[Fascinate General] AlgorithmX:
I searched the forums but didn't find an updated guide for sending and receiving free VOIP calls using Google Voice so either:

A. It's common knowledge and everyone knows already. :(

B. No one gives a crap about free calling. :confused:

or

C. I've finally found a way to give back to the community. :D

Apps needed:

Google Voice

Sipdroid

GVoice Callback

Summary:

It used to be a real PITA to get VOIP and Google Voice to play nice on your phone but now with a new feature included in the latest beta of Sipdroid it's virtually automagic.

Prerequisite:

To make things happen really smooth and seamless you'll need a working Google Voice account as well as the official app on your phone before proceeding to Step 1.

*Edit: Gtalk must be set as the only "Forward to" phone on the Google Voice settings webpage to prevent the "normal" VZW voice call from killing the 3g Sipdroid data connection.

Sipdroid Set Up

Step 1:

Install and run the latest version of Sipdroid. (2.0 or higher)

Step 2:

Press the "New PBX linked to my Google Voice" button.

Step 3:

Create a name and password for your free PBXes account, supply your Google Voice account information and press the "Create" button.

If all the info you entered jives on the PBX side you'll receive confirmation and everything will be good to go. A green dot will appear in the top left corner of the notification bar to let you know it's "Registered".

Congratulations, you can now

receive

free VOIP calls to your Google Voice number through Sipdroid.

Ok, so what about

making

free VOIP calls with Google Voice?

As you may or may not know all incoming calls from the USA to GV are free, but there is a charge for outgoing calls. So the trick here is to turn your outgoing call into a free incoming call. This is made really simple by installing a handy little app called GVoice Callback.

GVoice Callback Set Up

Step 1:

Install and run the latest version of GVoice Callback

Step 2:

Supply your Google Voice account information and press the save button

Step 3:

Select "Google Talk" as your callback number and press the save button.

Step 4:

Select "When to use Callback" (always, never, ask, etc)

I personally leave it set as "Always" and toggle it on or off using the home screen widget.

So what happens now?

If you have Sipdroid registered and GV Callback running whenever you make a call from the standard Android dialer, GV Callback will intercept the call and forward it to your Google Voice number. Google Voice makes the call to the person you dialed and makes a call to you via Sipdroid (free incoming). As soon as you answer with Sipdroid the calls are patched together. Sipdroid can also be set to auto answer the callback so you don't have to.

There are several options in both apps to personalize how you want them to function for you that are beyond the scope of this tip.

For more info about Sipgate or to donate go here.

For more info about GVoice Callback or to donate go here.

Also VOIP quality can be very spotty at times so I wouldn't rely on it as my only form of telephony.

Disclaimer time:

I take no credit for any of this I am merely passing along information. All credit goes to the awesome Sipdroid Team and Xinlu. I am not responsible if you misuse these apps and break your provider's "Terms and Conditions" especially if you set your Google Voice number up as one of your "Friends & Family". :D