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[–]alexgdorman 29 points30 points ago

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I say yes because if you have a Google Voice number you can set it to ring your gmail voip. So as long as you have a laptop, headset, wifi and you leave your gmail tab open you have free unlimited calling. Incoming and outgoing. Google might even have a desktop app that supports voip, but I haven't looked into it yet.

tl;dr: Skype costs money to get a number that you can call to and from, Google does not.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]the2ndblahmonster 11 points12 points ago

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Yes, yes we are, in more ways than most people here can imagine.

[–]Sofiira 1 point2 points ago

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And Canadians . . . :D

[–]ravend13 0 points1 point ago

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Not really. You can call Canada with the service, but I believe it's only available in the USA.

[–]impei 0 points1 point ago

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The call phone button in gmail works but google voice does not.

[–]Sofiira 0 points1 point ago

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My husband can call land lines in the US and Canada but to actually sign up with the service does not work. We both have accounts with Google but he's the only one that has the little call button - beta maybe?

[–]Foaric 0 points1 point ago

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And Canadians now!

[–]Avertr 5 points6 points ago

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There is no guarantee that Google will keep it free. They say "Calls to the U.S. and Canada will be free for at least the rest of the year" not that it will be free forever.

[–]powercow 4 points5 points ago

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yeah it's kind of hard to do it free. there are certain exchanges, especially in rural areas, that charge google(and every other phone company) an arm and a leg to send calls across.

you might remember google getting hell for it.

they argued they werent really a voip solution since google voice required a cell phone and they had no computer app.(not sure about that with gizmo but w/e).

google stopped blocking these numbers which opened them up to do this.

but really these exchanges tend to kill all free phone solutions that come to the pc.

It would be nice if they informed you in very clear terms and let you just accept you cant call certain rural areas and sex hotlines. Heck I probably dont know anyone there anyways.

but then when we are all voip, the rural areas will be shut out of phone service again and the gov will probably step in.

BUT YEAH long story short, I DO NOT SEE HOW GOOGLE CAN REMAIN FREE AFTER THE YEAR IS UP.

[–]rvqbl 0 points1 point ago

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Just FYI, it is not only phone sex lines, but also the free conference calling services.

[–]outsider 0 points1 point ago

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Google Voice does free conference calling.

[–]rvqbl 0 points1 point ago

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I was talking more about the services where you have up to 20 people, maybe more, call into a number and have a conference call.

[–]outsider 0 points1 point ago

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I know. I just thought I'd toss it out there that you can do that with Google Voice as well.

[–]specialk16 1 point2 points ago

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Hmmm, I can actually call for free to the US and Canada and I'm in Costa Rica. Looks like calls to the US are still free even if you are overseas.

[–]koggelmander -1 points0 points ago

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Google might even have a desktop app that supports voip

Google Talk has been available for years.

[–]the8thbit 9 points10 points ago

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Right... but that's Google Talk to Google Talk. It's not Google Talk to any phone in north America.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]haluter 2 points3 points ago

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No, I meant Google Talk. Been using it for years to voip to my family all over the world.

[–]PlasmaWhore 9 points10 points ago

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I have gmail and google voice, but I don't see a VoIP service in either of them. Where is it?

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]mason092 0 points1 point ago

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Yep, it just takes a while for the new features to roll out.

[–]derram 1 point2 points ago

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I found out because of a pop-up in Gmail.

Came to Reddit and found rhis post!

[–]diamond 4 points5 points ago

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Holy shit; even Scooby Do is a redditor now?

[–]cdm9002 1 point2 points ago

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It appeared on my account last night...gone today :(

[–]Bjartr 0 points1 point ago

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They started rolling it out yesterday (the old gmail acct I never use has it and the one I use daily doesn't, go figure)

[–]krizutch 1 point2 points ago

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I would suspect they go in order if when you signed up. Most of Google's roll outs seem to happen that way.

[–]mitchellhislop 0 points1 point ago

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Of my two gmail accounts, the one attached to the google voice number I use more (i have two) got the upgrade almost 24 hours earlier.

Also, my newer account was upgraded first.

[–]SuperficialJerk 0 points1 point ago

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You have to go to google.com/chat/voice and install the plugin.

[–]PlasmaWhore 0 points1 point ago

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I did that. Now I just wait I guess.

[–]smhinsey 0 points1 point ago

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Make sure to turn chat on in the main gmail interface.

[–]PlasmaWhore 0 points1 point ago

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It is. I think it's because I'm currently in South Korea.

[–]aurochs 0 points1 point ago

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Mine was in chat yesterday but disapeared this morning. Just go to google voice, click the "Call" button and change your phone to "google." Then a box in your google chat opens and you can hear the call.

[–]hughk 4 points5 points ago

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Skype is pretty difficult to intercept and goes through most firewalls without problems and it works almost everywhere. For this reason it is also much loved by aid agencies who do not always want to be intercepted.

Until Google Voice breaks out of the North American continent, GMail's VoIP is nice, but Skype is better.

[–]buckX 2 points3 points ago

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It only goes through your firewall if you don't do egress filtering, which a properly configured firewall should.

[–]hughk 2 points3 points ago

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It is relatively hard to filter (although not impossible) and I have seen it go out of a major bank's firewall with full egress filtering as well as mandatory proxying for outgoing web access (so port 80 was also blocked).

[–]dmsean 5 points6 points ago

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That makes no sense. I highly doubt they had full egress filtering. Skype uses 80 and 443 from what I understand, and most places will have this open. It is very likely an IT admin at this bank felt the need to use Skype and opened the ports. Or there was a need for e-commerce (aka ssl, port 443)

If port 443 is open, then this is one way to block Skype: http://www1.cs.columbia.edu/~salman/skype/BlockingSkype_corp.pdf

[–]buckX 1 point2 points ago

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Actually, skype uses a crazy number of high numbered ports, much like the p2p program it's based off of, kazaa. You can restrict it to pass through only 443, but it's not actually SSL traffic, so the firewall will stop it if it does protocol inspection. Interestingly enough, the call quality drops a lot when you run it through a single port.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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much like the p2p program it's based off of, kazaa.

Can you elaborate on this at all? How is Kazaa related to Skype at all?

I hate to be that guy but, citation?

[–]SammyD1st 3 points4 points ago

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How is Kazaa related to Skype at all?

The same dudes invented both: Niklas Zennström and Janus Friis. Case study.

[–]buckX 4 points5 points ago

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http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype#History

It's not directly off the kazaa code as far as I know, but its lineage is there.

[–]hughk 0 points1 point ago

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First, port 80 was blocked. You could only get out via the proxy. As I said, this was a bank so there were many additional layers. However 443 would have been left open as we had connections to external data providers.

At the time, not as much was known about the specifics of blocking Skype (the paper you mentioned was recent then), but even now many places do not block it successfully and most hotels do not.

Btw, it is unlikely that the admins would have left it open deliberately. Firewall exceptions needed the personal signoff (with justification) of the CIO.

[–]bamfb2 1 point2 points ago

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Does anyone know about the retention/recording of calls. Google normally captures almost all available data. I was under the impression that Skype calls were not captured/recording and hence more secure.

I wonder what the differences in security are between these two services.

[–]Eggby 0 points1 point ago

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Skype works when my college's internet is screwed up. And Left 4 Dead 2. I love any program that lets my play games or talk to my friends even if the internet is "down".

[–]outsider 0 points1 point ago

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Use alternate DNS servers like: Google's open DNS 8.8.8.8, 8.8.4.4 or OpenDNS DNS: 208.67.222.222, 208.67.220.220

If you get stuck with a bad DNS server you can't do much with domain names but services which use IP addresses will tend to continue working (or for which you have a HOSTS entry.

[–]Z80 0 points1 point ago

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Skype is pretty difficult to intercept and goes through most firewalls

So, how countries like UAE are able blocking it?

[–]hughk 0 points1 point ago

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It is possible, but you have to be really anal about deep-packet inspection which costs a lot of performance.

[–]tso 3 points4 points ago

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now to turn that gizmo purchase into a SIP gateway.

wonder how long it takes someone to hack together a phone box.

[–]eldridgea 4 points5 points ago

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[–]neotoy 11 points12 points ago

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In the age of whores I feel like showing a little loyalty. Skype has been rocking on my machine for years now, if it ain't broke don't fix it?

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points ago

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Becuase Google gives you a free actual phone number that people can call you on? Skype charges for that.

[–]chiphead2332 1 point2 points ago

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Well, I've had gmail for what, 6 years? Certainly longer than I've used Skype. Plus it's not like you need to ditch Skype, it's just... there.

[–]greyjay 1 point2 points ago

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Skype got in bed with Verizon. Their phone app is for iPhones only OR Verizon Blackberry's. Fuck them.

[–]mitchellhislop 0 points1 point ago

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While I also have Skype open all day, I am going to use the hell out of GVoice calling. Why, you may ask?

easy: My google voice is my work line. I can make calls for free. Cant do that with skype.

[–]THEMACGOD 3 points4 points ago

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EVERYONE SHOULD WORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING.

[–]curiouslystrongmints 7 points8 points ago

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Nice try, mainstream media and the internet.

[–]THEMACGOD 2 points3 points ago

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DAMMIT.

[–]Virigoth 2 points3 points ago

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Google = Skynet?!?!?! Someone call the governator!

[–]psilokan 2 points3 points ago

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But he works for skynet!

[–]CINAPTNOD 0 points1 point ago

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[–]rboymtj 2 points3 points ago

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I pay $2.99/mo. for Skype unlimited calling but it doesn't give you a phone number for people to call you. Well, you can buy one, but it's kind of pricey. If I can do the same think with gmail and have people call me back on my google voice # I'm definitely getting rid of my Skype subscription. I don't do many Skype to Skype calls, and if I do it's a family member calling me on my cell phone to get on Skype.

[–]twodayslate 2 points3 points ago

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I want a desktop app. That would be wonderful!

[–]smhinsey 0 points1 point ago

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I would settle for touch tone interfaces working.

[–]neolduser 2 points3 points ago

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This is not google's end game. This is what's going to happen next and yes skype should be afraid but more than that every tele-communications firm should be quaking in their boots.

Google will release an api to use gvoice voip in android and suddenly voice plans are a thing of the past. All data. The future is bright my friends. Now if only someone would sell a cheap data plan...

This has the potential to be one of the most disruptive technologies in recent memory.

[–]g2g079 1 point2 points ago

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Is there any sort of application I can run in the background to accept calls or am I expected to keep gmail open?

[–]c4g 1 point2 points ago

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In Chrome do an "Application Shortcut".

[–]g2g079 0 points1 point ago

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I did this with firebug but it is just not the same.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

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Most people I know do that already.

[–]ih8evilstuff 1 point2 points ago

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[–]g2g079 0 points1 point ago

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I want something that doesn't require me to have a browser Windows open and that will ring when I have a call. I'm talking about being able to use as a full VOIP application. Does Google talk have lan line calling yet?

[–]ih8evilstuff 0 points1 point ago

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I said nothing about Google VoIP vs. Skype. I was just mentioning that you don't need to keep Gmail open to be constantly checking your mail.

Incidentally, why is keeping Skype running any better than keeping Firefox running?

[–]g2g079 -1 points0 points ago

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Because it can run from system, is more compact, and user friendly.

[–]buckX -3 points-2 points ago

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Most people you know don't use pop.

[–]honestbleeps 6 points7 points ago

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pop? really? people still use pop instead of imap?

[–]Albuyeh 1 point2 points ago* 

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Am I the only one who hasn't gotten a notification that Google can make phone calls? :(

Edit: got mine just a few hours ago :)

[–]Sgeo 0 points1 point ago

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Still waiting here :(

[–]jotaroh 1 point2 points ago

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It's only available for Americans.

[–]staiano 0 points1 point ago

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Mostly true but a guy from Ireland said he say the 'call' thing in his gmail...

Hopefully google is getting moving on grand central for the world...

[–]burnblue 1 point2 points ago

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No. even if Google's is technically better, they will not win mindshare in such a way as to displace the strong brand of Skype. Google is quite good at engineering, but when it comes to connecting people they need a lot of work.

(Wave)

[–]s0nicfreak 1 point2 points ago

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I was planning on using Skype when at home to save money. $3 for unlimited calling seemed pretty nice. But, oh wait, due to a deal with Verizon you can only use Skype on Android if you use Verizon now, and even then only through using actual minutes, not data nor wifi. So even if I did use Verizon, Skype would not save me anything. If they are going to make/keep bull deals like they did with Verizon, then yes, they should be worried.

[–]zorak8me 1 point2 points ago

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I find out about this the DAY I buy a year's worth of service from Skype. I'm telling myself it's about loyalty...

[–]detaer 1 point2 points ago

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The freaking clecs should be worried. They don't even understand that google is about to eat their low end residential POTS business.

[–]P522 0 points1 point ago* 

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No matter which number you call, it reaches Wikipedia first!

[–]chrisskinr 0 points1 point ago

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I keep getting "We're sorry we could not complete your call. Please try again later." I live in Chicago. I'm at work too, could there be firewall issues?

[–]Axiomatik 0 points1 point ago

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My coworker and I are looking for this functionality in gmail and seeing nothing. How is it done?

[–]derram -1 points0 points ago

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Wait for it.

Gmail will let you know when it's ready.

Also: Refresh.

[–]lenbot 0 points1 point ago

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Oh man I don't have it yet...WTF!?!?

[–]krizutch 0 points1 point ago

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So does anyone knowif these features will be available from my android phone to call other phones? More specifically how Long is it going to be until I can switch to an all data plan and drop my calling plan all together.

[–]InspectorJavert 0 points1 point ago

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So how do I link it to my google voice number?

[–]staiano 0 points1 point ago

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Your gmail email should be your google voice login... No extra linking needed.

[–]InspectorJavert 0 points1 point ago

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Yes, but a quick test with my cell phone shows the call from gmail is calling from a number other than my google voice number.

[–]staiano 0 points1 point ago

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Oh wow. Stupid question but do you know the number that is showing up on the caller id? Do you have multiple google voice numbers?

I just tried it myself and outgoing calls work great but incoming calls never ring gmail...

edit: Also what if you call into your google voice number does gmail ring? What if you call the number that shows up on the caller id does that ring your gmail?

[–]NMSpaz 0 points1 point ago

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Link from the GV side. Go to voice settings and under the "phones" tab, check google chat. Then inbound calls will be routed to gmail and (I'm told but haven't tried) outbound calls will have your GV number posted.

[–]Eggby 0 points1 point ago

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I have a Google Voice number (which I use on my Android phone). I have free national calling through Gmail now? Or is there some hidden fee?

[–]staiano 1 point2 points ago

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Nothing hidden but I suspect premium number like 900 or 976 would not be free.

When you make a call via gmail it shows a little 'free' icon or text to let you know.

[–]Fidodo 0 points1 point ago

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Yup, why would anyone install an application when they can do it over their browser now?

I don't feel bad for skype because I haven't seen them innovate in years.

[–]colinnwn 0 points1 point ago

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Still requires a plugin to be installed

[–]Fidodo 0 points1 point ago

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Oh, right. I totally forgot about that somehow...

[–]tallestred 0 points1 point ago

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I'd prefer an application still frankly. Browser crashes happen, I just don't feel comfortable with a call being placed through some flash/javascript concoction. As it is plugins like flash regularly take 1GB of system ram totally on their own for me and I have to do things like end-process of the "plugin-container.exe" killing flash just to get control of my browser back. Sometimes it just gets unbearably slow and that's all I can do. So more things migrated to web-browser use? No thanks, sounds like disaster to me.

Related to this: I'm extremely looking forward to facebook chat support within MSN messenger soon, I'd like to shoot FB's in-browser chat in the face.

[–]Fidodo 0 points1 point ago

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I don't really trust skype more than a browser. They aren't exactly the best, and my experience is that skype is pretty bloaty. (Also, I totally forgot that this actually requires a plugin, so it's probably simpler and more stable than flash) Personally, I haven't had a browser crash in a long time with modern browsers. I've lost control, but that's if a site was poorly implemented. If I were making a call I probably wouldn't be playing a flash game, and if it were important I'd just open gmail in chrome and browse with firefox.

Also, why are you using MSN? Dear god. Use digsby, which already has FB chat, msn, yahoo, aim, g talk, icq, jabber, and myspace chat. Or use Pidgin which has Aim, Bonjour, GaduGadu, G talk, grouptalk, icq, irc, msn, myspace, QQ, SILC, SIMPLE, sametime, XMPP, Yahoo, Yahoo japan, and Zephyr. I don't know what half those things are, but if I need them they're there. Also, you can get a FB plugin for pidgin, but it was buggy the last time I tried it (it might be better now).

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point ago

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I'm already using google voice to have it call my cellphone, and connect me directly to friends in Australia at two cents a minute. N ow I can do that using a laptop instead of a phone? I don't care. I'd rather use the phone.

[–]tallestred 0 points1 point ago

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Your opinion I guess though I would disagree from my view point. At home I get nothing bars for cell signal (any network, GSM, 3G, it's all worthless here at home). So phone though a computer? Fuck YES basically is the ONLY alternative to a copper land line for me. Considering I'm sitting in front of a windows box all day long that just makes it sweeter.

[–]Filmore 0 points1 point ago

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[–]toastyghost 0 points1 point ago

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yes

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]wardrox 8 points9 points ago

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Big elephants can always understand small elephants. Because.

[–]k8tek -2 points-1 points ago

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I have been using Google Voice for months now. I can call anybody in the United States and Canada for free. I love how it integrates with my Android phone and intercepts international calls.

[–]furless -1 points0 points ago

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Yes, Skype should be worried, but not (yet) worried sick.

Google has enough weight to become a challenger in any market it enters, but Skype has its own First Mover advantages. It has:

  • a foothold all over the world
  • APIs for developers to build applications
  • hardware products using Skype technology

Currently, Google seems to be entering this tussle somewhat in the guise of yet another VoIP provider, with prices that are okay but not rock-bottom. (Granted, if Google can provide better quality calls at slightly higher prices, this could be acceptable.) Once, I would have looked at this move as a far greater threat, but Google's profound failure with wave shows that it too has feet of clay.

[–]hughk 2 points3 points ago

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This looks a lot more serious than Wave - integration in Gmail and more money being poured into it.

[–]Vithar 1 point2 points ago

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The big difference that I expect to see is Android. Skype is playing a cat and mouse game with developers and support on android apps. It works for a while and its like they discover some app using skype, and they break it, then some other app does it, ect, ect... I have gone through 3 different skype apps, and I gave up after the last one stopped working.

Now if Google puts VoIP on android phones, that will be huge.

[–]ScornForSega 1 point2 points ago

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hardware products using Skype technology

Massive failure in this category. For months, I was looking for a whole house Skype solution on linux. Apparently, it exists.... if you run FC3. I was willing to pay for Skype-in, Skype-out, and Skype-pro, but I am not willing to pay for a windows license.

If Google can sell me a box that will integrate Google VOIP into my house (and provide the +48v to run POTS phones), I'll buy it tomorrow.

[–][deleted] ago

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[deleted]

[–]ScornForSega 0 points1 point ago

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It does, thanks.

I just ordered an unlocked version of a similar phone adapter. Once that gets here, I'll get to play with SIP trunking and hopefully get a workable with with google voice forwarded to a sip provider.