Can you use the new Nexus 7 as a cell phone?

[androidnoobE]

I am a noob to Android and was wondering if you can use the Nexus 7 as a normal cell phone with Tmobile instead of just using Tmobile for data or what would have to be done to it?
https://play.google.com/store/devices/details?id=nexus_7_32gb_hspa

 

[thunderdong]

Talkatone
You need to be on a wifi network or teather through your cell

 

[androidnoobE]

check out the tech specs for this nexus 7, it has the radio, no need for wifi or teather

 

[Jaysus]

you can... you will want an earpiece of some sort though.

 

[digitalslacker]

I'm not sure that having a 3G radio means it's got phone capabilities. I thought that with GSM there wasn't a phone number provisioned on data only device, but i could be wrong about that. At the very least I'm sure that what needs to be wired up on the TMO side isn't going to support a phone call so that probably means that hacking up the device and adding the dialer back in won't work.

Your best bet would be to try and find some 3rd party VOIP client that works over 3G...Most only work over WiFi.

Good luck!

 

[ragnarokx]

I've seen custom ROMs for GSM tablets that had SMS and phone apps functional. Keep an eye out for new custom ROMs as devs start getting their 3G Nexus 7s.

 

[androidnoobE]

nice, thats what I was looking for!

 

[cognus]

to be more specific, have any of you successfully implemented Google Voice calling over the 7??

 

[Jackie222]

to be more specific, have any of you successfully implemented Google Voice calling over the 7??

I have using the Talkatone app and set it up to use my Google Voice number. No need for tethering.

Sent from my EVO using Android Central Forums

 

[cognus]

hmm.... thanx for the tip

 

[ragnarokx]

nice, thats what I was looking for!

Looks like text messaging for the Nexus 7 3G is here: [ROM-3G] Jr1 **3G** (JOP40C / 4.2): MCR - new: tethering + SMS support, EPM + more! - xda-developers

 

[mmtowns]

Nexus 7 as a phone. [A guy who gave it a whirl]

 

[cognus]

thx for posting that link. good, if superficial, article - a flyby of the "why nexus 7" argument. I couldn't help but think he was sorta accidentally making a case for the ipad mini as well, and as he explicitly says, for a Note/Note2/Note3. he used the "default" GrooveIP and made no mention of other apps/methods of calling, and really didn't discuss it much. most of the article is about other things.
If I could afford a Note 2 on cash-no-contract, I'd drop the nex7 in a heartbeat. looking at a Note 1 as compromise...

 

[Njshoregurl]

I use Google voice and have v talk text on the fire lol both work as a phone.
I dont use it often... But yes VoIP over Wi-Fi works

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Android Central Forums

 

[asterix06]

I use forfone and it works

 

[Mike Boyd]

Yes and its very easy. Get a Google voice number, its free. Then download the grooveIP lite app, also free. Then if you go into settings in Google Voice you can configure it too forward your incoming calls to Google Chat. And if you have a 3g HSPA Nexus 7 you can basically use this message to replace your cell phone. You can make calls receive calls and send and receive texts using Google Voice and groove IP. So for 20 dollars a month data connection you basically have a nexus 7 working as a full fledged cell phone

 

[minnemike]

Yes and its very easy. Get a Google voice number, its free. Then download the grooveIP lite app, also free. Then if you go into settings in Google Voice you can configure it too forward your incoming calls to Google Chat. And if you have a 3g HSPA Nexus 7 you can basically use this message to replace your cell phone. You can make calls receive calls and send and receive texts using Google Voice and groove IP. So for 20 dollars a month data connection you basically have a nexus 7 working as a full fledged cell phone

I wonder why you need groove IP? On a pc, you can use google voice and chat by themselves. This is not possible on the N7? I find google voice and chat on a pc to be of better quality than even basic cell phone service on an actual cell phone (of course, this is wired ethernet - but I imagine close to the same with fast wifi)