[Dawg]

Originally Posted by rivviepop

It can send the VM as an attached MP3 via email - be sure to go into the webUI and change the email format from HTML to Plain Text.

@Dawg: I read the section in the FAQ on resetting the VM to, say, T-Mobile - it looks pretty straightforward to me? Haven't done it yet but I saved the previous VM number into a memo and all that.

yeah I used their set up instructions and nothing came to the phone but it disables the verizon voicemail so I couldnt get any VM at all. I had to have verizon delete VM from my account and reset it up. Call wave didnt offer any support they said it was a vzw issue not theirs

[pncboy85]

Although not much help, i recently (one week) acquired an 8830/verizon as a result of the Treo 700P upgrade debacle. Simulscribe worked well with the Palm. It was reliable and provided a website which retains the wav file containing your voicemail. So, in the event you actually wanted to hear it to decipher the occassional mis-scribed messages (pronounciation usually), you can by using a pc. When I converted from one esn to another esn (700p to 8830) I assume my voicemail link had to be reestablished. If the matter remains unresolved for you, I should have the matter concluded by tommorrow.

[rivviepop]

Originally Posted by rivviepop

So, can anyone tell me why I can't listen to the MP3 that's attached to the email? It's going to Yahoo (downloads/plays fine there) first then picked up by T-Mobile BIS to my device. Is MP3 in email not supported in BIS? (it tries to play but then says 0.0k and ....sits there)

I think BBCool may have accidentally answered my question/problem -- they have a news blurb up about the new BIS 2.4 on the way, and one feature set is:

Support for MP3 or WAV encoded voicemail playback - up to 500KB file size

Link:
http://www.blackberry.com/btsc/dynam...C&kcId=KB13954

So I guess that means my problem is that BIS 2.3 (or whatever T-Mo is running) doesn't support MP3 attachements in email. At least, that's what it sounds (heh) like...

[superunlikely]

Originally Posted by rivviepop

I think BBCool may have accidentally answered my question/problem -- they have a news blurb up about the new BIS 2.4 on the way, and one feature set is:

Support for MP3 or WAV encoded voicemail playback - up to 500KB file size

Link:
BlackBerry Search Results

So I guess that means my problem is that BIS 2.3 (or whatever T-Mo is running) doesn't support MP3 attachements in email. At least, that's what it sounds (heh) like...

rivviepop,

I had the same issue with YouMail and used the support link on their website to contact them. I just got this email:

"Dear Christian,

Blackberry Pearl's email client does not have the ability to play
mp3 files. If you would like we can change the attached email file type to
.wav format, which Blackberry Pearl will play. If you would like for us to
change your file type, please reply to this email in the affirmative and we
will do so right away.

Best regards,

Alexandra DellaVecchia
YouMail Tech Support"


I replied and we'll see what happens.

Christian

[rivviepop]

Originally Posted by superunlikely

Blackberry Pearl's email client does not have the ability to play mp3 files.

Aha, gotcha - well, I just unhoooked my phone yesterday after fighting with it again -- it (the systems) keep reverting me back to "automatically log me in" which - to me - is an unacceptable security risk. I had emailed and they sent back "oh it's fixed!" but I went into the webUI and broke it again.

(side note: the mp3 quality is crappy - sounds OK if you dial VM, but listening to the MP3 has tons of artifacts and is just horrible)

I'll wait until they fix things up, right now it's a little too alpha-level quality for my desires.

[superunlikely]

So YouMail had my file format switched over to .WAV in about an hour and 15 minutes. They play fine on the Pearl. Of course it plays at speakerphone volume so if you want privacy, you're going to have to call your VM directly.

If you weren't happy with the MP3 sound, you're not going to be happy with the .WAV sound either. But like you said, the sound quality when you call VM directly is good.

I agree that their website is buggy. I had to try about 10 times to change my preferences and PIN.

I'm going to give it a shot though. The next drunk voice mail I get from a friend is getting mass emailed and THAT is when the experiment pays off.

[davidlleroy]

Just saw this on my youmail account. Looks like it's free. I will test it out and give feedback.

How do I set up audio-to-text transcriptions?



Setting up transcriptions on your account is easy! All you need to do is-



1. Log into your YouMail account and click "My Account" in the upper right-hand corner of the page.
2. Select "Transcriptions-Beta!" from the menu on the left.
3. Choose the calls for transcription. Transcribe call from all your callers, or only contacts.
4. Select your type of transcription alert. You can opt to receive your transcriptions in an email, in a text message, or both. You can also opt to receive multiple texts in the event that your message exceeds the maximum number of characters.
5. Save your changes.


Once you finish setting up your transcriptions you will begin getting your voicemails in written format as well as the traditional audio format.

Note:You may notice a thumbs up/down icon in the lower right-hand corner of your emails, this will allow you to rate how accurate your transcription is. The more users who rate their transcriptions the more accurate the service will be!

[cayzac]

davidlleroy,
I've been using CallWave and it works pretty well, but I'm always open to something better. What do you like about YouMail? Thanks.

[visortgw]

Originally Posted by cayzac

davidlleroy,
I've been using CallWave and it works pretty well, but I'm always open to something better. What do you like about YouMail? Thanks.

I just started using YouMail, and it's everything that I need, including FREE!:

1. .wav file sent as e-mail enclosure that can be opened automatically on the device by the RIM Media application (BTW, the Media app allows you to select handset or Bluetooth for playback as opposed to speakerphone for privacy);
   
2. Reasonably accurate voice-to-text transcription in the same e-mail;
   
3. Ability to personalize greetings per caller per phone number;
   
4. It's fast!;
   
5. Caller ID info provided in e-mail; and
   
6. Phone interface to retrieve messages available in the event you're out of coverage area.

[davidlleroy]

Originally Posted by visortgw

I just started using YouMail, and it's everything that I need, including FREE!:

1. .wav file sent as e-mail enclosure that can be opened automatically on the device by the RIM Media application (BTW, the Media app allows you to select handset or Bluetooth for playback as opposed to speakerphone for privacy);
   
2. Reasonably accurate voice-to-text transcription in the same e-mail;
   
3. Ability to personalize greetings per caller per phone number;
   
4. It's fast!;
   
5. Caller ID info provided in e-mail; and
   
6. Phone interface to retrieve messages available in the event you're out of coverage area.

I've been using youmail fo a while too. I am also very impressed with the VM service. It is free and it is fast. It's great you have you VMs emailed to you as a wav file for your records.

You can choose custom greetings for your callers. youmail has a library of pre-recorded (free) voicemails to choose from, or you can record/upload your own.

I just realized yesterday they are now doing the voice to text transcribing.

I've only used this a couple of times but so far my messgaes haven't been translated too accurately. It's still in beta so hopefully it continues to improve. However I have been very happy with the rest of my youmail services.

My philosophy is if it's free- don't complain.

[zerog46]

I have been using them for close to a year now and they work great.

[davidlleroy]

Originally Posted by zerog46

I have been using them for close to a year now and they work great.

Have you been using the Voice to text beta? How have your results been?

[akosnitzky]

Is this the service where you have to call a long distance number?

[davidlleroy]

Originally Posted by akosnitzky

Is this the service where you have to call a long distance number?

Yes, you have to call a 714 # to check your VM.

[visortgw]

Originally Posted by davidlleroy

...

I just realized yesterday they are now doing the voice to text transcribing.

I've only used this a couple of times but so far my messgaes haven't been translated too accurately. It's still in beta so hopefully it continues to improve. However I have been very happy with the rest of my youmail services.

My philosophy is if it's free- don't complain.

YouMail is the only transcription service that I am aware of that does NOT rely (at least partly) on a person in the loop, resulting in:

1. faster results;
2. greater privacy;
3. lower cost (i.e., free, so far...).

While the accuracy is not 100%, it has always been close enough to get the basic gist of the message without listening to the actual message (e.g., while in a meeting).

[davidlleroy]

Originally Posted by visortgw

YouMail is the only transcription service that I am aware of that does NOT rely (at least partly) on a person in the loop, resulting in:

1. faster results;
2. greater privacy;
3. lower cost (i.e., free, so far...).

While the accuracy is not 100%, it has always been close enough to get the basic gist of the message without listening to the actual message (e.g., while in a meeting).

I figured they weren't using people to transcribe the messages. While I appreciate the privacy I hope the transcriptions continue to improve. I would almost rather give up a little privacy to not have to check my VM every time a get one.

And keep it free of course! I want the best of both worlds!

[zerog46]

You can send a wav or mp3 file right to your email to listen to it.