Vonage kicks off MyVonage strategy, intros V-Portal

Yeah, we did actually wonder if Vonage would be around to chat about as 2009 rang in, but apparently, the firm is gearing up to make the comeback of the year (or something). Announced today, the outfit is kicking off its (admittedly unclear) MyVonage product strategy with the introduction of the V-Portal -- a "digital voice adapter and single port router with a built-in LCD." Reportedly, the screen can be used for "caller ID, timing calls, call logging, easy access to Vonage service numbers and for displaying the date and time," and while we're not sure what the future holds (particularly with this company), it is aiming to kick out even more Vonage-branded wares as time goes on. Also of note, it's busting out the first iteration of Contact Book, which is being hailed as a "one-stop communication hub" for users. As for pricing, the elusive V-Portal will be available on Wednesday to new customers for $9.99 after a $70 rebate, and if you're interested in more details on all of this, head on down to the read link,

[paragraph @ Jan 7th 2008 12:16PM]

Didn't they go bankrupt?

I really miss my Sun Rocket :'(

First?

But sersiously, this looks like all PR, and nothing more, the CID is nice, but it's on the router, so honestly, how does that help me?

[JT @ Jan 7th 2008 12:32PM]

No they haven't gone bankrupt... yet.

[Mike Jenkins @ Jan 7th 2008 12:18PM]

2009? I'm confused.

[paragraph @ Jan 7th 2008 12:23PM]

Didn't you know, engadget editors live one year in the future, thats how they get these great stories ;)

[pjnofrills @ Jan 7th 2008 12:44PM]

Yes the caller ID function would go unnoticed sitting in my closet next to the cable modem.
The only product that would really get my attention would be one of those cellular/wifi phones like the TMobile Wifi@home. Maybe Tmobile could partner up with them since they're just about the only phone company that isn't suing the pants off of Vonage right now.

[Mike @ Jan 7th 2008 1:12PM]

of course they havren't gone bankrupt... they owe me almost $300 for adding a second line to my service without telling me, and then say that I owe them $190 for breaching contract!
All in all, I hope they get swallowed by the cell phone industry soon.

[Michael @ Jan 7th 2008 3:09PM]

Won't that be a glorious day! Then landlines can rejoice in the marvel of exceptionally bad customer service. I'm not saying Vonage's CS is wonderful, but we all saw Engadget's coverage on the cell phone industry being named the most hated by consumers. I pray they don't get swallowed up into that industry until the cell phone industry learns they actually have to care about their customers. (hoping against hope, i know).

[Cargojack @ Jan 10th 2008 9:08PM]

I have been using Vonage for two years now, and I think their service is great.
You guys are complaining over nothing