Tag: Google Voice

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Spending less on wireless phone bill.

Back in 2009, I paid roughly $160 every month for Unlimited Minutes, Unlimited Data and 200 Texts on AT&T. Now I paid roughly $85 every month for 450 Anytime Minutes with Rollover, 5000 Night & Weekend Minutes, Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Minutes, Unlimited Data and 1000 Texts. That’s because I have been using Google Voice. With the introductions of FaceTime and iMessage I manage to reduce the usage on my account; with the exception of calling to other mobile phones.

Most people I constantly in contact with are using their mobile phones as their primary phones. That’s when Unlimited Mobile to Mobile Minutes plan becomes really handy. I generally make outgoing calls through Google Voice, which is currently free. I also send text messages through Google Voice, unless the other person is using an iOS device. That’s when iMessage really shines. I have 1000 Texts plan because AT&T made it a requirement. Of course, I’m using FaceTime with certain people.

Most of the time I would be on Wi-Fi network, but I have used more than 2 GB of data with three days left in the billing cycle. This is one reasons why I am keeping the unlimited data plan on AT&T, and I plan to keep it that way.

I have been saving about $75 every month and that ads up to $900 annually. That’s quite a lot.

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Nexus One, Here I come!

It seems that I’ll be getting Nexus One, the fabled Google phone. Since Reuters broke the story and picked up by the Android Guys; it is really likely I’d be getting Nexus One this January 2010.

From Android Guys:

Here’s the price: $199 unlocked in stores. $100 rebate online if you have an active and old Google account. That $100 rebate is either to buy it $99 online from Google’s online phone store, for using on Android Marketplace or for using on any Google Checkout stores. Can also be used for T-Mobile or AT&T pre-paid Data SIM card service at $29 per month, no contracts required.

What does “old Google account” mean?

I know that I have google account when it was first in invitation only phase.

We’ll find out in January 2010.

p.s. I read it via Hacker News.

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Google Voice Voicemails Appear in Google Search Result.

This week started off with one big news on Google Voice. Apparently people are finding out that random Google Voice voicemails appears in Google search result.

Use Google to query: site:https://www.google.com/voice/fm/*

Previously we noticed that every time we received a new voicemail notice from Google Voice, we could play the message without ever logging in. That was a concern we had.

google-voice-voicemail-notification

The phone numbers are also visible in these “public search result” of Google Voice voicemails. Talk about privacy breach. We believe that Google should close this privacy breach by forcing users to log in to retrieve any contents from Google Voice.

Even though “only” a handful voicemails were leaked, the damage is done. Well, then again, Google voice is still in “beta” (*cough*).

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Note:

Yes, We all at 37prime have Google Voice accounts.

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Apple, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo!

The past week was filled with news about Apple, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo!

Microsoft inked a deal with Yahoo! in the search business. Basically the deal artificially gives Microsoft Bing a boost in the online search engine war. Yahoo! is doing what many agree to call as stupid move. As usual, Microsoft head cheerleader and PR spokesperson with the name that rhymes with “Saul Tour Rot” said that this is good for Yahoo! I don’t believe that for a second. Apparently Microsoft can’t compete fairly.

Does anyone still remember when Google and Yahoo! were working on the web-advertising deal? Some people were quick to cry antitrust!

Well, since the Microsoft and Yahoo! combined are still smaller than Google’s share on the online search business………..

Microsoft is a bully, and they are bullying Yahoo! to give up part of their business. Microsoft does not innovate, they just use their war-chest to buy their way into other people’s territory.

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Let’s get to Apple and Google now.

Eric Schmidt quits Apple Board of Directors amid scrutiny and controversy.

First, Google is (in)directly competing with Apple in the smart-phone space; namely Android. With the announcement of Chrome OS, Google will be competing against Apple in the Operating System space.

Second, came along the Google Voice controversy. Apple has been systematically pulling Goggle Voice related apps from iTunes App Store and rejecting Google’s own Google Voice app. Many believe that AT&T is pulling the strings. AT&T stated that they neither manage nor approve apps for the iTunes App Store. What about the Skype and SlingPlayer Mobile apps, AT&T?

Exclusivity contract is the bane of the iPhone in the U.S. and in other countries. Rather than being a 13-year old like “Screw You” Mike Arrington, consumer should tell Apple what they think.To be honest, most users won’t care or even know what Mike Arrington is talking about.

Tell Apple what you think (U.S. contact info):

I am an iPhone and Google Voice user. I want Google Voice App on the iPhone.

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Some other thoughts.

Apple has the right to say what apps can and cannot be installed on the iPhone. Apple has the right to approve and rejects any apps for the iPhone. Apple has the right to allow and disallow any devices to sync with iTunes. In the end Apple can’t please each and everyone. I am not happy that certain apps are blocked from the Apps Store.

Not a surprise for Leo Laporte to call iTunes + (iPod & iPhone) a monopoly. Leo is wrong!

Maybe I should complain that my PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii are monopoly in their own hardware & software business.

Maybe I should demand Avid to support Final Cut Pro and vice-versa.

Maybe I should demand Sony to support my Samsung remote control with their TV.

Maybe I should stop for now.