Big fan of Google Voice as a product and a concept, actual execution not so much. Slow, buggy and super-clear it's at the very bottom of their projects list. They didn't even add the ability to send pictures until this year. I REALLY like the ability to text from my computer and read my voicemail, however. Low-cost/free suggestions?
Alternative to Google Voice
- Thread starter TechLady
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DataMedics
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Google voice...? haha, not sure there are any that offer all the value you get with GV. I've looked for alternatives, but all are lacking some feature I want, or cost a small fortune. I've got my gripes about it, but you can't beat what you get for the price.
You're probably better off combining something with Google voice to add whatever you're lacking. For example, when I wanted an 800 number, I just added a cheap TelCann forwarding number which points to my Google voice number. I wanted a landline type phone with multiple handsets for easy call transfers, and automatic outgoing calls from the GV number so I bought an Ooma and linked it to the Google Voice.
DataMedics
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I'll also mention that a lot of the "slow" and "buggie" may relate to your device. I've got a Galaxy note 3 phone I'm using, and half the time it only rings once or twice before the call goes to voicemail. However, on my wife's Galaxy S7 edge the same phone call will show up two or three rings before it even comes up on my phone.
So perhaps you just need a newer device to run it.
So perhaps you just need a newer device to run it.
calldrdave
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Youmail does a bunch of that same stuff. Multiple numbers, transcription.
*affiliate link<--Gives us both credit
*non-affiliate link<--pay regular price
I like when a client calls and doesn't leave a message, the system immediately texts them back.
*affiliate link<--Gives us both credit
*non-affiliate link<--pay regular price
I like when a client calls and doesn't leave a message, the system immediately texts them back.
Hmmm, how about pictures in texts? People need to send me screenshots all the time.
Hmmm.... I've always found their service to be exemplary. Fast, clean and clear. Are you sure you don't have other contributing factors to degrade the service? Google voice just had a complete make-over on the user side so that changed my mind that Voice wasn't going to be a priority at Google.
Pictures? Almost all my clients use email for pics. I don't think any of my customers know you can text a pic. I'd prefer them all in email as easier to sort and keep track of.
nlinecomputers
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GV is great until it goes down for you without explanation and you realize that you have NO tech support to call on. I could not get a call or text for 3 days. Only voicemail and no notification of that. I had to manually check at random times. I had to move to a real VOIP.
I've never seen a GV outage and I would think they would be very rare. Hotter heads than mine would prevail as they do offer business services. Real VOIP? Although Google is a bit of a hybrid here, I believe no one has the resources, expertise and capabilities for an integrated voice system like Google. But that's just one geeks opinion.
nlinecomputers
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So what? I was down for three days with no recourse to correct it. That is 100% unacceptable. I literally almost lost a client because of it.
My Google fu must be failing me because I cannot find any Business version of Google Voice. I would GLADLY pay for the service and its unique features if it comes with a support line I can call upon.
All the other services are add ons. I have to be able to answer a phone call with Text a close second. GV stopped doing either for me.
timeshifter
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I tried Youmail a while back and was a little worried about their policy of collecting numbers from you. I seem to recall that I had to upload my entire address book from my iPhone and that they reserved the right to somehow include those numbers in a directory listing service.
timeshifter
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You'll be getting them soon enough through text. Enjoy it while you can.
calldrdave
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I usually have them text those to our dispatch number or through our app. I suspect not. MMS is different than SMS.
calldrdave
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True. But so does Google after all. I like it because it also includes spam blocking like HiYa.
myPCTechs
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RingCentral offers a nice set of features for a low price.
timeshifter
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My business number is my iPhone. I use a Mac laptop and iMessage. I can text from my computer too. Very easy to text messages and pics from a laptop. Just copied and pasted a screenshot in about two seconds.
Hooooo no. I don't think so...
calldrdave
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