01.sipphone.com
    Note: takes about 3 days to be approved, you will receive an email
    with your new US number. This will give you already an incoming call capability but no free outgoing calls, we need Google Voice for that.
  4. Reserve Google Voice account at http://voice.google.com, it takes about 5 days to get an invite.
  5. AFTER receiving both the IPkall Number and Google Voice invite,
    Download UltraSurf from http://www.ultrareach.com/. You will need this to register for Google Voice since only US IP is allowed.
  6. Login to Gizmo5 desktop app then use UltraSurf proxy and sign-up for Google Voice account using invite link sent to your email.
  7. Use your IPkall US number when prompted by Google Voice.
  8. Confirm you have a US phone number by receiving a call on Gizmo5 app, type the security code from Google Voice site using the Gizmo5 app's dial pad. Just keep repeating to input the security code (usually 1 to 2 digits) with a short pause
    between attempts until it hangs up.
  9. Google voice will recognize the code and redirects the page to your
    dashboard.
  10. Configure Gizmo5 call forwarding at http://my.gizmo5.com settings, select
    option "If no answer on Gizmo5, ring elsewhere (Call Hunting)" and
    forward it your Gtalk account. Exit Gizmo5 desktop app.
  11. Using http://voice.google.com site call Google 411 at +18004664411, it
    will ring your Gtalk, accept and hear the tone ringing as it call the
    GOOG411 number. When you are able hear GOOG411 voice prompt then it
    means you have successfully configured Google Voice Hack and you will
    be able to make US calls for free and receive calls via GTalk.

I have not fully understood the Google Voice TOS but IMHO this hack basically fulfills all the requirements so you should be a legit user.

Feel free to send me feed backs!

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