Sunday, August 30, 2009

A phone without paying the phone company - Introducing GUAVA

If you've wanted a phone where you could make calls, receive calls, send SMS and receive SMS without paying a monthly or per minute fee then try GUAVA. Here's what you need:
- Gizmo5 software
- Google Voice account
- Android phone
- GUAVA android software

Step 1: Download free Gizmo5 software for your computer. This will allow you to create a free account. Once installed go to my.gizmo5.com and write down your 10 digit 747 number beginning with 747.

Step 2: Signup for Google Voice account and then in the initial setup or in the Settings: Phone section select the Gizmo option and enter and validate your Gizmo5 747 number from step 1.

Step 3: Get an Android phone. - Try Craigslist.com where you can buy one for $200. NOTE: Get an unlocked one or you will need to have access to a T-mobile SIM chip to enter in your Google identity the first time. After that you won't need the SIM.

Step 4: Install GUAVA onto your Android phone. GUAVA stands for GoogleVoice UNAUTHORIZED Android Voice Application. This means it's NOT from Google so don't call or email Eric Schmidt when it doesn't work.

Step 5: Open GUAVA and then enter in your GoogleVoice username, password and phone number. Then enter your Gizmo5 username and password.

You're ready to make calls to any US number, receive calls, send SMS and check SMS messages all for free! Please visit the GUAVA user feedback area at: guava.uservoice.com. Please also see the 'about GUAVA' post for more info on this ALPHA software.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

New version available!

There's a new version of Guava available.

This new version has the most requested feature added - an easy way to turn Guava on/off so if you want to disable Guava so calls use your phone carrier.

There are some miscellaneous bug fixes as well. You can download it from your Android phone by going to: http://www.gizmo5.com/guava.