As expected, Google has replaced its Project Fi wireless service with a new offering called Google Fi. And the new service now supports iPhone and most Android phones, addressing Fi’s only major drawback.
Yes, this is excellent news.
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There’s no blog post about the new service yet. But the Google Fi website has gone live, and it explains what’s changed.
Update: Google’s blog post is live now too. —Paul
“Most Android phones and iPhones work with Google Fi,” Google notes of the most important new feature. “You’ll have reliable coverage and the Google Fi features you know and love, like flexible data and international coverage.”
What’s missing when you use an iPhone or non-Fi-certified handset, of course, is Fi’s unique network switching. With a Pixel or other compatible handset, you will seamlessly switch between different cellular networks, ensuring you always have the best coverage.
For the iPhone specifically, there are other missing features. You won’t be able to use Google Fi’s VPN, for example. And visual voicemail won’t work; instead, Google will send you a transcript of each voicemail via text messaging. The good news? iMessage works “out of the box.”
I’ve long hoped that Google would make this change. And this may have dramatically altered my smartphone plans. Some testing is required.
faustxd9
Premium Member<blockquote><em><a href="#374081">In reply to Sprtfan:</a></em></blockquote><p>Thanks for the heads-up. Just made a trial run a lot easier!</p>