UPC - Horizon Phone App

Davy · 26-04-2013 5:58pm #1

UPC is looking into offering a new service that will allow our customers to use their home phone from their mobile. This service is called Horizon Phone app. You would be able to download this app from Apple’s AppStore or GooglePlay for free. You would then simply log-in using your My UPC details and the service would be activated immediately.

You could make and receive calls wherever you are, as if you were at home sitting in the comfort of your sofa. This would be an extension of your home phone so there are no additional charges. You would pay the same rate as for your fixed line calls, even when you are abroad. There are no roaming charges!

If you have free minutes with your home phone pack from UPC they could be used when making calls via Horizon Phone app. You would also be able to listen to your home phone voicemail.

Horizon Phone app also allows you to use the contact list that you have on your device, so you don’t have to worry about typing in numbers. All that you need is to have Wifi or a 3G connection.

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ted1 · 26-04-2013 11:06pm

Several VOIP companies like blue face offer this, very impressed with UPC and there offerings lately

patrickmooney · 27-04-2013 12:58am

Sales told me about this app last week. Sounds cool. Again BT launched a similar app recently in the UK. I know I've never plugged a phone into my UPC phone socket. Having VOIP access I might be inclined to use some of those free minutes I'm paying for but have never used.

I hope it supports visual voicemail.

Davy · 28-04-2013 1:22pm

patrickmooney wrote: »

I hope it supports visual voicemail.

Thats the plan

Stuart74 · 19-06-2013 2:47am

Hi Davy,

Would you have the link to the Horizon phone App?

Tried looking in the AppStore but can't find it.

Thanks.

Stuart.

Faz6r · 29-01-2014 11:53am

i cant wait for this and the free wifi too,
now if only upc would get around to sorting out the horizon any screen app for android, then id be a happy fcuker

Faz6r · 29-01-2014 11:58am

Stuart74 wrote: »

Hi Davy,

Would you have the link to the Horizon phone App?

Tried looking in the AppStore but can't find it.

Thanks.

Stuart.

heres the one for android, the apple version probably has a similar name i.e upc phone
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.upc.phone

apope8 · 29-01-2014 12:05pm

Says my Galaxy S4 is not compatible

Edit: Actually looking at the supported device list, it seems pretty out of date! Supported Devices

bob11 · 29-01-2014 12:38pm

Faz6r wrote: »

i cant wait for this and the free wifi too,
now if only upc would get around to sorting out the horizon any screen app for android, then id be a happy fcuker

In the email that I got, it said available this spring, so it may not yet be launched ..

UPC Home Phone Customers
Horizon Phone App
Save on your mobile bills by using your free UPC Home Phone pack minutes on your mobile.
All you have to do is connect to Wi-Fi. Download the Horizon Phone App, with it select the person you want to call from your mobile contacts and chat away.
The Horizon Phone App can also save you money on costly roaming calls when on holiday.
To hear more about this, make sure to update your contact details in My UPC.*

Is sounds like this will be very useful, especially for frequent travelers:

UPC Phone is an innovative application that allows you to make and receive your fixed line calls directly on your mobile using WiFi or 3G.
Imagine if you could make calls on your mobile but use your free minutes from your UPC Home phone. Think how much you could save on your mobile bill.
Imagine if you could take your home phone with you anywhere? Your friends and family would call your fixed line and be able to reach you, no matter where you are! You will never have to miss calls again! You can also access your home voicemails anywhere you are. And all of these at your great-value UPC rates!
Imagine if you could call your parents while enjoying your holidays abroad without worrying about how much it would cost you? Even if you’re travelling, UPC Phone will still work on any WiFi-connection! Also when abroad, you can continue enjoying great-value UPC fixed line rates. There are not additional roaming fees or charges!
It’s so easy! You can make calls using your mobile contact list, you no longer need to type in the number or export contacts. There is no lengthy activation process, just log-in with your MyUPC account and start making calls!
Imagine if not only you, but also your partner could enjoy this service? You can enjoy UPC Phone on multiple devices using the same phone number!

Faz6r · 29-01-2014 12:45pm

i wonder if my mobile phone will ring if my somebody is ringing my upc home number using this app, provided im on wifi of course

zg3409 · 29-01-2014 12:58pm

Faz6r wrote: »

i wonder if my mobile phone will ring if my somebody is ringing my upc home number using this app, provided im on wifi of course

I think that is one of the features. There are other similar, make cheap calls using the internet/wifi/apps. I use a generic SIP based setup, but it is very dependant on the quality of the internet connection where you are, and not half as good as a landline nor even as good as mobile phone. Often the delay and echo can be frustrating, however I sucesfully used it on holidays in vietnam to ring home on the cheap.

Faz6r · 05-02-2014 4:47pm

apope8 wrote: »

Says my Galaxy S4 is not compatible

Edit: Actually looking at the supported device list, it seems pretty out of date! Supported Devices

irish official version is out now, i installed it today
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.upc.horizon.phone&hl=en

dingoxh · 05-02-2014 11:52pm

Just downloaded it and it works great! Loving this ap

MAJJ · 06-02-2014 10:52am

Installed it on an S2 and it connects to wifi, picks up local UPC phone number all fine but haven't used it yet for calls.

Alun · 06-02-2014 11:11am

Installed fine on my Huawei G510. Haven't used it yet though.

nialldinho · 06-02-2014 1:13pm

Installed this yesterday on iphone. Just saw a missed call on it there now. I'm only on 3G though. I thought it only worked on wifi?

coldfire1x · 06-02-2014 1:13pm

That's brilliant. Installed on S4

nialldinho · 06-02-2014 1:23pm

Actually I just did a test. If you're on 3G it still notifies you of calls but you can't answer it! Just gives message saying you need to be on wifi.

Faz6r · 06-02-2014 1:39pm

nialldinho wrote: »

Actually I just did a test. If you're on 3G it still notifies you of calls but you can't answer it! Just gives message saying you need to be on wifi.

what about 4g, i suspect same result but would be good to verify

RainyDay · 06-02-2014 5:23pm

Tells me that I can't install it 'in your country'

Wabbit Ears · 06-02-2014 5:48pm

is the wifi you are connecting to using a proxy?
Normally these things have IP access lists for Irish IP address ranges.

coldfire1x · 06-02-2014 10:49pm

Its workings well. Good sound quality. Although it did crash one when I was scrolling through the contacts.

Cushie Butterfield · 07-02-2014 10:56am

Is the contacts name meant to show up on incoming calls (if they're in your mobile's address book)?

Only their phone numbers are coming up for incoming calls on my phone. When I press the info button the numbers are shown & I get the option to add as a contact (which they already are) or to add the number to an existing contacts details.

Maybe it's something to do with the international prefix, as I have my contacts all added with the +353 but incoming calls from these people are just showing as 086, 087 etc

Faz6r · 07-02-2014 11:38am

Cushie Butterfield wrote: »

Is the contacts name meant to show up on incoming calls (if they're in your mobile's address book)?

Only their phone numbers are coming up for incoming calls on my phone. When I press the info button the numbers are shown & I get the option to add as a contact (which they already are) or to add the number to an existing contacts details.

Maybe it's something to do with the international prefix, as I have my contacts all added with the +353 but incoming calls from these people are just showing as 086, 087 etc

try adding number to an existing contact and report back with your findings
i cant wait to start using my app, but i have 20 months of a 24 month contract left so it wouldnt make sense to not use my mobile allowance however if im abroad and near wifi then i will be using it
but once my contract is up, im going to switch to pay as you go with hopefully upc's mvno

Cushie Butterfield · 09-02-2014 12:35pm

- Incoming call alert on locked screen or with app minimised just shows caller's number no matter what format you have contact saved in your contact list.

- App doesn't recognise contact numbers in +353 or 00353 format.

- If you add contact's number in the format 08x1234567 or landline with geographic code prefix, incoming call contact's name will show if you have the app screen open, or when you open & look at events screen.

ted1 · 10-02-2014 10:08am

Anybody else notice their battery life being shortened? I just uninstalled as this is the only ring I installed recently.

There's no option to stop it running in the background , using an iPhone.

Jimbojimbo · 10-02-2014 2:13pm

I'm on the iPhone app. There seems to be no way to stop incoming calls coming through. Quitting the app, or disabling horizon phone mode will not stop incoming calls .... even if I call my landline from my mobile, I get the incoming call back on my mobile!! Only way TK stop it I can find is to logout.

Also CLID us not working for me, even if the number is in my address book.

Finally, does anyone know whether the app will work on 3G at any stage?

ted1 · 10-02-2014 2:22pm

Uninstalling it stopped my battery from draining. Looks like there is a bug in it

Venom · 11-02-2014 12:18am

Doesn't work on my Moto G

Get's as far as the phones call screen then immediately ends the call.

Cushie Butterfield · 11-02-2014 12:28am

Venom wrote: »

Doesn't work on my Moto G

Get's as far as the phones call screen then immediately ends the call.

If you don't have the app open you have to answer the call by tapping (on active screen) or swiping (on locked screen) the black incoming call alert notification at the top of your screen. If you try to answer the call by tapping the app icon it will do as you say.

Venom · 11-02-2014 12:55am

Cushie Butterfield wrote: »

If you don't have the app open you have to answer the call by tapping (on active screen) or swiping (on locked screen) the black incoming call alert notification at the top of your screen. If you try to answer the call by tapping the app icon it will do as you say.

No, I mean if I try and make a call from within the app, go to it's contacts screen and select the person I want to ring, it goes to the normal call screen for about 2 seconds then closes.

Cushie Butterfield · 11-02-2014 1:05am

Venom wrote: »

No, I mean if I try and make a call from within the app, go to it's contacts screen and select the person I want to ring, it goes to the normal call screen for about 2 seconds then closes.

Oh sorry. Have you tried a reset from the settings screen?

Paddyo · 11-02-2014 2:13pm

Same thing happens me

Venom · 11-02-2014 3:16pm

Cushie Butterfield wrote: »

Oh sorry. Have you tried a reset from the settings screen?

I tried reset's and un-installing and re-installing the app and no joy.

Faz6r · 11-02-2014 9:28pm

report the bugs via google play store, and upc will get the feedback
ffs i sound like one of them upc customer reps here on boards

JimsAlterEgo · 18-02-2014 5:13pm

any windows phone plans?

Shred · 21-02-2014 8:57pm

I only came across this a few days ago, it's pretty cool app if only it would work over 3G. Having said that, I can't make calls over 3G but I did receive one (and answered it) earlier today

I'm just trying to figure out how to access voicemail now as the message button is flashing on the house handset but if I ring my number to access VM as standard it just rings through to the app. I haven't noticed any battery drain either by the way.

Edit - VM = 171, I've always dialled my house number for this previously...anyway, it works.

wush06 · 22-02-2014 12:39am

it works very well I have to say. Quick question how does the minutes work like how do you know what you have and what you used.

Faz6r · 22-02-2014 4:08am

wush06 wrote: »

it works very well I have to say. Quick question how does the minutes work like how do you know what you have and what you used.

its a home phone line, so unless it tells you on the https://service.upc.ie/my-upc/portal/ website
but if not i think you get 400 mins anyway
http://support.upc.ie/app/answers/detail/a_id/116/~/exceed-400-call-bundle-minutes

Cushie Butterfield · 22-02-2014 12:13pm

wush06 wrote: »

it works very well I have to say. Quick question how does the minutes work like how do you know what you have and what you used.

Any calls you make using the app come out of your particular phone bundle. If you're on one of the packs that has a limited amount of minutes (Anywhere 150 or 300) there are two ways to find out your used minutes. The first is by ring 1908 & ask. The other is by logging into MyUPC, then My Bills & Payments, then My Unbilled Usage (all calls show up there regardless of whether or not you'll end up being charged for them) - you can then calculate the amount of minutes used. Just be aware that it you make a call for 1minute two seconds that this will use 2 minutes of your allowance.

They are meant to be providing the facility on MyUPC so as you can check remaining minutes. They might even have done so at this stage, you'd need to explore MyUPC as I don't have a minute based bundle.

The 400 minutes mentioned above is a separate allowance in addition to your regular allowance - 400 minutes to international landlines (not including Ireland) in 21 countries.

Faz6r · 22-02-2014 5:44pm

yes sorry my bad, i was referring to my bundle

Five Lamps · 24-02-2014 11:19pm

Was killing my battery life so had to delete it. Seems to be no way of quitting the app.

Faz6r · 24-02-2014 11:24pm

Five Lamps wrote: »

Was killing my battery life so had to delete it. Seems to be no way of quitting the app.

ah there is on android, press the options its 3 parallel lines on the right top, then press close, then switch off.
but doing this means you cant receive calls, but because its automatic sign in you dont have to enter your name and password everytime
this option suits me best

Cushie Butterfield · 25-02-2014 9:44am

On iOS you just tap settings at the bottom of the screen & toggle horizon phone mode to off.

steveone · 25-03-2014 10:10pm

This worked great on my xperia sp and a tablet, when we switched over our number from eircom and replaced the temp upc number with our regular no it stopped. Did everything, reinstalled it. Made sure the number is correct and devices are recognised in myupc, got fobbed of by upc saying it wasnt available. Dont know why because the tv app is fine. Sound familiar to anyone?

edel12345 · 25-03-2014 10:14pm

OT but can someone please tell me how to post a thread.. VERY new to this and havent a clue

Fresh Pots · 25-03-2014 11:13pm

edel12345 wrote: »

OT but can someone please tell me how to post a thread.. VERY new to this and havent a clue

Go to the forum you want to post and press the new thread button near the top of the screen

21-05-2014 2:14pm

App worked fine for a while but over the past two days when I open the app it is always displaying 'Horizon phone is enabled but currently offline'. (might post this in the UPC forum as well)

The app is connected to my UPC wifi network and I am not experiencing difficulty connecting to other devices. I also attempted a reset of the app through My UPC account and still no change.

Any one else with similar issues?

21-05-2014 10:05pm

Nevermind, issue seems to be resolved now

like · 25-05-2014 10:14pm

Just to be sure, using it is free to call land lines (once you are within your plan, or 400 minutes to international landlines), BUT.... its landlines only ???, you must be careful to only use it for landlines and to check which is cheaper for mobile calls - this app or usual mobile plan....

think that's correct - but I was confused and thought mobile numbers were included ....

konline · 04-06-2014 11:20pm

Just found out about this app today. I think it's a great idea from UPC.
Does anyone know if there is a setup to stop receiving calls? I just want to make calls to landlines but don't want to receive any calls because there will be someone at home always.
Thanks.

UPC - Horizon Phone App

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