OBiTALK Community

Let the "but, but, I was guaranteed free phone service for life" comments begin:

https://www.obitalk.com/info/products/obi212 (https://www.obitalk.com/info/products/obi212)

Is there a planned replacement for these devices?

Can't say that I am surprised. The whole Obitalk operation has been going downhill for years and Poly has shown no interest in doing anything marginally more than continuing to sell whatever devices they had in stock or were contractually committed to having manufactured for them. While at the same time withdrawing features and services.

But to be realistic, the current and future market for ATAs is probably not one where profits can be generated.  As such I don't expect that Poly would go to the expense of developing replacement products.

As an indication of Poly's indifference, the statement doesn't even acknowledge that there are many OBi100s and OBi110s currently using Obitalk service. And what of the OBi50x models. Are they for the chop too?

And for the paranoid, the statement that the listed devices will not be able to be configured for GV after 18 December 2023 is not a guarantee that any changes GV makes between now and then will prompt Poly to develop and release a firmware update.

I'm not surprised, the writing has been on the wall for a while now.  As drgeoff says, we have until December 2023, or until GV makes a change requiring a firmware update, which is very unlikely to be developed and released by Poly.

"but, but we were guaranteed free phone service for life", but it doesn't say WHO's life :)

This board will have a good consensus on what we should do well before December 2023.  My first thought is callcentric with my Obi202 (although it may not be wise to use an out-of-support ATA).

Anyone running a book on when this forum will be closed down?

That notice says the last day of sale was 18 December 2021. Yet as I type this on 19 December 2021 the left side of my screen is showing adverts for the three mentioned products.  Left hand certainly unaware of what the right hand is doing.

Quote from: rjniles on December 19, 2021, 02:59:50 AM
Is there a planned replacement for these devices?

No.

Quote from: MSRobi on December 19, 2021, 08:13:04 AM
I'm not surprised, the writing has been on the wall for a while now.  As drgeoff says, we have until December 2023, or until GV makes a change requiring a firmware update, which is very unlikely to be developed and released by Poly.

"but, but we were guaranteed free phone service for life", but it doesn't say WHO's life :)

This board will have a good consensus on what we should do well before December 2023.  My first thought is callcentric with my Obi202 (although it may not be wise to use an out-of-support ATA).

Correct:  you can simply use any of the other Internet Telephone Service Providers (ITSPs) you wish.  My votes go to Callcentric or voip.ms, as very reliable and reputable service providers with a very long track record.

It shouldn't matter at all whether or not the device is supported.  People still use ancient PAP2 or old Grandstream ATAs, which were long ago EOL'd.

Quote from: drgeoff on December 19, 2021, 09:30:29 AM
That notice says the last day of sale was 18 December 2021. Yet as I type this on 19 December 2021 the left side of my screen is showing adverts for the three mentioned products.  Left hand certainly unaware of what the right hand is doing.

Well, we know that this forum was built by somebody at Obihai years ago, who is long gone, and since then it hasn't had any maintenance.

BTW, if you click on the link for the OBi 200, for example, you will see that they are being sold by various third-party scavengers, not by Poly.  It's been this way for months.

Quote from: SteveInWA on December 19, 2021, 03:59:30 PM
Correct:  you can simply use any of the other Internet Telephone Service Providers (ITSPs) you wish.  My votes go to Callcentric or voip.ms, as very reliable and reputable service providers with a very long track record.

I know I could look this up, but with Callcentric or voip.ms, if I want to use my GVoice "landline" number, would I port my GV number to the ITSP?  Or just get a new number from ITSP and use GV to link to my new number?  If I do it by linking, will I be able to call out and have my GV number be displayed for caller ID?

Interesting discussion on another forum.

https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r33282630-Equipment-Poly-sets-EOL-timeline-for-OBI-ATAs-200-202-212 (https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r33282630-Equipment-Poly-sets-EOL-timeline-for-OBI-ATAs-200-202-212)

Quote from: MSRobi on December 19, 2021, 04:59:51 PM

Quote from: SteveInWA on December 19, 2021, 03:59:30 PM
Correct:  you can simply use any of the other Internet Telephone Service Providers (ITSPs) you wish.  My votes go to Callcentric or voip.ms, as very reliable and reputable service providers with a very long track record.

I know I could look this up, but with Callcentric or voip.ms, if I want to use my GVoice "landline" number, would I port my GV number to the ITSP?  Or just get a new number from ITSP and use GV to link to my new number?  If I do it by linking, will I be able to call out and have my GV number be displayed for caller ID?

You would port your Google Voice number out of Google Voice and into the ITSP (Callcentric, for one, does this for free).  The number would then behave like any other telephone number (sends caller ID of that number).

To those who are still asking the same questions already answered, here you go:

Poly is giving us TWO YEARS more service before they shut it down.

No, this is not a Google decision. It is a simple End of Life decision by Poly. No, Google is not shutting down Google Voice. They've invested many millions of dollars in modernizing the service to support the paid, business-class version for Google Workspace customers, and the consumer version uses the same infrastructure. Google has also done a ton of work to modernize and convert the consumer side to the same back-end and the same mobile and desktop user interfaces.

People go ballistic every time Obihai/Poly announces the end of life of a product. There is absolutely no "but, but, I was guaranteed free phone service for life!" clause. Companies phase out products all the time.

No, there will not be any follow-on Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) products that work with consumer Google Voice. As someone already pointed out, landline phone use is rapidly declining, and there is no money in making/selling/supporting landline ATAs.

The remaining market is in business IP phones that work with cloud-based or PBX SIP phone systems.

Your OBiTALK device does now, and still will support any SIP VoIP service provider that provides open SIP credentials. Free? No. Affordable? Yes.

There are definitely advantages to old style landline.  I have a base station with 6 handsets throughout the house.  When grandma calls, any of us (wife, 3 kids, 3 cats) can pick it up and talk to her.  Call quality is still better than cell phone, but cell phone quality has noticeably improved in the last few years.

With a cell phone, I invariably leave it downstairs and when it rings, I'm invariably upstairs.

:D :D :D

Quote from: MSRobi on December 19, 2021, 08:13:04 AM
I'm not surprised, the writing has been on the wall for a while now.  As drgeoff says, we have until December 2023, or until GV makes a change requiring a firmware update, which is very unlikely to be developed and released by Poly.

"but, but we were guaranteed free phone service for life", but it doesn't say WHO's life :)

This board will have a good consensus on what we should do well before December 2023.  My first thought is callcentric with my Obi202 (although it may not be wise to use an out-of-support ATA).

It's NOT JUST GV that you might need some sort of update or at least a programming change (via the direct portal after Dec. 18, '23), as ANY SIP service provider could require a change and leave you out of luck if they don't post a hack you can make on any specific ATA to make it work.

Someone else mentioned the Obi50x (4- or 8-phone port adapters), and still others here and on DSLReport.com's forum for this issue (see link in a prior post) have mentioned the Obi10x2 (22, 32, & 62) units, of which Amazon has the 22 for $60 right now & the 32 is $146, there's no word on if they are next, but the scuttlebutt is that these are aimed at businesses, so are likely to be continued to be supported for the time being.

(Vs. the 2xx, as they are aimed at individuals more than businesses, and sales have been steadily dropping, so they stopped making them, and are selling off the remaining stock 2 yrs. before discontinuing support for them.)

Quote from: MSRobi on December 20, 2021, 05:57:10 PM
There are definitely advantages to old style landline.  I have a base station with 6 handsets throughout the house.  When grandma calls, any of us (wife, 3 kids, 3 cats) can pick it up and talk to her.  Call quality is still better than cell phone, but cell phone quality has noticeably improved in the last few years.

With a cell phone, I invariably leave it downstairs and when it rings, I'm invariably upstairs.

:D :D :D

Consider a base station that also has bluetooth capability.  [The landline of the base station is plugged into the OBi.]  One brand calls it "link-to-cell" --thus when my cellphone or OBi rings, it simultaneously rings all wireless handsets.  Makes life very simple.

Quote from: MSRobi on December 20, 2021, 05:57:10 PM
There are definitely advantages to old style landline.  I have a base station with 6 handsets throughout the house.  When grandma calls, any of us (wife, 3 kids, 3 cats) can pick it up and talk to her. 

If Poly continues to support GV on IP Phones, you can use a phone as a GV server for an OBi20x. There are several threads on the forum explaining the setup.

Here is an OBi2182 for $70:
https://www.amazon.com/Obihai-OBi2000-Gigabit-Phones-OBi2182/dp/B076JKV5CL/ref=sr_1_2?crid=V7S9BQV6P6GB&keywords=obi2182&qid=1640106224&sprefix=obi2182%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-2

I'm struggling to think of a good reason why Poly would continue to run a portal and back end (Obitalk Provisioning, GV configuration and **9 OBi to OBi calls) for the IP phones but actively prevent the ATAs from using it.

Possibly the Poly statement really applies to everything that uses the portal but some PR person who wasn't given the whole story has been told to get a notice out quickly.  What's the significance of 18 December 2023 other than Poly have just decided they want to do this as soon as possible and reckon that 2 years is the minimum notice they can get away with?

Quote from: SteveInWA on December 20, 2021, 01:25:48 PM
To those who are still asking the same questions already answered, here you go:

No, there will not be any follow-on Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA) products that work with Google Voice. As someone already pointed out, landline phone use is rapidly declining, and there is no money in making/selling/supporting landline ATAs.

I'm seeing more cord cutters who had landlines bundled with cable asking about landline alternatives on the neighborhood social media platforms.  I wonder if that is enough of a market?

From Poly support:

Is the Obi Dashboard going away for all devices on Dec 18 2023 or just the ones mentioned in the notice?

Answer:  No.  OBiTALK portal will remain, to allow customers to register with other 3rd party VoIP Service Providers.

Can you clarify the *** Important notice to OBiTALK customers*** ?

Answer:  OBi2xx ATA Device Series End-of-Life (EOL) will be at end of December 2023.  Afterwards, no longer supported and troubleshooting info can be found at OBiTALK Forum if needed.
 
Will Google voice continue to work (on devices previously configured) at least until /unless Google Voice requires some sort of firmware update?

Answer:  Yes.

Quote from: SteveInWA on December 20, 2021, 01:25:48 PM
Your OBiTALK device does now, and still will support any SIP VoIP service provider that provides open SIP credentials. Free? No. Affordable? Yes.

Given the above quote, I'm hoping someone would kindly explain to those a little less savvy why then we'd have to change from Google Voice if our "device does now, and still will support any SIP VoIP service provider that provides open SIP credentials".  Moreover, why wouldn't the potential future need of a Obi2XX firmware upgrade not be an issue for any other service provider you choose to use?

My understanding is that the Obi2XX end-of-life means no future firmware updates which would eventually render the device useless for any service provider at some point.

Thanks in advance.

Edited to add: I just read that Google Voice doesn't support SIP.  Maybe that's the reason.

This sounds encouraging. I arrived late to the party, but found the thread. I haven't logged in for likely two years and rarely use my GV setup, but it would be nice to keep it working. If EOL only means no support (none had for many years) but forum will still be available, it sounds as if things might not be that bleak for my OBi200 continuing to work for some time.

[quote author=JoeShmoe link=topic=18992.msg111238#msg111238 date=1642019134
My understanding is that the Obi2XX end-of-life means no future firmware updates which would eventually render the device useless for any service provider at some point.
[/quote]
That is a false inference.  The industry standard SIP specification is a very stable one.  In all the years I've been using ITSPs other than GV, not a single one of them has made any change which required a firmware update to any of my OBis.

Quote from: JoeShmoe on January 12, 2022, 12:25:34 PM

Quote from: SteveInWA on December 20, 2021, 01:25:48 PMYour OBiTALK device does now, and still will support any SIP VoIP service provider that provides open SIP credentials. Free? No. Affordable? Yes.

Edited to add: I just read that Google Voice doesn't support SIP.  Maybe that's the reason.

No, Google Voice uses SIP.  But it does not use conventional SIP credentials (username/password).  It instead authorizes the device to use only the Google Voice service (not full access to your entire Google account), via OAUTH 2.0 secure tokens.

Quote from: psuPete on December 21, 2021, 06:49:15 AM

Quote from: MSRobi on December 20, 2021, 05:57:10 PMThere are definitely advantages to old style landline.  I have a base station with 6 handsets throughout the house.  When grandma calls, any of us (wife, 3 kids, 3 cats) can pick it up and talk to her.  Call quality is still better than cell phone, but cell phone quality has noticeably improved in the last few years.

With a cell phone, I invariably leave it downstairs and when it rings, I'm invariably upstairs.

 :D :D :D

Consider a base station that also has bluetooth capability.  [The landline of the base station is plugged into the OBi.]  One brand calls it "link-to-cell" --thus when my cellphone or OBi rings, it simultaneously rings all wireless handsets.  Makes life very simple.

I use a blue tooth RF set for that very reason.  However I still needed an ATA for a senior used to her number and a few strategic handsets.  I bought a Magic Jack.  I know I know.  We'll see how it works out.

Poly is selling the Poly 302 and stating that it works with google voice.  Originally the 302 replaced the obi 202. 
Wonder if this device still work with GV after 2023?

Quote from: gary777 on August 30, 2022, 09:53:56 AMPoly is selling the Poly 302 and stating that it works with google voice.  Originally the 302 replaced the obi 202. 
Wonder if this device still work with GV after 2023?

This has been explained many times in this forum;next time, read before posting:

• There were two different families of OBiTALK Analog Telephone Adapters; the 2xx seris and the 3xx series.
• The only significant difference between the two is that the 2xx series included firmware to support Google Voice.  The 3xx series does not.  The 2xx series was intended for sale to anyone; the 3xx series is primarily sold via distributor channels or directly to service providers and carriers.  It is not targeted to consumer sales.
• The 2xx series has been discontinued.  The 3xx series is a current product with a Poly SKU number.  The 300 series works with the business version of Google Voice for Google Workspace customers (and with any standard SIP VoIP service provider).  It does not work with consumer Google Voice.
• Google has no plans whatsoever to support any other hardware on consumer Google Voice.

Quote from: SteveInWA on August 30, 2022, 03:05:00 PM.. the 2xx series included firmware to support Google Voice.  The 3xx series does not.

Minor clarification on that.  The 2xx series and 3xx series had exactly the same firmware but the 3xx models somehow did not execute the GV part(s) of it.

From https://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=9.0

---

Quote from: drgeoff on August 31, 2022, 08:07:09 AM

Quote from: SteveInWA on August 30, 2022, 03:05:00 PM.. the 2xx series included firmware to support Google Voice.  The 3xx series does not.

Minor clarification on that.  The 2xx series and 3xx series had exactly the same firmware but the 3xx models somehow did not execute the GV part(s) of it.

While annoying (to some), it is not at all unusual for firmware to evaluate the hardware on which it is installed and enable/disable functionality as appropriate (it is a market segmentation approach).  And while I would prefer that one has the option to enable features (with a fee attached if needed), I do understand that sometimes that is not an approach which works well (as when then the lower cost hardware is provided for low or zero cost via a provider who has chosen to offer the hardware to their customers.  Vendor lock in sucks, except when the alternative is full retail prices).

Quote from: SteveInWA on August 30, 2022, 03:05:00 PMThe 300 series works with the business version of Google Voice for Google Workspace customers (and with any standard SIP VoIP service provider).

SteveInWA - I acknowledge your Google Voice expertise, and ask a question:

Is Google Voice as provided under Google WorkSpace a different beast than Google Voice as provided to consumer accounts?

I have a Google WorkSpace account, but have always used my OBi200 with a consumer Google account.  If it's really only a Google account type difference and not a GV implementation difference, then it seems that I could purchase a 300 series unit and port my Consumer GV number to a new user under my Google Workspace account, and carry on past Dec 18, 2023.  Does that make sense?

QuoteWhile annoying (to some), it is not at all unusual for firmware to evaluate the hardware on which it is installed and enable/disable functionality as appropriate (it is a market segmentation approach).

HP made calculators. One model (can't remember which) had a business version and a scientific one. The keys were different but other than that, the calculators were the same. You could cut one trace on the motherboard and switch models.

Also, they made a mainframe which booted with their propriatar operating system but could also boot a unix variation. There was a hardware 'fix' to keep you from buying the cheaper unix version and loading the propriatary system.

Some software in the early years checked the date and disabled functions. One could find the assembly code "If less than or equal to" and change it to "If greater than", thus negating date check.

The 3xx series m=ight have used the same code with a check of the hardware address to determine whether it was a 2xx or 3xx model.

Quote from: mgbCN on December 10, 2022, 08:01:23 PM

Quote from: SteveInWA on August 30, 2022, 03:05:00 PMThe 300 series works with the business version of Google Voice for Google Workspace customers (and with any standard SIP VoIP service provider).

SteveInWA - I acknowledge your Google Voice expertise, and ask a question:

Is Google Voice as provided under Google WorkSpace a different beast than Google Voice as provided to consumer accounts?

I have a Google WorkSpace account, but have always used my OBi200 with a consumer Google account.  If it's really only a Google account type difference and not a GV implementation difference, then it seems that I could purchase a 300 series unit and port my Consumer GV number to a new user under my Google Workspace account, and carry on past Dec 18, 2023.  Does that make sense?

Sorry for the delayed response; I don't visit this forum much anymore.

Your question with regard to the hardware has been asked and answered many times before, but briefly:  The Poly/OBiTALK hardware for the original consumer Google Voice will not work with business Google Voice for Google Workspace, and conversely, the business hardware won't work with consumer Google Voice.

Google Voice for Workspace shares many of the same features and settings and infrastructure with the consumer offering.  In fact, the revenue generated by the business offering helps Google to continue offering the consumer version for mostly-free.  You can learn more about the business features here:

https://workspace.google.com/products/voice/ (https://workspace.google.com/products/voice/)

You can certainly buy an Poly OBi 300, or any of the Poly phone models certified for Workspace Google Voice.  Annoyingly, there is no direct way to transfer a consumer GV number into Workspace GV.  You'd have to first port the consumer GV number out to some other service provider, wait a week, then port it into Workspace GV.

Setting up Poly hardware on Workspace GV is actually much easier than consumer OBiTALK stuff.  You basically enter the phone's or ATA's MAC on a web page and click the submit button.  Everything else is auto-configured.

See:  https://www.poly.com/us/en/solutions/platform/google/works-with-google-voice (https://www.poly.com/us/en/solutions/platform/google/works-with-google-voice) and
https://support.google.com/a/answer/9250113?hl=en (https://support.google.com/a/answer/9250113?hl=en)

QuoteSorry for the delayed response; I don't visit this forum much anymore.

Your question with regard to the hardware has been asked and answered many times before, but briefly:  The Poly/OBiTALK hardware for the original consumer Google Voice will not work with business Google Voice for Google Workspace, and conversely, the business hardware won't work with consumer Google Voice.

Google Voice for Workspace shares many of the same features and settings and infrastructure with the consumer offering.  In fact, the revenue generated by the business offering helps Google to continue offering the consumer version for mostly-free.  You can learn more about the business features here:

https://workspace.google.com/products/voice/ (https://workspace.google.com/products/voice/)

You can certainly buy an Poly OBi 300, or any of the Poly phone models certified for Workspace Google Voice.  Annoyingly, there is no direct way to transfer a consumer GV number into Workspace GV.  You'd have to first port the consumer GV number out to some other service provider, wait a week, then port it into Workspace GV.

Setting up Poly hardware on Workspace GV is actually much easier than consumer OBiTALK stuff.  You basically enter the phone's or ATA's MAC on a web page and click the submit button.  Everything else is auto-configured.

See:  https://www.poly.com/us/en/solutions/platform/google/works-with-google-voice (https://www.poly.com/us/en/solutions/platform/google/works-with-google-voice) and
https://support.google.com/a/answer/9250113?hl=en (https://support.google.com/a/answer/9250113?hl=en)

Thanks for taking the time to respond.  Your response makes sense, and I will have to consider whether it's worth it to try to port my number over to the GW version of GV in order to keep an ObiTalk device functional on that number.

Cheers!

Seems the mods don't care anymore.  :'(

What about the Obi1022 model as a post 200 series GV option for consumers?

It appears to be GV compatible, and I'm seeing models offered on Amazon for modest prices.

https://www.obitalk.com/info/products/obi1032

The OBi1xxx and OBi2xxx line of IP phones went EOS last July 31st.

---

Quote from: JayFC on June 23, 2023, 01:01:33 AMWhat about the Obi1022 model as a post 200 series GV option for consumers?

It appears to be GV compatible, and I'm seeing models offered on Amazon for modest prices.

https://www.obitalk.com/info/products/obi1032

There is no point in buying ANY consumer OBiTALK devices, planning to use them with Google Voice.  They're obsolete, no longer sold nor supported, and they won't be configurable with Google Voice via the OBiTALK portal after December.

Anything you find on Amazon is being sold by scavengers, and will have no warranty and no support.

I am planning to switch to different VoiP/SIP provider and to use my Obi202 with this provider.

I enabled the access to my Obi202 from the local network (obitalk.com will be down after December 2023) in order to provision SIP lines (I know how to do it).

My question is: should I do something in addition to this step? For example, to disable autoprovisioning.

Ok, like most of us here, I'm late to the party and have been trying to figure out what my options are. Unfortunately I'm still not clear as to the path forward and would like to get real answers or suggestions.

Please if you're not going to be providing a solution or suggestion then please don't post your unhelpful response

History:
Got a GV number back when it first came out over 11 years ago.
Also Got the the Google Workspace back when it first started for my small business.
When Google Workspace became paid, I transitioned to Google Workspace Started Edition and have been paying for that.
I've been using GV since Day 1 via the consumer edition I believe. Strangely enough I was able to change the GV email to one of the Workspace accounts, but it still remained as a free GV account (i.e consumer version).
I've used the Obi1x and Obi2x and subsequently Obi1032 deskphones which work great.
Because of the good advice here I've worked out that I have a "World between Worlds" GV account.
It is configured in my Google Workspace using one of the users emails, but it is technically still the consumer version. It took me a while to figure that part out.
In other to have full Google Workspace Voice, I would have to port it out of the grandfathered GV into the Google Workspace Voice version.
I have no problem using the Google Workspace Voice devices from Poly
Here is what I found out, That I need to start a "Google Workspace Voice" subscription to be able to do that. Looking at GV sites mentioned here it has to be "Google Voice Standard $20/month" version.



My Question then is
What Poly Devices will work with Workspace Google Voice post EOL because in looking at the page on Google for Voice Devices that work it says "Google Voice supports OBi Edition firmware only. When you purchase Poly desk phones to use with Google Voice, request OBi Edition firmware for the devices." Hence my question as to if any devices will even work with Workspace Google Voice?

If I can't use any deskphones with Workspace Google Voice reliably post EOL, then what are my options to keep my number and use a deskphone from another SIP provider. Can I use any other SIP deskphones and port my GV number to another provider? How easy would that be to setup. I've seen other services mentioned here e.g Callcentric. Does anyone know what steps/how easy it is to set those up with a deskphone?

Thirdly, I like GV primarily because of the ability to receive instant emails of MISSED CALLS, TEXT, and VOICEMAIL transcriptions. Does any other SIP service have these 3 features?

Sorry for the long explanation, but I wanted to be sure before I switch to Workspace GV and buy any more devices

Thanks

https://www.poly.com/us/en/products/phones/desk-phones (https://www.poly.com/us/en/products/phones/desk-phones)

Scroll down to Filters and select Google Voice.

The Poly VVX x50 series IP phones only work with Google Voice for Workspace

And just to add to your confusion:
https://www.poly.com/content/dam/www/products/support/voice/vvx-business-ip-phones/other/june2022-shipping-config-change-notice-vvx.pdf (https://www.poly.com/content/dam/www/products/support/voice/vvx-business-ip-phones/other/june2022-shipping-config-change-notice-vvx.pdf)

Thanks for that info.

I'm just going to get the VVX 250 phone and park it in the corner.
The day that Google does something and it won't update anymore is the day I'll forward my number to a different phone and then tackle this beast. If it turns out that nothing works then I'll figure something new out as I always do.

I'll not be surprised if Google pulls the Obi server end of 2023. Afterall on the Google voice for Workspace, the first tier doesn't even allow deskphones or ATA's which is shocking considering that is a paid offering that you can only get by first paying for Google workspace and then paying separately for Google voice for workspace. So I don't see them allowing Deskphone or ATA's on the free offering from Obi for too long.

Quote from: simpleAnswers on September 25, 2023, 09:21:06 AMI'll not be surprised if Google pulls the Obi server end of 2023. Afterall on the Google voice for Workspace, the first tier doesn't even allow deskphones or ATA's which is shocking considering that is a paid offering that you can only get by first paying for Google workspace and then paying separately for Google voice for workspace. So I don't see them allowing Deskphone or ATA's on the free offering from Obi for too long.

Yeah, if Google gets rid of the obihai.sip.google.com server then the days of a direct connection to Google Voice will likely be over.

However, there are some workarounds. For inbound, forward from GV to a cheap Voip provider DID (like Callcentric for unlimited inbound $1/month) and azrobert's AutoHotKey script for outbound if you're running Windows. I've been running azrobert's ahk script for a few months and it works perfectly.
azrobert's ahk script (https://www.obitalk.com/forum/index.php?topic=19427.msg112105#msg112105)

I'll forward my number to a another phone and take on this beast the day Google does anything and it stops updating. As always, I'll come up with a fresh solution if nothing else seems to work.

I'm just going to use an old cellphone to run the google voice app on wifi and use a bluetooth cell to landline adapter I found on Amazon. Easy solution.

I've been using Cell2Jack for the past 2 years and am very satisfied with this product. It works well. Reliable. No problems. See my YouTube review, "Tips Before Buying Cell2Jack".
https://youtu.be/EkYiyWVCSm0?si=FZm6mSWTzzgcHTiq

 :D

Quote from: simpleAnswers on September 24, 2023, 06:14:50 AMOk, like most of us here, I'm late to the party and have been trying to figure out what my options are. Unfortunately I'm still not clear as to the path forward and would like to get real answers or suggestions.

Please if you're not going to be providing a solution or suggestion then please don't post your unhelpful response

History:
Got a GV number back when it first came out over 11 years ago.
Also Got the the Google Workspace back when it first started for my small business.
When Google Workspace became paid, I transitioned to Google Workspace Started Edition and have been paying for that.
I've been using GV since Day 1 via the consumer edition I believe. Strangely enough I was able to change the GV email to one of the Workspace accounts, but it still remained as a free GV account (i.e consumer version).
I've used the Obi1x and Obi2x and subsequently Obi1032 deskphones which work great.
Because of the good advice here I've worked out that I have a "World between Worlds" GV account.
It is configured in my Google Workspace using one of the users emails, but it is technically still the consumer version. It took me a while to figure that part out.
In other to have full Google Workspace Voice, I would have to port it out of the grandfathered GV into the Google Workspace Voice version.
I have no problem using the Google Workspace Voice devices from Poly
Here is what I found out, That I need to start a "Google Workspace Voice" subscription to be able to do that. Looking at GV sites mentioned here it has to be "Google Voice Standard $20/month" version.



My Question then is
What Poly Devices will work with Workspace Google Voice post EOL because in looking at the page on Google for Voice Devices that work it says "Google Voice supports OBi Edition firmware only. When you purchase Poly desk phones to use with Google Voice, request OBi Edition firmware for the devices." Hence my question as to if any devices will even work with Workspace Google Voice?

If I can't use any deskphones with Workspace Google Voice reliably post EOL, then what are my options to keep my number and use a deskphone from another SIP provider. Can I use any other SIP deskphones and port my GV number to another provider? How easy would that be to setup. I've seen other services mentioned here e.g Callcentric. Does anyone know what steps/how easy it is to set those up with a deskphone?

Thirdly, I like GV primarily because of the ability to receive instant emails of MISSED CALLS, TEXT, and VOICEMAIL transcriptions. Does any other SIP service have these 3 features?

Sorry for the long explanation, but I wanted to be sure before I switch to Workspace GV and buy any more devices

Thanks

This has been answered many times in this forum, but specific to your question about phones for (paid) Google Voice for Google Workspace, if you want an IP phone, buy a Poly Edge B series (I have a B30).  The VVX series are nearing EOL, and they are overkill for Workspace GV, since it can only have one phone number on one phone for one user.  The Edge B models are significantly cheaper, and have a primitive LCD display, but otherwise have the same great audio quality as the prior models.

If you want an ATA, wait a bit longer until the Poly 400/402 series ATAs are available for sale; they are the replacement for all of the earlier ATAs (and before some numbnuts asks, no; they will not work with consumer Google Voice; just Workspace).

Quote from: SteveInWA on November 11, 2023, 05:11:05 PMIf you want an ATA, wait a bit longer until the Poly 400/402 series ATAs are available for sale; they are the replacement for all of the earlier ATAs (and before some numbnuts asks, no; they will not work with consumer Google Voice; just Workspace).

Steve - so if I wait for the Poly 400/402 series ATA, can I get the Google Workspace $6 plan and plug in my old wireless handset with the answering machine and it will work like the OBI 200/202 model did? Sorry I don't know that much about phone stuff.

There are two different monthly charges:  you need a paid subscription to Google Workspace (think of it as analogous to Microsoft 365 -- a suite of cloud-based services and applications), and you need a subscription (license) to use Google Voice for Google Workspace.  The cheapest per-user price for Google Voice, on top of the base subscription for Workspace, is $10/month.

Quote from: nvrpayretail on November 02, 2023, 11:36:15 AMI'm just going to use an old cellphone to run the google voice app on wifi and use a bluetooth cell to landline adapter I found on Amazon. Easy solution.

What specific bluetooth to landline adapter are you using?
I have a Panasonic Link2Cell phone system.
Using an old Moto X4 cell phone, no cell service active, I have that phone linked and listed under GVoice to ring. Cell phone works for incoming and outgoing calls.
Panasonic handset works for incoming calls but outgoing calls from the Panasonic handset (selecting Moto X4) doesn't seem to work. Just gives a couple of beeps.
If I select the other linked cell phone that has cell service active, it works as expected.
The Moto X4 gives a message "Cellular network not available" and outgoing calls from the Panasonic handset don't go through.

Quote from: Juicer on December 04, 2023, 07:21:34 AMIf I select the other linked cell phone that has cell service active, it works as expected.

"Works as expected" means what?  Which of:

1.  Cellular voice
2.  GV app over cellular data
3.  GV app over Wi-Fi and internet.

Quote from: drgeoff on December 04, 2023, 12:30:55 PM

Quote from: Juicer on December 04, 2023, 07:21:34 AMIf I select the other linked cell phone that has cell service active, it works as expected.

"Works as expected" means what?  Which of:

1.  Cellular voice
2.  GV app over cellular data
3.  GV app over Wi-Fi and internet.

If I select my Pixel 3A which has active cell service via MVNO Red Pocket, the call is completed. If I select Moto X which only has wifi GVoice (no cell service just GV app over wifi and internet) the outgoing call from Panasonic Link2Cell is not completed.
Sorry I am somewhat confused so, so is my answer?

Quote from: Juicer on December 04, 2023, 01:40:39 PM

Quote from: drgeoff on December 04, 2023, 12:30:55 PM

Quote from: Juicer on December 04, 2023, 07:21:34 AMIf I select the other linked cell phone that has cell service active, it works as expected.

"Works as expected" means what?  Which of:

1.  Cellular voice
2.  GV app over cellular data
3.  GV app over Wi-Fi and internet.

If I select my Pixel 3A which has active cell service via MVNO Red Pocket, the call is completed. If I select Moto X which only has wifi GVoice (no cell service just GV app over wifi and internet) the outgoing call from Panasonic Link2Cell is not completed.
Sorry I am somewhat confused so, so is my answer?

You failed to answer my question.

Did a factory reset: press all together 159* hold until beep. remove and replace battery.
Next I added the 2 cell phones anew and everything now "works as expected."

Well my 2 GV numbers quit working.  At the portal they had some error message. can't remember it exactly.  So I went to the Callcentric #  I have and chose it for outgoing calls. 'Primary Line for Outgoing Calls Phone 1.'  After saving I now see my GV numbers as 'Connected'.  Tried them with my cell and was able to call and receive on both numbers.


Confused.

---

I am prepared for the Obi200 end of life.  My configuration is one GV line, 2 Callcentric lines.  I use Callcentric for incoming calls, one for people in my contacts, one for others, so I get a different ringtone for calls from people I don't know.

In the future, when GV outgoing calls stop working, I will just need to flip the default outgoing line to one my Callcentric ones or use **2 to make calls.

I can manage the device locally, but have a couple of questions concerning the EOL.

How should I configure the OBi200 to not accept OBiTalk updates and prepare it for the ObiTalk servers going away?

  edit: This is what I did:

    System Management | Auto Provisioning | Auto Firmware Update: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | ITSP Provisioning: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | LUA Script Update: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | OBiTALK Provisioning: Method: Disabled
    Voice Services | OBiTALK Service | Enable: (Unchecked)

    Note: I did not remove the device from ObiTalk, but it says that it is Offline, so that is good.

How can I flip the default outgoing line (I can probably find this in the forums, but can I before they go away too)?
 
  edit: This is what I did:
    Physical Interfaces | PHONE 1 Port | Primary Line: SPx Service

Can I change the default username and password for local management?  I tried, but it didn't seem to stick.

  edit: This is what I did after disabling obitalk
    System Management | Device Admin | Web Server: AdminPassword: *
    System Management | Device Admin | Web Server: UserPassword: *

Thank you all for your contributions over they years.

Quote from: ByeByeOBi on December 12, 2023, 07:41:33 AMI am prepared for the Obi200 end of life.  My configuration is one GV line, 2 Callcentric lines.  I use Callcentric for incoming calls, one for people in my contacts, one for others, so I get a different ringtone for calls from people I don't know.

In the future, when GV outgoing calls stop working, I will just need to flip the default outgoing line to one my Callcentric ones or use **2 to make calls.

I can manage the device locally, but have a couple of questions concerning the EOL.

How should I configure the OBi200 to not accept OBiTalk updates and prepare it for the ObiTalk servers going away?

  edit: This is what I did:

    System Management | Auto Provisioning | Auto Firmware Update: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | ITSP Provisioning: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | LUA Script Update: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | OBiTALK Provisioning: Method: Disabled
    Voice Services | OBiTALK Service | Enable: (Unchecked)

    Note: I did not remove the device from ObiTalk, but it says that it is Offline, so that is good.

How can I flip the default outgoing line (I can probably find this in the forums, but can I before they go away too)?
 
  edit: This is what I did:
    Physical Interfaces | PHONE 1 Port | Primary Line: SPx Service

Can I change the default username and password for local management?  I tried, but it didn't seem to stick.

  edit: This is what I did after disabling obitalk
    System Management | Device Admin | Web Server: AdminPassword: *
    System Management | Device Admin | Web Server: UserPassword: *

Thank you all for your contributions over they years.

It's amusing that you answered all of your own questions, and yes; your steps were correct, so it's essentially a FAQ!

Quote from: ByeByeOBi on December 12, 2023, 07:41:33 AMI am prepared for the Obi200 end of life.  My configuration is one GV line, 2 Callcentric lines.  I use Callcentric for incoming calls, one for people in my contacts, one for others, so I get a different ringtone for calls from people I don't know.

In the future, when GV outgoing calls stop working, I will just need to flip the default outgoing line to one my Callcentric ones or use **2 to make calls.

I can manage the device locally, but have a couple of questions concerning the EOL.

How should I configure the OBi200 to not accept OBiTalk updates and prepare it for the ObiTalk servers going away?

  edit: This is what I did:

    System Management | Auto Provisioning | Auto Firmware Update: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | ITSP Provisioning: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | LUA Script Update: Method: Disabled
    System Management | Auto Provisioning | OBiTALK Provisioning: Method: Disabled
    Voice Services | OBiTALK Service | Enable: (Unchecked)

    Note: I did not remove the device from ObiTalk, but it says that it is Offline, so that is good.

How can I flip the default outgoing line (I can probably find this in the forums, but can I before they go away too)?
 
  edit: This is what I did:
    Physical Interfaces | PHONE 1 Port | Primary Line: SPx Service

Can I change the default username and password for local management?  I tried, but it didn't seem to stick.

  edit: This is what I did after disabling obitalk
    System Management | Device Admin | Web Server: AdminPassword: *
    System Management | Device Admin | Web Server: UserPassword: *

Thank you all for your contributions over they years.

Is it necessary to disable the Obitalk updates if there won't be any, anyway?

I am set up with GV on sp1 and sp2 for outgoing on 2 different lines, and have both incoming lines directed to sp3 on Callcentric. When GV + Obi stops working for outgoing (that day will surely come at some point), I assumed that I could keep my GV as is for incoming call forwarding, and I just need to use an alternate dialing method to dial out from my GV number (web callback for now).

If I simply do nothing, will anything ruin the above plan? It seems like the only thing that would be removed is the ability to direct dial out from the Obi-connected handset over the GV phone number. Is there more potential damage if I don't manually make the changes above?

If everything is working now, you don't lose anything by setting 'Obitalk Provisioning' to 'Disabled' now.  If you don't change that setting there is the (probably extremely small) risk that the Obitalk server in its death throes somehow corrupts the settings in your OBi.

Quote from: drgeoff on December 20, 2023, 10:20:54 AMIf everything is working now, you don't lose anything by setting 'Obitalk Provisioning' to 'Disabled' now.  If you don't change that setting there is the (probably extremely small) risk that the Obitalk server in its death throes somehow corrupts the settings in your OBi.

^^This^^

I've disabled everything except the OBiTALK Service. That way I can still see the connection status of my 4 trunks at a glance.

I also have 2 200's where I disabled everything and removed them from the OBiTALK dashboard. They are my backup devices and a single registration to Anveo.

I have a 202 and am concerned about doomsday but don't see where I can make changes and disabling as described above. I see no option on my dashboard.

Quote from: Juicer on December 20, 2023, 11:38:03 PMI have a 202 and am concerned about doomsday but don't see where I can make changes and disabling as described above. I see no option on my dashboard.

That setting is only available via the device's onboard web server.

Quote from: Taoman on December 20, 2023, 10:47:52 AM

Quote from: drgeoff on December 20, 2023, 10:20:54 AMIf everything is working now, you don't lose anything by setting 'Obitalk Provisioning' to 'Disabled' now.  If you don't change that setting there is the (probably extremely small) risk that the Obitalk server in its death throes somehow corrupts the settings in your OBi.

^^This^^

I've disabled everything except the OBiTALK Service. That way I can still see the connection status of my 4 trunks at a glance.

I also have 2 200's where I disabled everything and removed them from the OBiTALK dashboard. They are my backup devices and a single registration to Anveo.

"Voice Services | OBiTALK Service | Enable: (Unchecked)

    Note: I did not remove the device from ObiTalk, but it says that it is Offline, so that is good."


^^^^^^
I noticed these before, and was a bit concerned about removing Obitalk service. I did not touch this one. Are there any CONS to leaving this enabled? In my estimation, if the servers are removed, you just won't be able to call Obi to Obi anymore, but with the other options disabled, it would seem that the risk of your settings being corrupted by the "death throes" scenario is eliminated. Am I correct?

Quote from: mo832 on December 31, 2023, 11:41:08 AMAre there any CONS to leaving this enabled? In my estimation, if the servers are removed, you just won't be able to call Obi to Obi anymore, but with the other options disabled, it would seem that the risk of your settings being corrupted by the "death throes" scenario is eliminated. Am I correct?

As far as I know there are no CONS and your assumptions are correct.

The OBiTALK service allows OBi to OBi communication and it shows the connection status of your trunks on the OBiTALK dashboard. Beyond that I'm not sure what it does but I think you're safe leaving it enabled.

Quote from: nvrpayretail on November 02, 2023, 11:36:15 AMI'm just going to use an old cellphone to run the google voice app on wifi and use a bluetooth cell to landline adapter I found on Amazon. Easy solution.

Which device and is it still working?

I'm having an issue on one of my 2 OBi200 devices where it will boot, work for maybe 30 seconds (both the web UI and the phone line), but then die.  The lights on the device still show everything is "on", but the phone line shows dead, and I cannot access the web UI.  I assume this means my box is dying.

Question 1
How much can I do to "reset" the box without losing my GV connection?  Any tips on troubleshooting?  I'm scared to do much else I will bork my whole account which has another OBi200 with functioning GV integration.

Question 2
What's the growing consensus on moving on?  I'm not attached to OBi or GV specifically, and I have a fairly simple setup with, I think, reasonable needs:

• I strongly dislike subscription fees, so I would gladly trade off 1-time equipment cost for lower/eliminated monthly fees.
• I need the number to ring to three locations (a hard-wired cordless phone in location A, a hard-wired cordless phone in location B, and a cell phone).  I can port the number from GV if needed.
• I need to be able to make outgoing calls with the number coming up as my caller ID from all three.  I currently make calls through the GV app on my phone, which works fine.
• I like visual voicemail, though I could live without that if the other criteria are met.

If there's something self-hosted I can do, that's an option as well.

Thanks!

Have you tried swapping the power adaptors between the two?

No, but I have tried a second adapter (1.5 amps instead of 1, but otherwise same specs).
The two devices are not in the same place.

Quote from: dathbe on April 04, 2024, 11:45:49 AMNo, but I have tried a second adapter (1.5 amps instead of 1, but otherwise same specs).
The two devices are not in the same place.

Does look like internal component of the OBi is suspect. A powered OBi should give dial tone even without network cable plugged in. And the onboard web server of an OBi 200 should always be accessible.

Were the OBi200 and phone directly connected together or was there house phone wiring between them?

Direct, though via a fairly long telephone cord. 
What's a little odd is that the internet light will go on and off if I plug/unplug the ethernet cable.  But the phone light stays on even if I unplug the phone cord. 

In another forum, someone said I should try to get certificates off the dying machine.  If anyone knows how to do that, I'd be happy to try.

It seems that my device is in a reboot cycle.  My system time is 1/1/11 at 12am, and the uptime never shows more than a couple minutes. 

ModelName          OBi200
MACAddress   
SerialNumber   
OBiNumber   
HardwareVersion   1.4   
SoftwareVersion   3.2.2 (Build: 8680EX)   
SystemTime           12:00:00 01/01/2011   
UpTime                   0 Days 0:00:12    help
CertificatesStatus   Installed   
CustomizationStatus   Generic   
PhoneBookEntries   0 Unique Name/Number Pairs   
OBiExtras                   Locked

Update - I managed to install the 5921 firmware from obifirmware.com, and that seemed to be more stable.  I was then able to flash the uboot (6259) firmware, and finally the arrynrob (8680EX) firmware. 

Once I got the arrynrob firmware installed, I got a dial tone!!!

Quote from: dathbe on April 04, 2024, 06:49:54 PMUpdate - I managed to install the 5921 firmware from obifirmware.com, and that seemed to be more stable.  I was then able to flash the uboot (6259) firmware, and finally the arrynrob (8680EX) firmware. 

Once I got the arrynrob firmware installed, I got a dial tone!!!

Interesting. My Obi202 is doing more or less the same, and it started around the same time as yourself. I don't believe too much in coincidences, there is something underlying. All the LED's I expect to be green are. The connected phone says "Check Tel Line". Already running 8680EX firmware. I did try to update it via the web server but it says the firmware is up to date and it won't update. The web server is hit or miss, sometimes pages don't load, and that's with an ethernet connection. Also have the wireless dongle and that is worse. Hmmm. Don't want to get too aggressive with debugging, because if the Obi202 config gets toasted, it's over. I think the EOL is happening? It's been a great ride. I'll probably keep GV and just have it linked to my wife and my cell phone #'s. Throw the landline phone away.