Hangouts for iOS gets Google Voice integration, can now make calls over WiFi or cellular data (no SIM required)
Phandroids. Don’t freak out now, but Hangouts for iOS just got a major update in the App Store. Before you get all up in arms, just rest easy in knowing that it will soon come to Android. Feeling better? Okay, good. Let’s get into what’s new.
Hangouts for iOS now gives users the ability to make free phone calls (US and Canada only) using their Google Voice numbers — no SIM card required. That’s right, calls will be made using WiFi or cellular data, freeing up your voice minutes and leaving you free to try and figure out what the hell you’re doing with your current voice plan. Using an iPad? No problem. iPod? Call whoever you’d like. It’s on the house. Normally, using Google Voice to make a call would still use your voice minutes, as the service would act as a middleman calling both parties. But this. This changes everything.
Us Androids need not feel left out, Google’s Vic Gundotra promises we’ll soon be “happy” like iOS users too. The only thing missing now is the ability to use Hangouts to send Google Voice SMS messages, which we’re sure will arrive in the sweet near future. Oh, yeah, there was also something about GIFs, Hangouts gradually turning down music volume when you receive a call, yada, yada….. FREE PHONE CALLS!