About three weeks ago, I finally got an invite for Google Voice, the new phone-managing service from Google that I’d been itching to try out since before it was even called Google Voice (back then, it was called GrandCentral, and I still wanted it really, really badly).
Google Voice has a ton of great features, and in a lot of ways fundamentally changes the way you’ll use your phone. A lot of things suddenly become easier with Google Voice – checking your voicemail, sending text messages, and more – and they’re all best dealt with through your computer.
But, as of now, Google Voice doesn’t inherently let you make calls from your computer. I mean, I’ve got a microphone and speakers on my computer, as well as a fast Internet connection – why shouldn’t I be able to make calls, ideally for free?
Well, as it turns out, I can – with a little legwork. Here’s how to set it up (I did this on a Mac, so PC directions might be slightly different – the same rules will apply, though).
Disclaimer: This is all assuming you’ve already got a Google Voice account. They’re sending out invites at lightning-speed, so if you don’t have one, go get on the list!
- Download and Install Gizmo5 (create a free account, with no call credits – you won’t need them!).
- Open Gizmo. In the “Home” tab of the application, click “Edit My Profile.”
- In the tab that pops up, you’ll see, filled in, a number for “SIP number.” Copy that number (everything before the @ sign).
- In Google Voice, click “Settings”, and then “Phones.”
- Click “Add Another phone” and paste the SIP number from Gizmo (again, only what’s before the @ Sign) into the box.
- Name the number “Gizmo” or whatever you want, and then Save it.
Now, to make calls:
- Open Google Voice, and click “Call”
- Enter the number you want to call
- Make sure the Gizmo phone (whatever you called it) is selected as the “Phone to Ring”
- Click “Connect”
- You’ll get a pop-up from Gizmo, with your Google Voice number on the caller ID. Answer it!
- Google Voice will automatically dial and connect the other person, and you’ll be chatting from your computer!
The whole process only takes about five minutes, and doesn’t cost a nickel. Because you’re using a SIP number, all the data is transmitted over your cable connection rather than your phone network. That means you’ll need fast Internet to really make this work, but also means it doesn’t cost a thing!
I’m not sure how long this will be around (I’m sure carriers won’t be fans), but for now it’s a fantastic solution for making calls directly from your computer.
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I’ve been doing this for about a year and a half now, and it works great. I took it a step further though. Nokia’s unlocked (AT&T had a hissy fit, and removed it from the e71x)e series handsets offer internet calling (sip based) over wifi built into the handset. I set up the gizmo sip line on my phone, and whenever I’m connected to wifi, calls from google voice come over the sip line on the phone. Free calls wherever I have wifi. My next step is to go buy a MyFi hotspot, and try it out over the EVDO network. That would mean unlimited voice and EVDO data for multiple devices for $60 a month!. As it is, I have a $39.99 T-Mobile MyFaves plan that gets me unlimited incoming calls (Google Voice is set as a fave, and set to show my Google Voice number for incoming calls). 19.99 gets me unlimited edge data and text messages.
Furthermore, if you close your gizmo client out totally and go login to their webpage at gizmo5.com, you can set your Gizmo number to forward unanswered calls to skype or google talk or another phone number.
I’m forwarding to googletalk, so now i can make calls with googlevoice, choose ring to gizmo, and it rings to my gmail, how wonderful is this, free phone calls in the browser.
Joshed
http://www.syko.org/
Wow! This is amazing! Nice job!
One tip:
I had trouble activating the number because I could not find the number pad. Turns out that the help page does not help at all. (http://support.gizmo5.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=75)
So, open Gizmo, go to the Dial screen, then have GV call you. You can use the dial number pad to enter numbers.
This has been around for a while…even before Google Voice…so hopefully will be around for a while longer!
Well done David. I’m wondering though why calls I make drop out like a cell phone with a bad connection. It sometimes sounds like the people I’m calling sound like broken robots and they say they can’t hear me.
Awesome in theory but I need to figure out the quality issue.
I have been making free telephone calls directly on Google Voice.
I can call numbers directly from contacts. My phone rings,
I answer, and then Google Voice dials the party.
You can also use the “call” button to call
anyone else and enter their number.
You can also call free from your phone without
being online. You call your Google Voice
number and enter your voicemail.
Option 2 gives you a dial tone.
This can be simplified further by pressing the star key
as soon as you call your Google Voice number
and hear it ringing, then enter your pin
and then enter option 2.
I have pre-programmed the above steps
into my phone and I call Google Voice
and get a dialtone immediately
to make a free call.
No Gizmo required.
No microphone or
speakers required.
wait, is all this free calling strictly from your computer? i guess this is a cool competing app along with the skypes and gizmos…
Gizmo is crap on the Mac. I get it to launch, answer a call and it crashes and won’t re-open unless I re-install. Not to mention there’s no iPhone app…
I’m hoping that Robert Palmar (prev commenter) doesn’t think making calls on his cell phone to Google voice, doesn’t require minutes. Hopefully he’s using his landline call to make “free” calls.
@JG
Yes, indeed, your hopes are fulfilled, JG.
I am using my landline for free calls.
In fact, I have yet to get a cell phone.
I am the last man standing on that :)
Hello Everybody,
This is the first time I post anything on the net. I was intrigued about the possibility of Gizmo/GV. I applaud Raju’s effort in finding ways to use software/technology in communications, however I believe there’s a catch.
The catch is that Gizmo is actually PROACTIVELY combining its service with Google Voice. Furthermore, they have more complete instructions on how to go about this (http://www.gizmovoice.com) and they even explain to NON-US RESIDENTS how to use such combination (i. e. commenter from India).
Consequently, and my only observation to Raju’s article is that he should have been more thorough (i. e. instructions) on his post and if that was not possible, to direct readers to Gizmo’s website.
This seems more of a hassle though than just using skype with an unlimited plan.
Cheers!
MexiSam
Thank you! It works and its fantastic!! Woooo!!!
I have used the Gizmo5/GV computer phone calls sucessfully in the past. However, GV now seems to be blocking my calls & not allowing the Gizmo5 call through.
GV want to “verify” my Gizmo5 number but for some reason will not/can not. Anybody else having this issue?
Is there a way around this problem?
yes i am having that problem too.
been seeking an answer online for weeks, but still no solution
Google acquired gizmo, new accounts have been suspended for now.