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!

Google Voice Hack: FREE Outgoing Call to US

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!

Send Free SMS from your email to Globe, Smart and Sun* Mobile phones

I have received an emailed press release today regarding yet another FREE SMS service offering from MegaMobile Inc. The letter reads:

Dear Family and Friends,

We've just come out with a simple and easy to use messaging service that allows anyone with an email to send FREE SMS text messages to any Globe, Smart and Sun* mobile subscriber. This is especially useful and, more importantly, cost-saving for our Kababayans abroad who need to get in touch with friends and family this Holiday Season. So, forward this email to your egroups and mailing lists.

*in the works, service on Sun coming soon!

How to send SMS from your email:
1) Type in the recipients' (To:, cc:, bcc:) mobile in this format <cellphone number>@m2m.ph (example: 09178889999@m2m.ph)
2) Write your SMS message as you would an email.
3) Send!

Note: Don't forget to save your recipients' mobile "email" address in your contacts list so it will be easier for you to send and compose future sms emails. I've attached a screenshot of how this might look like.
Conversely, you may also send SMS from your mobile phones to any email address. How to do it:

1) Compose an SMS message in this format: M2M <recipient email address> <Your Message>
Example: M2M steve@apple.com When are you coming up with a better Iphone?!
2) Send to 2948

Try it out yourselves and tell your friends about it.
Enjoy the holidays!

Anjo

We'll there is no more excuse not being able to greet everyone a Merry Christmas this year!