I've come across the new ACN IRIS 3000 videophone a few times recently and thought I'd write about them. I'm a big fan of videophones even if there doesn't seem to be any true adoption of industry standards that lets one videophone talk/video to another. Not to mention I reported first how Vonage's OEM'ed videophone, VisiFone, from Viseon hit the scrap heap due to Viseon's implosion. 
I was hoping to see Vonage's VisiFone interoperate with Packet8's Videophone, which I reviewed back in 2004. Back then Packet8 was the last broadband videophone service provider left standing, but it now appears that ACN has recently jumped onboard the videophone wagon. I hope they do well. Although videophone deployment has been slow to take off, I think offering subsidized, low-cost, or even free videophones to VoIP customers is one way of differentiating yourself from your competitors, especially if you are a single play provider like Vonage or Packet8 going up against Comcast, Time Warner, AT&T, etc. that offer Triple Play packages.If the single play providers were smart, they'd take my advice and make their videophones interoperate. Forget trying to hold your customers hostage by forcing them to stay with your service in order to keep their videophone capabilities. A customer that signs up with ACN and gets the videophone should not only be able to videocall Packet8 videphones, he should also be able to leave ACN, join Packet8's service and continue to use his videophone. With standards such as SIP, H.264, etc. there's absolutely no reason why videophone shouldn't interoperate. Further, with mobile phones increasingly adding more processing horsepower, and embedded cameras, making 2-way video calls from a Windows Mobile phone or Apple iPhone should be quite feasible. It's all about the standards, baby!
This locking of the videophone reminds me of this nugget from my 2006 VoIP Predictions:
VoIP providers will continue to harp that the government shouldn't impose any regulations on VoIP and that the industry should be open & free, while simultaneously VoIP providers will continue to alienate their customers by password-protecting and locking the customer's ATA (analog telephony adaptor), thus preventing customers from easily switching to another VoIP provider and using the same ATA. This is hypocrisy at its worst! Customers will continue to be left with useless ATA "bricks" which eventually will make it the local landfill when they switch to a better VoIP provider.
Analysis: (correct) Unfortunately, more VoIP service providers are still locking their ATAs even though they often charge you a $50 or more cancellation fee if you cancel within 1 year. Often their rational for the cancellation fee is that they give you the hardware for free and therefore since they have to "subsidize" the hardware costs they need to recoup the investment. I say if you are going to charge me $50 to recoup your losses, that's fine, but unlock the damn ATA!
I contacted Huw Rees VP Sales and Marketing for 8x8, Inc. who operate the Packet8 service to get his take on videophone adoption and industry standards.Huw stated, "Approximately 5% of our residential subscribers are videophone users. Our implementation is standard SIP to the latest RFC, so as long as someone conforms to this standard our phones will interoperate." Huw added, "A good example of this is that we interoperate with Counterpath's soft client. We have recently re-positioned the videophone as a device for use in SMBs rather than just residential and we have seen some significant increase in sales in this segment, but overall the numbers are still fairly small compared to the market for voice services."
5% is more than I thought. I was guessing around 2% customer penetration. So looks like 8x8/Packet8 has made some in-roads. Glad to heard they're targeting the SMBs with their videophone product. Since Packet8's videophone is standards-based as others adopt industry standards this will only help the videophone market.
In any event, ACN's IRIS 3000 Videophone features a large 7-inch digital screen, a light-adjusting camera sensor, digital photo frame for displaying photos, downloadable ringtones, and built-in videomail. It also supports DECT 6.0 Uniden cordless phones and the ability to get news, weather, sports, and other online content. According to their promo video you can also hook up Homeplug Turbo 85Mbps adaptors to your home phone lines to enable multiple IRIS 3000 videophones around your house.
The videophone itself is free. Yeah, you read that right. Of course, you have to sign up with ACN's broadband VoIP service with a two-year committment, but it features unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. Not a bad deal. They also offer a pro-rated cancellation fee that goes progressively lower if you terminate early.
The IRIS 3000 converts to a Digital Photo Frame when not in use and includes a built-in phone adapter to connect other analog phones to your digital phone service. It also sports video outputs so images from the video phone can be projected onto a larger screen such as a computer or TV. The Video Phone lets you leave VideoMail for family or friends that also own a ACN IRIS 3000 videophone.
They also offer Family Plan Lines which offers discounted video phone lines to your family and friends. Also, you can VoIP or video talk to anyone on ACN's network with no long distance charges.
Features
- Unlimited calling throughout U.S. (including Hawaii), Canada & Puerto Rico
- Video communication
- 7", high-resolution digital screen
- Digital Photo Frame feature when not in use
- Auto-light sensor
- Traditional calling features: Call Waiting, Caller ID & Call Forwarding, 911 Dialing and more
- Enhanced Phonebook
Cool features - now if only more VoIP service providers offered free videophones that inter-operated with other service providers, then life would be good.
Finally, check out the promo video for the ACN IRIS 3000. Donald Trump makes a quick appearance, apparently as an ACN IRIS 3000 videophone user. Wonder if he signed off on that endorsement?
Technorati
Del.icio.us
Slashdot
Digg
Dear Mr. Keating,
The answer to your question regarding if Donald Trump signed off on that endorsement is "YES".
Actually he endorse ACN company.
Check it out at www.acninc.com
I enjoy your blog!! I am a distributor for the ACN Iris 3000. If you or anyone you know wants a FREE Video Phone--log onto my website. www.theACNVideoPhone.net and order one today.
The monthly service is only $29.99/mo unlimited calling. Now that gas prices and airfare is so expensive, we can't see our loved ones as often as we would like- but you can with the A C N video phone!! How cool is that.
Sandra Harris
ACN Independent Representative
'this changes everything'
You make a valid point about the ACN Iris 3000 being a captive service. It would be nice if it would connect to other devices and services. However, I believe you will find that ACN is the fastest growing video phone service in the country if not the world. It makes sence to have a service that most people will be using. Something that you should know is the phone can be set up with a EVDO modem card and wireless router, like the Cradlepoint 350 and allow access to the internet. You will need to have a high speed connection in order to have the best quality of videp and voice. This will allow users to take their phone across the country and allow others access to them via their home phone number.
I would be happy to answer questions regarding this or other services that ACN provides.
Don
Donald Trump totally endorses ACN. In fact, he loves ACN! Check out what The Don has to say in his own words at http://acnrevolution.acnrep.com
I love it... ACN IS already the World's Largest Distributor of Video Phones and barely anyone has heard of us... That just shows we're in the right opportunity... When I first bought my Video Phone it was well over $300 (First Gen Video Phone)... This one being our 5th Gen Video phone with all the great features it comes with and with Free (Video) calling to Europe/Asia/Central/South America coming soon... Why not get a FREE Video Phone (that you can also use as a regular house phone)?? Why not see family/friends in other States/Countries?? Why not be a part of the Best?? There is NO reason not to... so go get your FREE Video Phone...
This is a bulletin I made for Myspace, I will share it here:
To ensure that you are the very FIRST person out of all of your friends to own one of these FREE VIDEO PHONES, follow these simple steps...
STEP 1: Click this link ACN IRIS 3000
STEP 2: Order by clicking this FREE Video Phone (Due to high demand for this EXCITING technology, the server might be busy when you click the link. If this happens simply try again later.)
Better Hurry because The Donald already has his and is telling all his friends about it...
These phones will NOT be FREE after the pre-ordering period is up... so make sure you get it while it's at a steal...
Show support and tell other people about this exciting technology... You won't lose anything by helping spread the word...
My contact info is on my site www.the1dynasty.acnrep.com should there be any questions or concerns...
Roberto M
This is getting in on the ground phone of the nex telecommunications wave. Just as in fax machines and cell phones, there will be a critical mass reached. Image being able to speak with your kids wnen you are on the road and see them, or grandparents talking to their grandkids. Business calls to clients will be more effective. Humans use all their sences to communicate. The video phone adds more.
This phone is free right now. and the service is $30 a month unlimited. Very cool!!!
laurelsagen.acnrep.com
laurelsagen@hotmail.com
Hasn't ACN been convicted in at least 3 countries for being a Pyramid Scheme... and awaiting trial in 2 others?
I only know about 2 cases:
1. On 15 November 2004, Australian Communications Network Pty Ltd (the Australian branch of ACN inc.) was investigated by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for alleged breaches of the Trade Practices Act 1974 in regard to provisions in the act relating to pyramid schemes.[7] On 23 March 2005, ACN was found by Justice Selway to have participated in, promoted and induced or attempted to induce persons to take part in a pyramid selling scheme.
A federal court appeal later reversed the earlier decision made by Justice Selway. The ruling indicated that the alleged "recruitment payments" did not fall under the definitions of the law. The ACCC was ordered to pay court costs.[7]
2. On 19 March 2007, ACN France was found guilty and fined €15,000 for its use of misleading advertising regarding the compensation plan and not for being a Pyramid Scheme.
Just ask yourself two questions:
1. Why Donald Trump endorses a company that is doing “Illegal businesses”? Did he really need to put his emporium in this position for a couple of dollars?
2. Why companies like Direct TV, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, Nextel, Alltel, T-Mobile are business partners with ACN? Did they really need to jeopardize their companies’ reputations by doing business with an Illegal company?
I don’t know, but if I am the CEO of one of these companies and my advisers tell me that this company is doing illegal business or is a pyramid, definitely I will not do business with them.
I think does companies' CEOs are more intelligent than that.
Don't you think?
Hey i got one of those iris 3000 and when i call video phone to video phone it doesn't seem to work. Like me and my dad both have thoes iris 3000 and when we call each other it never works! What's wrong! Please e-mail me if you know what the problem is. figure_melissa@hotmail.com
Melissa,
When you and your father get the Iris 3000 and from what company?
Mel, If your video phone is not working, you probably have not set it up properly. Contact ACN's 24-hour digital customer support and their techs will be able to easily identify your problem. ACN's video phones are VERY easy to setup so your problem will not be hard to find. I installed mine in 2 minutes. Plus, since it has the phone number built in, I take mine out of the house with me often. In a couple minutes, I can set it up on any internet connection (or through my laptop's aircard) and my phone will ring when my friends call just like it was in my house! So, Mel, if you're having problems with setup, you are not doing something right.
I'd like to know if the phone is in fact, interoperable. I don't want to hear it from an ACN rep but from the guy who actually wrote the article. I am working to become a Qualified Team Trainer and it would help me sell this product if I could let people know that their phones would work with other video phones.
Just got an Iris 3000 and I love it! I'm looking forward to a time when everyone has one so I can see everyone I call.
This looks like the one I've been waiting for! The wave of the future.. look how sleek the actual unit looks.. so far I'm definately impressed! Hats off to ACN!
The Iris 3000 Video Phone is really fantastic! I just helped one of my new reps get his 2 phones setup! Note: he had his Router at the end of the Cable Connection, 8 TV's and a Comcast Digital Voice Modem hooked up before the Phone! Pretty weak signal but we set the Display Speed to 128 and it worked well. I am working with him to reroute the cable connections for a stronger signal.
In SW FLorida, we are getting incredible interest in the Video Phone for Personal and Business use for Conferencing. We have many CEO's here who have offices in many states and countries. They love the concept!
With a Reality Show on NBC coming up in Spring 09' featuring the Video Phone and ACN as a company, this business will Explode! Sign up with my already Successful Team streching from Las Vegas to SW Florida!
The NEW DVD makes presenting the Business fun and easy. 30-45 min total and someone can make an educted desision on whether the business is a good fit for them. NO Selling is required, that would be too much like a JOB!
WE ARE THE SYSTEM! Join US Today! www.ACNFlorida.com
It seems a ton of reps have chimed in. Yes this is a great toy for some and lovely for those with children and relatives across the country. You do have to look to the future,which is buyers remorse an when your girlfriend has a bad hair month and does not want to be seen. if this is the case contact me. I am experimenting with service take-over, like are car lease. Remember you are in a two year contract that will pass pretty quick like your cell phone. If you to want to help in the experiment Rep or not contact me
There is also the adult industry that loves this type of tec. ACN's phone is tops hands down the best. Plug and Play.
I love my video phone. I take it with me when I travel and hook it up to my laptop. It's awesome. After I saw it, I became rep. I mean who wouldn't want to have this phone!!
And, if you're open to additional revenue, whether it's a little or a lot, I'll show you the same thing they showed me and you can decide for yourself. Everyone deserves to live a championship life and ACN can get you there. I'm on my way. Are you?
Susan Long
Independent Representative
www.ACNculture.com
Having tried several other video phone options available,
which none really worked very well, I was reluctant but
compelled to try the ACN Iris 3000 video phone. To my
surprise this video phone actually worked great! The video
quality and sound sync is dependent on a high speed internet
connection. But, if you are video calling another ACN video
phone and both parties have a 2MB or faster connection,
the quality is simply amazing!
Thanks for your insightful review of the ACN Iris 3000.
Todd Thompson
Amen!!! Empowered to be a blessing to others by using the ACN Video Phone, through the ACN Opportunity. I am blessed significantly, by passing the information of the Video Phone on to others. Missionaries can connect with the home church, it's wonderful!
I have 2 video phones my self. Me and my whole family are ACN franchise owners. We love the company and the video phones. You can take your video phone across the country and plug it into any high speed connection and make calls free to the United states. Lots of very neat things it has. Feel free to contact me about the video phones or even starting your own home buissnes. You can reach me through my web site. WWW.Endingthe9to5.com
Hi, I just purchased two ACN 3000 and wonder how could I connect it to my laptop so I could have access to the internet thru my verizon wireless card.
Thank you
Hi, I just purchased two ACN 3000 and wonder how could I connect it to my laptop so I could have access to the internet thru my verizon wireless card.
*********************************************************
Go to this link for your answer:
http://www.myacn.com/digital/support_iris3000_network.html#aircard
@ Victor: I will try that and see if it's possible. My guess is that you need to plug your video phone into the rj45 (cat 5) plug in your lap top and connect the other end to the plug marked "LAN". if that doesn't work try the one marked "WAN". If that doesn't work then I don't know right now. My gf has a lap top with wireless connectivity, so I'll try it next time she comes over.
Also, you mentioned that you have two video phones. You won't be able to use both at the same location because it uses your router/internet modem IP address as the register IP. If you do, you will get something like a "Line in use" error on the second phone. Hope this helps.
And just a side note, it would be great if ACN reps would actually answer questions instead of shamelessly promoting their businesses.
Hi everybody,
For those who have technical questions about the ACN Video Phones please visit the following link to view our Frequently Asked Questions.
Link: https://www.myacn.com/digital/index.html
and click the SUPPORT tab.
Please contact me at my e-mail if you have more questions.: acnpuertorico@comcast.net
Regards,
Ivan Alicea
ACN Independent Representative
www.acnpuertorico.acnrep.com
Do you know that your ACN Video Phone is going to be a television star?
Your ACN Vdeo Phone on NBC Primetime?
ACN will never be the same because of the event that took place in the Big Apple!
At the luxurious Capitale, New York’s premier setting for elegant events hundreds of ACN top leaders took part in the filming of a primetime TV show that will highlight the IRIS 3000 Videophone when it airs in the spring of 2009.