Everybody knows you can make a free calls with skype with skype version of the iPhone if you are calling another Skype Users. But what if you want to make free calls? Well, this isn’t any different except that with Skype, you can just make a call and be done with it.
This method requires you to have registered with Google Voice, download GV Connect for the iPad, $2.99 and optional, then download Talkatone iPhone app version, for free.
GV Connect is for the iPad, so you will get the full screen, unlike the free Google Voice app for the iPhone, only half the screen. Doing it this way means you will get free calls with your iPad, minus the paid app software of $2.99 for GV Connect. But GV Connect is more than a backdoor to make free calls with your iPad, you can send SMS, manage your SMS, there’s history of your SMS, check your voicemail. It’s a centralized phone software.
The picture is an illustration of how your settings should be in GV Connect. When you dial a number, it will re-route your call to Talkatone, which is a Google Talk app for the iPhone but works for the iPad. Set Talkatone to ON, not OFF, illustration is wrong. Sorry about that. Be sure to set Google Talk as your Call Forwarding setting. I had different numbers, such as SIPGate, Skype, MagicJack and Vonage, but Google Talk as your Call Forwarding setting will ring your Talkatone so you can answer the call if someone calls your Google Voice Number.
Granted you won’t be able to receive video calls like Skype can, but aren’t we going for the free calls anyway?
Essentially, the main software you need is just Talkatone. Though Talkatone isn’t optimized for iPad’s screen, it works. I can receive calls and make calls with Talkatone. GV Connect is just a software I use to make my life simpler if someone leaves me a message or I missed a call, I can just hit the call button and Talkatone automatically open. I don’t need to do anything else.
Call quality; well, all I can say is, it’s awesome. Even on EDGE Network, I was able to make a clear call, no lag.
App on iTunes:
GV Connect ($2.99): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/gv-connect-call-sms-client/id347835665?mt=8
Talkatone (Free): http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/talkatone-social-phone-im/id397648381?mt=8