VoipPhone
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Viber's VoIP iPhone, Android apps updated with enhanced UI, group messaging and more
It's safe to say Viber's VoIP applications have been somewhat of a hit since the early days on Android and iPhone. Now, looking to build up on that humble success, Viber's updating these apps to version 2.2, bringing with it a fresh group messaging feature, improvements to the voice engine for better call quality and tweaks to the UI, such as adding photos to contacts list. Meanwhile, the Windows Phone and BlackBerry flavors will still have to wait for the voice goods, as Viber didn't announce any other major changes on those platforms. Viber v2.2 is up for download now from the App Store and Google Play links below.
Skype app won't work on low-end Windows Phone devices (update: works on Lumia 610)
Buried within Skype's announcement that its app has finally graduated from beta on Windows Phone, the mention of a 512MB minimum memory requirement reveals that the Internet phone service won't -- currently -- work with the likes of Nokia's Lumia 610 and the ZTE Tania. Skype has logged this under "current issues", which we hope means the company is working tirelessly to squeeze the app into cheaper Windows Phone hardware. Other features still being worked on include Bluetooth compatibility and Skype SMS messaging support. C'mon, they're part of the family now -- can't they all just get along? Update: Nokia's told us that it's now got the Skype app working on the Lumia 610.
Skype for Windows Phone sheds beta title, graduates to v1.0
Skype's fledgling Windows Phone app broke out of beta today, adding contact searching and landline calling to it's VOIP repertoire. The update comes just shy of two months of the Beta's introduction in February, and boasts a handful of minor improvements that should keep your calls connected. You'll still be making those calls yourself, however, as the full version doesn't yet have support for receiving calls in the background -- if the app isn't running, your phone isn't ringing. Hit the source link below to update.
MSI caught showing off VoIP video conferencing phone running Android
There are already plenty of fish in the sea when it comes to VoIP picture-frame phones, and only a few have succeeded in arousing us, but this well-guarded fella here at MSI's CeBIT booth seems to have some potential with its unusually large touchscreen. According to the label, the MS-9A31 landline-VoIP hybrid phone will support DECT, video conference call and instant messaging, all courtesy of Android. A quick glance around the phone also reveals two LAN ports, a USB port and a card reader -- the latter two presumably for stuffing multimedia files. No word on price or availability, but if MSI's prominence can win over Skype's heart then we might have a winner here (and ASUS better watch out). We gathered some shots, but there's also a video walkthrough after the break.%Gallery-87575% [Thanks, Andy]
T-Mobile to pull the plug on the @Home phone service
See the lovely duo in the pic above? Well, you'd better print it and hang it, as T-Mobile is canning the @Home service -- but will, however, continue to support it. The service was launched in early July 2008 and allowed you to get unlimited calling via your broadband connection for only $10 on top of your wireless bill. The only reason given in a statement from T-Mobile on Fierce Wireless was "The needs of our customers are constantly changing, and T-Mobile must foresee and adapt to these changes." It's expected T-Mobile will continue selling the service while supplies last, so if you want in, you'd better pony up your cash tout de suite.
New voice chat program Blabbelon launches today
"Stop Venting" is the suggestion made by Blabbelon, the brand new, completely free voice chat service launching today. Blabbelon aims to revolutionize voice chat by offering a web-based client that will eliminate the problems and limitations of currently available setups. "I come from a family of avid gamers, and we were all frustrated with our options for online voice chat." said Dr. Ed Ikeguchi, founder and CEO of Blabbelon. "I didn't understand why I couldn't just register once, click and talk and at the same time have the ability to easily invite people to join me, manage my various groups, and control my game through better quality communication. And so Blabbelon was born," We got a chance to sit down with Dr. Ikeguchi and talk about the issues that plague current voice chat programs -- like lag, complicated setup procedures and a lack of privacy and security -- and explore how Blabbelon aims to eliminate those issues. Read on to see what he had to say.
BenQ's nScreen i91 all-in-one PC gets the hands-on treatment
BenQ's nScreen i91 came straight out of left field around a month ago, and while it definitely looked striking in the press photography, the live-in-person look is even nicer. Said machine has been unboxed and photographed somewhere in Asia, and it somehow managed to pick up a svelte looking VoIP phone along the way. Hit up the read link for a few more good looks, and if you're a native Chinese speaker, you may even learn some of the pros and cons of ownership.[Via Engadget Chinese]
How would you change Verizon's Hub?
Ah, the Verizon Hub. A curious beast this day and age, wouldn't you say? For those of you who spent the better part of Super Bowl Sunday setting one of these crazy contraptions up in your domicile, we're eager to hear of your experiences. Has it made you want to throw away your cellphone? Are you already regretting the contract you're now locked into? Are the widgets sufficiently useful? We found ourselves a bit torn as to whether or not the Hub was even a device worth considering given the monthly fee attached, but now that it's sat in your place for well over a month, we're anticipating some better feedback from those who've used it a time or two. Spill your guts below.
IPEVO's WiFi handset lets you Skype like it's 1999
Now, this might not seem as futuristic as a videophone, or your own USB powered Star Trek communicator, but if you're in the mood for some VOIP (feeling frisky, are we?) IPEVO's newest is definitely worth a second look. The S0-20 is a stand-alone Skype handset that boasts a 4 hour talk time, backlit keys, a 1.8-inch color LCD, support for both G711 and G729AB codes, and both WEP and WPA/WPA2-PSK encryption -- all in a package that would look at home next to a ten year old pre-pay cell phone. Available now for $129.[Via TMC]
Star Trek USB Communicator dials up galactic jetsetters
Heads-up, Trekkies! We just stumbled upon the perfect complement to your LCARS-esque touchscreen, and chances are that you won't have to sell off too many Spock action figures in order to procure it. Created by Dream Cheeky, this VoIP / Skype phone is powered by USB and looks pretty much exactly like one of those classic Star Trek Communicators. Best of all, there's a velcro backing in order to mount it up for everyone to see. Because you will want everyone checking this out, right?[Via OhGizmo]
OpenPeak intros Atom-powered ProFrame VoIP phone
Hey, cube dwellers -- call your manager over and give him / her a look at this, because starting today, conference calling will never be the same. From what we can tell, this is the world's first Atom-powered telephone, and also the first telephone we've seen in years that we would joyously park in our own living rooms. OpenPeak's ProFrame is an all-in-one conglomerate that handles VoIP calling and offers up a 7-inch touchscreen panel and "an intuitive navigation menu for easy access to contacts, instant messaging, voicemail, calendar, call logs, memos, news, stocks, weather, and many other useful services." Sure, this critter was totally designed with the hospitality industry in mind, but don't tell us this couldn't be molded into a wicked widgets portal for the home.
iriver gets proper with WAVE WiFi phone, D50N PMP and P35 MID
Ah, ha! Now we're cooking with gas. iriver teased us here at CES with a few ho hum offerings, but the real punch comes courtesy of its new networked line of devices. The outfit is getting super official with its long (long!) awaited W10 WAVE WiFi phone, which will boast a 3-inch WQVGA (480 x 272) touchscreen, 4GB of NAND memory, USB 3.0 connectivity, an FM radio module, web browser and all the usual cellphone amenities. Moving on, we've got the P35 PMP, which brings with it a 4.3-inch WQVGA touch panel, the outfit's SPINN platform, built-in mic / speaker, TV output, 16GB of storage, a microSD slot, USB 2.0, WiFi, DMB mobile TV (in certain regions) and support for basically every file format imaginable. Lastly, we've got the totally intriguing D50N Multimedia Networking Device. The MID-like unit serves primarily to surf the web and facilitate IM conversations, as it touts a 4.8-inch WVGA (800 x 480) touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard, 16GB of NAND Flash and an e-dictionary (among other things). Pricing / availability have yet to be announced, but all the other juicy details are just beyond the break.%Gallery-40251%
iriver announces WAVE-HOME Multimedia Communication Device
Possibly one of the oddest contraptions to be unveiled at CES this year is coming to us courtesy of iriver. The WAVE-HOME multimedia communications device actually pulls double duty as a VoIP phone and a home networking controller (of sorts, anyway), as it provides an expansive 7-inch 800 x 480 resolution touchscreen for web browsing, photo viewing and interacting with all manners of connected widgets. Furthermore, the unit packs a 1.3-megapixel camera, inbuilt speakers, an Ethernet jack, SD slot, USB connectivity, a FM radio module and support for digipen input. So really, you're looking at an unpriced UMPC that's only fit for a desk. Clever, iriver. Full release is after the break.
Linux-powered VoIP uber-phone does WiFi video conferencing
We're not sayin' we'd put one of these bad boys in our living room or anything, but adorning the board room table with a four-line VoIP phone that sports a built-in 3.5-inch LCD, webcam, and Zach Morris-style handset wouldn't be a half bad use of resources. The SysMaster Tornado M20 uber-phone does a lot more than hold down IP calls, as it also manages to handle video conferencing, IPTV, video- / audio-on-demand, internet radio, voicemail, email / chat / news, and local weather information. This conglomerate even touts a dual-core processor, 32MB of RAM, and 32MB of flash memory, and the integrated Ethernet jack, WiFi, RCA audio outs, and Linux-powered UI are all welcome additions. Of course, we've no idea if you can rig up Tetris on this thing and use the 4, 8, and 6 keys to control your pieces, but it'll only cost you $260 and a tick of your time to find out.
Aipotek's ultra-slim VoIP phone
While its practicality for extended chatting sessions may be in question, Aipotek's latest VoIP phone here should fit in nicely with your other barely-able-to-hold-onto gadgets, measuring just 7.5 mm thick and less than an inch-and-a-half wide. Aipotek also looks to be doing its best to keep up with latest gadget style trends, decking the phone out with a fingerprint-ready glossy black finish on the face and the ever-popular brushed metal on the backside. Otherwise, the handset is about as standard as VoIP phones get, with full support with Skype, MSN, and Yahoo Messenger, as well as compatibility with both Macs and PCs. You'll have to make do with a pair of LEDs instead of a full-on display, however, as well as put up with being tied to your desktop or laptop, although that USB cable should at least help to keep you from losing it. If that sounds like the phone for you, you can snag one now for $39.[Via USB Geek]
Median M-Cody MX-400M: a VoIP phone and DAP collage
What do you do with a so-so DAP that hasn't exactly taken the global marketplace by storm? Well, if you're Korea's Median, you make use of that sliding USB jack, mic, and speaker already found in the MX-400, slap in some VoIP software from Callpia, and relaunch as the MX-400M MP3 Player and VoIP phone we've all been, uh, waiting for. The kit ships with an IR remote control, SD slot, about 20 hours playback of Li-Polymer battery, and even up to 2GB of on-board storage. They've also managed to pack in an FM radio, line-in recording, and support for MP3, WMA, ASF, OGG audio and AVI, MPEG1/2/4, and WMV video formats viewable on that 1.3-inch 260k TFT LCD. Impressive -- but just 'cause you can, doesn't mean you should. Anyway, if this sounds like the shiznit to you, then feel free to unburden yourself of the 149,000 Korean Won (about $161) required to take her home.[Via AVING]
RTX Cordless DualPhone 3088 offers landline / Skype calling
We can all get a bit sensational at times, but RTX Telecom apparently thinks its DualPhone 3088 is a marvel of modern science. Touting its "standalone nature" and "landline / Skype functionality" as quite the awe-inspiring duo, the admittedly average dual-function phone doesn't deviate too far from the path already blazed by other computer-free solutions. The device can make and receive both traditional landline and Skype In / Out calls without the need for your PC to be near or even powered on. Per usual, the phone includes a separate base station that sports inputs for your landline and router connection, and then broadcasts the signals wirelessly "up to 300 meters" to the cordless phone station set up elsewhere. It also features the latest DECT technology, an LCD to skim through your contact list, and claims to play nice with both Macs and PCs -- which makes perfect sense considering no computer is required at all. Nevertheless, British users looking for a matte black option to juggle your landline and VoIP calling duties can pick up the DualPhone 3088 now for £109.99 ($209).
Philips VOIP433 and VOIP321 phones reviewed
It seems that Philips' delightful duo of VoIP phones have made their rounds in the US, and have finally landed in the reviewers lounge at GeekZone New Zealand. After spotting these units awhile back, the VOIP433 and VOIP321 both hit the testing block, and choosing between the two seems to boil down to whichever internet telephony platform best suits you. The 433 provided "true plug-and-play" functionality with Windows Live Messenger, and the unit's automatic contact updating was highly regarded. The biggest dig, however, came from the substandard LCD screen, which was dubbed "one of the worst" the crew had ever seen. On the 321 side, all of the advertised Skype functionality was performed adequately, the two-line display was "comfortable to read," and the larger button layout made dialing less of a chore. Both units touted a satisfactory 10-hour battery life (while talking), separate power supplies to locate the base station away from the PC, and all the dedicated landline features we've come to know and love. Overall, both devices were hailed as worthwhile purchases if you spend a good bit of time chatting it up with VoIP, but deciding between Windows Live Messenger and Skype is entirely in your court.
D-Link's V-Click: an overpriced, rebadged GSM VoIP phone
D-Link's got a so-called new line-up of dual-mode WiFi VoIP / GSM V-Click phones for ya. The big selling point of course, is the ability to quickly toggle between your tri-band 900/1800/1900MHz GSM/GPRS network or unspecified 802.11 WiFi to make low cost VoIP calls. The magic here is in that "v-click" button along the side which flips the WiFi radio. Once enabled, users can make SIP-based VoIP calls or hit the web over the bundled Opera Mobile browser and 176x220 pixel display. Hmmm, those specs sure smack of that Taiwanese GW1 peeped at CES from Winstron NeWeb Corp and unfurled as the Neuf Twin dual-mode handset already on sale in France. Let's see, same screen, same dimensions, same radios... yup, we're calling it a rebadge. So are you really going to give D-Link $600 for their logo when it drops in Q1 or pick-up an unlocked, €200/$250 Twin sans contract from your friendly electronics importer? Yeah, thought so.
Asus AiGuru S1 VoIP Skype handset reviewed
While this may not match your speedy new Lamborghini notebook, the Asus AiGuru S1 handset should make your VoIP calling a bit easier -- while you're on the PC, at least. This Skype-friendly wireless handset resembles a Nokia candybar phone circa 2000, but touts the ability to connect via 802.11b/g to make calls. Unfortunately, that excitement was quickly put back on the shelf, as reviewers noted that it only connects via a computer with "customized software" installed (thoughtfully included on a USB wireless adapter), thus eliminating the thought of hitting up a VoIP call whenever near a stray WiFi signal. The 128 x 64 blue LCD was said to be "responsive" to commands, and the 2.5 hours of talk time should be plenty for all but the lengthiest chats. It was noted that the built-in voicemail was a tad buggy initially, but eventually worked itself out, and the most important praise came from the "perfect audio quality" when yapping over Skype. As somewhat of an afterthought, the phone does have an audio output for streaming tunes via Windows Media Center to your headphones or attached speakers, but we doubt your VoIP handset will become your favorite musical liaison anytime soon. The AiGuru S1 performed well enough to earn 8 out of 10 golden stars, but considering that you still need a (powered up) PC to use this thing, £69.99 ($132) seems a bit steep to get your VoIP on.
