VoIP Phones for Home, Office and On-the-Go

Skype Mouse Phone on Your Desk

2006-10-05T16:14:00.000-07:00

Sysgration a Taiwan company has introduced its ASG 142 Skype mouse phone. It looks, works and feels like a smaller laptop mouse. It uses a 800 DPI optical sensor and you connect it to your USB port. It works perfectly as a mouse but this is not the only thing you get.

Key Features of ASG 142 Skype Mouse phone:

A green color 1.3 inch LCD display screen
Displays Skype Contact lists and their status
Build-in microphone and speaker
Separate sound chip to enhance Softphone VoIP call quality
Single USB Cable to handle both mouse and phone
Supports hands-free speaker phone
Dot matrix caller-ID and Volume Control IM
Auto detection between Mouse and Phone
Uses USB 1.1 interface without extra power or sound card
Light weight - 100 g

Details of review at The Inquirer

Raketu - P2P VoIP Software is Not Another Skype

2006-09-25T18:08:00.000-07:00

Raketu is a unified communications client to deliver integrated Communications, Information and Entertainment to consumers and businesses via peer to peer technology and unlike other peer to peer communications providers, Raketu does not use your computer for other users’ communications (supernodes).

Communications:

VoIP multi-line calling and web conferencing
Dialing out to landlines and mobile phones
Support for any instant messenger (AOL, ICQ, Yahoo, MSN, Skype, GoogleTalk)
Conferencing across messengers
Support for SMS text messaging
Support for file transfer
Support for email

Information:

News, Sports, Weather and Stock feeds (with alerts to Raketu or SMS)
Advanced integrated search (web, health, restaurants, music)
Advanced integrated travel (flights, vacation, hotels, cars)

Entertainment:

Full audio/video media player with karaoke built in
Ficture viewer for viewing slide shows and PowerPoint Presentations with music
Podcast reader/player
Games

Raketu works over dialup or broadband and also more exciting services are planned for the coming months when Raketu will launch in-bound calling, advanced voice mail and large conferencing. Free download at Raketu

More review at VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Linksys New WIP330 Wi-Fi VoIP Phone

2006-09-11T20:56:00.000-07:00

Linksys has launched its WIP330 802.11b/g Wi-Fi-connected VoIP phone in Europe - the company's first wireless handset to made available to buyers over here - after announcing the device at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin last week.

The New WIP330 Wi-Fi VoIP Phone connects to 802.11b and 802.11g wireless hotspots and incorporates IPv4's Type of Service extension to allow access points to give priority to voice data if they too support this quality-of-service system. It'll work with the WEP and WPA Wi-Fi security standards.

The WIP330 supports the SIP 2 VoIP standard - so it's not Skype friendly - and provides a range of customary phone features, including caller ID, call forwarding, speed dial, last number redial, a vibration alert, call waiting and so on. The handset can initiate three-way conference calls.

Linksys WIP330 Wi-Fi VoIP Phone Key Features:

Possess a 2.2 inch, 65,536 color display
Connects 802.11b and 802.11g wireless hotpots
Provides SIP based VoIP services
Caller ID
Call Forwarding and Speed dialing facility
Call Waiting and Conference calling services
High quality battery with 3 hours talk time and 50 hours standby
32MB of Flash memory on board and 64MB of RAM

Linksys WIP330 Wi-Fi VoIP Phone is available now from Linksys distributors. The price to pay around €399.

Via: The Register

VoIP, SMS and IM Chat on Your Mobile Phone

2006-08-29T07:46:00.000-07:00

Nimbuzz, based in the Netherlands, funded by Mangrove VC, who funded Skype. - Nimbuzz allows mobile phone and Internet users can communicate with each other using either SMS or voice. It installs on your mobile phone (or desktop - Windows only for now) and bridges numerous IM protocols.

Nimbuzz’s primary value proposition is that it connects the 2.2 billion users of mobile devices with the 1.1 billion Internet users in real time and for free. The application supports voice, presence and messaging and it does so between mobile devices, PC’s, and mobile to PC or PC to mobile. What’s more, these features are available to both individuals and to groups and there’s multimedia support so that in addition to voice and text, photographs can also be shared.

Using Nimbuzz you can participate in group and/or individual chats, send SMS messages anywhere in the world for 10 cents, leave or retreive a message, or call a friend anywhere in the world while only paying for a local call . The Nimbuzz client supports access to many major instant messaging communities like MSN and has the ability to let you send a “Buzz” which allows you to alert offline buddies to go online.

Group messaging and conference calling are all supported and again, the cost is only that of a local call (though it is possible that the company will charge for certain services at some point in the future) if you add up all the places where Nibuzz strips revenue from the carriers they may just become the first “Anti-Carrier” in a way that even Skype hasn’t quite managed. The application is so feature rich it’s hard to remember all the different things it can do.

Via: VoIPNow

Motorola T31 VoIP Handset for Windows Live Messenger

2006-08-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Motorola is racing in the hot VoIP market by launching its T31 Series VoIP handset for Windows Live Messenger service.

The Motorola T31 series consists of a base station and a handset. The base station connects the PC for enabling calls over Windows Live Messenger service and to a phone jack for placing standard PSTN calls.

Key Features of Motorola T31 VoIP Handset:

Uses DECT technology to provide ten hours of talk time
Expandable up to six T3101 phones
Displays online contacts and phonebook
Supports caller ID with visual call waiting
Enables quick contact to users online contacts using the PC Connect button
Access low cost long distance Internet calling to standard landline phone numbers from T31 handset
Alarm clock and speakerphone in the handset
Mute and Hold facility
Voice mail

Motorola becomes the third vendor to offer a cordless solution for Windows Live Messenger after Uniden and Philips. Also, Microsoft claims that Live Messenger has 240 million registered users worldwide.

The Motorola T31 handset will be on market for $99.99 in next month.

Via: Asterisk VoIP News

Philips VoIP Phone for Skype and Windows Live Messenger

2006-08-18T05:48:00.000-07:00

Philips Australia would be shipping the cordless VoIP phones that can make Internet calls using either Windows Live Messenger or Skype, as well as using the existing landline telephone network.

The package is including tow phones: Philips VOIP321 utilising the Skype network, retail price for $129.95, Philips VOIP433 for Windows Live Messenger dual phone will sell for $159.95. (If you purchase separately that will cost $199.95 and $249.95, respectively).

To have those two handsets in the household or business enables users to carry conversations simultaneously, where one phone can be used for VoIP while the other for regular PSTN calls.

Each phone comes with a hub with two cords - a power cord, and a USB cable that users plug into a PC connected to the Internet, which allows for VoIP calls to be made. Both phones support the cordless phone technology known as DECT.

To make VoIP calls, users press a Skype or Messenger key at the base of the phone. This instantly brings up icons on the phone's LCD screen that is similar to what they'd see on their PCs.

Some of the PSTN features include a call log for missed calls, hands free, store up to 50 numbers, direct conference call and caller ID if supported by the local operator.

With both phones, calls to fellow users of Skype or Windows Live Messenger are free. However, calls from Skype or Windows Live Messenger to landlines incur a cost.

Via: VoIP Blog

VoIP Calls via Logitech EasyCall Desktop

2006-08-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Logitech EasyCall Desktop is a complete solution for Internet calling and navigating the PC. The EasyCall Desktop´s full-duplex speakerphone includes Logitech RightSound Technology, which eliminates echoes for clear headset-free VoIP calls. The speakerphone acts as the control center for the Internet calling experience, with volume up and down, mute, call pick-up, and call hang-up buttons that make it easy for people to manage online calls. The product also comes with a stereo headset that can be plugged into a convenient port on the speakerphone.

A stylish cordless keyboard provides people with the ability to launch Internet communications applications, easily change their online status, and make and accept calls. Convenient speed-dialing controls offer one-touch calling to friends, family, or co-workers. These easily accessible buttons can be used to store and dial either telephone numbers or IP addresses associated with user names.

The product is optimized for use with Internet calling applications such as Yahoo! Messenger with Voice and AOL´s AIM service and Skype.

The Logitech EasyCall Desktop will be available in the U.S. and Europe in September 2006. Retail price would be USD $129.99.

Sony mylo: Wi-Fi Personal Communicator

2006-08-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

Sony pushes the new fancy gadget - It's first WiFi broadband communication and entertainment device to capitalize on the growth of wireless Internet access. The new mylo personal communicator.

It connects to open 802.11b WiFi networks anywhere in the world. The mylo communicator is about fun, convenience and near-instant gratification wherever there's WiFi access. IM is easy because of the built in QWERTY keyboard.

There are no monthly service fees. So you can chat, talk and share with your friends nonstop. And the mylo communicator is made to multitask. You can play your tunes while you IM, email or browse the web! The mylo name stands for My Life Online.

The mylo communicator comes with Skype software built into it for VoIP calling. It also has Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger embedded. But Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger only support IM and not the VoIP, You'll have to use Skype exclusively for VoIP.

The mylo personal communicator will be available in September for about $350.

Skype Bluetooth VoIP Phone from TRENDnet

2006-08-08T08:02:00.000-07:00

TRENDnet, a California networking manufacturer of wired and wireless networking solutions has announced - The ClearSky Bluetooth VoIP Phone provides a cost effective solution that allows you to make phone calls anywhere around the world. Streamline calling procedures by taking advantage of Skype features such as Contacts, Call List, SkypeOut, and Conference Call. The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery can also sustain 6 hours of conversation.

ClearSky Bluetooth VoIP Phone Key Features:

Compliant with Bluetooth v2.0 Specification with EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) support
Backward compatible with Bluetooth v1.1 and v1.2 devices
Support Full-Speed Bluetooth operation with Full Piconet support
Support Graphical LCD display with status Indicators
Support Long Life Lithium Rechargeable Battery
Headset support for voice communication such as Skype, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and more
Full Skype support allows users to use Skype features directly from the phone (such as SkypeIn calls, SkypeOut, Status change, Conference Call and etc.)
Compatible with Windows Windows 2000/XP Operating Systems
ClearSky Long Range Support up to 100 meters (328 ft.) (depends on the environment)

Retail Price USD $69.99 from buy.com

For more info: Skype Bluetooth VoIP Phone

Free PC to Phone Call By Watch The Video

2006-08-01T17:41:00.000-07:00

Globe7 has launched a new version of its desktop communication, Video and News application, Globe7 3.0 Beta that offers real-time free voice communication, video streaming, instant messaging, 1 GB free storage space for video and photos uploading and sharing, news feeds and other features.

The product is SIP-based and the codecs they are using VP6 supported by Macromedia Flash player. They are using Akamai solution for streaming all the videos. The audio codecs are ILBC and GSM.

Globe7 3.0 Beta offers users the opportunity to earn free international and local minutes by just watching their favorite video feeds (latest news, movie trailers, music videos and more). The interactive feature of the Globe7 3.0 Beta technology revolutionizes television viewing through the power of Internet while allowing users to earn free minutes to make calls to any part of the world.

That will be followed by events such as concerts for the general public including mobile kiosks where interested folks can check out the voice and video quality of the new application. They will also be targeting communities within major metropolitan area that have a high degree of international phone call usage.

In the next two months, Globe7 will follow in the United States with the launch of its Wi-Fi capable PDA with embedded VoIP. It will be inexpensively priced and will also allow video to be received and to earn credits towards VoIP minutes. They claim that the Globe7 PDA will be priced economically enough for families to afford two PDA's, allowing them to talk PDA to PDA for free.

Breaking news is available from more than 15,000 categories, customized and sent in real-time to a member's desktop computer
The technology features a new Web 2.0 application
Globe7 has partnered with Verizon Business for call termination
Content soon will be available in localized languages such as Mandarin, Spanish, Italian, French, German and many others
Globe7 plans to bring commerce-based TV channels, such as the shopping channels and auction channels, live to its members. One click of a button and Globe7 members will be connected directly to sellers.

Globe7 3.0 Beta free download is available at www.globe7.com.

Vonage New Portable V-Phone

2006-07-31T15:44:00.000-07:00

It looks like Vonage is getting into the portable VoIP phone marketplace with the introduction of their new V-Phone. According to the company, the phone can be activated by being plugged into any PC with a broadband intenet connection

The Vonage V-Phone includes everything you need to make and receive calls with a high-speed Internet connection:

Vonage Talk Software Pre-Loaded
Detachable Stereo Earpiece Microphone
250MB Usable Portable Memory Storage
A New Vonage Phone Number

The Vonage V-Phone comes with Vonage Talk software pre-loaded – there's no need to install it on your PC and no need to restart your computer. Simply insert the Vonage V-Phone into any available USB port, plug the earpiece microphone into the side of the Vonage V-Phone and you're ready to make and receive calls! Remove the drive when you're done and the phone and all your important contact information goes with you.

The V-Phone is being aimed mostly at business users since it can potentially reduce voice communication costs including cellphone roaming charges. The phone comes loaded with Vonage Talk software and includes 250MB of memory that can be used to store files such as MP3s and digital photos. The device is priced at $39.99.

Skype New Web Messenger Mobile

2006-07-26T08:07:00.000-07:00

If you want to make VoIP call but you are away from your PC, you do not have to worry because now Web Messenger Mobile for Skype has been launched officially.

Web Messenger Mobile allows users to make and receive VoIP calls from a number of compatible devices, which include:

1. BlackBerry Devices
2. Palm Handhelds
3. Windows Mobile Pocket PCs
4. J2ME Java Phones

Users can call anywhere in North America with any charge, while in overseas connections at low rates of Skype. The software allows users for click-to-Call, text chat, and 20 contacts free while spending $3.95 monthly will allows hundreds of users and 4-way conferencing.

To allow the WebMessenger Mobile to work, you have to leave the Skype software on your PC. You have to connect with your PC forming a direct link.

Read more: Mobile Magazine

Skype Calls via SanDisk New USB Smart Drives

2006-07-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

The world’s largest supplier of flash memory card storage products, and Skype have announced that Skype users can now make free calls and chat on almost any PC without having to download software.

Skype software will now come pre-loaded on SanDisk’s newest Cruzer® Micro and Cruzer Titanium lines of Skype-certified U3 enabled smart drives. This will allow consumers to make free PC-to-PC audio and video calls to Skype users in most major markets.

SanDisk’s Cruzer Micro and Cruzer Titanium with U3 gives users a portable way to carry files and programs without leaving any personal information behind on a computer. This means Skype users can take their Skype account complete with their contacts, settings and preferences on a device that is smaller than a pack of chewing gum and make calls, with video as an option, from any PC such as those in Internet cafes and hotels. This compact Skype is particularly useful for business travelers, leisure travelers, students and anyone who uses multiple computers.

The new drives will display the Skype logo on the packaging and will feature one free month of Skype voicemail for the mobile user to get messages from their Skype calls even when on the go.

The SanDisk Cruzer Micro with Skype preloaded is available at retail outlets in U.S. and Europe, including Skype’s online store, for suggested retail prices ranging from $39.99 to $199.99. Capacities are 512 megabytes (MB), 1 gigabyte (GB), 2GB and 4GB*. SanDisk Cruzer Titanium with Skype comes in 1GB and 2GB, at suggested prices of $74.99 and $119.99 respectively.

Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth Headset for VoIP

2006-06-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

Plantronics, Inc announced that its first Bluetooth headset system, Plantronics Voyager 510-USB is optimized for VoIP connections. It will support the management and use of call management, which is featured, in the new Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 and Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007.

Microsoft and Plantronics have made this relationship jointly to develop new pioneering unified communications devices that will provide superior voice and data integration enabling integrated communications across the enterprise

The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB is making first step in supporting instant VoIP connectivity and extending the network through wireless Bluetooth headset. It will support the instant messaging capabilities of Microsoft Office Communicator 2007 by enabling hands-free VoIP calls through a PC. It brings the following facilities:

1. Enhanced IM and presence awareness
2. Integrated telephony
3. VoIP
4. Real-time elements of conferencing and unified communications.

The Plantronics Voyager 510-USB has a plug-and-play Bluetooth USB adapter, which simplifies the set up, and use. It allows the users to switch between the multiple Bluetooth enabled devices like softphones and mobile phones.

It also includes Plantronics' PerSonoCall software, which enables users to answer/end wirelessly PC telephony calls while roaming. Professionals can roam here and there and they can do multi task by using "cutting the cord" between the PC and handset.

VoIP Wi-Fi Phone via MSN Messenger and Skype

2006-06-29T06:47:00.000-07:00

BCM has come up with a multi format VoIP Wi-Fi phone which is based on the Windows CE Kernel. It is called the WLAN800I and is compatible with MSN Messenger, Skype and SIP.

This phone can function without a PC and it requires an 802.11b/g wireless access point in order to connect to the internet. The phone has a standby time of sixty hours and talk tie of three hours. Its screen measures 2.2 inches and has a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels along with a display of 65,000 colors.

It supports three way calling and has the ability to connect via MSN Messenger to someone who has a web cam. Other features include support for T-Mobile, WEP and WPA encryption as well as DHCP and static IP addresses.

The VoIP Wi-Fi phone is expected to be available in the market from mid of July.

via: VoIP Weblog

Samsung Business VoIP Handsets

2006-06-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

The OfficeServ ITP-5100 series, for VoIP, uses standard IP protocols and is compatible with all of Samsung's converged and IP-enabled OfficeServ systems. While the ITP-5107S offers a seven-button, entry-level option, the ITP-5121D provides a 21-button keyset, and the ITP-5112L has a large, color TFT-LCD display, built-in phone book, calculator and text messaging.

Samsung said the phones are ideal for remote, home and satellite offices. Companies can easily expand the systems by adding more sets to the LAN; no end-user license is required. Each device has five fixed-function keys, a full duplex speakerphone, a number of LCD soft keys, digital volume controls, a selection of ring tones and PoE.

The DS-5000 digital handsets, meanwhile, also come in three models: the DS-5007S, the DS-5014D and the DS-5021D. Each phone has programmable function buttons, three soft keys with a scroll button for accessing variable call status options, a built-in speakerphone, message waiting lamp and caller ID display.

Via: voipnow.org

Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth Headset

2006-05-19T07:06:00.000-07:00

Plantronics Voyager 510-USB Bluetooth headset system which is considered to be the first Bluetooth headset system optimized for VoIP. The headset provides instant wireless connectivity to PC based softphones and has a plug and play Bluetooth adapter for hands free VoIP calling. It also utilizes multipoint technology which allows users to switch between multiple Bluetooth enabled devices which includes Wi-Fi phones, softphones and mobile phone with a button touch.

Key Features:

Noise-canceling microphone and wind-reduction technology for brilliant sound in indoor and outdoor environments
Lightweight, foldable design for all-day wearing comfort and easy storage
One-touch call answer/end, last-number redial and voice-activated dialing with mobile phones
Boom swivels for use on either ear for optional wearing preference
Up to six hours of talk time and up to 100 hours of standby time
Freedom to roam up to 33 feet away from voice-enabled Bluetooth devices

Plantronics 510-USB bluetooth headset integrates with enterprise softphone software from leading companies including Avaya, Cisco, Nortel and Skype and also supports most popular consumer Internet telephony services, including AOL, MSN and Yahoo!

The headset is priced at $199 and will be available from June 2006.

Mobile VoIP for Quality International Calls

2006-05-12T02:19:00.000-07:00

People usually prefer landline handset to mobile phone when it comes to international calling. Because landline service is comparatively less expensive than mobile phones. Realizing this factor, MINO Wireless, California based mobile service company charges low cost for international calling from mobile phones.

MINO’s new technology will make VoIP calling available to people worldwide, delivering QoS, ease of use, and lower cost for international dialing. MIMO calls are routed through the Internet connection available on most modern mobile phones. Its patent-pending technology uses the traditional phone infrastructure to make calls with high quality and reliability, but with significant advantages.

MINO is the most best and cost-effective way to make international calls from mobile phones. MINO service works worldwide and offers low rates for calling from any country to any other country, sometimes as low as two cents per minute.

MINO makes your calls convenient and affordable by routing them through the internet connection available on most modern mobile phones. Our patent-pending technology uses the traditional phone infrastructure to make calls with high quality and reliability but with significant advantages:

• Dramatic savings over International Plans
• The convenience of direct dialing
• Low rates worldwide, not just in one country or region
• The capability of calling from either a cell phone, a regular phone or from MINO website
• Web-based access to billing information

MINO is great for travelers who need to make calls from different countries. You can make International Calls from your mobile phone using MINO in any country by simply buying a local SIM card, installing MINO on your phone, and getting our low international rates.

To use MINO, you need a mobile phone that connects to the Internet. Most GSM phone users can install MINO for direct dial. If your phone doesn’t support Java, you can still use the phone’s browser or the MINO Web site to enjoy your savings.

Users can make cellular MINO calls to Hong Kong or Singapore for 2.2 cents/minute. Other countries range from 7.2 to about 36 cents/minute for mobile calls.

Read more: MINO Mobile VoIP Calling Service

Skype Wi-Fi Phone from SMC Networks

2006-05-09T16:39:00.000-07:00

SMC Networks has launched the Skype Wi-Fi phone dubbed SMCWSKP100 which is a PC independent VoIP device phone which uses Skype software for making high quality calls. This phone offers compatibility with most standard 802.11 b/g access points and provides constant connectivity without the network connections getting slowed down. The phone is meant for business executives who are always on tours and would like to experience Skype all the time.

This phone has most of the Skype features including voice mail and Skype-In and Skype-Out services. People having a valid Skype account can access both PSTN and Skype networks. This phone is very much suited for business executives who are always on the move and want to experience Skype along.

The phone provides an enhanced power saving design with a longer standby and talk time hours. The phone offers the same level of security as that of a wired LAN. The phone is available for $199.

VoIP Next Generation of Softphone - ImagePhone

2006-05-05T05:29:00.000-07:00

iPhone2, Inc. is a player in the crowded VoIP provider industry in the United States. iPhone2 is pushing its enhanced service called the iPhone2 service. The iPhone2 service a video-enabled softphone.

Also called ImagePhone, iPhone2 claims that this is the next generation of softphone. ImagePhone allows customers to place unlimited point-to-point voice and video calls. Users of ImagePhone can of course, make or receive voice calls from anywhere in the world.

ImagePhone has a host of advanced features - user-friendly interface, competitive PSTN termination rates and customer-friendly service plans.

The ImagePhone powerful new software lets you make free video calls with anybody, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your computer!

Not long ago only large corporations with expensive equipment and support from an IT team could make high quality video calls, but that's not true anymore!

By taking advantage of faster processing speeds and increased bandwidth, ImagePhone delivers voice and video right to your desktop.

Find out more: iPhone2 ImagePhone

New Skype USB Phone from SOYO

2006-05-01T16:54:00.000-07:00

SOYO U201 IP phone is a high performance USB phone designed for active Skype users. It allows users to use the keypad and LCD to manage Skype application and make calls without checking back to the PC monitor. Headset jack, mute button, and hands-free speaker provide users a superb experience with Skype calls. Other functions include personalized ring tone, in-call volume adjustment, redial, caller ID, SkypeOut balance display, call history display and more.

The headset jack, mute button, and hands free speaker of the U201 USB phone provide users a superb experience with Skype calls. Other functions include personalized ring tone, caller ID, Skypeout balance display, call history and more. The U201 also features a 16 bit sound card for optimum sound quality and a 20 KHz bandwidth loudspeaker with adjustable volume during calls. The unit's system requirements are compatible with virtually any PC running Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

Key Features:

* Large Backlight LCD: Built in 4-row graphic LCD for Skype contact list and call info display, support multi languages and graphic.

* Built-in 16 bit Sound Card: Provide crystal clear voice quality, with echo cancellation and noise reduction functions.

* Built-in 2.5 mm Headset Jack and Hands-free Speaker: Allow users to connect headset or use hands-free for conference call.

* Full Integration with Skype: Use keypad and LCD to navigate Skype interface to call contacts or SkypeOut numbers.

The SOYO U201IP USB Phone street price $49.99

Find out more Skype SOYO USB Phone

VoIP with Symbian OS and Opera Browser

2006-04-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

JAJAH is an innovative and simple way to make cheap calls using the Internet—without headphones, microphones or software downloads. JAJAH connects users phone-to-phone, landline or mobile, local or anywhere else in the world.

JAJAH has announced its web-activated telephony service will be available on mobile phones as early as May 2006. This announcement follows the signing of exclusive agreements to intergrate JAJAH within Opera browsers and the Symbian OS.

For now, Symbian phones represent a minuscule fraction of the nearly 2 billion cell phones in circulation, and many are used by mobile professionals. Symbian is significant despite the low market share because major cell phone makers control the company that owns the operating system. The handset makers intend Symbian to serve as the basis for next generation handsets to come.

JAJAH is also to become an addition to the Opera Web browser for both personal computers and cell phones. Opera has small, cult-like following among personal computer users that, in comparison, pales to the market share of the leading browsers, but it's a brighter story when focusing on cell phones. About 20 million cell phones, many of them using Symbian, come with the browser already loaded.

For more read on VoIP with Symbian OS and Opera Browser

Motorola Wireless Skype Phone with Stereo

2006-04-06T22:27:00.000-07:00

Motorola introduced the new Talk & Tunes Wireless Internet Calling Kit with stereo in Las Vegas on Tuesday. Talk & Tunes is a Skype-enabled phone that uses Bluetooth. This means that users can wirelessly listen to music and simultaneously make calls over the Internet from their computer.

This is possible as the new kit features Motorola Bluetooth Stereo Headphones HT820 for audio streaming and it has the Motorola Bluetooth PC Adapter PC850.

As a Skype-Certified device, the Talk & Tunes Kit will be put through rigorous tests with Skype software to ensure optimal performance. The kit works with Skype’s free unlimited Internet calling to other Skype users anywhere in the world and delivers the freedom of listening to music wirelessly from a PC without missing important phone calls.

Motorola has not yet released pricing and launch details. Expect them in the market anytime in the first half of the year.

Free U.S. Calls From Lycos VoIP SoftPhone

2006-03-31T13:52:00.000-08:00

Lycos has launched of Lycos Phone, the internet's first-ever VoIP softphone application to combine robust entertainment features that fulfilling users' communication and entertainment needs by converting their laptops and desktops into second phones.

With Lycos Phone, users can make free calls from PC to PC. They can also make free PC to PC video calls and receive unlimited free incoming calls from any landline or mobile phone, from around the world. Users also receive 100 free minutes of PC to landline and PC to mobile phone calls, and can earn additional free minutes through various promotional offers with Lycos Phone.

Key Features:

FREE Your own U.S. phone number

FREE unlimited incoming calls from landline, mobile and PC

FREE 100 minutes credit to call any U.S. number

FREE FAX and voicemail to email

Live Video Calls

Watch Movie Trailers, Streaming IPTV

Earn additional credit up to 2000 free minutes

What's the catch? you may ask, that is one - Lycos Phone displays advertisements and offers at the bottom of the client, similar to what MSN Messenger and other clients do. Also, if you take any of these offers you earn additional credits to make both domestic and international calls.

This is certainly a whole new benchmark for VoIP set by the Lycos so, what is next for Skype, Google Talk, Microsoft Live and Yahoo Messenger?

For full review of Lycos Phone with Tom Keating and free to download Lycos VoIP softphone

New Skype Phone From Firebox

2006-03-27T22:48:00.000-08:00

The FireBox VoIP CyberPhone is designed as a front end for the fast-growing Skype network, which routes voice calls down your existing broadband connection at no extra cost.

The Firebox Skype phone is easily set up on Windows XP systems. On the hand, setting it up on a Mac system requires a bit more time. Sound quality are like an average mobile connection.

Key Features:

Free 30 minutes SkypeOut (PC to Landline/Mobile) voucher
Free 2 month Voicemail voucher
Free calls worldwide using Skype to other Skype users
Wideband technology brings improved, clearer sound of MP3 quality
Use and Navigate Skype's services direct from the keypad
Your PC Soundcard is free for you to enjoy other multimedia while you chat
Customisable ringtone (from any .WAV file)
Voicemail integration
Voice activated features
LED illuminates when you are on a call
The voicemail LED lights up when you receive Voicemail messages from other Skype users

The Price is £29.95, for the Firebox VoIP handset with basic USB microphone and speaker.

Source: FireBox VoIP CyberPhone