I’m new to using relay and know next to nothing about it. For the last few years my hearing aids worked well enough that I could talk on the phone with most people, I just wasn’t able to hear automated messages for some reason. Now, my aids aren’t really helping so I can’t use the phone at all.
I basically wanted to ask what you all like as far as a relay service. Which one has been your favorite? I’m not looking for a video phone at the moment, just a relay service online.
I signed up for i711 Relay. So far, I’ve absolutely loved them. However, I have no one else to compare to since this is my first. With i711, when you register you can get a personal 10-digit number allowing others to call you through AIM. I love this because I have AIM build into my phone (as most newer phones now do). Along with that, if I’m on the website itself, I’m able to use text relay or video relay.
Have any of you ever used i711? What was your experience? Do you prefer a different relay over them?
First and foremost, I've never used a text relay service. However, I can try to help you out regarding the technologies in general.
It all really depends on what you're looking for. Are you looking for something that you can use as a "home phone" or are you looking for something that you can use at home and still use on the go?
I am looking for something to use as a home phone.
For this I would recommend CapTel. While they do have this available for mobile users, I just don't know if I would recommend using it in that fashion. It would be a bit awkward, to me. It's a great service that allows you to continue to use your own voice while talking to your family & friends on the phone. It also allows you to still utilize your ears and hearing aids as well, but just adds text to "support" the voice that you're hearing.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kujHmdtSgNE"]Here is a video to give you an example of what using CapTel is like.[/ame] This video uses WebCapTel, but the idea is the same and uses
one of these instead.
The down side of using this, you would have to purchase a CapTel Telephone.
I am looking for something to use on the go.
You can use any one of these services:
There are other services, but I cannot think of them off the top of my head. All of these services will give you the ability to use their services from home and while you are out. I cannot attest for the quality of their services as I do not use them.
Bonus
I know you stated that you were not ready for using video relay services, but I think it's a good idea to at least know your options for "on the go" VRS calling.
Depending on the type of cell phone you own, you can actually make a VRS call through your phone. Currently it can only be done on one phone, the iPhone 4. There are two VRS providers that will give you this service:
- ZVRS (This is the company I prefer. In an effort to keep your thread on topic regarding Text Relay services, I ask that you send me a personal message regarding why this is the company I prefer)
- IWRelay
On top of this, the soon to come products for Mobile VRS are Android products and the iPod touch.
NOTE: It will only be useful for products that have a front facing camera.
Android:
- Samsung EPIC 4G - ZVRS is developing the Z4 Mobile. It's the Mobile (duh) version of their Z4 software that is already available for Windows and Mac.
- HTC EVO 4G - Mainstream VRS is developing an App. However, I would be hesitant to use them. The only reason I say this is because they are a, literally, BRAND NEW company that does not have a proven track record in the VRS industry. While ZVRS is the first ever VRS provider and has proven time and time again that they can provide quality services.
iPod Touch:
- ZVRS - Seems that they are currently working on this. They have a big announcement today at 2pm EST as well, it might be about this.
- IWRelay - Their current VRS software for the iPhone 4 is also Beta on the iPod. However, it does not work correctly.
Sorry for the long reply, but as you can see, you have lots of options.
