OBiTALK Community

Region Specific Technical / Service Provider Support => North America - Including Google Voice, Skype, etc. => Topic started by: AntonS on October 31, 2013, 05:04:03 PM

Title: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: AntonS on October 31, 2013, 05:04:03 PM
Read the following:
http://blog.obihai.com/2013/10/important-message-about-google-voice.html
This means that Google Voice will stop working six months from now!
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 05:15:25 PM
Hmm so I should return the obi200 I just purchased but have not yet received to newegg since apparently obihai has no plans to adapt the device even though their competitors have already announced they have versions that will work using google hangouts.   I'm glad they let me know soon enough so I only have 1 mostly useless device on hand as opposed to 2.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: bsdaiwa on October 31, 2013, 05:47:13 PM
Quote from: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 05:15:25 PM
Hmm so I should return the obi200 I just purchased but have not yet received to newegg since apparently obihai has no plans to adapt the device even though their competitors have already announced they have versions that will work using google hangouts.   I'm glad they let me know soon enough so I only have 1 mostly useless device on hand as opposed to 2.
What "competitors have already announced they have versions that will work with google hangouts"?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: BigJim_McD on October 31, 2013, 05:55:19 PM
I found the wording of the announcement a little confusing, but I'm eager to see more explanation for the following sentence in the announcement.

"Over the coming weeks, we will provide more detailed information, including easy to follow, step-by-step instructions on how you can keep using your OBi and your current phone number to keep your home phone bill extremely low, yet retain the power and flexibility that comes from using the OBi and your choice of services – even Google Voice."

It's my hope that there will be a low cost way to both keep using my OBi devices and also keep my Google Voice phone numbers, contact lists, groups and settings.

How ever it works out after May 15th. 2014, I can't complain, I've have used Google Voice including 'Free' Long distance for several hundreds of hours of "FREE" service making my purchase of OBi devices well worth the investment.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on October 31, 2013, 05:59:29 PM
How is your Obi "useless" ? There is a ton of excellent VOIP providers out there. Yes, you have to pay a tiny little bit but you get much more than from Google Voice.Look at localphone.com, $0.99/month for US DID and 0.5c/min  to the lower 48 and a real customer service and a lot of other services. Or Callcentric, a bit more expensive but a truly professional full featured phone service.  
Yes, we all enjoyed free ride with GV but honestly, no big deal.

Obi will be probably more likely to help with configuration for SIP in the future than they have been so far.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on October 31, 2013, 06:21:20 PM
I agree with Carl.

Yes, the wording of the blog post was a bit vague (perhaps intentionally, while "part two" is being written...remember, this announcement was just made today). 

But, many of us already use a hybrid approach to using OBi boxes with Google Voice, which has been discussed ad nauseum in earlier discussion threads: 
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
Quote from: bsdaiwa on October 31, 2013, 05:47:13 PM
Quote from: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 05:15:25 PM
Hmm so I should return the obi200 I just purchased but have not yet received to newegg since apparently obihai has no plans to adapt the device even though their competitors have already announced they have versions that will work using google hangouts.   I'm glad they let me know soon enough so I only have 1 mostly useless device on hand as opposed to 2.
What "competitors have already announced they have versions that will work with google hangouts"?

Posted by redjack back on 05/2013 @ http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r28309379-General-Google-HangOuts-vs.-XMPP

"We now have a prototype of the GVMate Phone Adapter using Hangouts up and running in the lab with Google Voice that supports both outgoing calling and incoming calling with CNAM caller name display. The same news for using the GVJackApp with a used/expired magicJack dongle.

Update: The one exciting thing found was that you can be signed into the same account at multiple locations and all of them ring when an incoming call arrives. Using Google Chat you could only really be signed in at one location at any given time to reliably receive incoming calls at that location."


As to those concerned about keeping their contacts and incoming calls etc for the time being, and until callcentric changes their policies in may 2014 you can forward your google voice calls to callcentric's free account which allows you to receive free incoming calls.  *note* You'll pay $1.50 a month for E911 unless you live outside USA or *cough* you say you do.

The obi becomes mostly useless for me because I'm cell phone only (which means I already get free long distance) and the obi's primary purpose (once again just for ME) was for sending and receiving faxes at a fixed phone number using google voice.  The occasional free call during hours when I didn't have unlimited free calling was a bonus but apps like talkatone still allow free outgoing calls for up to *I think* 3000 minutes a month.


Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Wilbour on October 31, 2013, 06:28:20 PM
I am not the most clever guy around so I find this confusing,

"Unfortunately, you will no longer be able to use the Google Voice communication service to make calls using the phone connected to your OBi device.  Also, the ability to receive calls to your Google Voice number, directly from Google's service, will not be possible. "

and

" First, your OBi will continue working as it does today – with calls to your Google Voice number ringing the phone and use of Google's service for connecting calls to the numbers you dial."

Seem to contradict each other.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on October 31, 2013, 06:31:30 PM
Wilbour:

I know, that statement was poorly-written.  The first quote is accurate.  The second quote should have read:  "First, your OBi will continue working as it does today, until after May 15th, 2014..."
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FRUGALFREAK on October 31, 2013, 06:36:58 PM
A good majority of users want a simple fee structure of per month fee for unlimited service. None of the alt services listed on announcement seemed like a good fit for those people. I don't want technical configurations, SIP, XMPP blah blah blah, Just offer me a nominal fee for unlimited service instead of per Min billing and ease of setup with my Obi.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Phokus on October 31, 2013, 06:45:05 PM
So they're not going to even attempt to adapt the OBI products to Google Hangouts? :(
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: AntonS on October 31, 2013, 07:03:30 PM
I was planning on doing what is said below. Which SIP provider of Anveo, Callcentric or VOIPms allows spoofing caller ID's?
Quote
But, many of us already use a hybrid approach to using OBi boxes with Google Voice, which has been discussed ad nauseum in earlier discussion threads: 

  • Sign up for a DID with a good-quality VoIP ITSP, such as one of the companies on the blog list, and add that DID as a forwarding number to your list of forwarding phones here: https://www.google.com/voice#phones.
  • Provision your OBi with that DID, and you'll receive inbound calls made to your GV number.
  • Assuming your VoIP ISP allows spoofing caller ID of verified phone numbers for outbound calls, spoof your GV phone number, and place your outbound calls over your VoIP ITSP.
  • Yes, this will cost some modest amount of money per month, but in trade, you get more reliable service, CNAM (caller ID name) on inbound and outbound calls if supported by your choice of ITSP, and E-911 service, none of which came with Google Voice.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Shale on October 31, 2013, 07:08:07 PM
Quote from: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
 *note* You'll pay $1.50 a month for E911 unless you live outside USA or *cough* you say you do.

Hasn't GV only been offered to those who report they are in the US?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:12:36 PM
Quote from: Shale on October 31, 2013, 07:08:07 PM
Quote from: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
  *note* You'll pay $1.50 a month for E911 unless you live outside USA or *cough* you say you do.

Hasn't GV only been offered to those who report they are in the US?
Yes, but you could set it up in the US and use it (almost) everywhere.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: AntonS on October 31, 2013, 07:03:30 PM
I was planning on doing what is said below. Which SIP provider of Anveo, Callcentric or VOIPms allows spoofing caller ID's?


None. But Localphone let's you set as caller ID any phone number you register with them, it could be your cell phone, your GV number, other SIP provider's number or whatever else.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:17:22 PM
Quote from: FRUGALFREAK on October 31, 2013, 06:36:58 PM
A good majority of users want a simple fee structure of per month fee for unlimited service. None of the alt services listed on announcement seemed like a good fit for those people. I don't want technical configurations, SIP, XMPP blah blah blah, Just offer me a nominal fee for unlimited service instead of per Min billing and ease of setup with my Obi.
I doubt the "Good majority" but for example VOIPO is like that.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 07:25:26 PM
Quote from: Shale on October 31, 2013, 07:08:07 PM
Quote from: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 06:25:38 PM
 *note* You'll pay $1.50 a month for E911 unless you live outside USA or *cough* you say you do.

Hasn't GV only been offered to those who report they are in the US?

The fee mentioned was in regards to callcentric service which is both in and out of the USA.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM
I suppose I am one of the very few people who use the phone barely any. I mean, it is usually less than maybe 5 minutes a month. That is why Google Voice was so attractive to me. I just want a way to make or receive the few calls a month I do participate in for free. I got rid of any other type of landline I had in the past because I just never used it enough to justify the expense. I really hope they can get it working through the Hangouts API's. If they don't, can anyone suggest another option for a cheapskate like myself that rarely uses any minutes at all? I mean, the cheaper the better, obviously. :)
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: cluckercreek on October 31, 2013, 07:37:23 PM
First post. I just purchased my Obi 110 last week and have been setting it up. It figures that GV would stop.  >:(
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Robert.Thompson on October 31, 2013, 07:48:10 PM
http://nerdvittles.com/?p=5758
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:51:35 PM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM
I suppose I am one of the very few people who use the phone barely any. I mean, it is usually less than maybe 5 minutes a month. That is why Google Voice was so attractive to me. I just want a way to make or receive the few calls a month I do participate in for free. I got rid of any other type of landline I had in the past because I just never used it enough to justify the expense. I really hope they can get it working through the Hangouts API's. If they don't, can anyone suggest another option for a cheapskate like myself that rarely uses any minutes at all? I mean, the cheaper the better, obviously. :)
I mentioned it before. Localphone. US DID 99c/month, 0.5c/min to lower 48.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: steveken on October 31, 2013, 08:09:04 PM
Quote from: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:51:35 PM
I mentioned it before. Localphone. US DID 99c/month, 0.5c/min to lower 48.

Yeah, I saw that, but their rates page kind of confuses me. I am looking at the United States 250 page, specifically. It says "This service requires you to dial a local landline number, that means you may also pay your phone provider local charges." Does that mean you have to call another number before you can call the number you want to call? Or what exactly does this mean? I do like the half a cent per minute, or in the case of the 250, 1/3 of a cent per minute and $0.75 per month access.

I guess I am just very new to all this lingo for this sort of thing. I am just guessing on a lot of terms like DID (I guess Direct Incoming Dial??). I suppose if I spent a lot of time researching this I might be able to figure out more about it, but right now it is all confusing the hell out of me. I don't want a lot of jargon or extra information. I just want a simple, straight forward, idiot proof explanation of fees and benefits from these services and I am not really finding it. I am needing clear info like that because I am going to have to explain and justify this stuff with my wife before I can do anything. She kinda likes to know what's going on with this stuff, too.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Wilbour on October 31, 2013, 08:13:16 PM
I have been using my Obi110 for a year and a half now with great success. We have family in central NY who call my NY # at no cost to them. That rings my Canadian cell and my home phone (via OBi). Could I opt for a free Call Central # in NY and forward my Google voice # to that #? My relatives will not pay for the call and  my reprogrammed Obi110 can ring my home phone and google voice will ring my Canadian Cell? When I call them with the OBi110 it is a local call?

Free NY # is charged for 911 though right?

This is a whole new world for me and I only have 6 months to figure it out  :D
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dadab on October 31, 2013, 08:14:41 PM
Sigh....I waited too long to ditch my ooma and now this....after all, GV shutdown reality hits home....Now the hunt for next VOIP.  :'(
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Kris404 on October 31, 2013, 08:18:50 PM
Quote from: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: AntonS on October 31, 2013, 07:03:30 PM
I was planning on doing what is said below. Which SIP provider of Anveo, Callcentric or VOIPms allows spoofing caller ID's?


None. But Localphone let's you set as caller ID any phone number you register with them, it could be your cell phone, your GV number, other SIP provider's number or whatever else.

Callcentric allows this as well. I have three numbers registered as such. You have to call a specified number and then open a support ticket stating the phone number and time of call to get it verified.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ostracus on October 31, 2013, 08:30:40 PM
Quote from: carl on October 31, 2013, 05:59:29 PM
How is your Obi "useless" ? There is a ton of excellent VOIP providers out there. Yes, you have to pay a tiny little bit but you get much more than from Google Voice.Look at localphone.com, $0.99/month for US DID and 0.5c/min  to the lower 48 and a real customer service and a lot of other services. Or Callcentric, a bit more expensive but a truly professional full featured phone service.  
Yes, we all enjoyed free ride with GV but honestly, no big deal.

Obi will be probably more likely to help with configuration for SIP in the future than they have been so far.

Their ability to deal with spam calls was a plus in their favor.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on October 31, 2013, 08:33:29 PM
Quote from: Wilbour on October 31, 2013, 08:13:16 PM
I have been using my Obi110 for a year and a half now with great success. We have family in central NY who call my NY # at no cost to them. That rings my Canadian cell and my home phone (via OBi). Could I opt for a free Call Central # in NY and forward my Google voice # to that #? My relatives will not pay for the call and  my reprogrammed Obi110 can ring my home phone and google voice will ring my Canadian Cell? When I call them with the OBi110 it is a local call?

Free NY # is charged for 911 though right?

This is a whole new world for me and I only have 6 months to figure it out  :D
You mean Callcentric. yes, you can do that, as a matter of fact many people already do it because you get full caller iD with name.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FRUGALFREAK on October 31, 2013, 08:40:34 PM
Quote from: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:17:22 PM
Quote from: FRUGALFREAK on October 31, 2013, 06:36:58 PM
A good majority of users want a simple fee structure of per month fee for unlimited service. None of the alt services listed on announcement seemed like a good fit for those people. I don't want technical configurations, SIP, XMPP blah blah blah, Just offer me a nominal fee for unlimited service instead of per Min billing and ease of setup with my Obi.
I doubt the "Good majority" but for example VOIPO is like that.

$75 a year? thanks but no thanks. magicjack is $19.95 yr but isn't obi.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on October 31, 2013, 08:41:10 PM
Quote from: Ostracus on October 31, 2013, 08:30:40 PM


Their ability to deal with spam calls was a plus in their favor.

True. But their call treatments are somewhat buggy and not quite reliable. The biggest aggravation for me will the estimated $ 56  in porting costs for my 2 numbers. But i am not moving anything till February.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on October 31, 2013, 08:46:06 PM
Quote from: FRUGALFREAK on October 31, 2013, 08:40:34 PM


$75 a year? thanks but no thanks. magicjack is $19.95 yr but isn't obi.

Currently, the true total costs of magic junk are WAY more than 19.95 a year. Additionally, the ' service " is so miserable That VOIPO, with all it's issues, looks stellar compared to that foolishness. I would not want magic junk any more if it were for free.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Felix on October 31, 2013, 09:34:43 PM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM
I suppose I am one of the very few people who use the phone barely any. I mean, it is usually less than maybe 5 minutes a month.
So, you can have CallWithus and it will cost you (gasp) 5 cents a month. And you can have free WA phone number from IPKall or free NY number from CallCentric. Or you can have both in and out from CallCentric or Voip.MS and it will cost you 10 cents a month.

Let's stop "the sky is falling" nonsense. Obihai is still an excellent device. It used to have a unique feature (GV support); now it will compete with Grandstreams and others. Maybe it will force them to improve their documentation - or maybe they will abandon retail market altogether!
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 10:29:15 PM
Here's the url of the topic on how to setup google voice to forward to callcentric...advantages are you get both caller id number and NAME (my cell phone phonebook has been downloaded to my local phones so most get a name anyway but for unknown numbers this is useful) and apparently your callcentric number can receive faxes which get forwarded to your email address as pdf files.  http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=3640.0

Now tie that into services like faxzero that let you send a couple of faxes a day free from web browser and an app like camscanner that lets you make pdf's from pics from your smartphone and you can take care of both send and receive.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: steveken on October 31, 2013, 10:59:37 PM
Quote from: Felix on October 31, 2013, 09:34:43 PM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM
I suppose I am one of the very few people who use the phone barely any. I mean, it is usually less than maybe 5 minutes a month.
So, you can have CallWithus and it will cost you (gasp) 5 cents a month. And you can have free WA phone number from IPKall or free NY number from CallCentric. Or you can have both in and out from CallCentric or Voip.MS and it will cost you 10 cents a month.

Let's stop "the sky is falling" nonsense. Obihai is still an excellent device. It used to have a unique feature (GV support); now it will compete with Grandstreams and others. Maybe it will force them to improve their documentation - or maybe they will abandon retail market altogether!

The thing is that right now, with GV, I have a number that is local to me. I do not want to have to give out a WA number or NY number to people if I need to give them a number. That just introduces WAY too many issues depending on who it is given to. And my wife sure as hell wouldn't do something like that. She would just rather not use the stuff at all if that were the case. It is just far more convenient for someone to have a number that is truly local to them. With that said, I am just trying to weigh the options and figure out what the actual costs are for what is available. Whatever it is, it has to be dirt cheap or it won't fly.

There is absolutely no "the sky is falling" here at all. It is a simple fact that I am trying to keep something working virtually the same as it does currently at a cost of free or extremely low to appease someone that I actually have to answer to.

Listen, what it boils down to is that things are going to be changing from what most of us are used to. We are just needing some assistance in figuring out the best options. The numerous sites out there that offer services are just too full of confusing terms that some of us are not accustomed to. I, personally, am a little confused on some of it and just am in need of some help. I am most definitely not needing to be belittled or berated over this topic. If you can't help me, or don't want to help me, that's fine. Keep your derisive comments to yourself.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: ja_ys on November 01, 2013, 12:12:22 AM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM
I suppose I am one of the very few people who use the phone barely any. I mean, it is usually less than maybe 5 minutes a month. That is why Google Voice was so attractive to me. I just want a way to make or receive the few calls a month I do participate in for free. I got rid of any other type of landline I had in the past because I just never used it enough to justify the expense. I really hope they can get it working through the Hangouts API's. If they don't, can anyone suggest another option for a cheapskate like myself that rarely uses any minutes at all? I mean, the cheaper the better, obviously. :)
Hi ... Try http://www.nettalk.com/duo (http://www.nettalk.com/duo) it has very liberal use at $29.95 per year (first year and device is $49.95) works just fine . This sounds like what you might be interested in . I have had it for 2 years and start my 3 rd year in December, never a problem.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Crow550 on November 01, 2013, 01:08:34 AM
If Google doesn't release some type of api or sdk to allow 3rd parties to develop and connect into Google Voice....

This could kill Obihai.... Or will as they will just end up another ATA company and the big reason people even know of these Obi boxes is because of Google Voice. If you use another service you are in the minority. This was the one edge that Obihai had over Ooma and MagicJack....

If G-Voice support goes many will go with it....

Either Google will work with 3rd parties like Obihai or come out with there own ATA box....

On one hand I'm glad Google Voice is finally getting attention and updates! On the other I don't know.... It's too soon to tell if Google will add 3rd party support or come out with there own hardware?

Too soon to know for sure if Obihai will not be able to support G-Voice? Things can change before the cut off date, so well see.

Obi could be asked to be a Google Hardware partner too....
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Wilbour on November 01, 2013, 03:28:18 AM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM

There is absolutely no "the sky is falling" here at all. It is a simple fact that I am trying to keep something working virtually the same as it does currently at a cost of free or extremely low to appease someone that I actually have to answer to.

Listen, what it boils down to is that things are going to be changing from what most of us are used to. We are just needing some assistance in figuring out the best options. The numerous sites out there that offer services are just too full of confusing terms that some of us are not accustomed to. I, personally, am a little confused on some of it and just am in need of some help. I am most definitely not needing to be belittled or berated over this topic. If you can't help me, or don't want to help me, that's fine. Keep your derisive comments to yourself.

It took me weeks to get the hardware and software to work seamlessly. My spouse is very low tech. so everything has to meet with her aproval. I now have a bit of a learning curve ahead.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Rick on November 01, 2013, 04:42:17 AM
I agree that this will kill OBi's retail business.  I suspect they thought Google would start charging a small amount for the service versus dropping it.

I'm going to be looking into just porting the house number to a cell phone and getting faxes via the internet vs. porting to a different service and see where I come out, but I'll wait until next year to look at it.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: steveken on November 01, 2013, 05:30:05 AM
Quote from: ja_ys on November 01, 2013, 12:12:22 AM
Hi ... Try http://www.nettalk.com/duo (http://www.nettalk.com/duo) it has very liberal use at $29.95 per year (first year and device is $49.95) works just fine . This sounds like what you might be interested in . I have had it for 2 years and start my 3 rd year in December, never a problem.

Oh boy, another magicjack device. Thanks, but no thanks. I have no interest in a device like that. Plus, that is way more expensive than even getting another ITSP like we have been discussing here.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: steveken on November 01, 2013, 05:34:18 AM
Quote from: Crow550 on November 01, 2013, 01:08:34 AM
This could kill Obihai.... Or will as they will just end up another ATA company and the big reason people even know of these Obi boxes is because of Google Voice. If you use another service you are in the minority. This was the one edge that Obihai had over Ooma and MagicJack....

If G-Voice support goes many will go with it....

I wholeheartedly agree. You look at the device on Amazon and you will see 99% of the comments are relating to GV. This really could hurt the company as a whole. I think you'd be hard pressed to find 1 person out of 500 that would know what any of this is all about. This is such a hobbyist area in the first place. The phone companies still have everyone under their thumbs in the first place that people would just be easier going cell only than to deal with any of this crap. I really do hope they open up the API to let companies like Obi back in. Time will tell.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dircom on November 01, 2013, 06:21:59 AM
Quote from: steveken on November 01, 2013, 05:34:18 AM
.........The phone companies still have everyone under their thumbs in the first place that people would just be easier going cell only than to deal with any of this crap.

I for one will never go to cell only until and unless the call quality is better.  Also, it is nice to have the ability to send the occasional outbound fax.  I still have free incoming from the starting days of jfax/efax
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 01, 2013, 07:33:02 AM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 10:59:37 PM
Quote from: Felix on October 31, 2013, 09:34:43 PM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM
I suppose I am one of the very few people who use the phone barely any. I mean, it is usually less than maybe 5 minutes a month.
So, you can have CallWithus and it will cost you (gasp) 5 cents a month. And you can have free WA phone number from IPKall or free NY number from CallCentric. Or you can have both in and out from CallCentric or Voip.MS and it will cost you 10 cents a month.

Let's stop "the sky is falling" nonsense. Obihai is still an excellent device. It used to have a unique feature (GV support); now it will compete with Grandstreams and others. Maybe it will force them to improve their documentation - or maybe they will abandon retail market altogether!

The thing is that right now, with GV, I have a number that is local to me. I do not want to have to give out a WA number or NY number to people if I need to give them a number.

Read more carefully.

Get the free DID mentioned above.  Configure your OBi.  Forward your google voice number to the new DID.  Done.

Nobody but you needs to know.

Now your incoming calls to GV get forwarded to the DID and then to your OBi.  Free.  And nobody needs to know.

Outgoing calls go thru the new service.  Costs pennies a call.  Or for the ultimate cheapskates like me, add another service like localphone for outgoing calls.  $0.005/minute or various plans up to $5/month for 5000 minutes.  That is nearly as cheap as GV for low usage, and still much cheaper than the PSTN.

(Note that localphone bills by the minute while some other services charge $0.01/minute but bill in six-second increments which may be cheaper if you make a lot of short calls.  On average you will waste 1/2 of a billing increment per call.)
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: AntonS on November 01, 2013, 07:37:43 AM
People who think that Google will somehow let Obihai still use Google Voice are very likely mistaken. Google is not retiring Google Voice, but is limiting access to it. Only Google products like Hangouts will be be able to use it.  One can keep your Google Voice number your main number people call you, by provisioning your Obi's with a SIP provider. The cheapest seems to be Callcentric which will give you a free DID number in NY. You can make that number a forwarding number for your Google Voice number. You can also spoof your GV number as an out going call number for free:
See:http://www.callcentric.com/features/external_caller_id
If I understand the procedures correctly you might want to do this first, so that you can use your OBI to verify your GV number with Callcentric.
Another feature seems to be that you can configure on Callcentric for free a second OBI as a sub account. This would eliminate the song and and dance one has to go through to have two OBI's on one GV account.
Does anyone have experience with the call quality of Callcentric vs say Google Voice, or other SIP providers.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 01, 2013, 08:03:54 AM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 08:09:04 PM
Quote from: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:51:35 PM
I mentioned it before. Localphone. US DID 99c/month, 0.5c/min to lower 48.

Yeah, I saw that, but their rates page kind of confuses me. I am looking at the United States 250 page, specifically. It says "This service requires you to dial a local landline number, that means you may also pay your phone provider local charges." Does that mean you have to call another number before you can call the number you want to call? Or what exactly does this mean? I do like the half a cent per minute, or in the case of the 250, 1/3 of a cent per minute and $0.75 per month access.

I guess I am just very new to all this lingo for this sort of thing. I am just guessing on a lot of terms like DID (I guess Direct Incoming Dial??). I suppose if I spent a lot of time researching this I might be able to figure out more about it, but right now it is all confusing the hell out of me. I don't want a lot of jargon or extra information. I just want a simple, straight forward, idiot proof explanation of fees and benefits from these services and I am not really finding it. I am needing clear info like that because I am going to have to explain and justify this stuff with my wife before I can do anything. She kinda likes to know what's going on with this stuff, too.

Localphone provides a number of different services.
Like : 1. VOIP calling for which you can use your Obi device. Their outgoing rates apply to that ( 0.5 c us lower 48)
2. DID service- free incoming calling
3. Local numbers- you chose a localo number in lieu of a long distance/foreign number and call those numbers to reach your friends. Outgoing rtates apply
4. Calling card services. You have a virtual calling card( which you can also use fromj your cell p0hone0 and call arounfd the world for their outgoing rates
5. Callback service You call  an acess number, hang up, the system calls you back and you dial the destibation number.

All the services can be subscribed together or separately each as you wish.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 01, 2013, 08:08:03 AM
https://plus.google.com/106636280351174936240/posts/MjyncJEbzxK
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 08:24:04 AM
Inbound GV calls using a free DID was covered several times in this thread, but I didn't see free outbound calls using GV.  You can initiate a call from a PC when signed on to GV. GV will call your DID and after you answer, GV will complete the outbound call. I know this is a pain, but for those that want FREE this is a solution.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 01, 2013, 09:26:08 AM
Quote from: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 08:24:04 AM
Inbound GV calls using a free DID was covered several times in this thread, but I didn't see free outbound calls using GV.  You can initiate a call from a PC when signed on to GV. GV will call your DID and after you answer, GV will complete the outbound call. I know this is a pain, but for those that want FREE this is a solution.
Apparently, there is a way to do it through Sipsorcery, but I do not know the details.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 01, 2013, 09:32:42 AM
Quote from: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 08:24:04 AM
You can initiate a call from a PC when signed on to GV. GV will call your DID and after you answer, GV will complete the outbound call. I know this is a pain, but for those that want FREE this is a solution.

Yes, this works. But will it continue to work after Google disables XMPP in May 2014?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 09:51:18 AM
Quote from: carl on November 01, 2013, 09:26:08 AM
Apparently, there is a way to do it through Sipsorcery, but I do not know the details.

You have to setup a provider with your GV credentials and a callback number. Then add some code in your Dialplan to use the provider. It's relatively easy and there many examples on their forum.

The problem with SipSorcery is it's not free and costs $69 per year. It was free, but not anymore.

Will Google cut off this type of access too?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 10:07:12 AM
Quote from: gderf on November 01, 2013, 09:32:42 AM
Quote from: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 08:24:04 AM
You can initiate a call from a PC when signed on to GV. GV will call your DID and after you answer, GV will complete the outbound call. I know this is a pain, but for those that want FREE this is a solution.

Yes, this works. But will it continue to work after Google disables XMPP in May 2014?

This is how GV was originally designed to work and doesn't use XMPP. It was intended to work with a PSTN phone and the callback function, but you can use a SIP provider and a DID. I doubt this will change.

People with a PSTN line can call their GV number, get a prompt and then make a free long distance call. This probably will not change either.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 01, 2013, 10:19:30 AM
http://tech.iprock.com/?p=9784
For asterisk/freepbx users the old way

No, Sipsorcery makes no sense to me for $ 69.-.  That's 13800 minutes with Localphone.  I use far less than that.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 01, 2013, 10:27:06 AM
Quote from: Rick on November 01, 2013, 04:42:17 AM
I agree that this will kill OBi's retail business.  I suspect they thought Google would start charging a small amount for the service versus dropping it.



It depends how they handle it. Right now, they cater largely to the GV folks and leave SIP providers for the hobbyist minority.  If they make a 90 degree turn quickly, it could remain a retail success.

From my brief chat with them it seems that they are absolutely out from Google business and that they will not bother with hangouts, thus the May 14th is th last day indeed.
I will wait till February with any move.

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 01, 2013, 10:46:34 AM
Quote from: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 10:07:12 AM


This is how GV was originally designed to work and doesn't use XMPP. It was intended to work with a PSTN phone and the callback function, but you can use a SIP provider and a DID. I doubt this will change.

People with a PSTN line can call their GV number, get a prompt and then make a free long distance call. This probably will not change either.



Thanks for the explanation. I have today obtained a free DID from CallCentric and verified this works as described. If this and the free outbound calling via Google continues to work post May 15, 2014, I can live with the workaround.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: DaveHuss on November 01, 2013, 11:15:47 AM
As someone pointed out the "call google, enter the number you wish to call, and have google call you back" method of placing a call should hopefully still work. If that is the case then a call-centric/pay by the minute number is all you will need. To make dial your GV number less painful, program it as one of the speed dials. I haven't looked in the ObiHai's manual or done this yet (will when I get home) but you should be able to set a speed dial by picking up the phone and hitting:

*74 following by 1+your google voice number + 2-9 (to set which speed dial it'll be). Then to call your GV number just hit 2-9 (whichever you chose) followed by the # key.

To check a speed dial number you can hit *75 + 2-9.

So theoretically to place a call all you'd have to do is his 2# + dial the number you want, hang up, have google call you back and it'll only cost you a minute (a penny basically) no matter how long the phone call is (I assume <1 min calls are rounded up, if not it'll be even cheaper).
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: steveken on November 01, 2013, 11:56:25 AM
Quote from: sdb- on November 01, 2013, 07:33:02 AM
Read more carefully.

Get the free DID mentioned above.  Configure your OBi.  Forward your google voice number to the new DID.  Done.

Nobody but you needs to know.

Now your incoming calls to GV get forwarded to the DID and then to your OBi.  Free.  And nobody needs to know.

Outgoing calls go thru the new service.  Costs pennies a call.  Or for the ultimate cheapskates like me, add another service like localphone for outgoing calls.  $0.005/minute or various plans up to $5/month for 5000 minutes.  That is nearly as cheap as GV for low usage, and still much cheaper than the PSTN.

Ok, so, basically, I just set up a "Free Phone Number" on the CallCentric site, follow the setup procedures for the Obi100 on the page http://www.callcentric.com/support/device/obihai/obi100, then go into the Google Voice settings and set up a new forward to number with the CallCentric number on it? Seems easy enough.

The only drawback is that since that would be a free incoming call only option, I would have to figure out something if someone wanted to use the phones for outgoing calls. That is where all the spoofing comes into play, I take it. Because if I set it up that way, I couldn't just pick up the phone and do the whole Google calling you back routine like DaveHuss just mentioned because I wouldn't have a way to call out to the Google Voice number to get it to do all the calling back.

Oh, well, I guess one could use the Hangouts app to do the outbound initiating call and then have it ring the CallCentric number configured in the Obi100. Is that right? Or would you not be able to do something like that with the Hangouts app because it is already the Google Voice number and would just be initiating the call from there? I guess I am still a tad confused on this part of the plan. Would that only work from within the Voice webpage on a computer?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 01, 2013, 12:04:23 PM
Quote from: steveken on November 01, 2013, 11:56:25 AM

The only drawback is that since that would be a free incoming call only option, I would have to figure out something if someone wanted to use the phones for outgoing calls. That is where all the spoofing comes into play, I take it. Because if I set it up that way, I couldn't just pick up the phone and do the whole Google calling you back routine like DaveHuss just mentioned because I wouldn't have a way to call out to the Google Voice number to get it to do all the calling back.



That's why you set up Localhone as a second provider next to callcentric on your Obi, and register all your numbers you have with them. You then set your desired number as Caller ID for your outgoing calls. You will pay the 0.5c/min. This way you ootbound calling will remain fully functional regardless whether you computer is on. off course, you can call out with Callcentric directly however that would be almost 2c/min.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ostracus on November 01, 2013, 12:53:44 PM
Quote from: Felix on October 31, 2013, 09:34:43 PM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM
I suppose I am one of the very few people who use the phone barely any. I mean, it is usually less than maybe 5 minutes a month.
So, you can have CallWithus and it will cost you (gasp) 5 cents a month. And you can have free WA phone number from IPKall or free NY number from CallCentric. Or you can have both in and out from CallCentric or Voip.MS and it will cost you 10 cents a month.

Let's stop "the sky is falling" nonsense. Obihai is still an excellent device. It used to have a unique feature (GV support); now it will compete with Grandstreams and others. Maybe it will force them to improve their documentation - or maybe they will abandon retail market altogether!

Don't know about sky, but with their upcoming devices it looked like Obihai was aiming for the business market, in which I doubt GV is a big player.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 02:43:55 PM
Quote from: DaveHuss on November 01, 2013, 11:15:47 AM
As someone pointed out the "call google, enter the number you wish to call, and have google call you back" method of placing a call should hopefully still work. If that is the case then a call-centric/pay by the minute number is all you will need.

I don't think you understand how GV works.
There are 2 methods to make a call from a PSTN or your OBi.

Method 1: Sign in to GV and initiate a call. GV does a callback.

Method 2: Call your GV number. You get a GV prompt. You enter "2" and the outbound number. GV makes the call. No callback.

I have a PSTN line and can call my GV number for free and then make a free long distance call. If you only have a SIP provider and using method 2, you are getting charged for the call by your provider.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 01, 2013, 03:27:50 PM
Quote from: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 02:43:55 PM


Method 2: Call your GV number. You get a GV prompt. You enter "2" and the outbound number. GV makes the call. No callback.

I have a PSTN line and can call my GV number for free and then make a free long distance call. If you only have a SIP provider and using method 2, you are getting charged for the call by your provider.


OK, so when using method 2 with a SIP provider I would estimate it takes less than a minute for GV to pick up the call and make the outbound call. Is the time charged for by the SIP provider over at that point - ie a one minute call?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 01, 2013, 03:48:41 PM
Quote from: gderf on November 01, 2013, 03:27:50 PM


OK, so when using method 2 with a SIP provider I would estimate it takes less than a minute for GV to pick up the call and make the outbound call. Is the time charged for by the SIP provider over at that point - ie a one minute call?
No. You will be charged for the entire duration of the call. The 'method' 2 makes, as azrobert said, only sense if you have a PSTN line with free local but no long distance calling.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dennist on November 03, 2013, 03:31:02 PM
Quote from: sdb- on November 01, 2013, 07:33:02 AM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 10:59:37 PM
Quote from: Felix on October 31, 2013, 09:34:43 PM
Quote from: steveken on October 31, 2013, 07:34:45 PM
I suppose I am one of the very few people who use the phone barely any. I mean, it is usually less than maybe 5 minutes a month.
So, you can have CallWithus and it will cost you (gasp) 5 cents a month. And you can have free WA phone number from IPKall or free NY number from CallCentric. Or you can have both in and out from CallCentric or Voip.MS and it will cost you 10 cents a month.

Let's stop "the sky is falling" nonsense. Obihai is still an excellent device. It used to have a unique feature (GV support); now it will compete with Grandstreams and others. Maybe it will force them to improve their documentation - or maybe they will abandon retail market altogether!

The thing is that right now, with GV, I have a number that is local to me. I do not want to have to give out a WA number or NY number to people if I need to give them a number.

Read more carefully.

Get the free DID mentioned above.  Configure your OBi.  Forward your google voice number to the new DID.  Done.

Nobody but you needs to know.

Now your incoming calls to GV get forwarded to the DID and then to your OBi.  Free.  And nobody needs to know.

Outgoing calls go thru the new service.  Costs pennies a call.  Or for the ultimate cheapskates like me, add another service like localphone for outgoing calls.  $0.005/minute or various plans up to $5/month for 5000 minutes.  That is nearly as cheap as GV for low usage, and still much cheaper than the PSTN.

(Note that localphone bills by the minute while some other services charge $0.01/minute but bill in six-second increments which may be cheaper if you make a lot of short calls.  On average you will waste 1/2 of a billing increment per call.)

I am not familiar with using OBi with other VOIP services. Can you point me to the right direction?

Where can I find the free DID?

I have an OBi 110. SP1 is configured with Google Voice. Should I configure the incoming DID in SP2?

For the outgoing calls, like Localphone, where should I do the configuration? SP1 or SP2? I could not find the instruction of setting up Obi device in Localphone's website.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 03, 2013, 04:04:12 PM
You can get a free NYC area DID from CallCentric http://www.callcentric.com/dids/free_phone_number

Just tell them you are not using it within the US or Canada or they will beat you up for a 911 monthly fee.

My OBi200 has a wizard for CallCentric setup. If your OBi doesn't you'll have to put the info CallCentric provides in by hand using the 'Other' provider wizard.

Yes, it would go on SP2.

I don't have an OBi110, but I think there is only SP1 and SP2 on those. Your Google Voice and the free DID are going to use them both. So you can't add a third or fourth SP like I can on the OBi 200. If that's the case you could use CallCentric for both incoming and outgoing on the same SP2 slot so long as you are happy with their outgoing rates.

The other option would be to wait for a firesale on an OBi200 or other model that can do four SP slots. Something tells me the prices on these are going to drop real soon now. Keeping an eye on ebay could pay off.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 03, 2013, 06:33:04 PM
Quote from: azrobert on November 01, 2013, 02:43:55 PM

Method 1: Sign in to GV and initiate a call. GV does a callback.

Method 2: Call your GV number. You get a GV prompt. You enter "2" and the outbound number. GV makes the call. No callback.

I have a PSTN line and can call my GV number for free and then make a free long distance call. If you only have a SIP provider and using method 2, you are getting charged for the call by your provider.

Yeah, so use method 1 with GV.  Awkward, but free!  Or use a cheap SIP provider and call direct.

Inspired by the instructions posted elsewhere to "get free CNAM with google voice" I set up a free account with Anveo.  I configured that account as SP2 in my OBi.  I went to IPKall and got a free DID and sent it to my free Anveo SIP address.  I went to google voice and added the IPKall number.  Google gave me a code, called the number, it rang the phone plugging into my OBi, I entered the 2-digit code google gave me, and google added the IPKall number as a forwarding option.  I selected to forward calls to that free IPKall number.

Now when someone calls my google number, it goes from google to IPKall to Anveo to my OBi to my phone.  All free.  And I get better caller ID than when my OBi got the google calls directly.

I can also (method 1) go to the google voice page, tell them to call a contact, they ring my IPKall number first, I answer, they call my contact.

All free.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Wilbour on November 03, 2013, 08:54:00 PM
Quote from: gderf on November 03, 2013, 04:04:12 PM
You can get a free NYC area DID from CallCentric http://www.callcentric.com/dids/free_phone_number

Just tell them you are not using it within the US or Canada or they will beat you up for a 911 monthly fee.

My OBi200 has a wizard for CallCentric setup. If your OBi doesn't you'll have to put the info CallCentric provides in by hand using the 'Other' provider wizard.

Yes, it would go on SP2.

I don't have an OBi110, but I think there is only SP1 and SP2 on those. Your Google Voice and the free DID are going to use them both. So you can't add a third or fourth SP like I can on the OBi 200. If that's the case you could use CallCentric for both incoming and outgoing on the same SP2 slot so long as you are happy with their outgoing rates.


Can you make outgoing calls with the free CallCentric DID in NY State? Are you billed for a user pay rate?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 03, 2013, 09:11:41 PM
Quote from: Wilbour on November 03, 2013, 08:54:00 PM
Can you make outgoing calls with the free CallCentric DID in NY State? Are you billed for a user pay rate?

No.

A Direct Inward Dialing number is not a phone line.  It is just an inbound access for people on the public telephone network to reach into your VoIP phone system.


SIP and VoIP in general has no "phone line" that does calls both in and out.  Just like buying phone service for a large business -- incoming lines and outgoing lines are totally separate.  You might need a lot of incoming and very few out.  Or you might need a lot of out and very few if any in.

You get a DID for incoming calls.  Depending on your service it can do 1 or many calls simultaneously.

If you want to make calls you need an account that will let you make outgoing calls.  Totally separate concept from incoming.

Most services will provide some way to set the caller ID information on outgoing calls.  But "setting" is all it is.  My account with localphone allows me to set my caller ID to the phone number of my centurylink phone line, or my google voice number, or my IPKall number or any number they can call and verify that it belongs to me.  My account with Anveo even allows me to set a caller ID with each contact in my contact list to automatically use my preferred caller ID for each one.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: J_R_ on November 04, 2013, 12:13:07 AM
The 2 links I provided indicate Google is replacing XMPP used in Google Voice with HTML5 and WebRTC for Hangouts.

Reading these links, one can infer that a firmware update will allow your OBi box to work with Hangouts (assuming the OBi has the cpu power and/or memory needed to do this).

http://blog.obihai.com/2012/11/obihai-and-webrtc-future-is-calling.html
http://www.pcphonesoft.com/gvjackapp-unaffected-by-xmpp-retirement-May-2014.html

Not sure why pcphonesoft can tell us we will work with GV after XMPP Retirement May 2014, and Obihai will not or cannot (may require newer, better, faster hardware?, NDA?).

I really don't think obi is going to let this cash cow die.


NOTE: Fixed links, they worked when I wrote this, broke when I pasted from Howard Forums.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 04, 2013, 06:58:06 AM
Quote from: J_R_ on November 04, 2013, 12:13:07 AM
The 2 links I provided indicate Google is replacing XMPP used in Google Voice with HTML5 and WebRTC for Hangouts. ...
Not sure why pcphonesoft can tell us we will work with GV after XMPP Retirement May 2014, and Obihai will not or cannot (may require newer, better, faster hardware?).

Of course if the hardware is capable, a firmware update could work.

But Google has said Voice with continue with Hangouts, and Obihai says their device won't.

Quote from: Obihai
Unfortunately, you will no longer be able to use the Google Voice communication service to make calls using the phone connected to your OBi device.  Also, the ability to receive calls to your Google Voice number, directly from Google's service, will not be possible. 

Whether that is because the hardware can't do it, or Obihai does not want to do it, or Google will not allow them to do it is irrelevant.  About all we can hope for on that front is that the statement indicates a starting position and might change.  But hope is not a plan.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ansextra on November 04, 2013, 11:24:50 AM
I am honestly more interested in keeping my GV number and using it with a regular phone handset than anything else.
Right now I'm tending towards localphone as an alternative since I need to use the phone to dial out.  They have the $5/month subscription that seems to fit my needs if I'm understanding it correctly.  I'm not changing anything yet as I'm still waiting to see what Google actually offers (but am not hopeful).
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 04, 2013, 11:49:13 AM
I'm not sure I understand their service, the United States 5000 plan which is 5000 minutes for $5.00. What does this mean, cut from the site? How does your OBi play with that? Also, are there any taxes or other fees with that plan?

------------------------------------
Important information

This service requires you to dial a local landline number, that means you may also pay your phone provider local charges. If you get free landline calls you only pay our cheap international rates.
------------------------------------
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ansextra on November 04, 2013, 12:27:34 PM
I'm not sure why a local landline is needed.  That's a bit confusing to me.  I'd like to set up the 5000 minute service on my VOIP phone that I'm currently using with my Obi.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 04, 2013, 12:53:50 PM
My guess is that you can't initiate any actual calls yourself but have to dial in to the local number and get a callback, like you do when dialing a number from the GV web page.

I think they offer to let you make a free call before signing up. If so, I'd try it first before paying them.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 04, 2013, 05:25:02 PM
Someone please tell me what I am missing here with the following proposal:

Since most people seem to be using an Obi in order to use GV with a standard phone device, and not have to pay to have a separate phone line (instead using the Obi box as your "phone line" with Google Chat)... and since this service appears to be going away... and since people are trying to find a way to use Google number with an alternate phone provider with as few changes as possible, and trying to keep in cheap....

And since all the alternatives involve a small fee and/or a bunch of gyrations and piecemeal actions (on the order of a few bucks a month and different services for incoming/outgoing/local numbers)...

What is wrong with keeping Google Voice as a forwarding service, and ditching the Obi altogether since it cannot work *directly* with GV. Since you would *still* need to have an additional service to place on the Obi box, why not purchase a NetTalk box and forward the GV number to that instead? They give you a local phone number, you can make incoming and outgoing calls with no per-minute charges on either end, they have 911 included, and it's only $30 per year (after initial hardware purchase), which is 2.50 per month, flat rate unlimited?

I mean, if you're going to need all these features anyway and some of them involve similar or higher charges, why not get them all in one place for a simple fee, and have access to paid customer service to boot??

Aside from having to retire the obi box and losing whatever it cost, what is wrong with the above argument? Isn't that the same as ditching one wireless provider for another with better rates and having to purchase a new phone upfront?

Am I missing something?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 04, 2013, 05:57:47 PM
Yes you are missing something.

You may not have missed this part, but incoming GV calls can still be received on the OBi in a completely transparent manner, both today and after May 15, 2014. All you need to do is get a free DID number, add it to your GV account as a forwarding number, and configure an SP in your OBi to use it. If you do this, then today when someone calls your GV number, your OBi will ring on the SP you used to configure GV on. Post May 15, 2014 when GV disables XMPP, calls to your GV voice number will ring on your OBi on the SP you used to configure the free DID. If you want to start using the free DID today, then unselect Google Chat as a forward in your GV account. I have already done this because the free DID I have requires some minimal amount of traffic on it or the number will be taken back and given to someone else. This covers the post May 15, 2014 situation for continued use of your OBi for inbound calls to your GV number.

As for making free outbound calls with your GV number and your OBi post May 15, 2014, this is a bit more complicated. Since the OBi will no longer work directly to initiate such a call, you can't just pick up an attached phone and dial like you can today. One way to make this happen is to use your web browser which is signed into your GV account and press the call button. Next you type in the number you wish to call, and select your free DID number for the "Phone to call with." Then press the Connect button. The phone attached to your OBi will ring. When you pick it up your call will be completed shortly thereafter. Yes this a kludge. But it works, will continue to work, remains free, and lets you keep making calls with your OBi and its attached phone.

It's up to you to decide if using the web page to dial your calls is acceptable or not. If it isn't you can start looking around for a VoIP service provider that satisfies your needs. I gave CallWithUs $5.00 to play with for now just to see how well it works. The calls are currently priced at just under one penny per minute, there are no taxes or fees associated with opening an account, and your money never expires if you don't make calls.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on November 04, 2013, 06:27:01 PM
Quote from: carl on October 31, 2013, 07:15:31 PM
Quote from: AntonS on October 31, 2013, 07:03:30 PM
I was planning on doing what is said below. Which SIP provider of Anveo, Callcentric or VOIPms allows spoofing caller ID's?


None. But Localphone let's you set as caller ID any phone number you register with them, it could be your cell phone, your GV number, other SIP provider's number or whatever else.

RE. CID spoofing:  wrong.  Callcentric, for example, allows the user to spoof the caller ID of any phone number that the user legitimately controls.  This is accomplished by calling Callcentric's toll-free verification number via your desired phone number, and then opening a support ticket with them.  They go look at their TFN's call log, which shows your caller ID placed the call, and then they happily add it to your account as a number you can use for outbound CID.

I am not sure why you keep pushing Localphone, unless you are battling the "my service is cheaper than your service" war.  Simply setting the OBi up with Callcentric, as I described, and as used by many other posters on this forum, will solve the Google Voice conundrum, with reliable service, very little techno-futzing, and, if you wish, E-911 and all the other features CC and GV support.  Yes, it costs some small amount of money.  The free ride with GV calling can still be accomplished by setting up the bridged inbound call with the click-to-call button, too, if you want free outbound calls.  But as has been stated, people can decide if it's worth the hassle, or just pay the $.018/minute or pay a monthly bucket rate, for outbound calls and be done with it.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 04, 2013, 06:56:55 PM
Quote from: gderf on November 04, 2013, 05:57:47 PM
Yes you are missing something.

You may not have missed this part, but incoming GV calls can still be received on the OBi in a completely transparent manner, both today and after May 15, 2014.

yes, I followed this part



It's up to you to decide if using the web page to dial your calls is acceptable or not. If it isn't you can start looking around for a VoIP service provider that satisfies your needs. I gave CallWithUs $5.00 to play with for now just to see how well it works. The calls are currently priced at just under one penny per minute, there are no taxes or fees associated with opening an account, and your money never expires if you don't make calls.

And THIS is what I was asking about. In other words, once one decides that they want an internet phone with seamless functionality with a standard phone and not having to worry about juggling several services and time charges, and having to spend a small amount of money for whatever service they choose, there seems to be no longer a reason to use the OBI box if other boxes can do it all in one with a unified account and a unified fee for all services. If you only need it as an "extra" phone and use very little minutes, I could see the point. But if you use it as a landline replacement, which I think many ppl do, then $30 a year to set it and forget it seems as cheap as any of the other services. Correct?

Good luck.

Thanks for responding.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 04, 2013, 07:39:01 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on November 04, 2013, 06:27:01 PM

I am not sure why you keep pushing Localphone, unless you are battling the "my service is cheaper than your service" war. 
Not "battling a war" however, since I use both Localphone and Callcentric I am pretty much aware of the pricing and CC is relatively expensive. People who went with Google voice want something less pricey and here comes LP indeed. LP has the best price/performance ratio of any provider i am aware of.No doubt it does not provide CC's fancy, but that's not what most GV users are looking for.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 04, 2013, 08:59:03 PM
Quote from: gderf on November 04, 2013, 11:49:13 AM
I'm not sure I understand their service, the United States 5000 plan which is 5000 minutes for $5.00. What does this mean, cut from the site? How does your OBi play with that? Also, are there any taxes or other fees with that plan?

------------------------------------
Important information

This service requires you to dial a local landline number, that means you may also pay your phone provider local charges. If you get free landline calls you only pay our cheap international rates.
------------------------------------


That is like a calling card.  OBi "plays" with internet calling, not that.

Localphone can be used like a calling card (e.g. call in to a local number, bounce your call to another number somewhere else at the localphone low rate instead of the normal long-distance rate).  That is what your snip is describing.

Localphone can be used to make or receive calls from your computer like google voice + chat.

It can be used to rent a phone number near family or friends so they can call it locally, and it will forward to and ring your phone so you pay for the call (at localphone rates) instead of your family or friends.

It can also be used like any other SIP VoIP provider, which is where the OBi comes in.

Probably it can be used in other ways, but that is what I remember.

I'm just getting started with Localphone, but they appear to fully disclose the cost, so it appears you get 5000 minutes (those are US48 minutes, if I remember correctly) with no other taxes or fees.

How you use those minutes might have additional cost, but I expect I could use all 5000 to make outgoing calls with my OBi.  If I wanted a DID on the other side of the country which would forward to my home phone number, I would expect to pay for that DID plus pay for the 5000, and then calls into that DID would use those 5000 minutes as would outgoing calls from my OBi.

But like I said, I'm just getting started...
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Crow550 on November 04, 2013, 11:43:54 PM
GVJack is future ready: http://www.pcphonesoft.com/gvjackapp-unaffected-by-xmpp-retirement-may-2014.html
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: CoalMinerRetired on November 05, 2013, 05:17:11 AM
Quote from: Crow550 on November 04, 2013, 11:43:54 PM
GVJack is future ready: http://www.pcphonesoft.com/gvjackapp-unaffected-by-xmpp-retirement-may-2014.html
I don't see how this is considered future ready when it must be run in a browser, i.e., to make use of it with GV you must have an 'always on' PC with an 'always open' browser.

If you're going to have a browser open all the time, why not just use GV in Hangouts or directly from GMail.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 05, 2013, 06:00:10 AM
I didn't use the quote feature correctly and it looks like I hid my own quote in the shaded box, so I'm re-posting it here. Refer to the original a few entries above:

"And THIS is what I was asking about. In other words, once one decides that they want an internet phone with seamless functionality with a standard phone and not having to worry about juggling several services and time charges, and having to spend a small amount of money for whatever service they choose, there seems to be no longer a reason to use the OBI box if other boxes can do it all in one with a unified account and a unified fee for all services. If you only need it as an "extra" phone and use very little minutes, I could see the point. But if you use it as a landline replacement, which I think many ppl do, then $30 a year to set it and forget it seems as cheap as any of the other services. Correct?"

---

Another way of saying this is- once you've already had to sign up for another account with a SIP provider, since you are already paying the $1.50 for 911, what's so bad about paying an additional 1 dollar (making it 2.50 a month or 30/yr) and knowing that everything is already taken care of? In one all-inclusive service, you now don't worry about nickel and dime charges for every little thing, your incoming and outgoing are in the same place, you have live cust service etc. Unless that extra $1.00 sounds like a huge increase from the multiple 1c and 7c charges you are sure to have with the other services, or you really like paying 5.95 for "5000" minutes, instead of 2.50 for flat-fee.

Again, what am I missing?? I realize 100% free is a no-brainer, even compared to super cheap. But once you start paying even a small charge, it's almost no difference between "super cheap" and "really cheap", especially when there is a HUGE difference in convenience.

If there is a flaw in my logic, or I forgot about other hidden charges or factors, please point it out. Other than this, it may be just a personal preference thing. (Still, comparing straight dollar-for-dollar, I think there is no objective advantage to the cobbled-together setup with OBi and multiple providers).
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: QBZappy on November 05, 2013, 07:23:35 AM
There are many casualties as a result of GV enforcing their TOS. Here is a 3rd party app confirming that Google is actively behind this. I don't understand why the obihai blog was not as transparent. It looks like MetroTalk got their letter earlier than obihai, since obihai has until May 15, 2014.

http://winsource.com/2013/11/04/google-voice-for-windows-phone-shutting-down-metrotalk/

"We are sad to announce that after a request by Google, MetroTalk will be removed from the Windows Phone store on May 1, 2014. We apologize to all our users for this but the decision is beyond our control, and in fact affects all third-party Google Voice apps. The good news is that the app will remain available and fully functional for 6 more months, and you can expect bug fix updates during that time. A huge thank you to all of our users for making us one of the top downloaded and highest rated apps of the Windows Phone store. Once again, we truly apologize to everyone affected by this."

I am speculating that obihai may have plans to do a mass provisioning exercise on the units on May 15, 2014 to remove the GV code in the firmware. Any units configured to be provisioned by the OBiTALK service will be affected. This reminds me of the last time obihai surprised everyone after they mass provisioned all the units. A casualty of the last mass provisioning effort was the loss of RonR as a contributor. Removing the GV code would make a lot of sense since it frees up valuable space for other features in the embedded firmware. I'm hoping obihai adds an open VPN client to replace the GV code.

This looks like an opportunity to make another round of feature requests and suggest your own.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Lavarock7 on November 05, 2013, 08:41:03 AM
Voip.Ms has cheap calling and can spoof any caller-id, unlike some others who requite that you actually own the number you want to spoof to. I used to spoof to a number held by Sipgate.

Currently porting to Voip.Ms is free in the US and most numbers then would cost 99 cents a month to be held there.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: ProfTech on November 05, 2013, 06:12:44 PM
I agree with QBZappy. I played around with Google Voice when I first got the Obi but the old adage "You get what you pay for" applies here. I have tried several SIP providers with varying results. LocalPhone was one of them but I believe CallWithUs gives the light user more bang for your buck and better call quality and reliability. For ease of setup CallCentric is very good. YMMV

For what it is worth, the Obi 110 can spoof a caller ID but Callcentric will not accept the call the way the Obi does it.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 05, 2013, 06:21:19 PM
Since it isn't clear which thread is most related, I would like to post  the same question in here. The link is below:

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=3640.msg43399#msg43399

I would appreciate anyone's additional comments. Please read the responses and the followup questions.

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ostracus on November 05, 2013, 07:29:52 PM
Quote from: QBZappy on November 05, 2013, 07:23:35 AM

This looks like an opportunity to make another round of feature requests and suggest your own.

Isn't Obihai embracing WebRTC?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Koby on November 07, 2013, 11:05:18 AM
Quote from: carl on November 01, 2013, 10:19:30 AM
http://tech.iprock.com/?p=9784
For asterisk/freepbx users the old way

It seems to me that if that works, anyone could get a Raspberry Pi and then install Asterisk for Raspberry Pi (http://www.raspberry-asterisk.org/) and run their Obihai device as an extension off of that.  Asterisk would be the "Service Provider" in that case.  Then, assuming free DIDs are still available, you could bring in your free DID on an Asterisk trunk, and use the older method shown at that link to initiate a call.

What I can tell you about that method shown at that link is that it does not use XMPP.  I can't say for sure, but it appears that it emulates you going to your Google Voice page and entering the number you want to call in the callback box.  Then Asterisk waits for the incoming Google Voice call, and when it comes in it connects it to you.  You don't hang up the phone after dialing, you just wait for Asterisk to connect the incoming call on your DID back to you.  As far as you're is concerned, it appears to work the way it does now, except that it takes a little longer for ringing to begin.  As far as Google is concerned, it's just you entering a number and asking to be called back, and then the call completed to that number.  The fact that you are entering that number from your phone's keypad rather than your computer's keyboard or your tablet's touchscreen shouldn't make any difference in the way it works.

Google could shut this functionality off at any time if they don't want people using it, but my guess is that so few users will go through the bother of setting up an Asterisk server for this type of usage that it won't impact them significantly.  At least for now, that option is very likely still available.  But if Obihai were to build this functionality into their devices, that might cause enough additional usage that it would compel Google to turn off that callback feature.  Remember, whenever you use that callback feature, Google is making two calls, one to you and one to the party you are calling. So if every Obihai user started doing that, their costs might take a sudden jump.  But that would also happen if large numbers of Obihai users start going to their web site to initiate callbacks.

Not something to even worry about until it gets a lot closer to May, though.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: ja_ys on November 07, 2013, 07:15:59 PM
Quote from: gderf on November 04, 2013, 05:57:47 PM
Yes you are missing something.

You may not have missed this part, but incoming GV calls can still be received on the OBi in a completely transparent manner, both today and after May 15, 2014. All you need to do is get a free DID number, add it to your GV account as a forwarding number, and configure an SP in your OBi to use it. If you do this, then today when someone calls your GV number, your OBi will ring on the SP you used to configure GV on. Post May 15, 2014 when GV disables XMPP, calls to your GV voice number will ring on your OBi on the SP you used to configure the free DID. If you want to start using the free DID today, then unselect Google Chat as a forward in your GV account. I have already done this because the free DID I have requires some minimal amount of traffic on it or the number will be taken back and given to someone else. This covers the post May 15, 2014 situation for continued use of your OBi for inbound calls to your GV number.

As for making free outbound calls with your GV number and your OBi post May 15, 2014, this is a bit more complicated. Since the OBi will no longer work directly to initiate such a call, you can't just pick up an attached phone and dial like you can today. One way to make this happen is to use your web browser which is signed into your GV account and press the call button. Next you type in the number you wish to call, and select your free DID number for the "Phone to call with." Then press the Connect button. The phone attached to your OBi will ring. When you pick it up your call will be completed shortly thereafter. Yes this a kludge. But it works, will continue to work, remains free, and lets you keep making calls with your OBi and its attached phone.

It's up to you to decide if using the web page to dial your calls is acceptable or not. If it isn't you can start looking around for a VoIP service provider that satisfies your needs. I gave CallWithUs $5.00 to play with for now just to see how well it works. The calls are currently priced at just under one penny per minute, there are no taxes or fees associated with opening an account, and your money never expires if you don't make calls.

Good luck.
Of all the info I read here so far this seems the easiest for me to comprehend doing at least for now  8)!
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 07, 2013, 07:39:16 PM
Further info regarding the web browser usage for continued free outbound calls.

I use the google Chrome browser. My GV account is one I created just for calls so it's not all cluttered up with unrelated things. In it I have created a Contact list that just has the names and phone numbers of those I call frequently. I also added the Google Voice plugin extension.

When I bring my contact list up, I see the names and associated telephone numbers. All I have to do is left click on a number and a Call box pops up. Then I select the phone to make the call with - I select my DID from the drop down list and hit the Connect button. My phone rings, I pick it up, and my call is completed.

Once the browser is open and on my GV page, dialing calls this way is just as fast as speed dialing from the handset. If I need to make a call to a number I don't have in my Contacts list, I can type it into the box that pops up when I click on the GV icon in the browser extension panel and type the numbers in, select my DID and then Connect.

If I don't have my GV page open to the Contact list I can click on the GV icon and type a single letter of the name I want to call. All Contacts that have that letter in it will be displayed, I just select the one I want. Or I can type in a second to filter the list more.

It all sounds more complicated than it really is and you can set it up and try it now - no need to wait until next May.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 08, 2013, 08:01:08 AM
The more time I've had to think about this and have it "sink in", the more I understand it.

But still, a simple way to think of my argument is this:

1. If you are willing to tinker a little bit, you can keep 100% free calling using the discussed methods and change some settings and practices to adjust to the changes, and you will not really notice much difference once it's done.

2. If you are not willing to tinker, or if you have to tinker **AND** pay a few bucks a month, *** AND *** have 2-3 separate accounts for incoming/outgoing, *** AND *** have to figure the best svc providers for local calls, outgoing calls, ld calls, and calculate whether it's better to pay 1/2c per min or 2c per min, or buy 5000 mins for $10, AT THAT POINT, , it becomes a no-brainer to just go with the NetTalk for a simple 2.50/month fee and be done with it. This would also give you a real company and real customer service if you need help.

This also is true if we reach a point that the free options are not offered anymore.

Of course, #2 above assumes you are intending your phone to be a landline replacement, or expect to use it a decent amount. If it's just for occasional use, it's still better to just pay for a few minutes at a time, (provided there's no monthly service charge too).
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: JCat on November 08, 2013, 11:18:13 AM
Guys, please bear with me.  I'm no idiot, but this stuff just ain't in my wheelhouse....

I'm the latest adopter in the world--I just got my OBi100 from Amazon (unopened) at the end of October to replace landline (I've been getting AT&T Voip via a promotional deal, but the deal is running out).  I had researched enough to know the GV "free calls gravy train" would probably end soon, but I figured they would just start charging a small amt rather that bagging it completely.  I had planned to set up a GV acct (I don't even have that yet) and get crackin'....Then I see the announcement re May 2014.....Uh, yeah.

I just want to be able to pick up my phone and make/receive calls.  I don't mind tinkering a bit, but keep in mind that I didn't even know what DID, etc meant until I read this thread.  Free is great, but I don't mind paying a small cost.  My use tends to be schizophrenic:  some months I'll make/receive lots of calls, other months, not so much.

So my Q--since I'm completely new to this, should I just return the OBi100 and go with another option?  Or keep it , set it up with GV and then do something else in May '14?

I swear I'm not as clueless as I sound, but do reply as if you're talking to a 10 year old.....Thanks. 

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dircom on November 08, 2013, 11:34:16 AM
my 2 cents ::)
I suggest use it as long as it works, then sometime between the Ides of March and April fools day see if anything has changed
by that time we will all know if there is a preferred solution or good work around
In the meantime, you can set up a free CallCentric DID, fwd your GV calls to that
setup your Obi to receive the Callcentric calls, and make outgoing on your GV

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Wilbour on November 08, 2013, 03:10:23 PM
I agree with Dircom, this is a decent device and it is not locked to any particular provider.
There is a bit of a learning curve but it does come together eventually. There are countless tutorials on how to set up your OBi100. I for one don't understand what I am doing but just follow the tutorials. I understand what I need to at the time on a need to know basis. I don't understand 90% of the stuff found here but have been able to create a seamless system of POTS and GV to the point that my wife does not even notice how our service has changed (except when we get the $0 longdistance bill).
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: bonita on November 08, 2013, 04:30:30 PM
I love my OBI100 and will continue to use it in the future.

I am very disappointed with Google and its decisions lately - first Chromecast and now Google Voice. I will be extremely wary of using them and their services/products in the future. Eventually, I may get rid of Google Voice.

Having said that, I have been using a OBI100 with Google Voice for about 4 months now and have been extremely happy with the service. I ported my landline from Vonage over to Google Voice and use it to make all my long distance and international calls. I've been using a Callcentric DID for my incoming calls. I pay Callcentric $1.50 monthly and get incoming U.S. number CNAM and E911 service.

Many thanks in part to user 'gderf' and other forum members, I have been experimenting a little over the last few days, this is what has been working for me and will hopefully continue to work after May 15:
1) continue using the Callcentric DID with my OBI100 for all my incoming calls
2) For outgoing calls use from a choice of the following:
  a) Chrome browser - use the callback feature with the Callcentric DID
  b) Google Voice app on my iPod Touch - use the callback feature.
  c) Google Voice app on my Samsung Galaxy Tab - use the callback feature.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: JCat on November 08, 2013, 05:48:38 PM
Thank you to dircom, wilbour, bonita (and gderf & maybe others upthread) for all your help.  I'm leaning to keeping the OBi, keeping tabs between now and May and going from there.

Again, thanks so much for breaking it down for me.  If anybody else any thoughts, keep it coming....
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: AntonS on November 09, 2013, 05:37:41 AM
Quote from: bonita on November 08, 2013, 04:30:30 PM


  b) Google Voice app on my iPod Touch - use the callback feature.


Why not use the new Hangout App on the iPod Touch. You can call directly using Google Voice, no need for any callback. Moreover you can receive calls to your GV number when you are connected to Wifi.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 09, 2013, 08:48:42 PM
Quote from: JCat on November 08, 2013, 05:48:38 PM
Thank you to dircom, wilbour, bonita (and gderf & maybe others upthread) for all your help.  I'm leaning to keeping the OBi, keeping tabs between now and May and going from there.

Again, thanks so much for breaking it down for me.  If anybody else any thoughts, keep it coming....

Ok, I'm going to cast a dissenting vote. Since you said you want to just "pick up the phone and dial", and you want to keep it simple, and you have the unique opportunity to get a refund (most of us have owned the Obi for a while), I say you apply that same money to a NetTalk device instead, which doesnt rely on Google Voice at all (but you can still use it to manage your numbers), and this purchase will cover your first full YEAR of unlimited calling with no worries. Then, if you want to renew it will only be $30/yr, and if you don't want to renew, and you switch to an OBI at that time, you can probably get a fire-sale price since they may have lost their biggest selling point. You can ALWAYS buy an OBi in the future, but you can't always return one for a full refund except when the purchase is fresh.

Just my two cents :)
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sunmercury on November 09, 2013, 10:50:16 PM
May be one thing you missed is reading amazon review on nettalk, with 243 one star review out of 625 ...http://www.amazon.com/Nettalk-Duo-VOIP-Telephone-Service/dp/B0045S2JE8
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on November 10, 2013, 01:37:15 AM
Since the OBi can do so many things I would just keep it.  If you don't want to tinker later then just sign up with any of the cheap VOIP providers available that spoof caller ID. You could pick a plan with a big bucket of minutes or If your calling is sporadic you can use a pay as you go plan for as little as 1/2 a cent per minute outgoing. Either way you will be able to keep free incoming calls through Google Voice after the cut off. The second best thing about an Obi after the free Google Voice calling is all of the options it gives you.  Buy nettalk and you have a paperweight if you don't like it.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: cluckercreek on November 10, 2013, 03:56:55 AM
I have a NetTalk Duo on my Obi 110 and it works great. I even use it over satellite. I have found that most complaints with the NT is owner error when setting up their routers. Now their customer service is a different story.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Rosemot on November 10, 2013, 05:05:17 AM
I have a nettalk TK6000 first generation with my OBI 110 wired the whole house with minimal problem . I agree 99.9 % that most of the complaint with the NT are owners error settings.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on November 10, 2013, 05:19:31 AM
I never used Nettalk but I'm willing to believe operator error is the most common form.  Like they say: You can lead a man to instructions but you can't make him read.  We don't ask for directions either!  8)
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 10, 2013, 08:00:08 AM
Correct, I did not read the amazon reviews, but I have read other reviews, and I recommended it to a friend who is distrusting of anything that is not the phone company or the cable company and is very unwilling to mess with complicated settings. He loves it and he renewed it for the second year when it came up about 4 months ago. So he's had it for about 16 months and no complaints. He even called cust svc a couple of times and had good things to say. I know it's just one story, but it does count for something.

And even magic jack, while they have lots of horror stories, if it was complete crap, they couldn't sell millions of them. For the most part, it does what it is supposed to, and for the price, people tend to cut it some slack. People pay the phone companies and the cell companies hundreds of $$$ a month, and they *still* screw up your billing and your service and have call centers in foreign countries and they tell you their name is Keith when it's really Rajesh.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FameWolf on November 10, 2013, 09:32:09 PM
If I understand this correctly I should be able to use the new york did for free incoming....I believe based on my reading I should also be able to setup a washington ipkall number that ALSO points to callcentric....then in callcentric setup a rule that looks at the number that was dialed and routes all calls to the washington number to callcentric's internal fax receive service that goes to email...this gets you a permanent fax line and it doesn't expire every 30 days like the other free one's (90 days with no activity I think)....but I'm a little fuzzy on the actual steps so if someone has time to break it down for me please drop me a pm/email.     The main part of confusion is setting up callcentric's rules so main # still gets calls and washington # goes to fax.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: azrobert on November 10, 2013, 10:43:05 PM
Route your IPKall number to 17771234567@in.callcentric.com.
Where 17771234567 is your Callcentric account number.

Setup 2 call treatments in Callcentric.
Route your DID to the default extension.
Route your Callcentric account number to FAX.

In the past I couldn't get an IPKall number to route a FAX to either a real FAX machine or Callcentric's FAX to Email. Try it. Maybe it will work for you.

If it doesn't work you could reverse the numbers. Send your DID to FAX, but you won't get cname with IPKall for inbound calls.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 11, 2013, 06:23:26 AM
azrobert wrote:
"If it doesn't work you could reverse the numbers. Send your DID to FAX, but you won't get cname with IPKall for inbound calls."

---

Hi there, azrobert- I posted a very related question on the Callcentric (CNAM) thread, and your answer above seems to contradict what they told me over there. If you point an IPkall number to your CC 1777xxx.... number for incoming calls, and you skip the NY free number altogether, will you still see the incoming caller name from CC if you use this setup with an Obi box? I am only referring to voice calls and without special treatments.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: azrobert on November 11, 2013, 07:22:12 AM
Quote from: mo832 on November 11, 2013, 06:23:26 AM
azrobert wrote:
"If it doesn't work you could reverse the numbers. Send your DID to FAX, but you won't get cname with IPKall for inbound calls."

---

Hi there, azrobert- I posted a very related question on the Callcentric (CNAM) thread, and your answer above seems to contradict what they told me over there. If you point an IPkall number to your CC 1777xxx.... number for incoming calls, and you skip the NY free number altogether, will you still see the incoming caller name from CC if you use this setup with an Obi box? I am only referring to voice calls and without special treatments.


I haven't tried, but assumed you won't get cname using an IPKall number pointed to a Callcentric account. If I'm wrong I apologize.

Edit:
First, I don't have any DIDs with my Callcentric account.
When I clicked on Preferences/Cnam I recieved message "There are no phone numbers on the account". This implies cname only works with Callcentric DIDs.

Have you tried getting cname with an IPKall number?

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 11, 2013, 09:40:42 AM
I have not tried any of this yet. I'm still trying to get details as to how it would work since I really hate signing up for lots of trial registrations for things that I don't intend to actually use. Also, I don't want to go thru all the settings if it gets me nowhere and I have to change everything back that is now working.

But on CC, the CNAM tab says what you saw on yours. However the General tab has a field saying "Caller ID with name (Inbound calls):", which I was able to change to "enable".
I don't know if this actually does anything, but it is set up that way.

It seems like it should work with *any* DID number, since I can't imagine everybody would want a NY DID number. But that is just a guess. Perhaps CC enhances those numbers are registered with their own company?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 11, 2013, 09:55:44 AM
Download your OBi configuration to a file before making changes. You can restore it to that state rather than editing it back to the way it was.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 11, 2013, 11:09:29 AM
Quote from: gderf on November 11, 2013, 09:55:44 AM
Download your OBi configuration to a file before making changes. You can restore it to that state rather than editing it back to the way it was.

I didn't know you could do that. How do you download and how do you restore? If you do it this way, does it also save your password that has been hidden?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 11, 2013, 11:42:07 AM
On my OBi200 I put its IP address in my web browser and log in. Then I go to the System Management | Device Update page. From there you can download and upload the configuration file. It comes down in xml format.

I don't know whether the login information is there or not.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sir_rob on November 11, 2013, 02:27:18 PM
Quote from: FameWolf on October 31, 2013, 05:15:25 PM
apparently obihai has no plans to adapt the device even though their competitors have already announced they have versions that will work using google hangouts.

Since the original poster never answered, here is an example: http://www.gvmate.com/gvmate-phone-adapter-unaffected-by-xmpp-retirement-May-2014.html

I am going to hold off making any changes for a few months.  Like others, I am hoping that some attractive options come to light before May.  I really have no idea what is in store for Google Voice, but I want to learn more before I make changes.  Google Voice and Android phones are my biggest anchors to Google.  If they cut off the former, my attachment to the latter will be greatly reduced.  Gmail is not that unique anymore.  Going "Google free" may be easier than it has been in years, however, they may just provide a better tool that we like even better.  I am not holding my breath...
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 11, 2013, 03:51:20 PM
The biggest downside I can see to the GVmate product is that it must be connected to a working PC to use it. The Obi is a stand-alone solution. Bummer...
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 11, 2013, 03:55:18 PM
If you must have a PC running then use it to make click to call callbacks and continue on with your OBi and Google Voice for free.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sir_rob on November 11, 2013, 04:07:19 PM
Quote from: mo832 on November 11, 2013, 03:51:20 PM
The biggest downside I can see to the GVmate product is that it must be connected to a working PC to use it. The Obi is a stand-alone solution. Bummer...

Agreed.  I actually run a server on my home network, so this is not an issue for me, but I would really prefer to continue to use my current setup.  It is certainly not ideal, but for me the configuration is supportable.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: drgeoff on November 11, 2013, 04:33:22 PM
Quote from: mo832 on November 11, 2013, 11:09:29 AM
Quote from: gderf on November 11, 2013, 09:55:44 AM
Download your OBi configuration to a file before making changes. You can restore it to that state rather than editing it back to the way it was.

I didn't know you could do that. How do you download and how do you restore? If you do it this way, does it also save your password that has been hidden?
See page 45 of the Admin Guide (September 2013 edition):

"IMPORTANT Note: All passwords and PINs are excluded from the backup file. Hence they will not be available to restore. Call history is excluded from the backup , but can be saved as an XML formatted file separately from the Call History web page. "

More info on backup and restore on page 44.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ansextra on November 13, 2013, 07:18:28 PM
I've given up on GV.  I just got an account with Voipo.  $185 for the first 2 years, unlimited calling in NAM and 1 hour / month calling to specific countries.  Customer service is great!  I just put in an app to transfer my Vonage home line to them as well.
I can also use my Obi100 with them as well if I want so it won't go to waste...
Even after the price goes up in 2 years to approx. $15/month it's still a great deal for everything I get.  WAY more features than GV in my opinion. 
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: aopisa on November 14, 2013, 08:32:46 AM
Ok, So I am a pretty technically inclined person, but the whole phone thing and all of the acronyms makes my head swim. I have read all 6 pages so far and I am just trying to cull out the simple answer.

I have an Obi 100. Google Voice is configured on sp1 and Anveo E911 is on sp2. What is the simplest and lowest cost (not free) way to still keep my GV number for incoming calls and show my caller ID for outgoing calls? Can it be done on the 100? I am not married to Anveo if there is a way to make low cost calls and still have E911.

Right now it seems like it would be easier to port my GV number over to the NetTalk device and just be done with it.

I really only need the phone to keep some of my cell minutes down and most importantly to have E911.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FameWolf on November 14, 2013, 09:11:52 AM
Sign up for callcentric, forward google voice to it. Incoming is taken care of.  You could even consolidate your e911 to callcentric freeing sp2 up entirely for a new service. The specifics for this are mentioned in detail several times in this thread including the first page.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: lhm. on November 14, 2013, 10:09:47 AM
Consider gv911.com as an alternative to Anveo or Callcentric for e911
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on November 14, 2013, 11:56:05 AM
Voice Gateways give you the ability to set extra service providers for outbound only calls.  For example: You could have a gateway for dialing 911, a gateway for local, a gateway for long distance, a gateway for overseas, and a gateway for 800 calls.  It obviously does not need to be that complex but I want you to understand you have a lot of  options available.

Something else to consider is there is no need to port your number.  Many providers will spoof your number.  I would put incoming on SP1, 911 on SP2, and outbound calling on a gateway using the cheapest provider that does spoofing + allows calls without registration.

Another option:  Pay $1.50 per month for unlimited incoming plus 911 with Callcentric.  Forward Google Voice to Callcentric to free up a spot.Then use SP2 for cheapest available outgoing calls such as localphone for 1/2 cent per minute and set it to spoof Caller ID.  You would only pay for outbound calls this way and would not have to port your number.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: aopisa on November 14, 2013, 12:54:31 PM
Quote from: giqcass on November 14, 2013, 11:56:05 AM
Voice Gateways give you the ability to set extra service providers for outbound only calls.  For example: You could have a gateway for dialing 911, a gateway for local, a gateway for long distance, a gateway for overseas, and a gateway for 800 calls.  It obviously does not need to be that complex but I want you to understand you have a lot of  options available.

Something else to consider is there is no need to port your number.  Many providers will spoof your number.  I would put incoming on SP1, 911 on SP2, and outbound calling on a gateway using the cheapest provider that does spoofing + allows calls without registration.

Another option:  Pay $1.50 per month for unlimited incoming plus 911 with Callcentric.  Forward Google Voice to Callcentric to free up a spot.Then use SP2 for cheapest available outgoing calls such as localphone for 1/2 cent per minute and set it to spoof Caller ID.  You would only pay for outbound calls this way and would not have to port your number.

OK, that makes sense. That was the explanation I was looking for.

At any rate I will sit tight until May and check here frequently for any new developments on this front.

Thanks you very much.

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 14, 2013, 12:58:04 PM
You can get a free unlimited NYC area DID with CallCentric and pay the E911 fee which I think is $1.50 per month plus some tax perhaps.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 14, 2013, 06:47:06 PM
Or you could get a totally free DID in western Washington with IPKall.  But that forwards to SIP.

So then you get a free account with Anveo.  With them you have a free choice for incoming SIP, or you can choose to run incoming SIP thru their call treatments and pay correspondingly.

Configure Anveo as SP2.  Get a DID from IPKall, forward it to Anveo.  Forward your google voice to the IPKall DID.

Configure Localphone as SP1.  Either pay by the minute or pick one of their subscription plans for outgoing calls.  (E.g. $5/month gives 5000 minutes for US48, so 0.1cents/minute.)  Configure Localphone to use your google voice number for your CID.

Now you have free incoming and cheap outgoing.  You can still use GV callback for free outgoing.


Want E911?  Add it at Anveo for $0.80 per month.  (They won't complete your outgoing calls without it.)

Want backup for Localphone, or you want to use Anveo to call Canada because it is cheaper than Localphone?  First add E911 to Anveo as per above, then you can make calls using **2 (Anveo) or normal/**1 (Localphone).


Too complicated?  Pay more:

Configure Anveo as your only SP.  Add E911 ($0.80/month).  Add Personal Unlimited DID ($2/month).  Outgoing calls are at per-minute rates.


Still too complicated or use more than 1700 minutes outgoing per month?  Pay even more:

Configure Callcentric as your only SP.  Pay $20/month.


Want to save money?  Start adding complexity.

The OBi gives you choices and you can change your mind at any time.  If you buy a provider in a box they don't add to your choices.

Vonage?  No choice.
MagicJack?  No choice.
Ooma?  No choice.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 14, 2013, 08:54:02 PM
I would still like to have a better understanding of how gateways work, and where you find one, especially one that does not require registration.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 15, 2013, 06:31:29 AM
Quote from: mo832 on November 14, 2013, 08:54:02 PM
I would still like to have a better understanding of how gateways work, and where you find one, especially one that does not require registration.

The "gateway" is a setup on the OBi, much like Service Provider 1 (SP1) and SP2.

In a gateway you can configure a service provider which does not require registration.

Best step-by-step I've found:
http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=526.0

Others I found helpful:
http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1063.0
http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=2158.0
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: GalaxyS4 on November 15, 2013, 09:05:46 AM
Such a disappointment. I wish OBiTalk can come out with a way to implement a Google Hangout login. My mother likes to use the cordless phone to call out right away to states as we are from Canada.

I wish there's an alternate method with the same set up right now I have.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 15, 2013, 10:16:28 AM
With 6 months to go, here's hoping we eventually get one or both of the following possibilities, in order of preference.

1. Obihai comes up with a firmware upgrade that will allow the existing boxes to work with Google Hangouts.

2. Obihai introduces new models of their devices that are designed expressly to work with Hangouts in a manner virtually the same as the current equipment behaves.

I don't understand the technicalities, but it seems like either choice would be feasible if the desire is there.

Time will tell...
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on November 15, 2013, 11:51:26 AM
One can always hope. The larger problem with anything along these lines is what Google thinks about how it does or does not fit within their TOS.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 15, 2013, 12:21:38 PM
Quote from: gderf on November 15, 2013, 11:51:26 AM
One can always hope. The larger problem with anything along these lines is what Google thinks about how it does or does not fit within their TOS.

Very true. I was thinking that myself. That's where the "desire" part comes in, which also includes Google.

But we can also hope that if for some reason Google doesn't like the idea, they might come up with their own device ala chromecast or something like that for phone functions.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 15, 2013, 04:37:20 PM
Quote from: mo832 on November 15, 2013, 10:16:28 AM
With 6 months to go, here's hoping we eventually get one or both of the following possibilities, in order of preference.

1. Obihai comes up with a firmware upgrade that will allow the existing boxes to work with Google Hangouts.

2. Obihai introduces new models of their devices that are designed expressly to work with Hangouts in a manner virtually the same as the current equipment behaves.

I don't understand the technicalities, but it seems like either choice would be feasible if the desire is there.

Time will tell...

Not happening.Obi made it very clear that they would not go into hangouts and that may 14th is the last day with Google. I guess they do not want to get sued.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Usetheforceobiwan on November 15, 2013, 05:34:59 PM
Quote from: carl on November 15, 2013, 04:37:20 PM
Not happening.Obi made it very clear that they would not go into hangouts and that may 14th is the last day with Google. I guess they do not want to get sued.

I am not sure that Google can lock third party access to GV after XMPP support is removed.  From the reading I have done about WEBRTC, it's an open standard that Google and others are pushing to allow application independent (i.e. web browser accessible) communications which include chat, audio and video.  This could impact other communication platforms, Skype included.  Seems to me that if you come up with a device which simulates a WEBRTC enabled web browser and give it a means to connect to a sip portal, you are not technically violating the GV TOS.  What suggested this to me was the WEBRTC button at obitalk.com you can now use to call into your OBi via the OBitalk network to reach the AA and dial out.  
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: DrewMan on November 18, 2013, 07:41:11 AM
When I asked Obi Support for some advice on how to configure this post 5/14... this is the response I got.  Wonder what they are working on.

"For the time being, there is no need to rush to sign up for a SIP account.
Obihai is working on providing an easy migration path that would let you continue using Google Voice service.

Please wait for further message/announcement from us in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, your OBi continues to work with GV as it is now.

Regards,
Obihai Technology
"
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: QBZappy on November 18, 2013, 07:53:01 AM
@DrewMan

Thanks for sharing this. Very interesting!
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: fuzzyeddie on November 18, 2013, 08:07:38 AM
Quote from: Ansextra on November 13, 2013, 07:18:28 PM
I've given up on GV.  I just got an account with Voipo.  $185 for the first 2 years, unlimited calling in NAM and 1 hour / month calling to specific countries.  Customer service is great!  I just put in an app to transfer my Vonage home line to them as well.
I can also use my Obi100 with them as well if I want so it won't go to waste...
Even after the price goes up in 2 years to approx. $15/month it's still a great deal for everything I get.  WAY more features than GV in my opinion. 

After looking at all the obi options, I'm agreeing with you. A great deal!

Does anyone know if Voipo still allows Caller ID spoofing? I'd like to use Google Voice's voicemail and number, and I see Voipo was testing a service where, after confirmed, you could change the caller id number on outgoing calls.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ansextra on November 18, 2013, 10:16:31 AM
I could be mistaken but I don't believe you can change the outgoing number as it defaults to phone number/City-State just like GV.  BUT...you CAN request your name to show up.  I was thinking about porting my GV number and then just decided that I'll just wait until my name shows up on outgoing caller ID and tell people I've changed numbers.  I've also requested SMS be added to my VOIPo line so I'll see how that works as well.  I'm hoping I can text from Csipsimple on my Android phone once the functionality is added.  Then I'll have everything I need.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: RFC3261 on November 18, 2013, 11:08:09 AM
Quote from: DrewMan on November 18, 2013, 07:41:11 AM
When I asked Obi Support for some advice on how to configure this post 5/14... this is the response I got.  Wonder what they are working on.

"For the time being, there is no need to rush to sign up for a SIP account.
Obihai is working on providing an easy migration path that would let you continue using Google Voice service.

Please wait for further message/announcement from us in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, your OBi continues to work with GV as it is now.

Regards,
Obihai Technology
"

Obihai made a blog post about a year ago touting WebRTC as the "next big thing in cloud communications", and saying their engineers had been working to enhance the existing firmware for WebRTC compatibility.  Google has also announced that Hangouts would work with WebRTC "real soon now".  It seems like there may be a convergence in plans and schedules (or not, schedules are everything).  A number of the open source pbx solutions have WebRTC modules, and they too would like like to be able to use WebRTC to continue to work with GV/Hangouts.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: 7Priest7 on November 18, 2013, 09:33:43 PM
I sincerely hope obihai will decide to maintain Google voice capabilities.

I already owned a SIP device before I bought this,
if obihai decides to allow the Google voice abilities to be lost, it will effectively ruin the main reason many people bought obi devices.

As a company obihai will never recover if they choose to not adapt their tech to new standards.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ostracus on November 19, 2013, 06:03:02 AM
Quote from: 7Priest7 on November 18, 2013, 09:33:43 PM
I sincerely hope obihai will decide to maintain Google voice capabilities.

I already owned a SIP device before I bought this,
if obihai decides to allow the Google voice abilities to be lost, it will effectively ruin the main reason many people bought obi devices.

As a company obihai will never recover if they choose to not adapt their tech to new standards.

Oh I wouldn't say that. Remember this is the team that helped launch the VoIP revolution. I rather doubt Obihas continued existence rests on if Google sneezes or not.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: drgeoff on November 19, 2013, 10:26:35 AM
Quote from: RFC3261 on November 18, 2013, 11:08:09 AM
Obihai made a blog post about a year ago touting WebRTC as the "next big thing in cloud communications", and saying their engineers had been working to enhance the existing firmware for WebRTC compatibility.  Google has also announced that Hangouts would work with WebRTC "real soon now".  It seems like there may be a convergence in plans and schedules (or not, schedules are everything).  A number of the open source pbx solutions have WebRTC modules, and they too would like like to be able to use WebRTC to continue to work with GV/Hangouts.
I wonder if OBi's 200 and 300 series devices already support WebRTC, at least to some extent.  The 'Call OBi' button on the OBi dashboard page uses WebRTC to call those devices.  But what about the 100 series devices which cannot be called from that button?  Would OBi contemplate a post May 2014 GV solution which didn't cover the OBi100 and OBi110 models?  Time will tell!
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: 7Priest7 on November 19, 2013, 01:02:42 PM
Quote from: Ostracus on November 19, 2013, 06:03:02 AM
Oh I wouldn't say that. Remember this is the team that helped launch the VoIP revolution. I rather doubt Obihas continued existence rests on if Google sneezes or not.
ObiHai has not done anything in way of revolution.
I bought this (http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-PAP2T-NA-Phone-Adapter-Gateway/dp/B00B6BAGA6) on 02/01/2011

I used callcentric back then in 2011.

Void the ability to use google voice nobody will buy obihai devices over devices from more reputable companies like linksys.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: QBZappy on November 19, 2013, 01:52:26 PM
Quote from: 7Priest7 on November 18, 2013, 09:33:43 PM
...
if obihai decides to allow the Google voice abilities to be lost, it will effectively ruin the main reason many people bought obi devices.

I agree with this statement. A loss of GV functionality will directly impact their sales. If we need stats to to prove this, we don't have to go any further than analyze the posts on this board. What do you think is the number one viewed forum on this board. You have to wonder what makes this specific forum of interest to so many people. Obihai has an interest in keeping GV functionality in such a way that it delivers a user experience that people expect from their phones. This funky call back solution will not fly with some people. It certainly will not get the WAF (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wife_Acceptance_Factor) in most households, I would think.

Number porting to GV - my experience (Current as at 2013.11.13 Views = 329637)
http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=1051.0
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: drgeoff on November 19, 2013, 04:01:55 PM
Quote from: 7Priest7 on November 19, 2013, 01:02:42 PM
Quote from: Ostracus on November 19, 2013, 06:03:02 AM
Oh I wouldn't say that. Remember this is the team that helped launch the VoIP revolution. I rather doubt Obihas continued existence rests on if Google sneezes or not.
ObiHai has not done anything in way of revolution.
I bought this (http://www.amazon.com/Linksys-PAP2T-NA-Phone-Adapter-Gateway/dp/B00B6BAGA6) on 02/01/2011

I used callcentric back then in 2011.

Void the ability to use google voice nobody will buy obihai devices over devices from more reputable companies like linksys.
Do you realise that the Linksys ATAs (and the Sipura ones before that) were designed by the same engineers who more lately founded Obihai?  That is the reason for the "this is the team that helped launch the VoIP revolution" statement.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on November 19, 2013, 07:08:23 PM
"Void the ability to use google voice nobody will buy obihai devices over devices from more reputable companies like linksys."

Linksys doesn't exist anymore.  History lesson (as already referenced by Ostracus):  The folks now at Obihai developed the Sipura products. <and there are some parallel details with regard to Cisco's ATA-186, that I can't recall>.  Linksys bought Sipura, and didn't innovate; they just kept selling the same products with minor variations (PAP and SPA product lines).  Then, Cisco made a feeble attempt to get into the consumer business by purchasing Linksys (not just the ATA business, but the whole company).  They merged in their own technology and enterprise product lines, including SIP phones.  After deciding to return to their core competency as an enterprise networking vendor, they recently sold the Linksys business to Belkin.  The PAP and SPA ATA products haven't been manufactured, nor updated in several years -- they've been discontinued.

When it comes to the ATA market, the closest thing to a "latest generation successor to the PAP and SPA" products, are Obihai's line.  Otherwise, you're talking about clones from Grandstream or a couple of other vendors that sell to the telco provider market.

Whether or not the ATA hardware market survives over the near-term future is related less to Google Voice/Chat/Hangouts than it is to the overall trends in consumer telephony:  more mobile, less land line, and for land line, dominance by the broadband providers, with integrated modem/router/phone hardware boxes.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 19, 2013, 07:34:14 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on November 19, 2013, 07:08:23 PM
When it comes to the ATA market, the closest thing to a "latest generation successor to the PAP and SPA" products, are Obihai's line.  Otherwise, you're talking about clones from Grandstream or a couple of other vendors that sell to the telco provider market.

Whether or not the ATA hardware market survives over the near-term future is related less to Google Voice/Chat/Hangouts than it is to the overall trends in consumer telephony:  more mobile, less land line, and for land line, dominance by the broadband providers, with integrated modem/router/phone hardware boxes.

I have to agree with that.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: 7Priest7 on November 19, 2013, 09:54:13 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on November 19, 2013, 07:08:23 PM
Whether or not the ATA hardware market survives over the near-term future is related less to Google Voice/Chat/Hangouts than it is to the overall trends in consumer telephony:  more mobile, less land line, and for land line, dominance by the broadband providers, with integrated modem/router/phone hardware boxes.

Wrong.
Free is better than any other price.
Google Voice at the moment is the only voip provider that is free.
The motivation to get ATA devices will be significantly less with the complex fee structures and hidden surcharges of current other SIP providers.

Like I said before, I had callcentric in 2011...
SOOO many hidden fees...
Nobody use callcentric, trust me I know from experience.

EDIT: My original desire remains true regardless of our differing opinions.
I still would like obihai to make the wise decision to adapt their technology when the time comes.
This debate is pointless... Neither of our opinions will be altered, let it die.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ansextra on November 20, 2013, 04:30:43 AM
Free is better than any other price BUT when you pay for something you have more control.  Free services can change at any arbitrary moment.  When you pay you have a contract.  I am actually preferring my new VOIPo account to my GV account for my purposes.  I don't mind paying to get what I want and need when it comes to phone service.  As a teleworker phone service is extremely important to me.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Rick on November 20, 2013, 04:56:42 AM
Quote from: Ansextra on November 20, 2013, 04:30:43 AM
When you pay you have a contract. 

Not quite.  Show me a contract that you have with your VoIP provider that GUARANTEES the services that you will receive.  And the penalties when they don't.

Callcenter got cyber attacked, intermittent service for weeks and weeks.

Callcenter lost power in the storm, no service for days and days.

Callcenter's third party database provider screwed up the 911 listings which I brought to their attention, they didn't know.

No guarantee of anything.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 20, 2013, 10:37:04 AM
Quote from: Ansextra on November 20, 2013, 04:30:43 AM
  Free services can change at any arbitrary moment.  When you pay you have a contract. 

That's not entirely true either. I can't tell you how many times I have seen (and others can name their own instances) where a service that I have paid for with a contract has changed, without asking me, without telling me, and without my liking the change. It's happened with ATT/Southwestern Bell/SBC, DirecTV, Time Warner Cable, other cable companies, Verizon. Cingular, other cell phone companies, Dialup ISPs, etc. Just paying vs. not paying for something does not insure anything from unwanted changes. Even a paid company can go out of business unexpectedly. Remember Sunrocket?

Several paid cable channels used to have no commercials, and then started inserting commercials. MTV used to have music, now they have teen reality shows. Still charging.

PBS is still free and still no commercials. Just because you pay, the only thing for sure is that you pay. Nothing else is for sure.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on November 20, 2013, 12:08:19 PM
Quote from: mo832 on November 20, 2013, 10:37:04 AM
MTV used to have music, now they have teen reality shows. .
Excellent example.  Music television should have more music.  :)
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 20, 2013, 12:32:03 PM
Quote from: giqcass on November 20, 2013, 12:08:19 PM
Quote from: mo832 on November 20, 2013, 10:37:04 AM
MTV used to have music, now they have teen reality shows. .
Excellent example.  Music television should have more music.  :)

I don't ever remember getting a letter from MTV saying "beginning March 1, 1992, we will begin to reduce our music video programming, and start featuring exciting cartoons like Beavis and Butthead and Daria. Eventually, you will have a hard time finding *any* music on our network. If you agree with this change, do nothing. Your bill will not increase (*yet*). If you disagree with this change, please return the enclosed form, and your bill will be reduced by $6.00 per year, though you will be entitled to preview the new format for 12 months with no obligation. If you want the music to remain, our executives have determined you are out of luck. Thank you for being a valued MTV subscriber."
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ansextra on November 20, 2013, 02:08:10 PM
Ok.  I give up... :)  But I'm still happy with VOIPo and that I won't back down from.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 22, 2013, 07:27:36 PM
With a paid service, if you like it enough to pay, and there are sufficient people who think like you think, the provider can make money selling the service.  The provider can get market signals by raising and/or lowering the price and/or monitoring competitor pricing and entry/exit.

With a free service, there is no incentive for the provider to continue, and very little feedback as to the value of the service.  Is it liked only because it is free?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on November 23, 2013, 06:54:28 AM
Quote from: sdb- on November 22, 2013, 07:27:36 PM
With a paid service, if you like it enough to pay, and there are sufficient people who think like you think, the provider can make money selling the service.  The provider can get market signals by raising and/or lowering the price and/or monitoring competitor pricing and entry/exit.

Free services make money.  Hasn't anyone ever told you nothing in life is free?  I can't tell you what the bottom line is on Google Voice but it provides the company with something of value.  Monetary or resources.  Whatever it is they aren't shutting it down.  They are upgrading it.  That means it's valuable to them.  They have an increasing user base.  That means it's valuable for the consumer as well.  In most cases Google only makes tiny fractions of a cent.  They deal in huge volume. 

Quote from: sdb- on November 22, 2013, 07:27:36 PM
With a free service, there is no incentive for the provider to continue, and very little feedback as to the value of the service.  Is it liked only because it is free?
Almost all Google services are free to consumers and they are a giant company that continues to expand.  They are making money.  Bottom line: We can't put a dollar amount on it but Google has an incentive to continue Google Voice.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on November 23, 2013, 07:56:41 AM
The difference is indirect (a free service) vs. direct (a paid service) compensation.

Almost all direct also have indirect components, but the balance between indirect and direct determines whose interests will be respected.

So where is google getting their money?  They will see, as driven by market forces, to optimize for the payer(s).

If you aren't paying, your interests are of lesser concern.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on November 23, 2013, 09:40:19 AM
It does not matter where the company gets the money.  The bottom line is always their concern.  Whether the service makes money in some fashion is what they care about.  I've had Google voice longer then many paid services.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Lavarock7 on November 23, 2013, 12:02:53 PM
For those lamenting the end of free GoogleVoice through Obi, keep these things in mind.

1) There MAY still be a way to do it; there is still plenty of time. Let's see what happens in the next few months.

2) When GrandCentral offered free phone calls, it took quite a while for people to catch on.

Then Google bought Grand Central and more people started using the service.

Then Obihai came up with a way to simply use the service with an actual telephone that did not require web browsers or extra dialing. even more people signed up and started using the service.

If you think about it, the Obi devices got more people involved in VOIP because of GoogleVoice then would have otherwise. Because of that, more people are interested in VOIP and competition for VOIP service is dropping in price.

People are now paying pennies or fractions of a cent per minute for calls that used to pay $30 or more a month for. Obi/GV allowed people to test drive new technology and processes and now may have to pay a small amount to do similar.

Decades ago you could go to a gas station and get air for your tires for free. Now many of those places charge for air.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on November 25, 2013, 01:15:43 PM
Everybody brings up valid points. The way I see it (my own opinion) is, if whatever you do works for you, and you like the functions and you like the price (or no price), that's wonderful.

But whether you pay or don't pay, or pay a little or a lot, changes will happen, and sometimes you might lose the service altogether, even if you pay a premium. Imagine if you loved Nextel IDEN walkie-talkie service. You can't get it anymore at any price. There are alternatives, but nothing is 100% exact, and you still had to adapt your setup. The same will likely be true in the near future for BlackBerry. If you love it, and it's always been more expensive than average, you may have to change to something else, simply because the rest of the world doesn't see it the same way.

So, don't fall for the illusion that because you pay for something, you are insulated against anything.   :o
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ansextra on November 26, 2013, 07:28:14 PM
Whether you pay for it or not VOIP is here to stay.  Telcos are removing copper lines wherever they can as far as I know.  People consider their phones provided with their cable companies to be landlines but they're VOIP.  Unless GV makes money for Google I honestly don't see why features would be added to their current service.  GV is a stripped down calling plan.  It's a great service and I use it all the time but my new VOIP provider is offering far more features that I use on a regular basis.  The cost is reasonable enough that I don't mind paying.  I also understand that even pay services disappear.  I still remember hearing about Sun Rocket.  I'm not naive. I'll take my chances though.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ostracus on November 27, 2013, 07:53:28 AM
How well do all the pay services do with spam calls? Also do any offer essentially "throw-away" numbers that you don't mind giving out, knowing it could be bombarded in the future?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ansextra on November 27, 2013, 12:57:29 PM
I can tell you that VOIPo has a built in telemarketer block feature that is community based.  In addition you can blacklist any number by using *27 immediately after the call.  This can also be controlled by the VOIPo dashboard.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on November 27, 2013, 03:29:54 PM
Quote from: Ostracus on November 27, 2013, 07:53:28 AM
How well do all the pay services do with spam calls? Also do any offer essentially "throw-away" numbers that you don't mind giving out, knowing it could be bombarded in the future?

Anveo offers throw away numbers. Callcentric has a telemarketer block. Just examples, there is more out there.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on November 27, 2013, 04:09:44 PM
Callcentric will also let you White list numbers.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gvuser2006 on December 05, 2013, 06:52:30 AM
Anyone has tried talk86.com?  It seems you can use any sip device with them.

It also has some interesting articles about talk86 vs gv vs obi...

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on December 05, 2013, 07:47:18 PM
Quote from: gvuser2006 on December 05, 2013, 06:52:30 AM
Anyone has tried talk86.com?  It seems you can use any sip device with them.

It also has some interesting articles about talk86 vs gv vs obi...
I wish you would have shared links to these "interesting articles".  I haven't tried the service but I'll look at it now.


Edit: The more I read about the service the less I like it.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: QBZappy on December 05, 2013, 09:05:10 PM
Quote from: giqcass on December 05, 2013, 07:47:18 PM
I wish you would have shared links to these "interesting articles".  I haven't tried the service but I'll look at it now.

@gigcass
Where are your manners. You should be welcoming 1st time posters. BTW you may be talking to a machine. :) I'm not certain that gvuser2006 is a person and not really a spam bot. Always be suspicious of one time posters. Wait a minute. I'll find out and figure this out. If he is real I'll ask him a CAPTCHA question:

@gvuser2006
If you are human, please type in the answer to the following question.  ;D

                           **************
                           *     2+2 =         *
                           **************
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on December 05, 2013, 09:58:53 PM
@QBZappy
LOL!  After looking at the website a spam robot sounds like their type of marketing but I'm not sure they have the programming skills to pull it off.  More like an underpaid human.

@gvuser2006
If you are a real person asking a real question.  Welcome to the forum!  I think that service has a lot of hidden fees.  No outside feedback.  Prices are too high for what they provide.  There are a lot of better options out there.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on December 06, 2013, 11:01:20 AM
I went to the talk86 site. There is nothing they offer that is special. Their prices are not attractive. And all the grammar and spelling/usage errors scream 2nd rate Chinese or foreign startup. I wouldn't trust them with either my money or my data or handling my service for anything important. But that is just me. Anyone else is free to form their own opinion. And if you have it and like it, good for you.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gvuser2006 on December 06, 2013, 01:21:01 PM
why?
see inline for answer  >:(
Quote from: QBZappy on December 05, 2013, 09:05:10 PM
Quote from: giqcass on December 05, 2013, 07:47:18 PM
I wish you would have shared links to these "interesting articles".  I haven't tried the service but I'll look at it now.

@gigcass
Where are your manners. You should be welcoming 1st time posters. BTW you may be talking to a machine. :) I'm not certain that gvuser2006 is a person and not really a spam bot. Always be suspicious of one time posters. Wait a minute. I'll find out and figure this out. If he is real I'll ask him a CAPTCHA question:

@gvuser2006
If you are human, please type in the answer to the following question.  ;D

                           **************
                           *     2+2 = 4        *
                           **************
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gvuser2006 on December 06, 2013, 01:26:19 PM
Quote from: mo832 on December 06, 2013, 11:01:20 AM
I went to the talk86 site. There is nothing they offer that is special. Their prices are not attractive. And all the grammar and spelling/usage errors scream 2nd rate Chinese or foreign startup. I wouldn't trust them with either my money or my data or handling my service for anything important. But that is just me. Anyone else is free to form their own opinion. And if you have it and like it, good for you.

Their rate to China and India is (relatively) special, :-)
I used it to route my International calls.

P.S. More captchas are welcome.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gvuser2006 on December 06, 2013, 01:29:45 PM
Quote from: giqcass on December 05, 2013, 09:58:53 PM
@QBZappy
LOL!  After looking at the website a spam robot sounds like their type of marketing but I'm not sure they have the programming skills to pull it off.  More like an underpaid human.

@gvuser2006
If you are a real person asking a real question.  Welcome to the forum!  I think that service has a lot of hidden fees.  No outside feedback.  Prices are too high for what they provide.  There are a lot of better options out there.


GV's International rate is a bit high.
What I use is obi+talk86, so far so good. 
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gvuser2006 on December 06, 2013, 01:36:55 PM
Quote from: giqcass on December 05, 2013, 09:58:53 PM
@QBZappy
LOL!  After looking at the website a spam robot sounds like their type of marketing but I'm not sure they have the programming skills to pull it off.  More like an underpaid human.

It's quite possible that they put more most effect into their service rather than the verbiage.
About us page shows that it was founded by several guys with advanced degrees (higher than you and me?) in STEM. 
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Usetheforceobiwan on December 06, 2013, 08:32:18 PM
You know, I don't think it has dawned on a lot of people that the implementation of WEBRTC has actually increased the utility of the Obi devices.  As of now you can connect to your Obi's AA ànd bridge a call from any computer with a WEBRTC enabled browser with a mike and speakers from anywhere on the planet without need for a softphone , proxy or special hardware.  That functionality has not existed until very recently.  One would think that it can actually only get better -  current implementations of the WEBRTC protocol allows people to establish a communication session by merely sending a hyperlink via email.  Imagine how easily that would be incorporated into a sophisticated and flexible sip device like Obi which could easily bridge between the PSTN, our little subset techie sip world, GV and  the rest of the world that just wants a device as simple to operate as a cell phone or web browser.  

Don' t get me wrong, there are some Obi things that miff me (did you here me say OBION).  But in the end, if anything, the possibilities are only gonna get better and I am sure Obihai will figure out a way to make it happen.  
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on December 06, 2013, 09:29:29 PM
Quote from: gvuser2006 on December 06, 2013, 01:26:19 PM
Their rate to China and India is (relatively) special, :-)
I used it to route my International calls.

P.S. More captchas are welcome.
They just barely beat localphone to those destinations for pay as you go.  Localphone is less expensive if you purchase a plan to those places.  I did find the VPN service an interesting extra but it's still not going make my top ten. 

P.S. Sorry we thought you might be a robot. LOL!
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ostracus on December 06, 2013, 09:37:05 PM
Quote from: Usetheforceobiwan on December 06, 2013, 08:32:18 PM
You know, I don't think it has dawned on a lot of people that the implementation of WEBRTC has actually increased the utility of the Obi devices.  As of now you can connect to your Obi's AA ànd bridge a call from any computer with a WEBRTC enabled browser with a mike and speakers from anywhere on the planet without need for a softphone , proxy or special hardware.  That functionality has not existed until very recently.  One would think that it can actually only get better -  current implementations of the WEBRTC protocol allows people to establish a communication session by merely sending a hyperlink via email.  Imagine how easily that would be incorporated into a sophisticated and flexible sip device like Obi which could easily bridge between the PSTN, our little subset techie sip world, GV and  the rest of the world that just wants a device as simple to operate as a cell phone or web browser.  

Don' t get me wrong, there are some Obi things that miff me (did you here me say OBION).  But in the end, if anything, the possibilities are only gonna get better and I am sure Obihai will figure out a way to make it happen.  

Indeed. I hope they've taken security into consideration as well. No need for three-letter agencies to be listening in, nor scammers running up phone bills.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Usetheforceobiwan on December 06, 2013, 09:52:07 PM
Quote from: Ostracus on December 06, 2013, 09:37:05 PM
Quote from: Usetheforceobiwan on December 06, 2013, 08:32:18 PM
You know, I don't think it has dawned on a lot of people that the implementation of WEBRTC has actually increased the utility of the Obi devices.  As of now you can connect to your Obi's AA ànd bridge a call from any computer with a WEBRTC enabled browser with a mike and speakers from anywhere on the planet without need for a softphone , proxy or special hardware.  That functionality has not existed until very recently.  One would think that it can actually only get better -  current implementations of the WEBRTC protocol allows people to establish a communication session by merely sending a hyperlink via email.  Imagine how easily that would be incorporated into a sophisticated and flexible sip device like Obi which could easily bridge between the PSTN, our little subset techie sip world, GV and  the rest of the world that just wants a device as simple to operate as a cell phone or web browser.  

Don' t get me wrong, there are some Obi things that miff me (did you here me say OBION).  But in the end, if anything, the possibilities are only gonna get better and I am sure Obihai will figure out a way to make it happen.  

Indeed. I hope they've taken security into consideration as well. No need for three-letter agencies to be listening in, nor scammers running up phone bills.

Are you talking about some  Nice Sounding Acronyms? ::)  For me at least, that's the lesser of my worries. I just don't have that exciting of a life. SIP can probably be broken easily  with enough knowledge or horsepower.  FWIW, I think WEBRTC uses certificates to establish authentication for sessions.  I do not believe SIP goes to that extent.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: wpbear on December 24, 2013, 10:30:19 AM
I am looking for alternatives just like everyone else.  I am looking for a used MagicJack to use with the GVMate software but in the meantime I am trying other options.

I just tried out voipcheap with GV and IPKALL.  Steps I took:

1. I registered for voipcheap. and verified my Current GV phone # in the profile and set my number for caller ID spoof.

2. I registered for IPKALL with my voipcheap username.  Got a free DID.

3. Went to my current GV account and entered the new DID for GV to send the calls to.

4. Went to Obi Dashboard and setup voipcheap on SP1 (replacing my current GV from SP1)(SP2 is still anveo E911).

To test I placed an outgoing call to a USA cell phone and it rang and connected showing the correct Caller ID which I chose in step #1.

I then tested incoming by calling the original GV # and it rang with Caller ID (number only) and connected.

Outgoing is not really free though.  Must pay 10 Euro every 3 months, which allows free calls to all USA and many other places. The 10 Euro does not get spent unless you call a # which has a toll.  But still need to add min 10 Euro every 3 months to keep making outgoing calls.

Incoming seems free up to 200 min max every 7 day period.  I did a test incoming call of 5 min.  Only fine print I found was the max 200 min in a 7 day period.

Does anyone have a history (good/bad?) with voipcheap?  Are there any voip which offer free (even small amount  ~50 min) outgoing?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on December 24, 2013, 11:49:21 AM
I don't have any history with them but they sound like a betamax provider from your description.  I do not know of any service that offer quite what you need.  You should however consider localphone primarily because credit does not expire and they have the lowest rates to the united states of any service I know.

Check here for betamax rates.  The terms and prices vary from one reseller to the next you may find a better deal.
http://backsla.sh/betamax

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: wpbear on December 24, 2013, 12:00:38 PM
I was already using Anveo for E911 only so I am intersested in using Anveo

I am trying to setup Anveo to IPKALL for incoming the same as I got voipcheap to work but I can not get my phone to ring incoming using the same setup steps as I listed.

EDIT got it had to add 1555 to the begining of by account number in the IPKALL settings.  But it is not reliable.  Only rings about half the time.  Voipcheap rang every time.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: azrobert on December 24, 2013, 01:05:34 PM
Quote from: wpbear on December 24, 2013, 10:30:19 AM
I am looking for a used MagicJack to use with the GVMate software.

I don't know how they can claim they will update their software to work after May 15th. I wouldn't invest money in this until I see it working. I know they say it's working in their lab, but who knows what Google will do between now and May 15th.

Even if they do have it working after May 15th I'm pretty sure Yate or Asterisk can do the same. I rather use my OBi with a PBX than a MJ dongle.

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: wpbear on December 24, 2013, 01:17:19 PM
If I can get the GV - Ipkall - Anveo to work reliably then I will stay with this route for .01/min to USA and .80/month for E911.

If I miss incoming calls I will have to choose between GVMate, Walmart Basic Talk or maybe NetTalk (But last time I used NetTalk the actual device broke in the middle of a year subscription and they wouldn't transfer the credit to another device).
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dmd1 on December 29, 2013, 10:25:57 AM
Hello everyone,

It's my first post here and hopefully with your expert opinions I can transition smoothly from GV to new Voip service after May of 2014.

From what I read so far, free DID numbers from Ipkall and Callcentric is not that reliable so I think I should get a paid DID for incoming calls so I can forward my GV number to this new number. Is this a good assumption? Other than paying for the number do I still get free incoming calls this way? Companies such as Callcentric and Anveo charge incoming calls according to their websites.

For outgoing calls, Localphone has the best rate so it's my choice.

Thank you for all your help.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on December 29, 2013, 10:35:57 AM
You'll have to shop around among the many services that sell DIDs.

There are various plans available.

Some charge monthly for the number but include no call time and charge by the minute.

Others charge for the number monthly and include a block of minutes, but then charge by the minute for overages.

And some charge for the number monthly and include unlimited minutes.

Although the free Callcentric and IPKall DIDs are reported to have some reliability problems with forwarded GV calls, there is no guarantee that a paid for DID will be immune to these problems.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dmd1 on December 29, 2013, 11:06:32 AM
Anveo's Personal Unlimited charges $2/month for a number with free incoming calls. I just hate to give up GV number completely but I may have to if forwarding to new number is not reliable.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on December 29, 2013, 08:33:16 PM
You don't have to give up your GV number.  It's just a matter of "you get what you pay for".  Most of the recent problems forwarding GV numbers to VoIP DIDs are with the free DIDs from Callcentric's CLEC, Telengy, some DIDs from IPKall, and some low-cost DIDs from Anveo.

Paid DIDs from Callcentric that are not on their "Telengy" CLEC work fine.  I don't think anyone has had a problem with DIDs from voip.ms, and there are lots of other carriers from which to select.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: MikeHObi on December 30, 2013, 08:04:24 AM
Quote from: SteveInWA on December 29, 2013, 08:33:16 PM
You don't have to give up your GV number.  It's just a matter of "you get what you pay for".  Most of the recent problems forwarding GV numbers to VoIP DIDs are with the free DIDs from Callcentric's CLEC, Telengy, some DIDs from IPKall, and some low-cost DIDs from Anveo.

Paid DIDs from Callcentric that are not on their "Telengy" CLEC work fine.  I don't think anyone has had a problem with DIDs from voip.ms, and there are lots of other carriers from which to select.

I believe the point is for some that if there can be a problem with Google and Telengy, then why can't there be a problem with some other CLEC?  The only real problem is that Google is not actively working to resolve the problem with Telengy.  From outside appearances it seems they don't care.  And if they don't care about that problem, then it is very likely they won't care when some other problem develops.  So in the end, for many it may simply be time to cut google voice loose.

I know that I'll keep the number.  But depending on what happens on the "end" date I may start giving out a new number to family and friends.  Easier porting today is reducing the value of a GV number.  Google's performance with their service is reducing the value proposition even further.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on December 30, 2013, 04:32:31 PM
Quote from: dmd1 on December 29, 2013, 11:06:32 AM
Anveo's Personal Unlimited charges $2/month for a number with free incoming calls. I just hate to give up GV number completely but I may have to if forwarding to new number is not reliable.
Just port it to Anveo- or even cheaper, To Localphone. Do not forget that on the cheap plans with Anveo you may have to pay for customer service.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on December 30, 2013, 08:24:57 PM
Quote from: carl on December 30, 2013, 04:32:31 PM
Quote from: dmd1 on December 29, 2013, 11:06:32 AM
Anveo's Personal Unlimited charges $2/month for a number with free incoming calls. I just hate to give up GV number completely but I may have to if forwarding to new number is not reliable.
Just port it to Anveo- or even cheaper, To Localphone. Do not forget that on the cheap plans with Anveo you may have to pay for customer service.
Men don't need Customer service.  They just need someone to yell at when something breaks. lol
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dmd1 on December 31, 2013, 10:03:50 AM
Localphone does not offer 911 services so my plan is to use them for outgoing calls and Anveo for free incoming calls, with Personal Unlimited number, plus 911.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: ObihaiCustSvc on December 31, 2013, 09:55:41 PM
Obihai Update on the impending end of XMPP / Google Voice Support.

http://blog.obihai.com/2013/12/what-does-40-bucks-and-obi-device-buy.html
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: erkme73 on January 01, 2014, 07:36:07 AM
I'm really surprised that Google is doing this.  As I see it, if the service is free, YOU are the product.  And in that sense, all Google users are the commodity - or their data is.

Every single call made to or from your Google number (whether through GV, the OBI, your PC, or Hangouts) goes through their servers.  The call information, and very likely the content of the call (transcribed automatically, remember?) get vacuumed up by Google.  Imagine having access to the contents of millions of phone calls (NSA wet dreams, I know) - but then being able to commercialize that content.   As I see it, it's how Google justified keeping Voice going for free.

If you're going to go through the trouble of setting up a DID, or picking one of the upcoming ITSP OBI partners, then why on earth would you not port the number away from Google?   Keeping your number with GV will continue to provide them with a record (and content) of every incoming call - and they're providing zero service for it.  Sorry, but Google has become Apple.

I've already had heartburn over the NSA revelations (and Google's complicity) - so the last thing I want to do is have 100% of all of my communications go through a single company...

I'm going to wait to learn more about the partnerships.  If it turns out these companies offer simu-ring, I'll port.  And while I'm at it, I'll kill my Gmail (and cancer-like Google+ profile) as well.   As it is, I use an outside host for my email address - and only use Google as a collection point.

Hate to say it, but Google's "do no evil" days are over.  Now, what to do about my Android phone... Dangit... They have me by the short hairs.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: DrJay on January 01, 2014, 05:19:32 PM
"I'm really surprised that Google is doing this."

Not sure what the "this" is that you're referring to. Google Voice was never designed to work with an ATA. That OBiHAI used the chat client protocol to leverage the Google Voice service was fortunate for users but not something that was intended or strategic for Google. Google is discontinuing the XMPP protocol support because they're merging the Voice, Talk and Hangouts products into one integrated solution.

Google isn't abandoning XMPP to keep people from using an OBiHAI device for free phone service. They're doing it to improve their own product offering. Being angry about this is like being angry at a cable operator because they went from analog to digital service so you can't use your bootleg analog converter box anymore.

Google and OBiHAI never had any sort of contract or partnership. Google has never had an open API to permit interoperability between Google Voice and ATA devices. It's not part of their business model. This isn't a divorce; there was never a marriage. The parties weren't even going steady.

I didn't wait until May. I signed up for a Callcentric account, set it up, it works perfectly and none of my friends have any idea that I've changed my dial tone provider. Google Voice works exactly the same as before and my Callcentric bills are $3-4 per month with absolutely no change in my calling behavior. I can afford that.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 01, 2014, 07:57:34 PM
Actually, what I'm surprised at is that Obihai is not trying (from what I can tell) to modify their device so that it will work with the new google setup. I don't know too much about the technical aspects, but it seems like it could be done.

Even if you had to buy a new version of the hardware device, it would still be attractive.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on January 01, 2014, 08:30:23 PM
I have a feeling that if OBi were to re-engineer their hardware to work with GV post May 15, 2014 Google would sue them, figure out how to cripple the fix or both.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 01, 2014, 09:03:22 PM
If what you say is true, then that would seem to nullify most of what DrJay wrote above. That implies that Google actually *is* actively seeking to thwart any efforts to use the service seamlessly with an external device. I have no idea what they really think but that is why we all are speculating.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Ostracus on January 01, 2014, 10:24:21 PM
Quote from: gderf on January 01, 2014, 08:30:23 PM
I have a feeling that if OBi were to re-engineer their hardware to work with GV post May 15, 2014 Google would sue them, figure out how to cripple the fix or both.

Then Google would have to do the same to other companies that said they'll do the same.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on January 01, 2014, 11:25:37 PM
Quote from: gderf on January 01, 2014, 08:30:23 PM
I have a feeling that if OBi were to re-engineer their hardware to work with GV post May 15, 2014 Google would sue them, figure out how to cripple the fix or both.
Why hasn't Google sued Sipsorcery?  They have the longest running working solution.  It will continue to work after XMPP is cut off.  It's all about HOW things are done.  If you include a PSTN termination point in the process Google does not care.  ObiHai could make it work and stay on Googles good side if they followed the Sipsorcery model.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on January 02, 2014, 03:46:37 AM
Quote from: gderf on January 01, 2014, 08:30:23 PM
I have a feeling that if OBi were to re-engineer their hardware to work with GV post May 15, 2014 Google would sue them, figure out how to cripple the fix or both.

These new posts remind me of the Glenn Close death scene in "Fatal Attraction".  Like DrJay said, there never WAS any sort of partnership or legal agreement.  XMPP support is going to end on 5/15, and that's all there is to it...no cat-and-mouse or whack-a-mole games, and no lawsuits.  Now, one post fantasizing about a lawsuit spawns more speculation and thrashing.  Work through your stages of grieving and get on with it, just like Obihai is doing:

Take a look at Obihai's new blog post, referenced above.  They're moving on with a positive approach to offering alternatives.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: drgeoff on January 02, 2014, 04:05:21 AM
I suspect that, like most business decisions, the $$$$ is a big factor.

For Google, anyone using their service but not looking at a screen, isn't a potential revenue source (via advertising).
(There is a parallel with standalone internet radios.  More and more stations can only be heard through a web browser.)


For Obihai, apart from Obiplus, their current business model for the end-user market is just the one-off sale of the hardware device.  But with the $40 a year service some part of that, even if only a few $ per year, will come to Obihai year in year out with little if any extra effort on their part.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on January 02, 2014, 06:51:31 AM
Quote from: dmd1 on December 29, 2013, 10:25:57 AM...get a paid DID for incoming calls so I can forward my GV number to this new number. Is this a good assumption? Other than paying for the number do I still get free incoming calls this way? Companies such as Callcentric and Anveo charge incoming calls according to their websites.

For outgoing calls, Localphone has the best rate so it's my choice.

It seems like a reasonable assumption, but there is no guarantee.

Anveo used to offer 40 minutes per month (or was it per day?) with their cheap DID, not sure if they still do. I have a 'personal unlimited' with them, which includes unlimited incoming.

Localphone seems to indicate that incoming calls are free with their DID.  Their website is not clear on the cost or ability of in-porting numbers.

I am currently using Anveo for incoming + E911 and localphone for outgoing. Sure beats my old CenturyLink landline. If I find I am fairly consistently using a significant amount of outgoing minutes I will subscribe to a plan at localphone to reduce my per-minute cost.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 02, 2014, 09:51:10 AM
Quote from: giqcass on January 01, 2014, 11:25:37 PM
Quote from: gderf on January 01, 2014, 08:30:23 PM
I have a feeling that if OBi were to re-engineer their hardware to work with GV post May 15, 2014 Google would sue them, figure out how to cripple the fix or both.
Why hasn't Google sued Sipsorcery?  They have the longest running working solution.  It will continue to work after XMPP is cut off.  It's all about HOW things are done.  If you include a PSTN termination point in the process Google does not care.  ObiHai could make it work and stay on Googles good side if they followed the Sipsorcery model.

What he said. :)

I still feel like obi could create a solution if they wanted to, that would mimic as close as possible the way the system works today. Again, if it involved a new piece of hardware, or even an additional charge for a firmware modification, it would still be attractive. Just so long as we could escape the additional complications of going to a new registration with another provider and also having to figure metered service and separate incoming/outgoing etc. All that complexity makes it unappealing for many people. What Obi had going for it was the out-of-box simplicity for the standard user.

Having said that, can someone explain how Sipsorcery works? If they have "the longest running working solution", I would like to investigate that. Is it a genuine alternative to Obi /GV after May 15 ?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dmd1 on January 02, 2014, 11:27:03 AM


It seems like a reasonable assumption, but there is no guarantee.

Anveo used to offer 40 minutes per month (or was it per day?) with their cheap DID, not sure if they still do. I have a 'personal unlimited' with them, which includes unlimited incoming.

Localphone seems to indicate that incoming calls are free with their DID.  Their website is not clear on the cost or ability of in-porting numbers.

I am currently using Anveo for incoming + E911 and localphone for outgoing. Sure beats my old CenturyLink landline. If I find I am fairly consistently using a significant amount of outgoing minutes I will subscribe to a plan at localphone to reduce my per-minute cost.
[/quote]

This is what I plan on doing in the near future. Do you forward your GV number to Anveo or let incoming calls go straight to Anveo number? How is call quality?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: drgeoff on January 02, 2014, 11:39:18 AM
Quote from: mo832 on January 02, 2014, 09:51:10 AM
Having said that, can someone explain how Sipsorcery works? If they have "the longest running working solution", I would like to investigate that. Is it a genuine alternative to Obi /GV after May 15 ?
Don't forget that if you don't already have a subscription, it is $69 per year.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 02, 2014, 12:15:11 PM
I've read several posts in this thread, starting from the earliest pages and continuing throughout from different users, mentioning Anveo and "free". They are confusing, so I'm hoping for some clarity:

If you sign up for the personal unlimited incoming account WITHOUT the DID number (use IPKall or something),

1. is it totally free? No 911 fee or admin charges or anything?

2. Do they need payment info or credit card to register for the free incoming?

3. Do you need to tell them you won't use in USA to avoid fees like Callcentric does?

4. Will it pass the CNAM info to the OBi if you use GV>ipkall>Anveo>Obi ?

5. Is it reliable or is it still skipping many calls from ringing?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on January 02, 2014, 06:27:24 PM
1) What you call a "personal unlimited account" IS a DID rate plan, not an account.  A "personal unlimited" DID costs $2/month, "business unlimited" DID is $4/month.  If you don't want a DID, do not sign up for it.  Your account may have none, one or many DIDs and those DIDs may be in any of the DID rate plans.

E911 is associated with outgoing calls, not incoming. It has nothing to do with any DID including a "personal unlimited" DID.

Your Anveo account will have a subscription plan/package associated with it to add or enable features such as enhanced call flow processing or additional inbox storage. The lowest subscription level is free, then Starter is $6.55/month, etc.

2) Anveo does not know you are doing free incoming. Do not tell them.  As far as they are concerned, you are a SIP account and will use SIP incoming.  They allow two forms of SIP incoming, the free kind bypasses their call flow process. Or you can get a SIP address for incoming call flow, but I think you will pay usage charges for that.

3) As a U.S. resident I found (and maybe it applies to Canada residents as well) they will simply not allow you to make outgoing calls without E911. The website reminded me for the week or two until I signed up for E911. I don't know how long they would have let it go without me signing up.

4) it did for me.  I've since switched my IPKall to point to Localphone. If you do not want E911, you might consider Localphone instead of Anveo.

5) I never noticed a reliability problem when calling my IPKall number. Sometimes GV has reliability problems.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 02, 2014, 07:21:25 PM
@sdb- Thank you so much for your explanations.

Since you mentioned localphone regarding e911 and suggested that as an alternative, is there a free option with localphone as well? It is very confusing to distinguish between the SIP number to receive VOIP calls and the DID number which can be obtained from the same SIP provider or another outside DID provider like IPkall.

In other words, can you use localphone with the #2 discussion above, and just have a SIP account without the 99c a month?

And if you use GV>IPKall>Localphone>Obi, with the full CNAM be displayed ?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on January 02, 2014, 07:34:25 PM
Localphone has 'free' incoming SIP.  It might require you to have a credit in your account, not sure.  Definitely no 99c/month.

It costs nothing but a bit of time to sign up for a Localphone (or Anveo) account, verify your phone number, get an IPKall number and point it at your new SIP address.  Best to try and see how it works for you.

Now that I think about it more, I think thru IPKall I may be only getting a limited CNAM (like City and State).  It definitely happens some of the time. That may have also been true with Anveo.  It is hard to tell...  Most numbers are showing correct CNAM data on my phone, but as my panasonic phones look up CID in their phonebook, and I imported all the numbers from my and wife's cell phones, my phone may be the source of the full CNAM data.

GV->IPKall->Localphone->OBi is only used for calls from the Eastern side of my state while most of my incoming calls are via my Anveo personal unlimited DID. On that DID I enabled the Anveo CNAM lookup (at $0.009 per call).  Anveo will look up first in my directory on their site, if not found then charge me for the CNAM lookup.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 02, 2014, 07:47:09 PM
Hmmm, this CNAM stuff is tricky too!

So, if I understand correctly, if you receive an incoming call from an unrecognized or infrequent caller, you will not receive the full CNAM from *any* ITSP (just the city/state), or will some of them show you the EXACT SAME caller name as the traditional copper phone company/RBOC/POTS? [eg. Joes Flower Shop, Citibank, State Farm Insurance, Lower Interest, etc]
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on January 03, 2014, 01:36:01 AM
In the US CNAM is always determined by the company that terminates the call.  It can change from one "Copper Line" company to the next.  The info is looked up from a database.  There is no single universal database but rather many.  Often CNAM for cell phones and VOIP services are not listed or unreliable. When you just get "City, State" instead of the name it's often one of those services with high turnover.  CNAM information may take a while to propagate to the various databases for customers with a new line of service as well. Some companies use an external database well others use internal.  I like callcentric because it checks your personal phone book first.  That accounts for most of my calls. When everything is working correctly Callcentric CNAM is comparable with "Copper Line" CNAM.  Reports suggest Callcentric CNAM doesn't always function but it is difficult to know how much of the blame is on Callcentric itself.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: MikeHObi on January 03, 2014, 07:22:43 AM
I know that both Callcentric and Anveo will look at your user maintained address book (on their web portal) to lookup names first.  Anveo has an option then to do a database lookup for name if not found in your address book and charge $0.0090 to do it.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 03, 2014, 08:56:36 AM
sdb or giqcass or anyone else who has input:

I would like to know your assessment of localphone in terms of what you like about it, what you don't like, service quality/reliability, and any downsides of using it for incoming and/or outgoing.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dmd1 on January 03, 2014, 11:33:48 AM
@ sdb-

Were you able to get a local number from Anveo? I sent email to Anveo regarding this but they did not reply.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on January 03, 2014, 01:39:03 PM
Quote from: mo832 on January 03, 2014, 08:56:36 AM
sdb or giqcass or anyone else who has input:

I would like to know your assessment of localphone in terms of what you like about it, what you don't like, service quality/reliability, and any downsides of using it for incoming and/or outgoing.

Like: Pricing on domestic(US) calls . Best on retail level
       Pricing on international calls except cell phones in certain european countries. Best on retail level for most
       destinations considered call quality,terms/conditions.
       Pricing and conditions and quality of DID's US and a number of European countries.
       Good quality for destinations I use.
       Billing- can pay in small increments
       Promotions   
       Variety of services- VOIP, DID's, calling card, Local numbers, callback. You use only what you need.
       Reliability- I had zero downtime since i signed up( Nov 2011)
       Set Caller ID from any of your registered numbers
       Straightforward no BS way of doing business, you do not feel screwed and misled.

Do not like: Voicemail cannot be retrieved from any other phone than your own IP phone or via internet.
               Some other features missing.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 03, 2014, 03:28:30 PM
Quote from: carl on January 03, 2014, 01:39:03 PM


Do not like: Voicemail cannot be retrieved from any other phone than your own IP phone or via internet.
               

If you use your GV number to forward to the DID assigned to Localphone incoming, can you have the GV voicemail answer and bypass the LP voicemail?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: carl on January 03, 2014, 06:20:34 PM
Quote from: mo832 on January 03, 2014, 03:28:30 PM

If you use your GV number to forward to the DID assigned to Localphone incoming, can you have the GV voicemail answer and bypass the LP voicemail?
Not to my knowledge. And I do not trust GV call forwarding anyway. IMO much better is to port your GV DID to Localphone and if you do not like the limitation of LP voice mail, whenever you expect to be away from your home/office where your IP  phone/ATA is located simply forward at very low cost from LP to Callcentrics free NYC DID which provides all voice mail perks.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on January 03, 2014, 07:49:25 PM
Quote from: dmd1 on January 03, 2014, 11:33:48 AM
Were you able to get a local number from Anveo? I sent email to Anveo regarding this but they did not reply.

Anveo prefers you to read their website.  Their free subscription does not include much if any support.  And their website takes some getting used to!

Their website listed numbers available in my rate center (metro area) but not my city. While not a "local" prefix, it would be a local call for anyone in my city.  It also listed numbers available on the other side of the state in the same calling area as my google voice number, should I desire to replace that google voice number.

Instead of buying a number from Anveo, I ported my own home number to them from Centurylink.  Worked great and completed faster than they told me to expect.  E.g. less than two hours after their "port will complete within 24 hours" e-mail, I received a phone call from my in-laws to my home number via Anveo.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: sdb- on January 03, 2014, 07:59:39 PM
Quote from: mo832 on January 03, 2014, 08:56:36 AM
I would like to know your assessment of localphone in terms of what you like about it, what you don't like, service quality/reliability, and any downsides of using it for incoming and/or outgoing.

I have only been using them full-time for about a month...  So with that limited perspective, here's my opinion of the moment.

like: price. for what I need I find it incredible I can get so much for so little.  generally reliable making calls with good sound quality.  incoming SIP seems fine as well.  I haven't bought (they say "rented") a DID from them but it looks like it would be a good deal. (no additional charge incoming?)   I like the upfront prices instead of feeling like I have to play a game (e.g. "like us on facebook") to get a fair price. I like specials (bonus credits when you buy credits) as long as they feel special instead of just them playing games with pricing.  Same with the subscription plans.

dislike: web site seems disorganized to me. information on what and how much seems scattered. I still have not found any official published word on if a number can be ported in and how much it will cost. I prefer to have stuff like that spelled out rather than "just ask, we'll let you know."  I'm still unsure of what other services they offer or how I or my family could use them or how much they cost.

Concern: I have had a couple of reports that my caller ID is not being transmitted (shows to the recipient as 'private' or 'blocked'). Yet every time I have tested it has come thru. It does not seem to be destination specific or consistent in any way. Just activated a new credit card with it, no problem. Don't know what's up.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: makitso on January 05, 2014, 04:28:33 AM
Initially, I set up an account with CallWithUS.  It seemed like a good service and until I requested a DID.  Turns out that its $4.00 US a month -- which seems high for limited use.  Perhaps I should take another look at Localphone since their monthly charge for a DID is .99
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on January 05, 2014, 04:57:05 AM
You can use different providers for outgoing and incoming calls.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: 7Priest7 on January 05, 2014, 09:40:52 AM
OBi devices NEED to be updated once this date hits.
Had I known about this date I would've never bought my OBi device.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: drgeoff on January 05, 2014, 10:33:47 AM
Quote from: 7Priest7 on January 05, 2014, 09:40:52 AM
OBi devices NEED to be updated once this date hits.
Had I known about this date I would've never bought my OBi device.
Their latest blog entry leaves me in little doubt that Obihai have no intention of doing anything to keep their devices working with GV, in the manner they currently do, after Google turn off XMPP support.

I hope that Obihai do make an update after 14 May which utilises any ROM space which could be freed up by removing the then redundant GV code.  Things I would like to see added to my OBi110 include more SP slots and the T.38 fax codec.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on January 05, 2014, 06:56:46 PM
While it would be nice if Obihai added more features to the 110 in place of GV, my guess is it might not have the processor power to support the ones you listed, and even if it does, they'd probably rather phase out the 110 as EOL, and sell the newer units.

What I really hope, is that they do remove the GV code ASAP after 5/15, so that we don't have a bazillion people asking "How do I get this Google Voice thing to work with my OBi?".   >:(
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on January 05, 2014, 07:31:39 PM
I agree, GV should be removed as a configuration choice once GV shuts off XMPP.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: drgeoff on January 06, 2014, 04:20:42 AM
Quote from: SteveInWA on January 05, 2014, 06:56:46 PM
While it would be nice if Obihai added more features to the 110 in place of GV, my guess is it might not have the processor power to support the ones you listed, and even if it does, they'd probably rather phase out the 110 as EOL, and sell the newer units.
I'm not totally convinced that having more SP slots does require significantly more processing power.  Yes, having more codecs in use simultaneously would but that isn't what I'm asking for with more SP slots.  Agree processing power might be an issue with the fax codec - I haven't investigated the workings of T.38 enough to form any opinion on that.

I hope they don't phase out the 110 without releasing a superior unit which also has integrated PSTN.  I don't like the OBiLINE approach.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: synchron on January 06, 2014, 10:48:29 AM
Quote from: gderf on January 01, 2014, 08:30:23 PM
Having said that, can someone explain how Sipsorcery works? If they have "the longest running working solution", I would like to investigate that. Is it a genuine alternative to Obi /GV after May 15 ?

I still use my free sipsorcery account to monitor inbound/outbound calls via email. My Obi's SP2 is currently set at sipsorcery.com for backup.

The way it works is through GV's webcallback feature which is not going away post 5/15.  I use a free ipKall DID that is also set to sipsorcery.com and when I dial out with a **2 prefix, it goes through with no phone ringing on my end using a built-in function call in the sipsorcery script that uses the same process as when you use the Callback feature from Google Voice.

Come this May, I really hope Obi's FW developer's come up with a WebRTC/Hangouts solution but from the blog, this looks doubtful.  Redpepper who develops both the GVJack app and the GVmate from PCPhoneSoft assures that these will continue to work post 5/15 so if he could do it, I would think ObiHai's development staff could as well.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dircom on January 06, 2014, 11:15:00 AM
I have obi's in three locations, plus my daughter has two
Is it possible to share one sipcorcery account for all the obi's in order to call out using various GV accounts
if so, how many concurrent calls could you make?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 06, 2014, 02:55:40 PM
synchron wrote:
"I still use my free sipsorcery account to monitor inbound/outbound calls via email. My Obi's SP2 is currently set at sipsorcery.com for backup. "
:
:
"The way it works is through GV's webcallback feature which is not going away post 5/15.  I use a free ipKall DID that is also set to sipsorcery.com and when I dial out with a **2 prefix, it goes through with no phone ringing on my end using a built-in function call in the sipsorcery script that uses the same process as when you use the Callback feature from Google Voice."

------

I have read elsewhere in this thread that sipsorcery costs at least $69 a year or so. Is there still a free option? If there is, is there an easy (for dummies) guide posted anywhere to set up the callback script so that you could dial directly from the phone without having to click a button on the GV website?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: gderf on January 06, 2014, 03:14:00 PM
Sipsorcery was free in the past. But no more. Those who had free accounts are grandfathered in and remain free. All new accounts must be paid for.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 06, 2014, 03:18:51 PM
Well, that answers my question. That idea sure ended quickly :).
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: wpbear on January 06, 2014, 06:43:54 PM
Here is my current setup that I am testing.  

Incoming:

Localphone Free Incoming SIP attached to IPKall (Free DID)

Verified GV to the IPKALL Free DID

Connected localphone to SP1 on Obi100

So far every call to my GV # has rung my home Obi landline handset in the past 48 hrs-still testing to be sure.

Outgoing:

For outgoing I am using an app (Android) to start a GV callback.

https://code.google.com/p/free-phone-call/downloads/detail?name=GV-Call-Back.apk

On my Android smartphone I dial the number in normal dialer. (Android is connected by wifi to home internet) The phone asks if I want to dial via google callback.  Select yes, then my home phone rings (not the smartphone).  I answer it and it starts dialing, ringing and connects to the intended number.

No cost for inbound or outbound and still using Obi100 and GV.  

Outbound CallerID shows my GV # as intended.

Turn off localphone VM and GV VM still answers and sends me an email/text with the VM.

Two reasons for using localphone.  First, no problems with IPKALL, localphone, GV with unreliable forwarding as Callcentric has been having.  Localphone has been reliable for this flow of calls.  Second, $1 increments to add money to account.  I may put $1 on it as a back up to make direct outbound calls (it never expires-I don't have to worry about expiring like voipcheap).  Anveo minimum is $20 prepay at a time.

911:

For 911 or an emergency # you can program the Obi to dial a specific 10 digit  # when dialing 911 from handset.  So find out the local emergency center's 10 digit and program your obi. Link to instructions to program 911: http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=339.0

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: lhm. on January 06, 2014, 07:11:13 PM
And when you call that local 10 digit emergency # and get a recording, your relatives, friends and neighbors will really be impressed with your VoIP setup.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: 7Priest7 on January 06, 2014, 08:28:04 PM
Quote from: lhm. on January 06, 2014, 07:11:13 PM
And when you call that local 10 digit emergency # and get a recording, your relatives, friends and neighbors will really be impressed with your VoIP setup.
My 10 digit 911 number is 2124797990.
I know they will get a message.
The rejection hotline message.

I hate the police and would consider it a insult for anyone to attempt to contact them in my home.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on January 07, 2014, 06:20:17 AM
Quote from: wpbear on January 06, 2014, 06:43:54 PM
I may put $1 on it as a back up to make direct outbound calls (it never expires-I don't have to worry about expiring like voipcheap).  
You actually must make at least one outbound call per year on localphone to be sure your credit won't expire.

Quote from: wpbear on January 06, 2014, 06:43:54 PM

For outgoing I am using an app (Android) to start a GV callback.

https://code.google.com/p/free-phone-call/downloads/detail?name=GV-Call-Back.apk

On my Android smartphone I dial the number in normal dialer. (Android is connected by wifi to home internet) The phone asks if I want to dial via google callback.  Select yes, then my home phone rings (not the smartphone).  I answer it and it starts dialing, ringing and connects to the intended number.

If you set google callback as default and use a Blutooth connected cordless phone you can automate that further.  Dial the call via bluetooth, your phone beeps with an incoming call, then switch lines.  I got that to work with a cellfusion cordless phone.  No need to touch the Android phone at all when making a free outbound call.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 07, 2014, 07:40:11 AM
Quote from: lhm. on January 06, 2014, 07:11:13 PM
And when you call that local 10 digit emergency # and get a recording, your relatives, friends and neighbors will really be impressed with your VoIP setup.

What recording? I don't understand.

As far as relatives, friends, and visitors, if they ever have to use your phone, they already will know they cannot dial out without a special process. But then, if you're buying phone service to seek approval of your social circle, you probably shouldn't have an Obi or voip in the first place. Just buy full-blown wireline service with all related costs, fees, and taxes.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: lhm. on January 07, 2014, 07:55:10 AM
My experience or surprise came when I dialed the non-emergency # that is serviced by the same staff/office personnel as 911 and received a recording that they were busy and to leave a message for a callback or if an emergency to dial 911.

The above being said I would suggest that you call your non-emergency # and inquire how they handle that type situation.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: wpbear on January 07, 2014, 02:52:19 PM
Quote from: lhm. on January 06, 2014, 07:11:13 PM
And when you call that local 10 digit emergency # and get a recording, your relatives, friends and neighbors will really be impressed with your VoIP setup.

If there is $1 on it then the recording won't happen.  Yes everyone should verify the 10 digit # to the emergency center and may not be an option in every area.

If your cell works then that can always be used for 911 as well. 

And if we really want to look down on this setup lets add the fact that VOIP is not as reliable as true landline.  So maybe everyone should just get a copper landline for 911......
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: wpbear on January 07, 2014, 02:53:29 PM
Quote from: mo832 on January 07, 2014, 07:40:11 AM
Quote from: lhm. on January 06, 2014, 07:11:13 PM
And when you call that local 10 digit emergency # and get a recording, your relatives, friends and neighbors will really be impressed with your VoIP setup.

What recording? I don't understand.

As far as relatives, friends, and visitors, if they ever have to use your phone, they already will know they cannot dial out without a special process. But then, if you're buying phone service to seek approval of your social circle, you probably shouldn't have an Obi or voip in the first place. Just buy full-blown wireline service with all related costs, fees, and taxes.

+1
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: synchron on January 07, 2014, 05:39:47 PM
Quote from: mo832 on January 06, 2014, 02:55:40 PM
I have read elsewhere in this thread that sipsorcery costs at least $69 a year or so. Is there still a free option? If there is, is there an easy (for dummies) guide posted anywhere to set up the callback script so that you could dial directly from the phone without having to click a button on the GV website?

For $69/yr you can have multi SIP accounts and multi-registered bindings - ATA's with each one tied to a GV account via a seperate dialplan to call back to using either ipKall or Callcentric DID's to be used as the callback.

As far as being grandfathered in as a free user, that can change anytime.  If I had to start paying, I would but it's nice that the owner of the site (who is one heckuva programmer, BTW) has kept it free to some of us.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: AshGV on January 26, 2014, 04:50:07 PM
I have not seen any mention of Obivoice (www.obivoice.com) so far. I stumbled on it just couple of days ago while researching cheap SIP providers. Doesn't seem to be any relation to Obi as such as far as I can see.

This service comes into the category of OBI device users who would rather switch to a cheap paid incoming/outgoing SIP provider while keeping their GV number.

Several plans exist including month to month and annual and biannual, limited minutes to unlimited. I needed unlimited one as I do long conf. calls daily from home. Annual pre-paid unlimited calling is $49, which is not bad at all. They offer CallerID spoofing, so I have it setup to show my Google Voice number. International rates are not bad either.

I have their service setup as SP2 on OBI100 now. So far I am satisfied - I wasn't satisfied with GV as people reported broken voice sometimes. I will signup for annual once I have test driven for 1 month.

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on January 26, 2014, 05:27:05 PM
There are already two other threads discussing this service provider; no need to add it to this discussion, too.

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=7177.0

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=7149.0

There is also a (typically) very long discussion of them over on DSLReports.

I think their service is not unlimited, so if you are on daily long conference calls, you should look into the calling minutes included in their plans, and read the discussions on the other threads.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: AshGV on January 26, 2014, 05:35:38 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on January 26, 2014, 05:27:05 PM
There are already two other threads discussing this service provider; no need to add it to this discussion, too.

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=7177.0

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=7149.0

There is also a (typically) very long discussion of them over on DSLReports.

I think their service is not unlimited, so if you are on daily long conference calls, you should look into the calling minutes included in their plans, and read the discussions on the other threads.

Thanks for links to other forums. I would have thought there would mention of theirs here where we are discussing alternatives, but then perhaps their service is fairly new (started in Jan, 14?)

I think for unlimited being limited - I think it might be related to very long calls of total 5-6 hours daily will be classified as business use. Mine are 1-2 hours daily, but still I will read the fine print. I signed up for month to month initially just for this reason to try out.

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: jonsid on January 28, 2014, 11:52:27 AM
I was excited three years ago when I was able to make free phone calls with my computer through Google.  I thought, if only there was a device so I wouldn't have to use my computer and then I discovered OBI.  It was so great I gave up my land line, could still use my cordless phones and saved a bunch of money since then.  Now things are going to change again and I'm not sure exactly how to proceed. 
I can still make free phone calls using Google Hangouts, even video calls too through my computer, plus there are many extra features with Google.  So why do I need another service except for 911?  So my computer has to stay on all the time but a phone does too - so what?  A small Chromebook in every room will be handy.
When I use Hangouts I can dial a US number and a little pop up says "This call is free".  Google gave me a 10 cents credit when I signed up with them 3 years ago - I guess for International calls.  Is this all going away on May 15th? 
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on January 28, 2014, 03:49:01 PM
Quote from: jonsid on January 28, 2014, 11:52:27 AM
When I use Hangouts I can dial a US number and a little pop up says "This call is free".  Google gave me a 10 cents credit when I signed up with them 3 years ago - I guess for International calls.  Is this all going away on May 15th? 

Good gawd, have you read any of the earlier posts in this thread, or have your read any of the hundreds of posts on this topic on the Google Voice forum?

The only thing that has been announced to be shut down is third-party client access to the legacy Google Chat/Talk system.  Chat/Talk uses the XMPP protocol, and Google is terminating access using that protocol.  This means, all third-party clients such as OBi devices, and software apps such as Talkatone, GrooVe IP, Mo+, Voice+, GV Voice, the Simonics gateway, etc, will no longer work by pretending to be computers, logging into CHAT.

Google Voice is a separate product/service from Chat/Talk.  Google Hangouts is a separate service, too.  Calling via Hangouts will still work just as it does today (well, hopefully better than it does today).  So, yes, if you have a computer (Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Chrome OS) logged into Hangouts (or a dozen computers, in every room), you will still be able to place outbound telephone calls at the same rates as today (either free for calls to the USA and Canada, or at Google's per-minute rates for international calls).  If you also have a Google Voice telephone number (issued to you by Google, or ported in), then you will still be able to receive inbound calls via Hangouts.  Finally, Hangouts calling is currently supported on computers and on Apple iOS devices, with Android support to be added soon.

The other services being discussed in this thread are being considered as alternatives for those OBi users whose boxes were logging into Chat via XMPP.  Since that function is going away, the alternative discussed here is to substitute another VoIP calling service, and link that service to GV instead of Chat.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: jonsid on January 28, 2014, 04:20:47 PM





The other services being discussed in this thread are being considered as alternatives for those OBi users whose boxes were logging into Chat via XMPP.  Since that function is going away, the alternative discussed here is to substitute another VoIP calling service, and link that service to GV instead of Chat.
[/quote]

I got the OBI so my cordless phones at home could be used to make and receive calls and I didn't have to use my computer to do it.  So why would I want to pay for a VOIP service after May 15 just for that convenience when I could go back to using my computer to do it?   
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on January 28, 2014, 04:29:05 PM
Whatever blows your skirt up.  If you are satisfied with using your computer to make and receive calls, then, by all means, enjoy doing just that; it will continue to work just fine.

This thread was for users who DID want to keep using their OBi devices.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: jonsid on January 28, 2014, 05:06:36 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on January 28, 2014, 04:29:05 PM
Whatever blows your skirt up.  If you are satisfied with using your computer to make and receive calls, then, by all means, enjoy doing just that; it will continue to work just fine.

This thread was for users who DID want to keep using their OBi devices.

I'd like to keep using my OBI too, but I can't see going through a bunch of convoluted contortions in order to do it and then pay something besides.
I suspect Google will come out with a piece of hardware to sit on your kitchen counter to replace the phones of today - pre-loaded with Hangouts and able to talk, video and text for no charge and pay for it by streaming ads to the screen when you're not using it so every time you walk by it you'll see a different ad.  All you'll need is a connection to the Internet.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: simpleAnswers on January 28, 2014, 06:08:29 PM
Quote from: jonsid on January 28, 2014, 05:06:36 PM
I'd like to keep using my OBI too, but I can't see going through a bunch of convoluted contortions in order to do it and then pay something besides.
Totally Agree with you. For some reason, some just don't get it. The Obihai is not the main reason why most users buy Obi devices, most users bought it for ease of use of GV. Plug in a telephone and off you go.
Most users will simply stop using the Obi/GV bridge once XMPP goes away as they wouldnt bother with any paid mix of this or that.

hopefully it is likely that within 6 months of the XMPP shut off, there will be a new piece of hardware or hack that gets things working again.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: crackers8199 on January 28, 2014, 06:21:26 PM
i'm curious if obi will update the 110 to be able to use the POTS line as a bridge for GV, rather than a SIP service...if that's even possible.  i'd think there would be a huge demand for this, as it's my primary reason for wanting the device for my new home...i want to be able to use the POTS line i purchased with my triple play service, but have my google voice number show as the outbound caller id.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on January 28, 2014, 06:36:50 PM
No, we absolutely, totally, completely, unconditionally, unambiguously get it.  You want to use Google Voice for your home telephone service.  You aren't interested in paying anyone for telephone service, or at least not in paying anyone other than Google.

There are hundreds and hundreds of civil, and not-so-civil posts over on the Google Voice forum about this; it's been discussed and debated ad nauseum.   Facebook, Twitter and Google have created a fantasy that internet-based services are free, and people get mad when they discover that the services are not free, and they are not the customer.  You DO know that you are paying for it today, by letting Google data-mine and sell your online behavior, right?  The "customer" is the advertiser, not you.  That revenue stream assumes that Google or any of their competitors actually CAN get something of value from your online behavior.  They get nothing of monetary value today from OBi / GV users, other than the caller IDs and locations of the numbers, and the contents of transcribed voicemail messages.

Google isn't, and has never been, a telephone company.  They aren't interested in the land line business, advertising-supported, or otherwise.  There's insufficient money in it to be worth the support headaches, and its use is rapidly declining.  The OBi device's use of XMPP to access GV was an unauthorized hack; Google has made a business decision to close that hole, and their stated direction is Hangouts, used within their own Google ecosystem.  Having some little software-powered gizmo, into which you can plug an analog RJ-11 telephone jack, to make and receive phone calls, is a "been there, done that" product called MagicJack.  MJ couldn't make it work with ads; people won't stand around watching ads while they talk on their cordless phone.  It's a nice idea, but it has a low likelihood of happening.

There will be all sorts of hacks and procedures to feed calls indirectly through Google's infrastructure.  If any of these appeal to you, great, enjoy, but don't hold your breath waiting for an elegant, Google-powered solution.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on January 29, 2014, 01:35:19 AM
Quote from: jonsid on January 28, 2014, 05:06:36 PM
I suspect Google will come out with a piece of hardware to sit on your kitchen counter to replace the phones of today - pre-loaded with Hangouts and able to talk, video and text for no charge and pay for it by streaming ads to the screen when you're not using it so every time you walk by it you'll see a different ad.  All you'll need is a connection to the Internet.
That device is called a smartphone.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: jonsid on January 29, 2014, 05:09:14 AM
Quote from: giqcass on January 29, 2014, 01:35:19 AM
Quote from: jonsid on January 28, 2014, 05:06:36 PM
I suspect Google will come out with a piece of hardware to sit on your kitchen counter to replace the phones of today - pre-loaded with Hangouts and able to talk, video and text for no charge and pay for it by streaming ads to the screen when you're not using it so every time you walk by it you'll see a different ad.  All you'll need is a connection to the Internet.
That device is called a smartphone.

I think they'll call it the Toodlephone.  And when you finish talking you won't say Goodbye, you'll say "Toodle-ooh". 
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 29, 2014, 09:27:53 AM
Quote from: simpleAnswers on January 28, 2014, 06:08:29 PM

Totally Agree with you. For some reason, some just don't get it. The Obihai is not the main reason why most users buy Obi devices, most users bought it for ease of use of GV. Plug in a telephone and off you go.
Most users will simply stop using the Obi/GV bridge once XMPP goes away as they wouldnt bother with any paid mix of this or that.

hopefully it is likely that within 6 months of the XMPP shut off, there will be a new piece of hardware or hack that gets things working again.

I am of a similar mind to the above. MOST people (emphasis important) didn't want the Obi per se. MOST people wanted [device that makes phone work over internet]. They didn't care what it was called. The advantage of Obi was that it was a one time hardware purchase and the monthly service was free. Now that you need the hardware AND a service plan, for MOST people, who cares which device you use? The Obi is much more versatile, but that is not what MOST people care about. Now your choices are more similar to different cell phone plans: special vs. standard hardware, cost of hardware, price of plans vs. usage, coverage, customer service, reliability, etc. The Obi was [standard device, one time purch, free ongoing service] and the others like MJ, NetTalk, Ooma, Vonage, etc. were [special device, one time purch, paid monthly service] and those competed based on price, ease of use, cust service, features, etc. With the Obi changes coming soon, they just become another paid service to add to the mix, with a slight incumbent's advantage since the users already own the device. But that is no different than someone who owns a CDMA phone and is looking to switch to GSM for better or cheaper or faster service, but they must switch phones to do it.

I remember when AT&T/Cingular turned off their TDMA system, and since everyone had to buy a new phone anyway, there was no compelling reason to re-sign with ATT based on cost. It had to be other factors like keeping the phone number or who had service in your area.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: giqcass on January 29, 2014, 04:22:23 PM
Quote from: mo832 on January 29, 2014, 09:27:53 AM
I am of a similar mind to the above. MOST people (emphasis important) didn't want the Obi per se. MOST people wanted [device that makes phone work over internet]. They didn't care what it was called. The advantage of Obi was that it was a one time hardware purchase and the monthly service was free. Now that you need the hardware AND a service plan, for MOST people, who cares which device you use? The Obi is much more versatile, but that is not what MOST people care about. Now your choices are more similar to different cell phone plans: special vs. standard hardware, cost of hardware, price of plans vs. usage, coverage, customer service, reliability, etc. The Obi was [standard device, one time purch, free ongoing service] and the others like MJ, NetTalk, Ooma, Vonage, etc. were [special device, one time purch, paid monthly service] and those competed based on price, ease of use, cust service, features, etc. With the Obi changes coming soon, they just become another paid service to add to the mix, with a slight incumbent's advantage since the users already own the device. But that is no different than someone who owns a CDMA phone and is looking to switch to GSM for better or cheaper or faster service, but they must switch phones to do it.

I remember when AT&T/Cingular turned off their TDMA system, and since everyone had to buy a new phone anyway, there was no compelling reason to re-sign with ATT based on cost. It had to be other factors like keeping the phone number or who had service in your area.

If we are to follow your analogy the Obi is a high end unlocked smartphone that works with 99% of the services available.  The only services the Obi does not work with are the few that locked down there services. The fact that the Obi was "unlocked" was a large part of why I bought it.  Any reasonable person had to know that the free ride would not last forever. 
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on January 29, 2014, 05:31:21 PM
I am not complaining. I am only stating a firm belief (my own) that the mainstream Obi buyer/user (the "MOST" that I referred to above) simply wanted a plug-n-play solution that worked with what was at that time a free service plan. All the neat-o features were secondary and possibly not even known to those people. Now that the service will be paid, the comparison to other services/devices becomes more cloudy.

I like your comparison to the unlocked smart phone. To extend that analogy, imagine a special iphone with 100% functionality that was $79 and you could not buy it used (or it would cripple itself), and it would ONLY work with a new cell service that was free unlimited, with the catch being that you had to log at least 5 minutes per day on a special app installed on the phone that would show you ads. Anyone buying that phone would be happy with all the features it allowed, but the real reason they buy it is for the plan and overall package. If that deal ever ended, they would be looking at any other phone on the market and trying to get the best package they could find, not looking for another identical iPhone that was unlocked. Of course, if you were ALREADY an Apple fanboy and decided to sign up for the deal bc it would not alter your normal routine, you may decide to resume with the iPhone after the deal ends. But you would be in the minority in this hypothetical scenario.

Most people are not hacker geeks. And I would guess most who bought their Obi off of Amazon based on the GV marketing angle were average Joe's. Like the AOL crowd in 1997-2001 who thought they were on the "internet".
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: lhm. on January 29, 2014, 07:18:51 PM
"Most people are not hacker geeks. And I would guess most who bought their Obi off of Amazon based on the GV marketing angle were average Joe's. Like the AOL crowd in 1997-2001 who thought they were on the "internet".

An excellent analogy.  ;D
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: MikeHObi on January 30, 2014, 07:49:40 AM
Quote from: mo832 on January 29, 2014, 05:31:21 PM
Most people are not hacker geeks. And I would guess most who bought their Obi off of Amazon based on the GV marketing angle were average Joe's. Like the AOL crowd in 1997-2001 who thought they were on the "internet".

I don't know if you noticed, but hooking the Obi up to Google voice actually turned out to be somewhat challenging and darn near difficult for those insufficiently geeky.  So I tend to believe that while a number of "normal" or norms may have purchased the obi, my guess is that only a small percentage of them are actually using it any longer.  The price was low enough that if it didn't work, you wouldn't die going with something else.  Vonage and Ooma get their customers from somewhere.

Anyone that is using their Obi with Google voice today as a land line replacement (i.e. they figured out how to get 911 service) should have no problems switching to a more normal voip provider if they want to.  I think Obihai could have a good win if they can sign up a provider network that makes it super easy and still beats the costs and features of Vonage and Ooma.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: jonsid on January 30, 2014, 11:13:27 AM
Quote from: SteveInWA on January 28, 2014, 06:36:50 PM
contents of transcribed voicemail messages.

MJ couldn't make it work with ads; people won't stand around watching ads while they talk on their cordless phone.  It's a nice idea, but it has a low likelihood of happening.

They said nobody would go to the movies where people were actually speaking on screen either.
I have to watch an ad about every five minutes when I'm watching the news on my OTA TV.  I can't turn off the TV and then turn it back on when the ad is over because I don't know when that will be.  I can mute the sound, which is what I do.
I got satellite TV thinking that since I was paying for programming there won't be any ads. Wrong! I'm finally out of that! 
Now I can't even go to a movie theater without being forced to watch ads.
So if somebody (Google) comes out with a device to replace my home phone, gives me free phone service in exchange for ads that might steam across it I'd probably get it.  I'm sure they'd come with inventive ways to keep me from blocking the ads.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: MikeHObi on January 30, 2014, 11:52:30 AM
Quote from: jonsid on January 30, 2014, 11:13:27 AM
I got satellite TV thinking that since I was paying for programming there won't be any ads. Wrong! I'm finally out of that! 

Actually, they finally came up with something that kind a works.  With DVR devices from your cable company or DirecTV or Dish Network you can record the shows you like.  Then when you watch them you can skip through the commercials 30 seconds at a time by pressing a button on your remote.

Dish recently added a technology that automatically removes the commercials off the Fox, NBC, CBS, ABC channels during primetime programming if you tell the receiver to remove them.  Then you can watch those shows the next day and don't even need to press the button on the remote to skip them.  As you might expect, they are being sued by the broadcasters.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SillyConVal on February 14, 2014, 08:50:46 AM
    On the Obitalk Dashboard page, when you click on the gear-wheel icon under the Action column for your Obi device, in the "Configure Voice Service Providers (SP)" section, there is now a "Anveo Setup" button. If you click on that button, you will see what Obihai is recommending as a replacement for the Google Voice SIP: a $3.33/month or a $7/month service from Anveo.
   I have been using Google Voice for my SP1 and Anveo for my SP2. Anveo adds Caller ID with Name (CNAM) and E911 service. Currently I pay only $1/month to Anveo for an Anveo number to which my inbound calls are forwarded to Anveo from Google Voice plus $0.80/month for E911 plus $0.009/inbound call for CNAM. All my outbound calls, handled through Google Voice are free, and Anveo, who considers my inbound calls to be outbound calls since they are forwarding them to my Obi202 from Google Voice, allows me 40 free minutes/day for my inbound calls.
   I don't know whether this pricing structure at Anveo will still be available after the cut-off of XMPP at Google Voice, but it certainly compares favorably with what Anveo is offering through the Anveo Signup Button, namely 8 free outbound minutes/day and no CNAM with the $3.33/month plan and 18 free outbound minutes/day with the $7/month plan.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: MikeHObi on February 14, 2014, 04:10:38 PM
Quote from: SillyConVal on February 14, 2014, 08:50:46 AM
   On the Obitalk Dashboard page, when you click on the gear-wheel icon under the Action column for your Obi device, in the "Configure Voice Service Providers (SP)" section, there is now a "Anveo Setup" button. If you click on that button, you will see what Obihai is recommending as a replacement for the Google Voice SIP: a $3.33/month or a $7/month service from Anveo.
   I have been using Google Voice for my SP1 and Anveo for my SP2. Anveo adds Caller ID with Name (CNAM) and E911 service. Currently I pay only $1/month to Anveo for an Anveo number to which my inbound calls are forwarded to Anveo from Google Voice plus $0.80/month for E911 plus $0.009/inbound call for CNAM. All my outbound calls,

Are you sure that you are not paying $2/month for that phone number from Anveo?

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SillyConVal on February 14, 2014, 05:50:41 PM
Quote from: MikeHObi on February 14, 2014, 04:10:38 PM
Quote from: SillyConVal on February 14, 2014, 08:50:46 AM
   On the Obitalk Dashboard page, when you click on the gear-wheel icon under the Action column for your Obi device, in the "Configure Voice Service Providers (SP)" section, there is now a "Anveo Setup" button. If you click on that button, you will see what Obihai is recommending as a replacement for the Google Voice SIP: a $3.33/month or a $7/month service from Anveo.
   I have been using Google Voice for my SP1 and Anveo for my SP2. Anveo adds Caller ID with Name (CNAM) and E911 service. Currently I pay only $1/month to Anveo for an Anveo number to which my inbound calls are forwarded to Anveo from Google Voice plus $0.80/month for E911 plus $0.009/inbound call for CNAM. All my outbound calls,

Are you sure that you are not paying $2/month for that phone number from Anveo?



    Here, with my phone number deleted, is a quote from an email that I received very recently from Anveo: "This email confirms that your subscription to (# deleted) phone number was automatically extended for 1 month. The amount of $1 was deducted from your account to complete this transaction."
    I am on the "Free Plan", not the "Starter Plan". However, when I check Anveo's website now, I see that the "Personal Unlimited" phone numbers do cost $2/month. Perhaps they have just recently increased their price. Actually the only thing that I know for sure is that I am currently paying only $1/month for the phone number.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: FRUGALFREAK on February 17, 2014, 10:41:50 PM
Quote from: mo832 on January 29, 2014, 05:31:21 PM
I am not complaining. I am only stating a firm belief (my own) that the mainstream Obi buyer/user (the "MOST" that I referred to above) simply wanted a plug-n-play solution that worked with what was at that time a free service plan. All the neat-o features were secondary and possibly not even known to those people. Now that the service will be paid, the comparison to other services/devices becomes more cloudy.

I like your comparison to the unlocked smart phone. To extend that analogy, imagine a special iphone with 100% functionality that was $79 and you could not buy it used (or it would cripple itself), and it would ONLY work with a new cell service that was free unlimited, with the catch being that you had to log at least 5 minutes per day on a special app installed on the phone that would show you ads. Anyone buying that phone would be happy with all the features it allowed, but the real reason they buy it is for the plan and overall package. If that deal ever ended, they would be looking at any other phone on the market and trying to get the best package they could find, not looking for another identical iPhone that was unlocked. Of course, if you were ALREADY an Apple fanboy and decided to sign up for the deal bc it would not alter your normal routine, you may decide to resume with the iPhone after the deal ends. But you would be in the minority in this hypothetical scenario.

Most people are not hacker geeks. And I would guess most who bought their Obi off of Amazon based on the GV marketing angle were average Joe's. Like the AOL crowd in 1997-2001 who thought they were on the "internet".

You are right on the money...Well you know what I mean, Your comment fit 85% of the user base perfectly.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: mo832 on February 24, 2014, 07:47:00 AM
I know this doesn't neatly fit into this topic, but it is related and ties in with the concerns about the future of GV and whether Google will cancel the service or try to downplay it, etc.

I just heard on TV that Facebook is going to begin offering free phone calls. I don't have the details, but this would indicate that these kinds of offerings will only INCREASE, not decrease. So, I guess the moral of the story is don't worry, everything will be ok.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dircom on February 24, 2014, 08:24:30 AM
Just remember, as others have previously posted--
Nothing is free, there is a cost, you just have to determine if the costs (known or unknown) present a value
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: dvguy on February 24, 2014, 12:45:47 PM
Quote from: Phokus on October 31, 2013, 06:45:05 PM
So they're not going to even attempt to adapt the OBI products to Google Hangouts? :(

No. You can try obivoice, I am. They are not part of Obihai, but they offer decent deals. As far as I am concerned I am glad they are not part of Obihai as Obihai's support is terrible.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: MikeHObi on February 25, 2014, 11:08:59 AM
Someone did a decent analysis of some of the available options and prices  for 500 in and out minutes over at DSLReports.  Here is a link to the post which is about as close to an apples to apples comparison that I've seen.
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29054991- (http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r29054991-)
Title: Beware the Ides of May and a Plea for Guidance
Post by: PatrickRyan on March 06, 2014, 03:47:55 PM
As we get closer to May 15th and the end of Google's XXMP support for the Obi I have been stumbling around for an alternative to making calls with Google Voice. Currently we have 2 Google Voice accounts (configured on SP1 & SP2). We use the Google Voice as primary numbers and forward calls to two separate cell phones. On one of the cell phones I'm using Csipsimple and a DID on a subaccount from voip.ms to avoid using cell phone plan minutes. That subaccount is not registered the Obi20 although it could be. I have a second DID currently registered to the Obi200 (SP3) and intend to use it as a GV forwarding number come May. The main account with voip.ms is also not currently registered to the Obi. If I register the main account to the Obi can I use it for outbound calls after May? Ideally I'd like to be able to use either of the GV numbers as outgoing caller ID numbers and keep it as simple as possible for others in the house who use the phones. I have read many threads on voice gateways, trunks, and dial plans but usually end up confused by the obtuse nature of the Administration Guide. I'm trying to educate myself about all this stuff as I suspect many others are.
It is abundantly clear that this forum is blessed with kind and clever Obi experts who are generous with advice. These nuggets of wisdom are spread across time and topics in the forum pages. There doesn't seem to be a so called Wiki Page that pulls it all together. At times the discussions are way "inside baseball" and I have trouble following. Regardless, is there a way to master this device and share the typical configurations in an orderly way?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on March 06, 2014, 06:40:17 PM
Hi Patrick:

So, you're ahead of the pack, in that you already have experience with a SIP VoIP ITSP (voip.ms).  Given that you know how to set up voip.ms accounts and sub-accounts, all you need to do is:

Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: texasguy on April 22, 2014, 12:23:04 PM
How and where to configure your voip.ms account to "spoof" your Google Voice phone number's CID for outbound calls on those DIDs?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on April 22, 2014, 06:27:51 PM
Quote from: texasguy on April 22, 2014, 12:23:04 PM
How and where to configure your voip.ms account to "spoof" your Google Voice phone number's CID for outbound calls on those DIDs?

http://wiki.voip.ms/article/Caller_ID
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: BatterseaPS on April 26, 2014, 01:33:41 PM
Quote from: SteveInWA on March 06, 2014, 06:40:17 PM
Hi Patrick:

So, you're ahead of the pack, in that you already have experience with a SIP VoIP ITSP (voip.ms).  Given that you know how to set up voip.ms accounts and sub-accounts, all you need to do is:


  • Decide which voip.ms DID inbound numbers to use for which purposes
  • Configure those DIDs on your OBi as SP1-4 as appropriate to your needs (replacing the existing GV configurations)
  • Configure your voip.ms account to "spoof" your Google Voice phone number's CID for outbound calls on those DIDs
  • Configure your Google Voice settings, to forward to one or more of those DIDs as you wish, here:  https://www.google.com/voice#phones
  • Remove the check mark next to the Google Chat pseudo-phone
  • Enjoy

Thanks for this. Do you have any experience with it? Does it add any noticeable lag or interference?
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: SteveInWA on April 27, 2014, 10:20:18 PM
Depending on the quality of your own internet connection, and the overall quality of the Internet Telephone Service Provider (ITSP) you select, the added latency can be negligible (not noticed, or not objectionable).  Some ITSPs use cheaper, poor-quality call routes, and that might impact call quality for their customers.  As always, your mileage may vary, but most users should notice no difference.
Title: Re: Google Sets the Date for the End of XMPP with Google Voice
Post by: Meitiv on May 14, 2014, 09:15:39 AM
I have transitioned from the Obi -> Google XMPP to using Callcentric's free DID for incoming calls and Asterisk running on the Belkin WiFi router (with DD-WRT) which initiates automatic GV callback.  The details of setting up Asterisk for user transparent callback can be found here:

http://hobbiesbytwinclouds.wordpress.com/2014/02/07/how-to-make-and-receive-call-using-google-voice-without-xmpp/