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OPENVOICE

by Zhao Lu

In the video titled 'OPENVOICE' presented by Zhao Lu at the LoneStarRuby Conf 2010, the main topic revolves around the development and features of OpenVoice, an alternative to Google Voice. Zhao Lu shares his journey of creating OpenVoice, highlighting the limitations he faced with Google Voice which motivated him to build a product that better suited his needs and preferences.

Key points discussed include:

- Inspiration for OpenVoice: Zhao began using Google Voice in 2003 and, after experiencing its limitations, decided to create OpenVoice as a personal project.

- Limitations of Google Voice: He noted the lack of API access, poor SIP support, and concerns over data handling, particularly regarding voicemail transcriptions.

- User-Friendly Design: OpenVoice aims to be simple to use with a web interface where users can manage messages and receive calls.

- Core Features: OpenVoice supports unified communications, VoIP functionality, and offers a native Android client that facilitates messaging and voicemail management.

- SIP Integration: OpenVoice allows integration with SIP functionalities and provides easy call forwarding options that can save costs.

- Practical Use Cases: He shared his experience using OpenVoice while traveling, utilizing a local SIM but allowing friends to contact him via his OpenVoice number.

- Future Enhancements: Zhao mentioned plans for expanding SIP support and integrating email features, further enhancing OpenVoice’s functionality for users with limited cellular connectivity.

In conclusion, Zhao Lu emphasizes that OpenVoice is built on robust platforms like Google App Engine, with aspirations for continued development and simplification of user access to its features.

00:00:09.590 Really, my name is Joe. Thanks for coming.
00:00:13.500 To steer to defensibility, my voice... So, what is OpenVoice? OpenVoice really started out trying to be a Google Voice alternative.
00:00:21.439 I was a loyal single user many years ago, back in 2003, and I proved it out. I really liked it until Google bought it and they were underwater for a while, but eventually, they came back.
00:00:34.680 So, I started using it again. With my iPhone, I couldn't use the client, but when the web client came out, I was really happy. So I started using OpenVoice.
00:00:47.850 There were a few things I didn't like about Google Voice. I thought, 'Okay, maybe I could create something similar to work around those limitations and avoid the reinforcements they placed on us.' That's how I started the OpenVoice project as my little pet project in my spare time.
00:01:09.000 One of the reasons I don't like Google Voice—while I love the service—there are parts of it that don't sit well. First, obviously, it's not something for the US market; you can't really use it, even though it's a great product.
00:01:31.530 Second, the API access is very limited. You can figure out some of the basic APIs to do something simple, like sending messages, but the documentation is lacking.
00:01:44.100 You really need to trace a call to understand how to implement it. There's also very poor SIP support; initially, they had Gizmo support, but then they took Gizmo off the market. You can't sign up for a SIP account with Google Voice anymore.
00:02:00.450 Furthermore, there's virtually no free continental SIP support, and they have no Skype support. I'm a heavy Skype user—I use it all the time, and I have multiple SIP and Skype accounts. I spend most of my day in front of a computer.
00:02:25.560 I would prefer to use Skype or SIP rather than my cell phone.
00:02:40.260 Another thing that concerns me is their long-term data handling. It seems that pretty much everyone with a Gmail account is aware of what kind of stuff Google is doing with their data—for example, voicemail transcriptions. These were the primary motivations for me to start the OpenVoice project.
00:03:06.060 I wanted to target certain aspects specifically. The first characteristic is that OpenVoice needs to be easy to use—at least have the basic functionality that Google Voice provides.
00:03:18.830 This means having a web interface so that you can use it from your computer and on the go. I can use it in my personal projects on a daily basis.
00:03:41.360 I started in February and built a simple real app. Then in May, I brought it to App Engine, along with a few other people who did a good job in about six to eight weeks to port it. By May 2010, the company bought it, and just to clarify, it doesn't work for fossilized projects.
00:04:14.870 In June, I announced OpenVoice at a telephony-focused conference in Rostock, Germany. Today, I'm announcing two crucial components: one is support for unified communications, and the other is built-in support for VoIP.
00:04:42.710 The first characteristic for OpenVoice is that it has to be easy to use. You just go to the website, which looks like a typical app, and it automatically provisions a phone number that looks just like your cell phone number.
00:05:30.750 You can add your cell phone or home number.
00:05:52.400 Basically, when someone dials your OpenVoice number, it rings on your phone. The second feature is that it functions like a web interface similar to Google Voice.
00:06:39.660 You can manage messages through a single interface where you can send and receive SMS, view call logs, manage voicemails, and listen to transcriptions.
00:07:31.710 I spend a significant amount of time in front of my computer and I wanted a native client. Thus, I wrote a simple Android client that does everything but provide an integrated client experience.
00:08:38.780 It allows for messaging, voicemail transcriptions, and call playback. Furthermore, you can configure OpenVoice to fit your needs as you wish.
00:09:16.780 OpenVoice offers various SIP functionalities and lets you employ them through different servers.
00:09:34.050 Now, welcome to the world of SIP communications. With OpenVoice, you will have a single number associated with all your communication.
00:10:04.030 OpenVoice allows you to have your own PSTN number, as well as a Skype number and SIP address.
00:10:35.659 So, for someone making calls from their Skype phone, it'll appear as a normal call. It's just like doing a Skype-to-Skype call, but for you, it may involve a charge if forwarded to your mobile number.
00:11:23.780 While a regular call forwarding to a cell phone incurs the normal charges, a SIP call is free. This simplifies communication and streamlines processes, especially when you have multiple accounts.
00:12:20.679 When I was traveling in Germany, for example, I utilized a local SIM card but registered it with OpenVoice so my friends could still reach me.
00:13:32.740 Now let me explain how OpenVoice operates. It all starts with an incoming call, which could be through PSTN or SIP and then routed through OpenVoice.
00:14:54.080 The backend uses Tropo, which implements the Java servlet standard, ensuring incoming calls are efficiently routed to the intended OpenVoice user based on call identification.
00:16:54.860 OpenVoice's system provides various options including calling options like voicemail, call screening, or directly connecting.
00:18:37.790 To clarify, if you want the convenience of existing functionality, you can stick with the current package. But if you prefer to build and customize, you can dive into a more hands-on approach.
00:20:10.600 I've been discussing servers a lot, but the client side is equally important. The demo application I have on Android is straightforward and user-friendly.
00:21:33.200 As the project continues to grow, I plan to expand functionality to include extensive SIP support and integrate email features.
00:22:47.100 Future enhancements may allow usage in scenarios where cellular connections are scarce, providing emergency communication channels.
00:23:18.900 In conclusion, OpenVoice is being developed on platforms such as Google App Engine. Soon, clients will be able to download the relevant applications directly for simpler access.
00:24:39.499 Thank you for your attention—I'm happy to answer any questions you might have!
00:26:00.000 You.
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