Google has renewed its Google Voice service by integrating it into the Google Hangouts chat that can be used on computers and Android, iPhone and iPad smartphones and tablets. In practice it is a kind of Skype, very minimalist, where the calls, at the moment, have the lowest rates on the market.
The telephone service can be tried immediately (as I did) since everyone is given 10 euro cents in calls.
It may seem little, but the rates are so low that it will be possible to try for at least two minutes.
Precisely the price to call an Italian fixed number is 1 cent while to call a cell 4 cents (VAT is excluded but it is only a cent for calls to cell phones).
Whenever you call Hangouts, the recipient will see that a stranger is calling him.
This is because, unfortunately, the Google Voice service for having a phone number and receiving calls from Hangouts is only available in the USA.
To make calls with Google Hangouts there are three ways depending on whether you are using your computer or an Android or iOS device
1) Call from PC and computer
To use Hangouts from PC you don't need to install anything, just open your Gmail or Google+ account.
From Gmail the chat is at the bottom left; if it does not appear, press the button at the bottom with the icon of an apostrophe which is that of Hangouts.
From the chat box, first click on the magnifying glass and then on the phone icon.
In the box that opens you can write a phone number and call.
The flag of Italy indicates that you want to call an Italian number; by clicking on it you can change the country to call a foreign number.
The call should begin immediately.
2) Android
To make calls with Hangouts from an Android smartphone, you need two applications.
The first is Hangouts, the one used for messages, to be updated to the latest version.
The second is all new and is called the Hangouts dialer which is the one for making calls.
Then open the Dialer, tap the keyboard icon, dial the number and make a call.
3) iPhone and iPad
On an iOS device, just download the Google Hangouts app.
You will find the voice call option below.
Touch the keypad, dial the number and make a call.
You can also scroll through the list of contacts, touch the person to call and then press on the handset.
This service, if it keeps the rates so low, will be excellent, above all, for making calls to Italy when going abroad, but it is also convenient for those who do not have a telephone subscription plan at home.
In addition, the 4 cents to call cell phones I think is the lowest price of any normal phone plan.
NOTE: to purchase credit for calls through Hangouts, you can go to this page and then click on the + next to the Credit item on the left.
Payments are secure and are made by credit card registered in Google Wallet.
Calls from one user using Hangouts to another are free.
Calls are, however, only possible if the mobile phone is connected to the internet.
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