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Is there any way to text message for free ?

umm , how does that work ? i read something about it ,and i use it for voice mail . do have to change my number ?

First thing you will have to do is sign up for a Google Voice account. It is by invite only right now. If you know people who use the service, they may have extra invites to share. If not, go to this URL and sign up:
https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/

Once you receive an invite, you have 2 options. You can integrate Google Voice into your current number, or you can get a new Google Voice number. You should go on to their site and read up on the pros/cons of both options.

If you chose to get a Google number, you can download the Google Voice app for the Droid. In the app, you can send/receive Text messages for free. They are routed through Google, so they will be searchable on the Google Voice site just like your Gmail.

I can go on and on about the features, but you are best to read up and see for yourself.

Good luck!
 
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I was asking myself the same question about a week ago and the answer IS Google Voice.

I bought an invite from eBay for $1.35. It's just a little bit of a hassle to use but it's not a big deal at all.

If you want your friends to text you, they will have to text your Google number NOT the number provided by the carrier. So just have your friends store one number for Mobile, and the other for Text, not that hard =P.

The other thing is how to get notified that you have received a text. As of now, the Google Voice refresh rate or something is like 2min, meaning it will check to see if you have received a text every 2min. Google is currently aware of this and is working on fixing it.

However, there is a simple fix around it: check the option that says it will send an email to your Gmail when you have received a text. And this has no delay (the 2min refresh rate), and you will be instantly notified when you get a text through your Gmail. The only downside of this is that your mail will be flooded with 'SMS from xxxxx.' You can't use Gmail options to label and send to certain folders as you will not be notified if you do this.

But all in all, it's an amazing alternative. I was extremely impressed even with the slight disadvantage.


Good luck!
 
Upvote 0
I was asking myself the same question about a week ago and the answer IS Google Voice.

I bought an invite from eBay for $1.35. It's just a little bit of a hassle to use but it's not a big deal at all.

If you want your friends to text you, they will have to text your Google number NOT the number provided by the carrier. So just have your friends store one number for Mobile, and the other for Text, not that hard =P.

The other thing is how to get notified that you have received a text. As of now, the Google Voice refresh rate or something is like 2min, meaning it will check to see if you have received a text every 2min. Google is currently aware of this and is working on fixing it.

However, there is a simple fix around it: check the option that says it will send an email to your Gmail when you have received a text. And this has no delay (the 2min refresh rate), and you will be instantly notified when you get a text through your Gmail. The only downside of this is that your mail will be flooded with 'SMS from xxxxx.' You can't use Gmail options to label and send to certain folders as you will not be notified if you do this.

But all in all, it's an amazing alternative. I was extremely impressed even with the slight disadvantage.


Good luck!

thanks Tango ! i had someone send me a text on my google voice number . and i checked it 5 min later and nothing was there .
 
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Hm, I'm assuming you have downloaded the Google Voice App...

I can think of two things that may be wrong here:
1. You didn't tie your phone to Google Voice number correctly.
2. Try hitting the menu button and doing Refresh, see if you get it.

Thanks man for the responses . I was sending them to the number that i had been using for voicemail , and i had to pick a new number for my area . My mistake , but im up and running now:)

one more question , i im recieving texts from my new GV number and i have been responding in the GV app that i use to read my voicemail. However i have noticed that i am also receiving the same message in the regular sms text messaging app as well . If i respond through the messaging app does it count against my text count or does it go through my GV account .
 
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Thanks man for the responses . I was sending them to the number that i had been using for voicemail , and i had to pick a new number for my area . My mistake , but im up and running now:)

one more question , i im recieving texts from my new GV number and i have been responding in the GV app that i use to read my voicemail. However i have noticed that i am also receiving the same message in the regular sms text messaging app as well . If i respond through the messaging app does it count against my text count or does it go through my GV account .

Rocks - simple fix:
- Log into your Google Voice account from a PC
- Go into Settings (top right of the screen)
- Click on Phones at the top
- Go to your Mobile and click Edit
- Uncheck 'Receive SMS on this phone'

You now have free SMS as long as people are using your Google Voice number
 
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