Why Google’s Services Have Been Going Downhill Recently
Alright, let’s get this off my chest. When Google Voice first appeared in 2009, I signed up faster than a Geordie rushing into Gregg’s for a steak bake on a frosty morning. Same story with Google Fi. But last month, I said my farewells after a staggering 15 years of combined service. Why? Because Google has really done my head in with their hypocrisy, and I’ve had enough of their nonsense.
What’s Google Voice? An Ancient Relic in Digital Form
Let’s rewind a sec, shall we? For those who aren’t aware, Google Voice is Google’s number-forwarding service. When it first launched, it was brilliant – truly ahead of its time. Gave you your own number, served as a free VOIP service, and functioned on almost any device. For a phone reviewer like me, it was a lifesaver. No more swapping SIM cards like an idiot. I could text and call from my laptop or desktop long before stuff like WhatsApp Web came around.
Google Fi: A Mediocre Network Experience
Then we have Google Fi – Google’s attempt at becoming your mobile carrier. For a time, it wasn’t too shabby. Inexpensive and quite reliable in the city. A top-notch service for Pixel Watch owners like myself. But if you strayed off the beaten path, say into the countryside for a weekend, your coverage was as helpful as a chocolate fireguard. And let’s not forget, it’s only available in the US – fantastic, right?
The Issue with Voice & Fi Combined
Here’s the kicker – when the two services should have complemented each other, they didn’t. I tried to port my Voice number to Fi. It was like asking a lad from Newcastle to try a lager that isn’t Brown Ale – an absolute no-go. Google openly admits that some Voice numbers can’t be ported. Why? No clue. Like trying to get a straightforward answer from a dodgy car dealer.
Google’s Hypocrisy: Badgering Apple About RCS While Neglecting Its Own Services
Now this is where I start to get irate. Do you remember when Google kept badgering Apple to adopt RCS (Rich Communication Services)? Oh, they were shouting from the rooftops about how RCS would unite the text messaging world of Android and iPhone. Made ridiculous ads, plastered slogans everywhere.
But here’s the craziest part – Google Voice doesn’t support RCS *itself*! Seriously. They’ve been pointing fingers at Apple as the villain, but their own service is stuck in the past.
Google Voice: The SMS Prehistoric Beast
You’d think after 15 years, they’d pour some investment into Voice and bring it up to date. Nope. Still stuck with poor picture quality, awkward group texts, and clunky SMS features. Even when chatting with another Android user on Google Voice, forget about cool reactions or sending decent video files – it’s like sending messages in the 90s again. Embarrassing.
Google’s Messaging Graveyard of Failures
If we’re being truthful, Google has never quite mastered messaging services. Remember Google Talk? Hangouts? Allo? Buzz? Nope, neither does anyone else, because they were all a mess. It’s like they can’t decide if they want to compete with the big names like iMessage or just quietly bow out.
Verizon Restored My Peace of Mind
So ultimately, I jumped ship. Moved over to Verizon. They handled my Google Voice number transfer in a flash – no hassle, no headaches, no ridiculous workarounds. Makes you wonder why Google couldn’t pull the same off, doesn’t it? What a joke.
Google Doesn’t Earn Your Loyalty
Here’s my takeaway: no company deserves unquestioning loyalty. Not Google, not Apple, not even your mother’s cherished butcher. Google wants to act all superior with their “open standards” nonsense, but they’re just as fragmented and clueless as anyone else. If you’re stuck with Google Voice or Fi, do yourself a favor – move on. You’ll sleep better for it.
Summary: The Day I Gave Google the Boot
So there you have it. Google’s got its head so far up its Pixel backside, it can’t even make its own services work together. RCS? Nope. Porting your number between their platforms? Good luck. Google Voice and Fi may have once been incredibly handy, but now? They’re merely another entry waiting for the Google Graveyard list. If you’re still holding on, you’ve got more patience than I do. Or perhaps you just enjoy suffering. Either way, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
