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Russellmaniakw

Well-Known Member
Oct 23, 2009
100
21
I'm not a current Verizon customer so I'm not sure how this works, but when putting together dummy plans using winmo smartphones I've noticed that Visual Voicemail seems to be a 2.99/mo addon. IIRC Visual Voicemail is a native android function, so i'm wondering if this is just a Verizon version that is optional or if the visual voicemail function on the phone will be turned off if you don't add this fee to your plan. Can anyone familiar with Verizon clarify this?
 
VZW's Visual Voicemail on the Storm

visualvoicemail-381x500.jpg


Basically it gives you the ability to see who left the voicemail and lets you delete it without having to listen to it. You can call the person back or reply directly to the voicemail with one click on a button. Feature is very handy in my opinion.
 
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Can someone define "Visual Voicemail"?

Visual Voicemail is a lot like it sounds. It adds a visual aspect to your voicemail. Instead of just seeing that you have 3 voicemails and then having to call and see who they are from and what they are about a visual voicemail app will allow you to see who called, what time and for how long. You can then chose to play the messages in whatever order you want and keep or delete them in what ever order you want. It is the absolute best way to use/view voicemail, IMHO.
 
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The free alternative is Google Voice. I wonder if we will get Voice invites when we buy the phone? That would be really nice.
Request an invite here - https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/

It took me about 2 weeks to get my invite. If you don't get one with the phone then you will have one a little later.

The nice thing about Google Voice now is that you don't have use the number. Can now forward your voice mail strait to you're google voice account.
 
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Request an invite here - https://services.google.com/fb/forms/googlevoiceinvite/

It took me about 2 weeks to get my invite. If you don't get one with the phone then you will have one a little later.

The nice thing about Google Voice now is that you don't have use the number. Can now forward your voice mail strait to you're google voice account.
I requested an invite and surprisingly got it next day. I am getting a Droid on Friday. Can someone please explain to me exactly which benefits Google Voice offers? I am not sure which option to sign up with either. Can this really replace Visual Voice mail?

Thanks!
 
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Yes it can replace the Verizon version of VVM. What you do is download the Google Voice app for android and then you go into android settings and goto call settings, then call forwarding, you will see 3 choices, in each of those choices you change the number to your google voice number. Then on the Google Voice website you change a setting (cant remember right now but if you search "free visual voicemail with google voice on android" you should find a full guide) so that it only uses voicemail. Now whenever someone leaves you a voicemail it will have a notification on your panel in android and give you the choice of playing it, reading a transcription or deleting it. I use it on my G1 and it works perfectly.
 
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Yes it can replace the Verizon version of VVM. What you do is download the Google Voice app for android and then you go into android settings and goto call settings, then call forwarding, you will see 3 choices, in each of those choices you change the number to your google voice number. Then on the Google Voice website you change a setting (cant remember right now but if you search "free visual voicemail with google voice on android" you should find a full guide) so that it only uses voicemail. Now whenever someone leaves you a voicemail it will have a notification on your panel in android and give you the choice of playing it, reading a transcription or deleting it. I use it on my G1 and it works perfectly.
Wow that sounds great, thanks for the explanation! Which option should I choose now when setting up my Google Voice account:

1. Use your existing number?
2. Get a Google number?
 
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I cant remember exactly how to set it up but hold on I will get the guide. As for setting up your GV I think you want to get a google number, dont you have one already or have you not signed up?

Hack: use Google Voice to add visual voicemail to your G1, Dream, or Magic
I just got the invite and when I click on it and sign in to Google I am asked if I want to use my current number or get a Google number. I am thinking I want to choose the get a Google number option but just want to be sure before I click it.

Thanks
 
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I just got the invite and when I click on it and sign in to Google I am asked if I want to use my current number or get a Google number. I am thinking I want to choose the get a Google number option but just want to be sure before I click it.

Thanks

I'm not sure what happens if you choose not to get a Google number since that is new within the last few weeks I think. I got the Google number and under settings where you add your phones you get an option to activate Google Voicemail on a line of your choice that you added.

What that does is gives you a number to dial and that will replace your voice mail address (*86 on Verizon) with your new Google Voicemail number. Now when you call your voice mail (*86) it will go to GV. To check your voice mail you'll have to call your GV number. On my crappy phone I have to get an SMS to tell me that I have a new voice mail. I'm not sure how it's integrated into Android.


Hopefully that helps explain it a little.
 
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