Who Uses Google Voice and Why?

[Feathersnpaws]

My daughter got her cell # when she was away at college. She now lives and works in the city where she grew up and has a local Google Voice number. It's just easier and more adventageous for her to have a local number for various reasons.

Sent from my Droid using DroidForums App

 

[harrellj]

Oh yeah, forgot another feature of GV that I use. Since it does ring all linked phones simultaneously, I have a GV number for emergencies that rings my emergency contacts.

Yeah, yeah.. I'm on my phone. So?

 

[DF Smod]

I almost forgot my favorite reason ---> http://www.droidforums.net/forum/droid-applications/70007-mp3-google-voice-greeting.html

 

[rlmesq]

Having all my voice & text messages available on the web is a big plus.

I have a second account that I only use for dictation to my secretary. I can dial while driving and leave a letter for her to transcribe, and she gets it via email. She can cut & paste the GV transcription, if it's good enough, then clean it up while listening to the arranged MP3 file.

 

[takeshi]

So just like the title ask, I was just wondering why would i use it?

No one can answer that for you. They can tell you why they use it and you can read the resources out there to decide for yourself. If you haven't visited the GV site to read about the basics then do so. You might also want to check out the various GV guides and GV threads here and elsewhere.

I haven't seen these specifically mentioned yet but here are a couple of things that I find useful in addition to what has already been discussed:

1. Unwanted call handling. Unwanted callers can get a "number no longer in service" message. I can also have unwanted callers sent directly to voicemail with the voicemail automatically deleted and no notification. It's up to me.
2. GV & SMS: I can send/receive SMS via the GV site which is useful at my desk at home or work (or any internet connected PC). It's also useful if I forget my phone. GV also acts as sort of an SMS backup. It doesn't matter if you lose your message on your device, switch devices or whatever. Just load the GV app and it will sync up your messages from your GV account.

And is it COMPLETELY free? Thanks.

It uses minutes that you will be billed for if you go over your plan minutes. And you have to pay for international calls.

texting doesn't replace your native SMS, so if people are texting you to both your mobile number and GV number you will have to use 2 apps on the phone to manage the conversations.

Unless you use SMS forwarding.

Someone said, "Its another number that you have to distribute." This is not a disadvantage, its an advantage.

I have the ONE number that I will have for the rest of my life. It will never change. Its free.

Bingo. It's more hassle to partially switch IMO.

IMO callers that need to reach me will adapt.

 

[Nblufire12]

Unlimited texting and I got to choose my own number...

I dont have a texting plan with Verizon