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Free Text Messaging with Android (Updated)

Android is a mobile platform that is developed by Google, so it only makes sense that Google would have a killer app integrating Google Voice into your phone.  Incase you don't know what Google Voice is, it is basically a free phone number that is tied to a person, not a phone.  This means that you can make that number go to any number you own; eliminating the need to give people multiple numbers such as your work, cell, and home.   Google also provides you with an abundance of features that phone companies, just don't offer; you can read about them here.   At the moment Google Voice is an invite only system, view our guide for information about obtaining an invite.

Update: Voice App now can notify you instantly, no need for the old email notification method to be notified.

Note: This only creates a new number and forwards everything to your cell, your existing cell phone number will function normally.  I advise you to disable SMS Forwarding on your google number before removing your SMS plan

I have some bad news, to fully take advantage of Google Voice you will have to give up your default message app; however the new "Voice" app can fully replace that.  The only bad thing is that receiving messages can be up to 5 minutes delayed, to bypass that we will forward messages to your gmail which is instant!  You can also reply to the message in your mail app and Google will make it appear as if it came from your number.   Update:   Google updated the Voice App and now the Voice App can have instant notifications with "Inbox Synchronization".

Installing Google Voice App

1. Open up Market and search and install Google Voice.
2. It will appear on your home screen as "Voice", touch that and you can configure your phone calls to use your Google Voice  number.  Also it will run in the background checking for new texts every 5 minutes.
   • Note:  The Voice App will only get texts/function if it is running in the background, so whenever you restart your phone you will need to run this app.
3. Once the Voice app is open, enable "Inbox Synchronization".  Without this enabled your messages may arrive up to 15 minutes late on your phone.

Disabling SMS Forwarding

1. Login to your google voice account.
2. Go to Phones  and click edit on your cell phone
3. Uncheck Recieve SMS on this phone and click save

Configuring Email Notifications (Optional)

1. Login to your google voice account
2. Go to Settings > Voice Mail and SMS
3. Check Forward SMS messages to my email

Want to know more about Google Voice? Check out our feature guide on Google Voice, to learn about all the features.

Related Posts

• March 15, 2010 -- Free Text Messaging with Android
• March 19, 2010 -- Switch to VoIP and Ditch the Phone Bill