Do you need a Google Voice account or will a Gmail account work with an Obi?

[Robert.Thompson]

The subject says it all.

Thanks.

[Rick]

OBi requires a Google Voice account.

[Robert.Thompson]

Thank you.

[QBZappy]

OBi requires a Google Voice account.

I'm not certain about that.

I used a gmail account without a GV and the OBi showed connected. If you make a call using a GTALK client I expect the OBi phone should ring. Using an acct without a GV tel number limits it usefulness since you can not call using a tel number.

[giqcass]

I'm absolutely certain you don't need a Google voice account to use with the OBI.  The only thing Google Voice provides to the OBi setup is incoming call services.  If you use a Gmail login without Google Voice you can call out.  I know because I am doing this.  I use an account not attached to Google Voice to provide me with truly anonymous calling.  If you don't have Google Voice added to the account Caller ID will show up as  (760) 705-8888.  You won't have an incoming phone number or voicemail.

http://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=5451.0

@QBZappy I don't think it limits it's usefulness.  I consider it a bonus because toll free numbers can uncover your real caller ID.  This can defeat services like trapcall.com.

[Rick]

If you want to use an OBi as it is intended you need a GV account.