Hey Thad-McIlroy,
Thank you, I never thought about revisiting Google Voice/Hangouts. When Google offered Voice, I had jumped and created an Voice account. Back then, when creating a new Voice account, Google allowed a VOIP backup phone number, however Google changed that
policy. I would need a non-VOIP phone number. I would need to buy a phone. Google rejects VOIP phone numbers when creating a new account. However, I'm in luck since I still have my Voice account active.
Initially using Google Voice, it was terrible, and weird how Google put everything together when making phone calls. I really didn't find Google Voice useful. Skype before Microsoft was good with a few lumps, and believed it was far better than Google Voice.
This was years back.
I was surprised when Microsoft got rid of Personal Messaging. I never received any warning from Microsoft, and it was a Client confused asking is that our message. I was surprised when I became aware, as the client didn't believe he should leave a message
before speaking with us.
Your reply had me revisit Google Voice/Hangouts. Interesting how Google has made calling outbound much better. The UI is great. I will play with it more, and, from my initial walk-around, if Google Voice is what I believe it is, I will be flipping over to
Google and throwing Skype aside.
I'm a Microsoft developer and utilize most Microsoft products, but I have been finding a limitation creep with Microsoft products. Options that come missing in newer product versions, and I believe Microsoft's Skype voicemail personal messaging is vital.
I thought I was loosing my mind, when I opened Skype to reset our personal message: Tools > Options >Calls > Forwarding & Voicemail. Where is the record Voicemail message components? I was pretty sure this is where I would set the message.
Thinking a while, many websites are changing their UI's around a lot. One week Google has the ability adding photos through G+, however returning after a week, Google doesn't allow adding photos through G+. You must now add using Google photos.
Anyway, I thought Microsoft had moved voicemail recording to my online account. After searching and thinking where Microsoft would hide such, I finally did a Google search, and with some time, discovered Microsoft eliminated it. Good job Microsoft!
Thank you,
Kirk