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AT&T CallVantage: fare thee well, we hardly knew ye
CallVantage may have survived being sued by Vonage, but there's one thing it couldn't survive -- progress. After thrilling us for some time now by magically transmitting people's "voice" over something called the "internet," AT&T's VoIP service will begin weening off customers over the course of this year. Folks will be able to switch to either another AT&T service, transfer to another service provider, or drop off the communications grid altogether -- where they will finally have the opportunity to spend their lives in solemn contemplation, with nothing but the babbling brook, the sweet sound of songbirds, and a journal of their thoughts to keep them occupied. The company says that it's pulling the plug to concentrate on its U-verse voice service, which can only mean one thing: Watson's got to them. We knew that guy was up to no good.[Via MobileTechNews]
Mac as telephone: I don't get it
The telephone and Macintosh are slowly starting to merge. Applications like The Gizmo Project and Skype make it possible for me to conduct a "phone call" with my Mac, and I've yet to see the point. I've used Gizmo, and while I admit it was sort of fun, sitting there tethered to a headset was hardly convenient. I know there are wireless headsets available, but finding and purchasing one I like and letting others know what my "online phone number" is seems like way too much hassle for something I'm already set up to do with my existing telephone. Plus, I then must convince my contacts to download and set up one of those applications themselves. It's just not going to happen. Today I came across Jon's Phone Tool (JPT), which at least eliminates the headset, but still doesn't push me over the edge.JPT will let me use a Bluetooth-capable cell phone to make a call via Vonage, CallVantage, Skype and many others. There's also an integrated search for finding contact numbers on your Mac. If this is your sort of thing, check it out. I, however, will be sticking with the good, old fashioned telephone. So, what's your preference: Cell, landline or IP?
