@chrismessina that's my biggest problem with the Google mobile messaging strategy, they really need to build all of these apps into one. It would be very competitive at that point.
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@tokudu Yeh, its not like their struggling enough against other communication services like whatsapp, viber, skype etc, they then have to further segment the market themselves.
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@chrismessina Actually, it looks like Allo is really being focused on other markets. I have tried to get onboard with Allo but it's just not useful enough.
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I am so glad they're updating Google Voice. I think so many people are still missing out on the greatness of having one phone number that you can keep and use anywhere. When companies sell my info with the Google Voice number attached they either get blocked by Google spam or I block them with a "this number is no longer in service message". That feature is priceless!
I solely use Google Voice (no phone plan) and these updates are much needed. The ability to support group messages and photo SMS are the 2 major upgrades. So happy to see attention being devoted to this amazing product!
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@kevinmandeville since you don't have a phone plan, do you just use Wi-Fi?
@love2golf yep! I'm in an urban area (Boston) and there's abundant wifi between home, work, and all around. I am a Comcast Xfinity customer and they have a nationwide hotspot network you have access to which has been awesome. Additionally, I also use FreedomPop for mobile hotspot data if I ever need to, but honestly I rarely ever use that as the former services have me covered. I've done this for over 3 years now and it's been amazing to be free from phone companies with no bill yet have the exact same functionality of calling and texting. You're even able to port over your existing phone number for a one-time $20 fee, so I didn't even lose that when switching to Google Voice.
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@kevinmandeville wondering how you do that ? since GV call ur phone number, i, u pick up, and it'll connect u. just like an operator. but it looks like there is a work around it to dial ur number directly from app?!?! :)
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I can say without a doubt this is one of the Google services I cannot live without. I use Google Voice with Google Hangouts chrome app on my computer for text messages and calling every day. Also an easy way to get a phone number for kids when they only have a tablet.
They didn't update their chrome app, but I still recommend it.
Makes phone numbers you see in Chrome clickable so you could quickly dial them using Google Voice.
https://chrome.google.com/websto...
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