The official Google Voice app for the iPad and iPod touch was updated today to include support for SMS, but what about voice? Luckily, our friends at GearDiary have put together a solution to turn your iPad into a phone using GV Connect and Talkatone. Ready to make some free calls on that iPad?
So here’s the rub — you’ll need to purchase GV Connect (currently $2.99) from the App Store and install it on your iPad. The app was updated recently and includes a key feature; the option to make calls using Google Voice – a feature missing from official iPad Google Voice application.
Part two of the iPad phone solution involves a second application, Talkatone (free in the App Store). Talkatone lets you use your iOS device to make calls using Google Voice via any active data connection. For iPad WiFi-only users this is key.
So how exactly does the system work? Simple, you open GV Connect (enter your Google Voice credentials) and it will automatically open Talkatone and place your call. There’s a little more to the setup process, so let’s go into a quick walkthrough of the process.
First you’ll want to open your GV Connect preferences pane and use Google Talk to make calls. Below you’ll want to turn “Call using Talkatone” to the ON position. Once you’ve done that your Google Voice account will be shown as an option that is called when a call comes into Google Voice.
Now simply initiate a phone call using GV Connect and the app will automatically open Talkatone and within a few seconds, presto – you’ll be making your first call. Doesn’t sound very difficult right? We didn’t think so.
While this certainly is not the solution for everyone, it is the only solution for those wanting to use Google Voice with your iPad for the time being. If you decide to take the plunge and complete the installation do let us know, we’re always looking for feedback. Thanks and good luck!
Download GV Connect here, download Talkatone here
via Gear Diary
