Google has quietly released its mobile calling feature for Australian Google Assistant devices, according to image shared on Twitter by Ausdroid alumnus Matt Booth.
The feature – accessible from Google Smart Displays and Google Home – allows users to make calls to anyone using their telecommunications provider’s carrier network. In this case, it allows users to make calls using Telstra’s infrastructure (of course you have to be a Telstra customer to use it).
The tech doubtlessly uses the same technology as Telstra’s VoWiFi, allowing calls to be placed across the internet to Telstra’s network, before progressing across the normal telephone network.
Users can opt to show their mobile number as their Caller ID stamp, or have it turned off.
The feature seems to be widely available. Our own Duncan Jaffrey was able to set up the service on his Google Homes this afternoon. Here’s the process:
- Open the Google Home app, and head into the Settings option.
- Open the Services Tab and then Mobile Calling
- Sign in under the “Telstra” heading
- You’ll be prompted to agree to terms and conditions, and then the service is configured.
- You’ll receive a prompt SMS to confirm the setup has been completed.
If you’re a Telstra customer with some Google Home devices, this is bound to be a handy feature for you. Calls made using the service are – exactly like VoWiFi – charged to your mobile plan at whatever your applicable rate plan is. If you’ve got unlimited calls, as many plans do, then you’ve got unlimited calls from Google Home as well.
We’ve reached out to Google and Telstra about the announcement and there’ll probably be some official information soon, but for now, the feature seems to be live so give it a try!
