[Epic 4G General] Schuby:
I've been using Google Voice (the application) on Sprint since I switched from AT&T in the beginning of this year. I was invited into an early beta of the new integration a month ago and have been using it since without the application.

My main reason for Google Voice: Hide my real number and block people instantly through Google Voice's web interface before it even reaches my phone.

Google + Sprint integration is used WITH or WITHOUT the Google Voice application. However since I have used the app for a long time, I've noticed significant battery drain if you leave inbox synchronization on. With the new integration, you don't need the application at all, and I recommended you do not use the application so you save battery life.

There are two ways to integrate Google Voice into your Sprint Number.

1. Your Sprint number becomes your Google Voice number. If you have not been giving out your Google Voice number, but your real Sprint number instead, this option is recommended as you don't need to switch numbers. Everything is logged incoming and outgoing through your Sprint number, Google Voice application, and interface.

2. Your Google Voice number becomes your Sprint Number. Keep in mind if you use this method (which I do), you technically have two numbers (your sprint number still works like a regular cellphone number). Your Google Voice number is the number that is shown to your friends in SMS and through calling. Your Sprint number still works, but will not log anything through Google Voice. If you have been giving out your Google Voice number throughout the past year or so, this option is best for you. (Note: This option also hides your real number, so you can avoid certain people very easily through Google Voice's web interface).

Some known issues:

-MMS does not work if you are using a Google Voice number as your primary number. (MMS is also not supported at all through Google Voice as of this moment).

***If you use your Google Voice as your main number and attempt to send an MMS to someone, your Sprint number will show instead (security breach!). This can cause a lot of confusion with friends***

-Voicemail is not integrated with Sprint's Visual Voicemail. Use the Google Voice application if you really need that "instant" voicemail feel. Otherwise you can have transcripts texted to you through Google Voice, or have the actual audio recorded sent to your e-mail inbox.

-Sending texts through the online Google Voice interface does not show up in your SMS applications. It honestly will probably never be a feature unless a developer of any SMS application is bored enough to "sync" with your Google Voice inbox.

That being said here are a few tips:

-Everything (EVERYTHING!!!!) is logged through Google Voice and accessible view your Google account/password. If you are a privacy nut, keep this in mind.

-Set your SMS application (stock, sms pro, handcent, etc...) to delete old texts past your preferred limit. Don't worry, they will be retained on Google Voices servers to view online or via the Google Voice application. This saves space and makes it so its harder for someone to go through your texts.

-Test your integration with a close friend (or fiance, wife, husband, brother, sister, etc...) so others don't get confused if you are not calling from the right number.

-Upon integration, you no longer need the Google Voice application to automatically forward your calls through Google Voice, this is all done on Sprint/Google's side. This was the old method used before the integration was even announced. If you do not have Google Voice installed on your phone, ignore this.

If you have any questions feel free to post. I've been using Google Voice since it was called GrandCentral (and not owned by Google), and the Sprint integration since the preview came out.