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Really, my name is Joe. Thanks for coming.
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To steer to defensibility, my voice... So, what is OpenVoice? OpenVoice really started out trying to be a Google Voice alternative.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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I would prefer to use Skype or SIP rather than my cell phone.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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You can add your cell phone or home number.
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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.
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You can manage messages through a single interface where you can send and receive SMS, view call logs, manage voicemails, and listen to transcriptions.
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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.
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It allows for messaging, voicemail transcriptions, and call playback. Furthermore, you can configure OpenVoice to fit your needs as you wish.
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OpenVoice offers various SIP functionalities and lets you employ them through different servers.
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Now, welcome to the world of SIP communications. With OpenVoice, you will have a single number associated with all your communication.
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OpenVoice allows you to have your own PSTN number, as well as a Skype number and SIP address.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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OpenVoice's system provides various options including calling options like voicemail, call screening, or directly connecting.
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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.
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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.
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As the project continues to grow, I plan to expand functionality to include extensive SIP support and integrate email features.
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Future enhancements may allow usage in scenarios where cellular connections are scarce, providing emergency communication channels.
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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.
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Thank you for your attention—I'm happy to answer any questions you might have!
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You.
