Google Voice and Google Fi have been staples in the tech industry for many years, offering users convenient and affordable ways to stay connected. However, recent developments have led to a significant number of users, including tech journalist Petter Ahrnstedt, to cut ties with Google’s services.
Google Voice, a number-forwarding service that allows users to make calls and send texts using a virtual phone number, was once a revolutionary tool. It offered a free VOIP service that could replace traditional phone numbers and be used across multiple devices. Similarly, Google Fi, Google’s mobile virtual network operator, provided competitive cell service options for users, especially those with Pixel devices.
Despite their initial appeal, Ahrnstedt decided to part ways with Google Voice and Google Fi due to Google’s neglect of these services. One major issue he highlighted was Google’s failure to support RCS messaging on Google Voice. RCS, which stands for Rich Communication Services, is a modern messaging standard that enables features like emoji reactions, group texts, and high-quality media sharing. While Google actively pushed for RCS adoption by Apple, it failed to implement this technology on its own Voice platform.
This lack of RCS support is particularly frustrating for users who rely on Google Voice for communication. Ahrnstedt noted that even Android users using Voice are limited to basic SMS features, regardless of whether they are communicating with other Android users or iPhone users. This outdated functionality stands in stark contrast to Google’s efforts to modernize messaging across different platforms.
Furthermore, Ahrnstedt criticized Google’s inconsistent messaging strategy, pointing out the company’s numerous failed attempts to create a cohesive messaging ecosystem. Over the years, Google has introduced various chat services like Google Talk, Google Wave, Google Buzz, Google+, Google Allo, and Google Hangouts, among others. Despite these efforts, Google has struggled to establish a successful messaging platform that rivals Apple’s iMessage.
In light of these issues, Ahrnstedt believed that Google’s campaign for RCS support on Apple devices was driven more by a desire to compete with iMessage than a genuine commitment to improving cross-platform communication. He suggested that Google’s repeated failures to create a messaging “garden” akin to iMessage reflected a sense of envy towards Apple’s successful messaging platform.
Ultimately, Ahrnstedt’s decision to switch to Verizon and abandon Google Voice and Google Fi was motivated by Google’s disregard for its own services and its hypocritical stance on messaging standards. As Google continues to navigate the complexities of the tech industry, users like Ahrnstedt are left to seek alternative solutions that better meet their communication needs. I ported my number over to Verizon, got a new eSIM, and breathed a sigh of relief. No more waiting, no more frustration, no more feeling like Google was actively working against me.
And you know what? The RCS features on Verizon are great. I can send high-quality photos and videos to my sister without worrying about compression ruining the moment. I can see when she’s typing a response, and know when she’s read my message. It’s everything Google has been promising for years, but never delivered to its own users.
So, to Google: you may have finally convinced Apple to adopt RCS, but you don’t deserve any praise for it. You only did it because you were out of options, unable to force your own services to work together. Your monopolistic practices have hindered your own users from experiencing the same benefits you’re now touting to the world.
As for me, I’ll continue to use Verizon for now. I’m done waiting for Google to get its act together. I’ve found a better solution, and I’m not looking back. If you’re in the same boat, I encourage you to do the same. Google may be a giant in the tech world, but they don’t deserve your loyalty if they can’t even provide basic interoperability between their own services. Don’t let them string you along any longer. It’s time to take control of your own tech experience.
After my frustrating experience with Google Voice and Project Fi, I made the decision to switch to Verizon. Despite not being particularly happy about it, Verizon managed to get me signed up for their service immediately, even though I didn’t have an existing Verizon account. I was even forced to drive to a retail store to pay my first bill, which was inconvenient to say the least.
However, one of the silver linings of switching to Verizon was that I was able to keep the phone number I’ve been using for 15 years. This was a relief, especially since I was now free from any Google service. Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could now receive high-resolution photos and videos from my sister and brother-in-law, something that was not possible with Google.
One thing that puzzled me was how Verizon was able to port my number in without any issues, while Google had consistently failed to do so when transferring between its own services. Despite reaching out to Google multiple times over the years, I never received a satisfactory answer.
While this article may come across as a bit of therapeutic whining on my part, I know that there are others who have faced similar frustrations with Google Voice and Project Fi. To those individuals, I would suggest considering making the switch away from Google. No company is entitled to your loyalty, and Google’s track record of hypocrisy and apathy only further diminishes any loyalty it may have once had.
In conclusion, while my experience with Verizon may not have been perfect, it has certainly been an improvement over my time with Google. Switching away from Google may be a daunting prospect, but in the long run, it could prove to be a decision that brings about a sense of liberation and relief.
