What a terrible comparison. I tried to set up Google Voice, and got the response: "Sorry, Google Voice is not available in your country." OTOH, I've been using Skype for years, with no problems. So the correct score for nearly all the world would be: Google Voice: 0 Skype: 5
As ? live in Turkey....on a very...very slow....end of a mobile Turkcellconnextion....? envey your problems....For me it is a mayor victory just to be able to leave any comment to you...Have fun, enjoy Google and Skype......While ? enjoy your comments...
This is the most bogus 'prize fight' Brian Tong has done. He might has well have compared marshmallows and machine guns. What a waste of time. Each has merits and problems. Neither is a real phone service. Of the two, skype is the only service that is secure. Google voice can even be configured to work with skype-out/skype-in. With such an obvious mismatch kickback or payback has got to be involved. Which is it Mr. Tong?
I think Google Voice will be better or on par with SKYPE in a few years time. It is too new but it does has a few good bits that some of us can use in conjunction with SKYPE because surely 2 is better then 1. :)
This contest and the comments by the CNET reviewers are so non-factual that it should be taken down because it falls so short of CNET's normally high standards.
One reviewer actually said Google Voice can be used anywhere, when the truth is it is 100-percent useless for anyone who lives, works or travels overseas. Google Voice isn't even a competitor on that score.
Another reviewer said Google voice has an advantage because it has a local number that can forward calls. Well, I have a Skype local number in Boston that my friends and family can call and it forwards directly to my cell phone in Belgrade, Serbia. And it costs them nothing. Zero.
Google voice can't even call me in Europe from a computer, let alone a cell phone.
All that said, I despise Skype, it's interface and the whole experience. It won't even put an application for all phones, so you have no choice but to use an unlocked IPhone or a Nokia. No other options since Verizon isn't a world phone.
And I am a huge Android phone fan. That said, I have no choice but to use Skype (and on an unlocked Iphone, no less) because Google Voice isn't a real alternative. It's nothing at this point, and until it can become it a true world option, or until all Android's can support a full Skype application, everyone is stuck with Skype and Iphone.
So please, take down this embarrassing comparison and do an real investigative piece about why Skype and Google can't collaborate to do why Apple and Skype did long ago.
It seems that this is an unrealistic comparison, as one is available internationally, the other only in the US. Could it be that the testers are all in the US in the first place? in which case the comparison is invalid.
On Skype, I have a local number in Hong Kong, the US, and the UK, so that my contacts can call me from their phones, like they would call anyone else, without paying international rates. Can Google Voice do that? No. This wins all rounds for Skype, for me. Google Voice is going to need to do that before it's even in the competition, if you ask me.
I just finished returning from Europe and I have both Google Voice & Skype. I like google voice because I can give it out freely and it comes to me from anywhere, I can check online to see my calls etc. and this was the first time using Skype. Internationally Skype becomes my primary answer.
I was able however, to connect to wifi within a cafe in Turkey and google voice through wifi for free to my children. BIG PLUS!! I do however tend to use skype more for video conferencing.
I like both and both serve my needs based on the circumstances. But to be fair and honest, because I have google voice tied to my phone I would probably only use google voice for everything if given the option of my boyfriend being able to use Google Voice in Europe where he lives.
I know this is way after this "Prizefight" but I just want to contribute to it: Before you could share screens and talk to multiple people simultaneously on Skype for free but now you have to pay. Yet with Google Voice can do the same thing but everything is for free.
In general, the Google technology is much better and the connection is clearer. Skype is always having issues. It is also cheaper and there is no connection fee to call international. the big problem is that Google has the absolute worst customer support in the history of the world.If you ever do reach them, they act like they don't give a damn. Everybody says the same thing. They should really clean up their act. I have been using the same credit card for over two years to buy minutes and for now reason, it just said, cannot verify your card. they wanted all bank documents, copy of passport, sounds really phony but I did it. Still no response. It has been over a week. Skype will get right back to you usually. There isn't even an acknowledgment of receipt of your complaint. That is the big difference and I have used them both for an extended period.
Manage updates with the Download App
I tried to set up Google Voice, and got the response:
"Sorry, Google Voice is not available in your country."
OTOH, I've been using Skype for years, with no problems.
So the correct score for nearly all the world would be:
Google Voice: 0
Skype: 5
Skype offers numbers in many countries and for countries not offered, third party vendors offer numbers that can be tied to skype.
Also, for business Skype takes the cake using SIP and other services.
Skype also offers advanced access so you can use a skype phone at home, work and on the road and have access to your line.
Thanks my comment.
Have always found it excellent.
One reviewer actually said Google Voice can be used anywhere, when the truth is it is 100-percent useless for anyone who lives, works or travels overseas. Google Voice isn't even a competitor on that score.
Another reviewer said Google voice has an advantage because it has a local number that can forward calls. Well, I have a Skype local number in Boston that my friends and family can call and it forwards directly to my cell phone in Belgrade, Serbia. And it costs them nothing. Zero.
Google voice can't even call me in Europe from a computer, let alone a cell phone.
All that said, I despise Skype, it's interface and the whole experience. It won't even put an application for all phones, so you have no choice but to use an unlocked IPhone or a Nokia. No other options since Verizon isn't a world phone.
And I am a huge Android phone fan. That said, I have no choice but to use Skype (and on an unlocked Iphone, no less) because Google Voice isn't a real alternative. It's nothing at this point, and until it can become it a true world option, or until all Android's can support a full Skype application, everyone is stuck with Skype and Iphone.
So please, take down this embarrassing comparison and do an real investigative piece about why Skype and Google can't collaborate to do why Apple and Skype did long ago.
I was able however, to connect to wifi within a cafe in Turkey and google voice through wifi for free to my children. BIG PLUS!! I do however tend to use skype more for video conferencing.
I like both and both serve my needs based on the circumstances. But to be fair and honest, because I have google voice tied to my phone I would probably only use google voice for everything if given the option of my boyfriend being able to use Google Voice in Europe where he lives.