It has been sometime since we last heard Vonage related news, well aside from the unveiling of Vonage World anyway. This latest bit is not a new product announcement, but may still come as good news for previous customers.

It seems that Vonage has reached a $3 million dollar settlement with 32 states. And this settlement means that previous customers, those that had trouble canceling and were billed after the fact may be eligible for a refund.

The affected states include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

But more specifically, the issue at hand deals with certain incentive programs that Vonage customer service reps were offering in an attempt at keeping you as a customer. And according to the Jacksonville Business Journal, those CSR’s were “sometimes too eager to earn their bonuses” and in turn made it “extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible” to cancel your service.

Anyway, if you were one of those affected, or believe you were affected, you may want to pay attention and although your word alone will not guarantee a refund, it was suggested that if “you think you might qualify for a refund, contact your state attorney general’s office.”

Read [Jacksonville Business Journal] Via [Consumerist]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Sure, we all knew about the Google acquisition of VoIP provider Gizmo5, and we were able to speculate about things that would happen. But now, courtesy of the Google Voice Blog we are getting a look at the first moves.

And in typically Google fashion, they have both officially welcomed Gizmo5 and also shut it down for new users. Anyone visiting the main Gizmo5 web page are forwarded to a new www.google.com/gizmo5 landing page and are greeted with a simple message;

“Gizmo5 Has Been Acquired by Google”

Of course it is also there that any potential new users are made aware that they cannot sign up.

That said, existing users can still sign in and use their accounts. And although I have not used Gizmo in as long as I can remember I am glad I had signed up in the past. Maybe this way I will be able to get a look at the future Google Voice integration a little sooner than some. I should point out though, that existing users will be limited in one aspect, they cannot sign up for a new call-in number.

Additionally, it was also noted that “Gizmo5’s engineers will be joining the Google Voice team to continue improving the Google Voice and Gizmo5 experience.” Unfortunately, they are not announcing any specific features of the merge just yet, but they do close the post with a simple but hopeful hint.

“We welcome the Gizmo5 team to Google and look forward to working together to bringing more useful features to Google Voice.”

Read [Google Voice Blog]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

In an announcement that came earlier this morning, Google has purchased Gizmo5. Now for those unfamiliar, Gizmo5 is a VoIP provider similar to Skype. Of course, you may be thinking, Google already has Google Voice, and that is a good point. However, that may only be one piece of the puzzle because while Google Voice allows you to make calls, even calls that can be initiated from your computer—you cannot make computer-to-computer calls. A combination of Google Voice and Gizmo5 could make for a nice all around calling solution, and one that could potentially rival Skype, which is something that Gizmo5 was never really able to accomplish on its own thus far.

With that though, it is important to point out that this is just speculation because while Google has confirmed the purchase of Gizmo5 they have yet to clue anyone else into what their plans for the service are. But when you think about it, that is par for the course. I also would not expect anything to happen quick. After all, look how long it took from the time Google purchased GrandCentral until they rolled out Google Voice. Just as a refresher, Google purchased GrandCentral in July of 2007 and did not roll out Google Voice (in limited beta form) until March of 2009.

Bottom line, while this Gizmo5 purchase is indeed interesting, it is important to keep the past in mind. It likely will be a long time before we see anything come from this purchase.

Read [TechCrunch]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

T-Mobile has announced it will begin offering Wi-Fi calling for its corporate BlackBerry users.  The as of now un-named service would allow offices to make calls without using their plan minutes.  Calls would automatically switch over to the T-Mobile network when leaving the office Wi-Fi connection.  While T-Mobile is saying this service is designed to help companies save money, there is a catch.  They will charge them a flat fee on top of their monthly plan to use it. That fee would vary depending on the amount of users.

Sprint, AT&T and Verizon offer a similar service but with the addition of hardware, known as a femtocell.  Sprint, for example, offers unlimited calling on its Airave for a flat fee of $10 a month in addition to your plan and it doesn’t use your minutes.  However it will also drop the call when you leave its coverage and move onto the local tower.  Aside from that, however, it is an excellent service.

VoIP is a useful and valuable tool but remember the call quality depends on your connection.  VoIP calls were horrible when I had DSL. Calls were choppy and garbled.  Now that I have a much faster broadband connection, calls are crystal clear. 

Read [MobileCrunch]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

AT&T has finally announced that it will now allow Voice over IP on the 3G network for all of its phones.  Essentially, this means VoIP apps, like the recent Vonage app, can be used on the iPhone and not just over W-Fi.  Now you can finally use Skype over the 3G network (when the update is released) and hopefully have fewer dropped calls than when you call people normally.

What this won’t fix, however, is Google Voice on the iPhone.  Verizon today announced it will be supporting Google Voice, apps for the service are available on the Android Marketplace and can be used on T-Mobile (and presumably Spring with the upcoming Hero), and Palm Pre has multiple unofficial Google Voice apps.  This leaves AT&T as the only carrier that doesn’t seem to support the service.  To be fair, Google Voice doesn’t require the iPhone app, but it is helpful.  Also, AT&T stated it had nothing to do with blocking the Google Voice iPhone app.  That whole issue is itself very confusing, with each company claiming something different, but it still stands that Google Voice isn’t VoIP, and most likely won’t be affected by this.

Allowing VoIP for every smartphone on the network is a good move by AT&T.  Verizon Wireless looks to be taking every shot it can at the company, so AT&T needs some good publicity at the moment. It would be better if the network wasn’t so overloaded with iPhones, and the company worked on the infrastructure, but at least that gives more people a reason to skip the iPhone for an Android or WebOS device, or even the newly released Windows Phone.

Read [TechCrunch]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Our Editor Iyaz got some hands on time with Windows 6.5 and surprisingly, it looks pretty good.  Internet Explorer loaded really slow, but indoors is always a toss up.  This phone is not slated for the US as of yet.  Too bad, it looks good too.

Flash lite is supported.  No accelerometer on this model but the rep says it will be on US builds.  Overall, the Zune-inspired UI looks pretty nice.

Iyaz angles for some Zune - Windows Mobile convergence but the rep doesn’t tip his hand other than to say, “they share a lot of DNA”.

Enjoy

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

October is coming and so is the ooma Telo.  We first heard about the ooma Telo back in January at a small event called CES 2009 and it will finally be released on October 1st, 2009.  Unfamiliar with the Telo?  Here’s how this works: buy the ooma Telo and connect it to your home network.  Attach a phone handset to the Telo and you can make free phone calls forever (with some limitations).
 
Last time we saw the Telo it was behind glass, but this time we got to handle the device personally.  The Telo unit itself (the base station that attaches to your router) is not very large.  Take a look at the included gallery and you can see how large a simple Ethernet cable looks when plugged into the back of the device. 

There is a handset that will also be released in November 2009 after the Telo’s October launch.  There are no bundles that include both the base station and the handset yet.  Remember, you can use the base station with regular old telephones.  That being said, the new Ooma handset is pretty for a home phone.  The back is a glossy plastic, but the buttons are a matte finish.  The screen was bright and easy to read. 

Back in January, there were plans for Skype integration as well.  If you had a Skype phone number, you could have it sent to your ooma.  Since the recent sale of Skype, the developer program that Skype had in place, is no longer active.  If you had a Skype line and wanted an ooma Telo to bridge the gap, sorry.

Company Site: [ooma.com]

*This article was updated adding in handset release information.

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Here is fair warning to any GrandCentral users who have not switched their account over to Google Voice. For those unfamiliar GrandCentral is the service that Google purchased and rolled into the Google Voice that we know today.

Anyway, for those that are still holding on to a GrandCentral account, pay attention because today is the last day to convert your account.

GrandCentral will be closing down tomorrow…please migrate to Google Voice if you haven’t done so already. Just login and follow the link.

Basically, it has come down to move it or lose it and as Google Voice is a free service it makes sense to take the few minutes that are required to convert your account so you will have it moving forward.  Especially since Google Voice is still in a closed status.

Via [Twitter @GoogleVoice]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

While Sprint seems intent on killing off landlines by offering users the ability to call any mobile number from any carrier with their new Any Mobile, Anytime calling option, Panasonic has seemingly gone in the opposite direction with their latest announcement.

The have announced what they are referring to as the “industry’s first bluetooth enabled telephone featuring Cellular Phonebook Transfer.”  Now, what that really means is that they are planning to allow users of a specific model phone to import (up to 600) contacts from their cell phone to their landline phone.

Given that, I have to ask, do people still keep contacts in a regular landline phone?

Anyway, this new feature will be available with a phone that (according to the release) goes by the name of KX-TG9382T.  Assuming you purchase this phone, you will be able to import your cell phone contacts by selecting the “Phonebook Transfer” option in the menu.

In terms of other features on the KX-TG9382T, it is a “two-line phone that was designed for home-based businesses as well as residential customers” and has DECT 6.0 performance, is Energy Star certified and has a built-in digital answering machine that can store up to 40 minutes worth of messages.  As far as pricing, expect to pay $169.95 for a base and one handset.

I would like to say this is interesting, but getting back to the whole contacts in my landline phone, maybe I am the odd one out here but I have never seen anyone really care or want this—especially in todays age of cell phones. In this case I think I will stick with Sprint and remain intent on killing off landlines.

Keep reading to check out the full press release…

PANASONIC INTRODUCES INDUSTRY’S FIRST BLUETOOTH ENABLED TELEPHONE FEATURING “CELLULAR PHONEBOOK TRANSFER”

Two-line DECT system allows transfer of up to 600 phonebook entries at the press of a button; also compatible with Bluetooth-enabled headsets

Atlanta, GA (September 10, 2009) – Panasonic today announced the first-ever landline telephone that enables users to transfer their cell phone contacts (up to 600 names and numbers) to its built-in directory via Bluetooth. It will be available at Amazon.com and major retailers nationwide this month.

“Until now, businesspeople and consumers have had to manage their cell phone and home or home office phone directories separately or at best, transfer phonebook entries one at a time, which is time-consuming,” said Bill Taylor, President of Panasonic Communications Company of North America. “With the KX-TG9382T, even a 600-name phonebook transfers in just a few minutes, so it’s easier than ever to keep your contacts at your fingertips.”

To transfer a cell phone address book of up to 600 entries, simply select the “Phonebook Transfer” option from the KX-TG9382T’s menu screen, and then follow the instructions for phonebook transfer onto a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone. The KX-TG9382T’s menu screen displays each entry as it quickly and automatically transfers each phonebook entry in alphabetical order, allowing users to track progress.

Additionally, the base unit can be paired with any Bluetooth-enabled headset so users can keep the conversation going in comfort while leaving hands free to write, type, or flip through files.

This two-line phone was designed for home-based businesses as well as residential consumers. It offers DECT 6.0 performance, is Energy Star® certified, includes a 40-minute digital answering machine, three-line conferencing capability, Silent Mode, and has a keypad and speakerphone on the base unit and handsets.

The KX-TG9381T (base unit and one cordless handset) carries a suggested retail price of $169.95 and the KX-TG9382T (base unit bundled with two cordless handsets) carries an SRP of $229.95. The system can be expanded to include up to six handsets, model KX-TGA939T, available individually at an SRP of $79.

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

*UPDATED BELOW When word broke that eBay was considering selling Skype, Google was the first company to come to mind for many.  Google Voice would be a great fit with the VoIP enabled Skype and hopes became high for a nifty solution and good home for the unit, but Google walked away.

eBay bought Skype, a company that allows users to call other users for free via VOIP and ring landlines at discounted rates for $2.6 billion back in 2005.  Word is expected to come today that Skype will be sold to a private investor group that hopes to restore the the company’s vision and track to an IPO.  It is expected to be sold for $2 billion.

So why did Google walk away?  It couldn’t have been a lack of subscribers.  Since being acquired by eBay, subscribers went from 53 million to 408 million.  Could Google’s decision be based on cash flow?  Skype is expected to bring in $600 million this year.

According the the New York Times, Google was in negotiations last month when it learned of some potentially damaging litigation taking place now in England.  The dispute is over ownership of the core peer-to-peer technology.  Without a successful outcome for Skype in this matter, Skype looks like nothing more than a hollow brand name.  Interestingly, Google passed on Skype back in 2005 when eBay snatched it up.

The trial between Skype and JoltId, the company that produced the Skype technology, appears to be over the licensing terms of the technology and is expected to take place in June of 2010.  eBay hasn’t said what part of Skype runs on the licensed tech, but has said that without the license, there is no Skype.  Skype engineers are at work to create their own software but it isn’t clear how close they are and how much of a drain on resources that will be or even if it can be done.  Gulp.

Update: EBay has announced they are selling 65% of Skype to Silver Lake Partners.  The move puts the value at $2.75 billion, a loss for EBay.  EBay says it will hold onto the remaining shares.

Read: [NYT] and [CNN]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Vonage has recently announced some changes to their available calling plans with the introduction of “Vonage World.”  This new plan is an update to their previous unlimited calling plan and will retain the same $24.99 price that it had, except free unlimited international calling is now included.

Previously, the unlimited calling plan with Vonage offered unlimited calls within the US, as well as free international calling to six countries.  Well, Vonage has stepped up and now includes unlimited international calling to more than 60 countries.  Additionally, this new plan will replace an older plan that was called “Enhanced World” and offered free international calls to 58 countries for $40 a month.

The new Vonage World plan is available for existing as well as new customers.  As far as existing customers, if you want to take advantage of this plan you will need to call Vonage and request the switch, but as you would hope there will not be any charge for making that switch.

One important item to note with the new Vonage World plan is that while international calling is now free, those calls need to be made to landlines.  Currently, any calls made to mobile phones will still be charged, but according to Vonage they will be at a rate that is competitive with Skype and Google Voice.

Additionally, Vonage also has plans to begin offering transcribed voicemail (Google Voice style) that can be delivered by email or text message, but as of now nothing was mentioned as to when that will be available.

Read [Yahoo! Finance and Vonage World]  Via [Twitter @Vonage_Voice]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Sure, you may want to check out Google Voice, but are still missing the one item that is key at this point—an invitation.  Having to wait happens to the best of us, but there is another Google Voice like service available, and it is one that does not require you to have been invited.  Sure it may not be carrying the same cool factor that comes along with getting early access to a Google service, but it does have many of the same features.

The service is called 3jam and it promises to “free your phone number.”  Of course what it actually offers is similar to what Google is offering with Voice.  Here are some of the key features that you can expect with 3jam;

• One number to reach you anywhere
• The ability to route calls to Skype/IM and save
• Receive and respond to SMS by email
• Voicemail with transcription

Additionally, 3jam currently allows you to port your existing number over to their service, however on the flip side, 3jam does not have the same call filtering features that seem to make Google Voice special.

With all of that, there is one difference that may keep you waiting for a Google Voice invitation, 3jam is not a free service, instead pricing begins at $4.99 a month and goes up depending on your service options.

Read [3jam]  Via [Lifehacker]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

It would seem as if Vonage is preparing to release an app for one or possibly multiple smartphones.  However, unfortunately at this time, the details are pretty much non-existent.  That said, here is what we know so far.  It started with a simple request on Twitter.

“@Vonage_Voice I would LOVE to have a Vonage SIP client for my iPhone.”

As a Vonage user myself, it is something that I had hoped for, but until yesterday I was not even aware that Vonage had an officia’ presence on Twitter.  Nonetheless, Vonage_Voice, which is actually Michael from Vonage replied back with the good, but very limited news.

“Hey @thatchman1. We plan to offer mobile applications that will allow customers to use Vonage on their mobile smartphones. Stay tuned.”

Of course, as you would imagine, that response led to a flurry or questions back asking about details and such, but little other details were revealed aside from mentioning that the “first app will allow seamless dialing to international numbers at low rates using either cellular or Wi-Fi networks.”

Now it brings up the question as to which “mobile smartphones” will be included?  It sounds logical that we will see one for the iPhone, but hopefully we will also see something for Android, webOS, Windows Mobile and more.

Read [Twitter] [Twitter] [Twitter]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

One of the features that makes the iPhone easy to use is the ability to create conference calls or place calls on hold or mute without needing to know any special key codes.  All you have to do is touch the big button on the touch screen and you’re all set.  Today, snom introduced a new VoIP desk phone, the snom 870, which incorporates a touch screen.  The screen is 4x3 inches in size and is primarily aimed for businesses, however I can see something like this easily finding its way into the home.

Since the phone has a touchscreen, setting up a conference call for up to five people is supposed to be easy because of a drag and drop menu system.  Things like speed dial get an upgrade thanks to the touchscreen and an address book as well.  The phone does seem a bit on the pricey side at $349.  However if you’re trying to run a business but your employees require a training session to learn their old phones, maybe a touch screen option is better (assuming the snom works as advertised).

Now if you want to have a bit of a laugh, watch the video below that makes using the snom 870 appear to be a zen like experience from a dream (it also shows the phone in action). 

Company site: [snom.com]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Internet based device designer and manufacturer IPEVO has announced that 18 USO centers across the Pacific Region will be equipped with its S0-10 Skype Desktop Phone and S0-Wi-Fi Phone for Skype devices. This will allow the over 890,000 troops and their families who use the centers to stay in touch with loved ones back home for free. Both devices work without the need for a computer.

“The USO is excited to be able to connect our men and women in uniform with those who travel with them in spirit, silently supporting them from the other side of the world,” said USO Pacific Region Vice President, Tom Kolstad. “We appreciate IPEVO generously donating these VoIP phones to our region. The service that IPEVO phones will provide to our military and their families to call home is priceless.”

This is a wonderful thing IPEVO is doing.  Let’s hope that the 112 other USO centers around the world will eventually have the chance to be similarly equipped. Staying connected to home is so important for our troups-and the ones waiting for them to return

Read [Ipevo]

Full Story » | Written by Sue Walsh for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

The landline telephone is on the way out.  20% of homes are now wireless only.  Maybe you’re part of the 80% who still has a landline.  What can you do to ditch that landline?  Keep reading.

Grab a cell phone

First off, unless you want to cut yourself off and try something very experimental, you’re going to need some other phone.  Grab yourself a cell phone.  Which cell phone is best for you is really a personal decision.  Phones are a bit like prescription glasses.  They play a very important role in your life and most people don’t change either for a couple of years.  If you’re a person who really wants a computer in their pocket, then you’re probably looking at smartphones.  If you just want to call people, then you’ve got a lot more options.

How many handsets do you want?

Assuming you’ve chosen your cell phone, you’ll find there was a convenience in having landline phones around the house.  How many of us only had one landline phone unit in their house?  I would imagine that a lot of us grew up in places with lots of landline phones - one in the kitchen, one in the living room, etc. 

With a cell phone, you run into a problem.  If you can’t find your one phone, then you may miss a call.  What can you do?  We just reviewed the XLink Bluetooth Cellular Gateway, and this may be a good solution for that.  This device pairs with up to three cell phones and allows you to use your existing landline handsets to make and take calls.  It’s very easy to setup and works as advertised. 

If you never misplace your phone, then you may not need something like the XLink.  You could just have your phone in a holster on your person all the time if you want. 

More minutes for cheap

But what if your cell phone carrier makes you pay an arm and a leg for more minutes?  Have you considered Skype?  A while back, Skype introduced pay plans so you can use Skype to call out to regular phones.  I believe that all of their plans are cheaper than most landline plans.  Skype calls their plans “unlimited,” but there is a “fair use policy.”  If you’re like me and you usually call people within the United States, you can get 10,000 minutes for $2.95/month.  There are other plans that allow you to call a particular country or if you want to be covered all over the world, there’s a plan for that too.  There are several phones out there that allow you to use Skype without using your computer.  Pair up a phone like that with an XLink and you’d be all set to have all your calls on one handset. 

Emergencies?

The big fear a lot of people have is the fact that Skype doesn’t do emergency calls.  If you want enhanced 911 (which allows 911 to route your call to a nearby location) and VoIP, you have to go with something like Vonage.  I am unsure if cell phones allow for enhanced 911.  That doesn’t mean that you can’t dial 911 and get help on your cell.  It just means that the call may not be routed to the closest place to help you. 

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

What Is It:

The XLink Bluetooth Cellular Gateway is a $99 device ($119 for an upgraded model) that lets you pair up to three cellphones with your old landline handsets.  Gadgetell got to test out the $99 BT model.

What’s Good:

The XLink lets you make use of the cellular plan you already pay for, thus eliminating the need for a separate landline.  There is no monthly fee with the XLink, just the initial cost of purchasing the base.  Setup is really easy - it took us less than 10 minutes to set up ours - and you can pair up to three cellphones. 

It would be good for families and roommates who want to minimize monthly telephone bills.  You can avoid dead spots in your house - just keep your cell in a spot where you get a signal and move around with your paired cordless handset.  Also, if you still want to keep a landline, the BTTN model ($119) will let you integrate that alongside your cellphones. 

What’s Bad:

The initial outlay of $99 or $119 may be a bit expensive for some.

What’s In-between:

There is no included phone cable with the BT model (BTTN model does come with a cable), so you will have to purchase one if you don’t have a spare lying around the house.  The XLink’s instructions say that any paired cellphone must be within 10 ft of the base, which seems a bit short in range for our liking.  Bluetooth items usually give you at least 30 ft.  Also, the XLink doesn’t have the most stylish design.

For those of you using Skype, XLink has recently released an alpha version of XConnect software that allows you to make and receive Skype calls on any phone connected to the Xlink BT or BTTN.  However, when we tried installing the new software, we got an audio driver error message.  So, in theory this is a great idea, but it’s buggy.  May be best to wait for the beta version.

The Crux:

If you’re looking to ditch your landline and you hate searching for your cellphone to answer calls while at home, then the XLink might be for you.  Assuming it works as well for you as it did for us, we’d highly recommend it.  The XLink Bluetooth Cellular Gateway BT model is available for $99 and the BTTN model is available for $119.

Product Page [MyXLink.com]

Full Story » | Written by Merlyn Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Imagine you’re the head of a large company with three different divisions.  Two of the divisions work extremely well together, while the third seems strange and out of place.  So you try to sell it, and nobody seems interested in buying, at least nobody with the money you want.  What do you do?  Of course, break off the division into its own company and offer it as an IPO sometime in the near future.  Makes sense, right?

That’s exactly what eBay is doing with Skype.  After paying a total of $3.1 billion for the company back on 2005, eBay is having a bout of buyer’s remorse.  So, within the first half of 2010, Skype will be offered up as an IPO.  There will likely be a decent amount of interested parties, as Skype has recently announced it made $551 million in 2008 from 405 million users, and that number is likely to increase to $1 billion by 2011.  Its reach is expanding beyond just the desktop to iPhones, Android, and BlackBerry smartphones, which will likely contribute a lot to that number.  The iPhone app saw 2 million downloads in the first week, with a quarter of those being new users.

The IPO of Skype will potentially open a lot of possibilities for the company.  It wouldn’t be too surprising if the previous owners try to gain a majority of the stock and control the company once again.  They’ve been trying to buy Skype back from eBay as of late, and may see this as an opportunity.  Or perhaps Google, who tried buying Skype back in 2005, might be interested in at least buying some stock to have a stake in the company.  Either way, given how popular Skype has become and its profitability, it wouldn’t be surprising if the IPO gets as hyped as the Google IPO did when it came.

Read [NY Times]
Read [Wired]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

So many of us are ditching our landlines for alternatives.  Using a cell phone is pretty standard.  However, you may want more minutes for a low cost.  Skype has some very reasonable pricing plans for unlimited calling.  If you use Skype for Skype to Skype calls or to outside lines, you may end up checking out handsets that don’t tether you to your computer.  IPEVO recently introduced its WiFi Phone for Skype and Gadgetell put it through the wringer to see if it’s worth getting.

What is it?

This is the IPEVO WiFi Phone for Skype (model S0-20) and it costs $129.99.  This is a Skype only handset.  It does not require a computer to work.  It connects to your (or any accessible) WiFi network on its own so you can log in to your Skype account and make calls. 

The Good:

A very compact design lets you carry around the phone without much weight.  The instructions are easy to follow even for a novice.  The phone also can charge via a standard mini-USB cable if you don’t want to use the included dock. 

The screen is bright and easy to read.  It is very easy to hear callers thanks to a very good speaker.  The mic seemed to be fine when there was a good connection.  Since the phone connects to Skype, all of your contacts are already loaded once you log in. 

The Bad:

The buttons on the phone are a little on the small side.  Typing a username, password, and WiFi key on a telephone keypad is a bit annoying.  Maybe there should be an optional way to hook up the phone to a computer to input that information.

The phone lacks a speakerphone.  There is a very loud speaker on the back; it’s too bad that it couldn’t be used for conversations.  Callers complained of hearing an echo.  It appears that the mic picks noise from the speaker.  When I lowered the volume on the speaker, the caller heard the echo less.  Unfortunately, lowering the volume to its lowest setting makes it difficult to hear the person on the line.  If you want to minimize echo, you’ll have to be in a very quiet room. 

A representative at IPEVO told me that they did a series of thorough tests to ensure no sound quality issues.  Perhaps the Internet connection impacted the sound quality. 

The in-betweens:

There is a headset jack, so if you have an old-school wired headset, you can attach it.  I did not have any of those laying around, so I was not able to test out this feature.  There is no Bluetooth, so you won’t be able to use a wireless headset with this device. 

This is a Skype only device.  Don’t plan on using it to call people on other networks just yet.

The Crux:

The IPEVO phone has a cool design, but unfortunately suffers from too much echo.  I would expect this to be fixed in a future firmware upgrade or something similar.  Right now, pass on it until the echo issue is resolved. 

Product Page: [IPEVO]

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Skype has been quite busy in the past few months.  The company released a new Windows version of the software in February with a lot of improvements.  It partnered with to bring the service to Android, Nokia, and Windows Mobile platforms.  There was even the announcement that the company would release its audio codec for free to anyone who wants to use it.

Now Skype brings forth two big announcements.  Skype will be coming to iPhones and iPod touches tomorrow and to RIM BlackBerries in May.  So, no matter what major smartphone you have, or plan on buying, you’ll be able to access Skype with it.  However, you might not be able to access it everywhere.  At least on the iPhone, Skype calls will be limited to over Wi-Fi.  The limitation is actually what allows the iPod touch to use the application, assuming you have a microphone and a second-generation touch.  The limitation actually extends to every voice app on the iPhone, so it’s not just AT&T and Apple keeping Skype down, they keep everyone else down as well.

There have been third party Skype apps for mobile devices before any of these announcements from Skype, though none of them actually had the full Skype feature set.  Having all the aspects of Skype on a smartphone is quite nice for heavy Skype users.  It could theoretically allow for free calling to anyone else as long as they are on Skype and near a Skype device.  Just the thought of it makes it obvious why some mobile carriers might be scared off by the prospect of Skype being available on their phones.  However, VoIP services still need to use data, which cell providers are notorious for gouging the price on anyway, so it doesn’t make sense that they would fear this.  If anything, it just means that people could be using the data networks more often, since open access points can sometimes be hard to come by, if the networks would allow for such a thing.

Read [NY Times]

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Skype has announced today its plans to offer a service that connects all corporate telephone networks in a beta version.  The new product has been named Skype For SIP for Business and during beta testing calls will be priced at 2 cents per minute for the majority of global calls.  Skype has launched this campaign as a way to build their corporate customer base since the Skype service has always been more popular with consumers.

The way Skype has designed this program so that users will be able to Skype both fixed lines and mobile devices from a standard phone system.  Additionally, the new software is intended to permit companies to offer an inbound calling option from other Skype clients so that anyone can call free of charge internationally, much like an 800 number.  These services can mean substantial monetary savings on international calls for business clients.

In order to use the new service, companies will need to already be using a SIP interface.  Official pricing will be announced once Skype releases the full version later this year.

Read: [ZDNet]

Full Story » | Written by Heather Wood for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Google’s put some serious investment into Google Voice and I am fired up about it.  I am a longtime user of GrandCentral and have come to love and hate it.  Here is a five minute walkthough (actual times may vary, but that is all on you) on how you can love this service too.

Ring this phone, and that phone or that one over there.

Google Voice provides you with a phone number.  From that one number you can set up the service to ring your home, cell, work, mistress, payphone, fire chief, etc.  So, one call to your Google Voice number can ring all these numbers you entered, simultaneously.  How is this helpful?  I’ve got work calls coming to my GV number and if I don’t feel like burning cell minutes, I can pick up the land line.  Google allows you to control when your Google Voice number rings each phone (weekdays, weekends, or custom).  These options are an improvement over the old GrandCentral. 

Setting up voicemail

Google thought this one out pretty well too.  Instead of relying on some microphone you’ve got hooked to your computer, it dials you on any of the numbers you’ve entered in to record your personal greeting (if you like) or name.  Pretty clever.

When a new voicemail comes in, you can have Google send you an email or an SMS text to your phone.  I’ve used both option with GrandCentral and they worked well.  Currently, I simply send the email to my Exchange mailbox.

Screen your calls

This feature has been around and honestly I am not a fan.  You can have Google Voice screen your calls which boils down to the person phoning you is greeted with “this is Google Voice, please state your name and hold please” after this information is relayed to you, you have the option of rejecting, sending to voicemail, listening in to the voicemail or man-up and take the call (or woman-up I guess).  Personally, I stopped ducking calls so this wasn’t attractive to me. 

Other settings include choosing the caller ID to forward to you or just your Google Voice number so you can know where the number is routing through.  I see the need for both options but I go with the callers.  There is a handy “Do Not Distrub” button for sending calls straight to voicemail.  I love that and cannot wait for the Google app to integrate these Google Voice controls

Call and SMS

I find I am starting to use these more and more.  You can click on Call, select a number from your GMail contacts and pick which phone you wish to take the call on.  The SMS works simlar to the GMail chat, pick a number and fire away IM style.  Both seem to be reliable.

Call Widgets

Wanna put your number out there but not really?  A call widget is what you seek, create one and your number stays hidden but the callers can reach you based on your settings.  You can create widgets with their own set of conditions which is pretty handy.

Transcription

Here is something brand new from Google, using the engine from their GOOG 411 service, the team will send your voicemail through transcription transforming the voicemail to text.  I’ve been using PhoneTag for some time now and love it.  While the CEO of PhoneTag says Google’s transcription is “total crap,” I found it to be just so so.  There were loads of errors I don’t see with PhoneTag, but you get what you pay for.

Overall, I am thrilled with the upgrade and can’t wait to get into it more.  Even more so, I am thrilled they upgraded my account before our Editor Iyaz…

Check out our announcement: [Gadgetell]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

There’s a pretty good chance that if you use VoIP, you’re probably using Skype.  With 405 million registered users, it’s quite the popular client.  With the new 4.0 release I’m told the voice quality is a lot better (being on Mac, I’m using the Mac 2.8 beta, and it’s not clear if it uses the same codecs).  It’d be only natural that Skype would keep that technology a secret so nobody could copy it, apparently that’s far from the truth.

Skype has announced that it would release the codec for its Silk technology which is what provides for its clearer sound.  The codec is able to translate well over degraded networks, continuing to get decent quality on networks worse than the previous minimum.  It actually “plays back” at 12 kHz, compared to the 3.4 kHz of most telephones, which even to non-audiophiles should obviously be a good thing.

The release of the codec means that Skype can actually be ported to more devices than the current computers, Android and Nokia cell phones.  It could easily be ported to other smartphones, MIDs, and maybe even java capable “dumb” cell phones.  It probably won’t make its way over to the iPhone any time soon, but it can’t have everything, can it?  Either way, wideband audio for making calls should be accepted just about anywhere else the codec, and possibly Skype itself, winds up.

Read [Information Week]

Full Story » | Written by Shawn Ingram for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Yesterday, Xtreme Technology Corporation announced a new feature in their Xlink device: Xconnect.  While Xlink connects your cell phones to your home phones (allowing customers to use their cell line via their home phones), Xconnect allows you to use your home phones as Skype phones as well.  The software currently works with Windows Vista only (eek!) but support for others is on the way.

With the software installed and the Xlink device connected to your computer via a USB cable - gosh I need more USB ports - all home phones will ring a distinctive tone letting users know a Skype call is coming in.  The Skype caller ID is displayed on the phones as well, pretty handy. 

Xlink connects to your cell phone via bluetooth and to your home phones by plugging into any phone jack.  The unit is a huge help to those walking away from traditional landlines.  Xlink sells for $99 for their base model for just cell lines.

Product page: [Xlink]

Full Story » | Written by JG Mason for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

We all know the name Dolby is generally synonymous for high quality sound.  Now, Dolby Labs just announced at the 2009 GSMA Mobile World Congress details about a Media Generator.  Sounds pretty darn impressive doesn’t it?

So what is this Media Generator?  It’s a “preprocessing and encoding solution for mobile multimedia content.”  So what this means is that is uses specific coding efficiencies.  These efficiencies make file sizes smaller while at the same time helping to deliver great sound.  This part of the whole Dolby release is actually geared toward service providers and content distributors, not joe schmoe phone user-although it obviously will affect him or her.

Media Generator will also feature Dolby Pulse, which is an audio codec.  It works to combine HE AAC with Dolby’s experience and track record in sound to deliver top of the line end-to-end software integrations.  HE ACC is a very widely used 3GPP standard; and it is already used by four of the five top makers of handsets. 

Dolby also displayed the latest technology of Dolby Mobile with the LG Arena.  Currently, Dolby Mobile is available worldwide on eleven different phones, including the LG Renoir as well as the Arena, and nine different Sharp models.

Rolf Schmitz, Marketing Director, Mobile, Dolby Laboratories says “We are committed to providing a more immersing experience to mobile entertainment consumers.  Dolby Mobile and Dolby Media Generator are intended to make mobile entertainment more compelling. These technologies are designed to work together, and can help the industry create products and services that will deliver a superior entertainment experience from content creation to content playback.”

The LG Arena, (LG’s newest model for 2009), is the first to use Dolby Mobile for surround sound for video content and to make users music come even more alive.  Go Dolby and LG.  Better sound is always a good thing.

Full Story » | Written by Jodie Andrefski for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

The highly regarded VoIP, video, and IM service Skype has released a new version for Windows.  Considering the 14.5 million online as I write this, I’m sure that the new interface and features will please the masses.

Skype 4.0 offers video calls, improved peripheral hardware setup, and improved call quality.  Unfortunately, (not Skype’s fault) there is still no support for emergency calls such as 911 in the U.S.  That has to do with VoIP regulations, etc.

Video calls have been on the rise over the last few years and Skype aims to keep up the momentum by making video calls easier and offering free face-to-face video calls.  You can also go full screen for a more direct feel to the call.  New bandwidth management allows for quality video even on lower bandwidths.

Other new features include a new codec that allows for better voice transmission while utilizing half the bandwidth as older versions of Skype.  A sleek new interface with a “Conversations” tab provides a more intuitive way to stay organized.  The new interface is designed to make it easier to navigate Skype on the fly or while relaxing at home.  Check out the screen shots to see examples of the new Skype 4.0

Source: [Press Release]

Full Story » | Written by Eric Brown for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Considering the hype about 3G networks, particularly surrounding the iPhone, it’s surprising to hear about a push for 4G that is picking up speed.  The gain is largely due to the implementation of VoIP.  With 300,000 Vo4G subscribers already, it’s moving in the right direction.

VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol and is used (frequently in conjunction with existing public switched telephone networks) for the delivery of voice communications over IP networks.  This includes both internet and intranet.

Being called Vo4G or VoIP 4G, the transition to a full packet-switched system is happening slowly already.  With technologies like LTE and WiMAX already optimizing for Vo4G, the transition is moving forward.  The two will be the first to be fully Vo4G.  But potential issues such as the fact that WiMAX does not bother itself with speech-based traffic Quality of Service may slow progress.

This could all spell big changes for the wireless and mobile communities in general.  Considering the enormous growth Skype (the major VoIP phone service provider world-wide), mergers and outright closings could be in the near future for cell companies.  Keep in mind though, an internet connection in necessary for VoIP phones to work currently.

Source: Press Release

Full Story » | Written by Eric Brown for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Verizon Wireless will change the old kitchen home phone system when it releases the Verizon Hub on February 1st.  Touted as an innovative home phone system, the Verizon Hub is a home phone system that connects to a broadband connection that allows families to use it as a home phone or an Internet communication system.  Verizon wants U.S. families to abandon their old home phones for this new multi-function home phone system with touchscreen navigation.

Let’s take a look at what it can do.  According to Verizon, the Verizon Hub gives you the following information:

• daily local traffic and weather conditions
• turn-by-turn navigational directions
• telephone numbers of establishments
• movie previews and movie ticketing service

You can get this information through the Verizon Hub’s touchscreen interface.  Of course, you get the usual calling features of a home phone system with voicemail, contact list management, and text messaging alerts.  The Verizon Hub connects to broadband through Verizon FiOS or DSL or even other high-speed ISPs in the U.S.

What makes Verizon Hub seem exciting is the fact that it will enable you to access information and its other functionality even if you are away from the Hub itself.  It actually offers some sort of “synchronization”  which allows you to update your home’s Verizon Hub wirelessly from the Verizon Hub website and your updates will be reflected on your Verizon Hub home account.  In addition, the Verizon Hub will also allow you to connect your other Verizon devices to the Hub and gives you access to other popular Verizon Wireless services including VZ NavigatorSM, Chaperone, and V CAST contents.

Read: [Verizon News Center]

Full Story » | Written by Arnold Zafra for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

A new study from In-Stat predicts your cell phone will undergo a major change in the next five years.  Technologies such as Wi-Fi and video will drive this change and push many consumers to smartphones.  The study also says smartphone sales will continue their rise in popularity.

But it isn’t all good news for cell phone makers:  “Consumers are nearing their limits adjusting to the added complexity of converged devices,” says David Chamberlain, In-Stat analyst.

I am going to have to stop here and say, “duh.”  Really?  You needed to fund a study to come up with this info?  Clearly this company doesn’t read Gadgetell (they would have saved money on a study if they did).  Here is what i am talking about:

Wi-Fi

Yes, Wi-Fi is becoming more and more popular on phones, but only certain ones can take advantage of it.  Phones like the iPhone, Android G1, and the Palm Pre are great web surfing phones and high speed web access makes mobile web surfing even better.  But the problem with Wi-Fi is its limited footprint.  The In-Stat study didn’t clarify if it included WiMAX, a new technology that increases Wi-Fi’s footprint dramatically.  If you want greater coverage for Wi-Fi, WiMAX is your answer.  VoIP will come just as soon as carriers figure out a way to make money off it, not just save their network some cash.

Video

Mobile TV is huge in Europe and in Asia.  There is no reason it won’t be in the U.S. as well now that we have a standard to work with.  Americans tend to love their TV every bit as much, if not more than our friends to the east and west.  The telecoms want to bring us this tech, so it will happen and probably be big.  Not too hard a prediction to make.

Complexity

“Nearing my limits?”  You could read just about any review I’ve done on a Windows Mobile phone and get that info.  The interface is cumbersome, fully of deep menus and ugly (possibly its biggest offense).  No one is saying, “man, I wish this phone didn’t have a camera so it would have one less button.”  Convergence isn’t the problem, software is.

Its the software, idiot.

Convergence is awesome.  Ask anyone who follows the mobile sector and mention convergence and you’ll see the hairs on the back of their next stand up in excitement.  We are seeing some awesome stuff flow from companies.  Phones like the iPhone and the Palm Pre use software to make even a complex task rather simple, not to mention elegant.  Most phone makers: Moto, Samsung, LG, Sony Ericsson, and others just don’t seem to get this or feel that improving the software and a low dollar phone just isn’t worth it.

Cue the iPhone Nano.  Just kidding.  No I am not.  Apple will take their oh-so-easy-to-use software and put it in all smaller and less expensive package.  Someday.  And it will sell like rum drinks in the Caribbean.  That is my point, convergence isn’t making the phones more complex, the software behind them is.  Apple has found a way to make it all work together by compartmentalizing everything: you want to use the camera?  Just open the camera application.  Same for every other function, just open the application.

The Palm Pre takes a little bit different route, as those applications stay open but the idea is the same, keep it simple.  The Pre has their applications talk to one another, which might cloud the waters a bit for consumers, but I don’t think so.  At least, not to the market to which the Pre is aimed at.

Big conclusion

If you’ve read this far, I might have saved you the $3,495 In-Stat wants to charge to peak at the rest of the survey.  I didn’t pay for the survey, nor did I get to read it other than the press release.  But these conclusions the company used to tease us with don’t sound ground breaking.  If anything, it seems to suggest the study is lost in the “billions of phones can’t be wrong” dogma that has allowed the iPhone to kick major retail butt. 

But you already knew that.  You read Gadgetell.

Product Page [In-Stat]

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Truephone is jumping into iPod touch owners open arms with their new accessory for the touch: a microphone for VOIP.  They showed this accessory at CES.  It should be noted this is only for iPod touch gen 2, first gen users need not apply. With the addition of the accessory, Truephone offers the complete solution for the touch.

The cable with microphone and earbuds allows touch users to place calls on Truephone and Skype and presumably other VOIP or voice recording apps.  They look of decent build quality and reportedly work well.

The first true mobile internet network operator, Truphone allows users of Wi-Fi-enabled mobile phones to make and receive regular telephone calls, and to send and receive SMS (text) messages, using only a Wi-Fi connection and the Internet. It has users in 149 countries.

Expected retail of this product is around $20-$30.  Truephone is a free app in the App Store.

Company site: [Truephone]

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GN Netcom, the company that manufacturers Jabra products has recently added two new headsets, the Jabra M5390 USB and Jabra BT530 USB to the mix.  Jabra touts that these headsets are some of the lightest they have to offer and pair up with over 8 devices and 2 simultaneously. 

The nice thing about these headsets is that they can be paired to 2 totally different products, such as a cell phone or a computer, and you are able to still answer the phone.  Let’s begin with the Jabra M5390 USB.  It has a nice 6 hour talk time - great for when you are multi-tasking and talking with your boss for an extended amount of time, and 60 hours standby time. 

In addition, it comes with a 200 foot range, Plug-and-play Bluetooth connectivity to PC or VoIP, comes with software to hook up the headset to Microsoft Office Communicator, Skype, and Cisco IP Communicator.  Another nice feature is that it come with Wideband noise canceling feature within the microphone and has two different wearing methods - around the ear or the head.  Lastly, it is set to be available sometime in January 2009 for $191. 

Moving on, we have the Jabra BT530 USB headset.  The main and unique feature in this headset is its Noise Blackout technology, which helps to remove noise so you can hear the caller more clearly.  As previously mentioned, it pairs with 8 different devices, Plug-and-play Bluetooth adapter for PC applications and soft-phones, again, comes with software to hook up with Skype, Microsoft Office Communicator, and Cisco.  Furthermore, it comes with 3 different ear sizes, so it can match your ear with style and comfort, and it comes with 5.5 hours of straight talking, and an astounding 250 hours standby time.  Lastly, it is already available and retails for $129. 

David Grazio, Director of Channel Marketing, Contact Center and Office for GN Netcom, had this to say about their new headsets:

“People have embraced headsets for personal use and now is the time for business professionals to leverage headsets for increased mobility and efficiency within their office environments,” said Inc. “These cutting-edge products have improved voice quality and noise elimination, enabling professionals to be hands-free so they can multitask.”

If you want a high-end, quality Bluetooth headset, you may want to consider checking these out.

Read [PR Newswire]

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So we’ve all been hearing hints and rumors and whispers in the window about the much talked about BlackBerry Storm.  Well, it looks as if there may finally be some confirmation about when the Storm is actually going to hit the Verizon stores.

According to a very trusted source, there is a document floating around from Verizon giving some specifics on launch dates.  It says that the Storm is due to show up for a pre-launch at 123 corporate Verizon stores on November 20th. 

Now, this is not for Joe Schmoe customer.  This is only for the creme-de-le-creme of Verizon customers and for the folks that received a mailing that went out.  These people will get a demo of the phone, and will be able to pre-order the Storm that day. 

On November 24th and the 25th, Verizon stores will open one hour early each day for sales.  They call this one the general availability date, and it includes telesales, corporate sales, and indirect dealers. 

It also seems like the pricing has been confirmed.  We were close with the information previously given to us; but it seems like the deal might even be slightly sweeter.  $199 after a mail-in-rebate with a two-year agreement. 

The ninja source also says that there should be plenty of Storms on hand, that the stores are gonna be packed to the gills.  Let’s hope he is correct and it doesn’t turn into the Wii fiascoes of Christmas’ past.  There is also the good news that the latest workup of the model is very, very stable, and the whole touch input has been majorly improved.

Although we know that launch dates and prices seem to change like the wind, let’s hope this time the wind is blowing up a real Storm on the dates they claim.  As usual, keep it right here for any updates.

Via [BGR]

Full Story » | Written by Jodie Andrefski for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

No kidding, right?  I think maybe everyone but Nokia saw it coming.  Or maybe they did too…just not at this drastic of a level. 

According to the popular market research firm Canalys, Nokia’s market share dropped down to 38.9 percent in the third quarter; which is down from 51.4 just a year earlier.  On the other hand, Apple jumped to 17.3 percent, and RIM increased to 15.2 the same quarter.

Canalys credits some of the Apple and RIM increases to new phones and new marketing strategies.  In a statement, the firm said ““The introduction of the iPhone 3G in July and Apple’s expansion into many more countries helped propel the vendor to second place globally.”

Nokia has held the top dog position with smartphones for the past several years.  But that margin is becoming more narrrow.  This year, their sales dropping in the third quarter was the first time ever, probably because they were only zipping out new “top-end models.”  This, combined with suddenly competing with all those highly hyped phones like the Storm and the G1, certainly didn’t help any.

The researcher from Canalys further said that “it was ‘quite feasible’ to expect RIM to take the second place from Apple in the holiday sales fueled fourth quarter, helped by new products—Bold, Storm and clamshell Pearl 8220.”

All the changes caused Microsoft (with its Windows Mobile) to drop down to fourth place on the smart phone food chain, holding a 13.6 percent market share. 

Who will be holding the lead next year?  I think Nokia will still have it, but just barely. I think the real race will be to see who is holding the number two spot.  Will it be the cocky RIM who says they have nothing to worry about from Apple or will Apple shove them out of the way?  I don’t think we have to worry about Microsoft taking over that hot spot just yet.  Guess time will tell.  What do you think?

Via [reuters]

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Today we’ve got a guest post by Scott McGrath.  Scott has worked in the IT industry as a consultant and Sysadmin for 12 years, and has enjoyed communications gadgets since he got his Fisher Price telephone at 2 years of age.  Like what he said?  Hate what he said?  Go over to Scott’s blog at www.scamwagon.com and let him know.

Believe it or not, I’m in the market for a cordless phone.  Before you laugh, there’s actually plenty of reasons I maintain a land line, not the least of which is the fact that I have poor cell coverage at my home, and not the most of which is the fact that cellular usually can not hold a candle to the real deal PSTN or good VoIP line, in terms of quality.  Cordless phones still have life since some can pair to your cell phone so you don’t have to rush to find that tiny handheld when it rings.  If you’re a Skype user, you can be untethered with some cordless phones.

Over the years, cordless phones have been through some changes.  Here’s a brief history:

The beginning: 49MHz (1986)

Cordless phones really start to hit the scene.  Sharing the band with just about every consumer device under the sun (walkie talkies, RC cars, baby monitors), these phones were prone to static and terrible range, and eavesdropping by anyone with a scanner.

Better signals: 900MHz (1990)

This was a major breakthrough.  The radios use far less power to achieve better range, and operate on a band that is reasonably clear of other devices.  The signal propagation at 900 MHz is great - similar to cellular phones.  In my opinion, these phones are still the least annoying to have around, but they’re usually still analog, and that’s a security risk.

Phones vs. Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz (1998)

Finally phones started getting really high tech.  Digital phones hit the scene with frequency hopping, encryption. Unfortunately they are often rendered useless with wireless access points around.

Higher is better, right?  5.8GHz (2003)

The cordless manufacturers had no place to go but 5.8GHz.  They took advantage of the rampant notion that higher frequency is better.  In reality, 5.8GHz behaves more like a beam of light, and consequently doesn’t like obstacles.  Yuck.  Their only saving grace is that they don’t compete with 802.11 B/G WAPs.

The Age of DECT

Now for the latest technology on the scene: DECT.  This is exciting stuff.  DECT is 1.9 GHz, which is definitely in the sweet spot for signal propagation.  Another benefit is reduced interference, as the 1.9 GHz band is reserved for cordless phones only!  What’s more, the DECT standard allows you to have multiple handsets per base, incomparable range and talk time, and more.

You’d think with all this baked-in goodness, it’d be pricey…  But they’re very affordable.  A basic, single handset DECT cordless, such as the Panasonic KX-TG6311S, is available for under $40.00 at Amazon.com.

Full Story » | Written by Iyaz Akhtar for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

Launched yesterday in the Android application store, iSkoot for Skype became the first Skype client for the new T-Mobile G1.  This application allows users to place and receive Skype calls just like they can do from their desktop, but now on the go.

Free calls always sounds good, but whats the catch?  Oddly, iSkoot does not use the cellular data network for these calls.  Instead, iSkoot uses voice network for a local call, and you are billed for airtime, just like placing a standard voice call.  Additionally, iSkoot apparently plays well with WiFi assuming the app works the same for other mobile OSes iSkoot works on.  Here is the cost breakdown:

Skype to Skype calls:  charges for airtime and data
Skype to Skype out calls: charges for airtime, Skype out rate and data
Receiving Skype calls: Skype mobile forwarding fee, airtime and data
Skype Chat: data and SMS

On the plus side, iSkoot would be great for Skype to Skype international calls as you will only be billed for a local call (included in your monthly minutes).  While iSkoot is the only VoIP application in the Android store, it is sure not to be the last.

Source: [Cell Fanatic]
Company page: [iSkoot]

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Better start writing to Santa folks because this one doesn’t come cheap.  Introduced on Tuesday, Motorola’s new AURA might even make Hugh proud.

It sports the “world’s first circular display” and certainly doesn’t lack colors, it has 16 million of them with a 300 dpi resolution. That cyclops display is covered with Grade 1, 62-carat sapphire crystal lens.  What does that mean to you?  The lens is made of one of the most scratch resistant materials on the earth.

Get ready for this this housing is stainless steel that is both polished twice, once electro-polished and again by hand.  The case is chemically etched and PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coated.  My my.  Didn’t cut corners with this puppy.  It takes two weeks just to create the front of this baby. 

Of course, the handset is no standard job either.  It’s inspired by (in case you didn’t catch it yet), watches.  It’s got an assisted-opening blade made up of over 200 parts with over 130 of them ball bearings (Swiss made of course), and custom Tungsten Carbide Coated Gears.  I’m almost getting tired typing all of this.  And I feel like I should order a latte.  No, make that an espresso.

Some of the stuff it features: a 2 MP Fixed Focus camera, Bluetooth 2.0, and a Micro USB port.  Of course, the standard email and text, multimedia playback, open source browser (not named at this point).

This fancy phone is coming out in December.  If you don’t want to plunk down the $1,999, there is always that letter to Santa.  If you’re not on his naughty list that is.

via [BGR]
Read: [Dedicated Aura website]

Full Story » | Written by Jodie Andrefski for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »

I’m not kidding. Yes, I realize you are still waiting for the originals, and now you hear news of new and upgraded versions.  Apparently, there is going to be an announcement of a Storm-like device at WES 2009.  Granted, RIM doesn’t exactly have the best track record when it comes to launch dates, so you may want to take that one with a grain of salt.

That fact aside, it does seem like there is indeed going to be a new version of the BlackBerry Storm showing its face complete with U.S. HSDPA this time around.  Some are claiming it is going to be called the “Magnum,” but no official word on that just yet.  The Boy Genius Report was able to snag this leaked photo of the phone.  (thanks guys!)

And that isn’t all.  The leaks also indicate that RIM also has more tech goodies up their sleeve.  Pretty much the Bold revamped.  It has, get this, a touch screen—a QWERTY with a touchscreen. Watch out Palm, you’ve got competition.  Supposedly, it is Curve 8900-sized.  We’ll see if that information changes as the date gets closer.

Obviously, no pricing is available at this time…stay tuned for more details as we get them.

Via [BGR]

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Think of how many people have become very used to the ease of having TiVo.  And now, it’s going to be available for your computer as well.  Nero and TiVo are working together to launch LiquidTV, which basically is TiVo, just for a computer.

You’ll still get many of the same basic functions you know and love on regular TiVo.  You can watch live or recorded TV. You are able to burn videos to DVD if your PC has a DVD burner.  As long as your LiquidTV is networked with other TiVo boxes you have in your house, it even plays nice with those.  So this means that you can watch a show that you recorded on your computer (with LiquidTV) on your regular TV (reading through the TiVo box) and vice versa. Isn’t that nifty?  Plus, if you all of a sudden remember during your morning meeting that you forgot to set up a recording of the Monday Night Football game, have no fear.  Even on the fly, you can schedule recordings using a web interface, so you definitely shouldn’t miss a thing. You can also transfer recordings out of the home to your laptop, iPod, or PSP.

The software runs only on Windows-based PC’s right now.  No Mac or Linux version out yet (which is strange since TiVo is Linux-based).  Also, some of the more advanced TiVo application options like TiVoCast aren’t included.

Set to go on sale October 15th, the kit will run you $199 for the complete bundle which includes a TV tuner that plugs into the PC and a remote. Since some computers already have a built-in tuner, and some with Vista already have the needed software to record TV shows, this isn’t something totally new. It is  however, the first time TiVo functions and interface have gotten into the action. If you already have the built-in TV tuner, you can just buy the software for $99. Regardless of which way you go, buyers get a one-year subscription to the program guide updates, and renewal is $99 a year.

They plan to sell first in the US, Canada, and Mexico, but the company is considering opening up the market to where they don’t yet sell the boxes. VP and General Mgr of Int’l Business at TiVo, Joshua Danovitz says “It’s really part of a global TiVo strategy.”

via [Yahoo News]

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So, the much talked about Blackberry Storm isn’t due out until November. Yet somehow, (as always seems to happen), new photos are circulating the ‘Net.  I caught sight of some of them, and if these are real…apparently the Storm had a little bit of a design overhaul from the last shots that were floating around.

The Vodaphone-branded Blackberry doesn’t seem to be all that worried about wooing over the glitz and glamour crowd.  Nothing too foo-foo on this phone.  It seems to be geared for the typical, well….Blackberry user. A kind of straight-forward, get the job done sort of phone.

The keyboard seems pretty nice in my opinion, if the photos are to be believed. In comments found in response to an article on boygeniousreport, there seem to be all different views flying around about it though.  Some people feel they won’t like the “push to type” that the Storm is purported to offer. Others feel that is ridiculous, and no big deal. Still others say the best bet (which I agree with) is if RIM goes the route of having three keyboards…click, non-click and suretype.  (Which they certainly should seem to have the capability to be able to do and thus win over that many more users). Yet, at this point, there isn’t any definitive confirmation on which it will be.

As always, stay tuned to find out more on the approaching Storm.

via [techmeme]

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It was bound to happen, the string of positive Vonage stories had to come to an end sooner than later, and the latest is reporting that Vonage is having difficulty getting new customers.

It should come as no surprise that Vonage has been and continues to loss money. They have reported a $6.9 million loss for Q2 2008, which sounds bad until you hear that they had a loss of $23.2 million for the same quarter in the previous year.

Of course with all the money being lost, they have been forced to cut down on advertising, which is only hurting them from moving forward, it almost seems like they are caught in the middle.

On a positive note, their churn rate has dropped slightly from 3.3 percent down to 3 percent however they have only added 2,080 new customers in the past quarter. Which is way down from the 56,691 new customers they added during the same quarter in the previous year.

Vonage has also reported that they have a total of 2.6 million subscribers as of the end of Q2 2008, of course we have recently seen Marc Lefar come in from AT&T and take over the role of CEO, let’s hope he has some ideas that will turn things around.

Read [CNET]

Full Story » | Written by Robert Nelson for Gadgetell. | Comment on this Article »