It's always been hard to explain what Google Voice is because it feels like a VoIP service, but it's not. Google Voice has operated as a phonecall relay system all these years, forwarding your calls through another number. Earlier this year, Google started beta testing Wi-Fi calls in Google Voice, and it looks like the feature is rolling out to more users.
Read More[Update: Beta now live] Google Voice recruiting testers for new Wi-Fi (or mobile data) calling feature
For mobile users juggling a bunch of different devices, Google Voice can be something of a godsend. Not only does it let you share a single point of contact through which people can reach you no matter which phone or tablet you're carrying at the moment, but it does so without requiring the party on the other end to install a specific app — everything travels over regular voice calls and text messages. While that's great for compatibility, there are a number of reasons why you might not want to rely so heavily on the voice-call network, from running low on your monthly minute allocation, to difficulty finding a reliable cellular signal.
Read MoreVerizon and Google confirm Wi-Fi calling and HD voice will work with Pixel phones from Google Store
With the launch of Google's Pixel devices, consumers have to make the choice to buy from Verizon, the Google Store, or Project Fi. Unlocked phones sold outside the carrier sometimes don't work with carrier-specific features, like Wi-Fi calling. Thankfully, both Verizon and Google have confirmed to Android Police that all Pixel phones will work with Wi-Fi calling and HD voice on Verizon.
Google's statement says that even Pixel phones purchased through Project Fi will work fine with those features. This essentially means there is no reason to buy a Pixel phone through Verizon, as they will work identically. Buying the Pixel from them actually has some downsides, namely the locked bootloader.
Read MoreThe first Android phone to get AT&T's Wi-Fi calling feature is... the LG G4, for some reason
Far be it from humble Android bloggers to tell a multi-billion-dollar telecom corporation what to do with its nigh-infinite resources. But when you're rolling out something that your competitors have offered for some time, it's usually prudent to make it available to as many people as possible. That doesn't seem to be the case for AT&T's Wi-Fi calling feature. The first phone to get it is the Galaxy S7... no, wait, sorry, I made a mistake. That's the choice that would make sense. The first phone to get AT&T Wi-Fi calling is the LG G4.
Read MoreSamsung Galaxy S6 And S6 Edge On Verizon Get Advanced Calling 2.0 With Wi-Fi Calling
Last year Verizon Wireless launched Advanced Calling, a VoLTE service with video calling support on select phones. Now the carrier is pushing Advanced Calling 2.0. An over-the-air update is on its way to the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.
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CyanogenMod 13 (Based On Android 6.0) Will Include Support For T-Mobile's Wi-Fi Calling
T-Mobile users with the latest devices (and sometimes with the latest software updates) appreciate the inclusion of Wi-Fi calling for those areas where the network doesn't reach or can't penetrate indoors. Of course, the fact that Wi-Fi calling is available is a good reason to abstain from flashing custom ROMs, even on multi-carrier devices like the latest batch of Nexus phones. Apparently that won't be a problem for much longer, at least if you're a fan of the CyanogenMod ROM.
Cyanogen Inc. employee (and former leader of the AOKP ROM team) Roman Birg posted the screenshot above to Google+, clearly showing T-Mobile Wi-Fi calling on an AOSP-style software build.
Read MoreVodafone UK Wi-Fi Calling On Android Will Start With The Galaxy S6 And S6 Edge Sometime This Fall
Vodafone UK announced its own Wi-Fi Calling service earlier this month, but support remains extremely limited. As of right now, the only devices listed are the iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus. Fortunately that's about to change, though not by much. Android compatibility is coming in the form of the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge.
Read More
T-Mobile's LG G Stylo And LG Leon Are Being Updated To Android 5.1.1, With A Wi-Fi Calling Fix For Good Measure
Well this is a pleasant surprise. The mid-range LG G Stylo and LG Leon both appeared on T-Mobile's lineup just a couple of months ago, and now they're getting their first significant updates. Significant in fact because they're coming to the very latest public build of Android. T-Mobile's support pages for both phones were updated this morning telling users to expect an over-the-air update to Android 5.1.1. Both phones (also somewhat surprisingly) ran Lollipop 5.0 when they first launched on the US carrier.
Both phones are getting additional fixes on top of the extra Android features in 5.1, namely "improved battery life (for Wi-Fi Calling) and display." Exactly what improving the display entails isn't mentioned.
Read MoreThe Best Of AP
InBrief
Here's The Factory Image For T-Mobile's Nexus 6 Android 5.1.1 Update (LYZ28E) With Wi-Fi Calling
Nexus 6 Android 5.1.1 Update With T-Mobile Wi-Fi Calling Should Hopefully Roll Out This Weekend
Android 5.1.1 is working its way through Google's lengthy list of Nexus devices. After coming to Wi-Fi tablets first, this week we saw it start to hit cellular devices like the Nexus 5, N4, and N9 LTE. As you may have noticed, Google's latest smartphone didn't make the list. With any luck, the Nexus 6 will get an over-the-air update sometime this weekend.
T-Mobile Product Evangelist Des recently sent out this tweet. Note the hashtag.
This is shaping up to be a very Happy Memorial day weekend... #Nexus6
— Des (@askdes) May 21, 2015
If that's not enough—scroll down.
This tweet follows one sent out over a week ago, when Des said the Nexus 6 update, along with support for Wi-Fi calling, looked like it would take 7 - 10 days to fix and test.
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