Google Voice integration with OBiHAI devices getting cut soon

OBi device owners who use Google Voice for their landline needs are facing a deadline: HP, the company behind OBi, is pulling the plug on its OBiTALK service on October 31, 2024.

If you’re one of the loyal folks using an OBi device to connect with Google Voice, we’ve got some big news. A couple of months from now, HP/Poly is officially shutting down the OBiTALK Consumer Portal, meaning you won’t be able to add, remove, or manage your Google Voice setup with these devices anymore.

First off, let’s clear the air: your OBi device isn’t going to stop working immediately. In fact, if it’s already set up and playing nice with Google Voice, it should continue to operate, at least for now. But, as of October 31, the cloud-based management through the OBiTALK portal will be no more. This move follows the discontinuation of various OBi hardware models by HP/Poly, including the OBi 200 series and the OBi 1000 series IP phones. Below is the complete list of discontinued devices:

• OBi 100, 110
• OBi 200, 202, 212
• OBi 300, 302. 312
• OBi 1000 series IP phones
• OBi 2000 series IP phones (e.g. 2162, 2182)
• Poly VVX series
• Poly Edge B series

While the portal is shutting down, your devices can still run Google Voice as long as you don’t need to make any changes. In short, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. However, be prepared: there’s no guarantee how long this situation will last. If Google makes any changes that affect the backend systems, your OBi setup could potentially be impacted. So, while it’s smooth sailing now, keep an eye on the horizon.

If you’re feeling proactive, you might want to disable OBiTALK provisioning to prevent any accidental resets. Simply access your device’s local web server interface, navigate to System Management, and set OBiTALK Provisioning to “Disabled.” This little trick keeps your setup steady as she goes — just don’t delete your device from the OBiTALK portal before doing this.

So, what are your options if you’re pondering life after OBiTALK? Well, if you’re not ready to give up on that beloved “landline” feel, you can still use Google Voice with your existing phone numbers. Google Voice can forward calls to any US landline, mobile, or VoIP number you link to your account, so you’re not completely out of options.

For those ready to explore new horizons, VoIP providers like Callcentric and voip.ms offer robust services. If you’re up for a bit of a tech challenge, setting up a PBX system with IP phones could be a fun project. Just keep in mind, these setups won’t work directly with Google Voice anymore, but they can provide similar functionality if you’re savvy with configurations.

If you’re eyeing the latest VoIP hardware from Poly, the Poly 400 and 402 ATAs, along with other current Poly products, are designed for the business version of Google Voice for Google Workspace and not the consumer version. So, if you were hoping to switch to a new Poly device for your personal Google Voice setup, that’s a no-go. The same goes for Workspace-compatible devices — they won’t work with your personal Google Voice account.

Interestingly, Google has announced plans to introduce successor IP phones based on Poly’s UCS platform to replace the discontinued VVX and Edge B models. These will be targeted at the business market, maintaining Google’s support for Workspace accounts without needing any device swaps.

How are users taking this news? As expected, opinions about this change are all over the map. Some are taking a nostalgic approach, reminiscing about the good old days with OBi and recognizing that all good things must come to an end. Others are looking ahead, wondering what the best alternative is for maintaining a landline without shelling out to ISPs. And then there are the tinkerers, those ready to dive into new setups and explore the latest VoIP technologies.

In the end, the shutdown of OBiTALK marks the end of an era for many. But with change comes opportunity — an opportunity to explore new technologies and services. You can either stick with your OBi device for as long as it holds up or try something new.

Featured image: Amazon