ZD's random thoughts

The most recent update of Google Voice for Android (0.3.2) brings real-time push notification to the phone. Previously it was a pull rather than push from the server, and Google Voice client needed to poll the server every 5 minutes. With this new feature, you can almost get rid of your wireless provider’s SMS service.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Google Voice for Android goes real-time (computerworld.com)

According to TechCrunch, Gizmo5 is part of Google now. That implies Google Voice will have more features.

Yes, it also means I might be able to make VoIP calls on my Droid soon.

Image via Wikipedia

This morning I picked up a Droid from my the local VZW store. My iPhone was out of contract and I have been looking forward to an android phone.

Overall, I like this phone

• It seems to be more responsive compared to my iPhone.
• Plus it has two apps I have been wanting – Google Voice and Google Maps Navigation.
• I like android os.

Issues I am having:

• Verizon Wireless’s 3G coverage is worse than AT&T in my basement, contrary to what they claimed in the commercials.
• It seems only one Google calendar is supported (sync-ed), although multiple gmail accounts can be added into the phone.
• (normal) Yahoo mails are not supported by default.
• On iPhone, you can see the number of unread emails, texts, etc, in a red circle attached to the application. There is no such information on Droid.
• I actually do not need the built-in keyboard since I have been used to iPhone’s software keyboard.
• Lack of (other) decent apps, compared to what I had on my iPhone.

I will try it for some more time and decide whether to keep it.

After the annoucement by Google yesterday, Google Voice finally came to my Grand Central account. I saw a lot of improvements from the old Grand Central interface. Things I like:

• UI improvements: things look like other Google products such as Gmail and Google Docs.
• New features:
  • SMS: now your Google Voice number works like a mobile phone, which can send and receive SMSs.
  • Voicemail transcripts, especially when you do not have time to dial in and listen to your voice mail. It may not be that accurate though.
  • International calling.

Overall, I am impressed by this upgrade and I will continue to use my Grand Central Google Voice number.