Google Voice SMS
I mentioned on October 4 how I’d managed to sign up for Google Voice (USA) from Australia, but didn’t know what to do with it.
Well, thanks to the assistance of regular American commenters Sue and Delmer, I’ve at least been able to play experiment with it.
Delmer from Ohio left a voicemail on my Google Voice number (276) 546-7390.
GV has this neat transcription feature. I received an email telling me that a message had been left, with the following text: (more…)
Google Voice Australia
Google Voice is currently available in the United States only, but being a determined fellow I managed to obtain a number and activate the service on my HTC Magic Android phone.
Google Voice gives you one number for all your phones — a number that is tied to you, not to a device or a location. Google Voice seeks to simplify the way phones are used, making using voicemail as easy as email.
Google Voice works with mobile phones, desk phones, work phones, and VoIP lines. There’s nothing to download, upload, or install, and you don’t have to make or take calls using a computer.
Google Voice will let you define which phones ring, based on who’s calling. It also makes transcripts of voicemail messages. (more…)
Text messaging
I use text messages sparingly. Usually it’s when I want to reach someone urgently (quicker than email), but I don’t want to disturb them or I know they can’t be disturbed.
Sometimes I SMS staff if they’re out of the office on a job.
Many people are addicted to SMS though. My 15-year-old daughter sends dozens a day, mostly to the one person (I think). (more…)
Telstra marketing harassment
A story on The Age website talks about aggressive telemarketers acting for Telstra.
TSA Telco Group has been contracted by Telstra to win back customers who have switched to a new telco.
There are claims the company ignores the Do Not Call register and employees pose as Telstra staff. (more…)
Penfriends
I was reading on Sue’s website how Americans think Vegemite is uniquely Australian. It’s not really and it’s not a must-have daily item for most Aussies either.
Anyhow, my brain turned full circle to the topic of penfriends.
Remember them? Young readers probably have no idea what I’m talking about. (more…)
Pre-paid mobile phone rip-off
The Herald-Sun today reports that pre-paid mobile phone customers are spending up to $1 billion a year on phone calls they never make.
“Millions of mobile owners who pay upfront for their service allow call credits to expire,” the paper says.
Pre-paid phones make up more than half the national mobile phone market. (more…)
iPhone not such a big deal
The introduction of the iPhone to Australia on Friday was a marketing success for Apple. They created a real buzz and a perception the product was so sought after you’d be lucky to get one.
That turned out to be the case. Whether it’s true, or whether release numbers were deliberately restricted, I can’t be sure.
There were none for sale in Mount Gambier, apparently. In Melbourne, only selected stores were stocking them. Some people queued for hours to get one. (more…)
