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Microsoft delving into VoIP phone market, RoundTable gets a price
Alright, so the average consumer probably has little need for yet another competitor in the VoIP handset market, but it looks like Microsoft is delving into a slightly different arena as it hopes to create new marketshare to snag. Presumably branching from the firm's unified communications platform, Gates & Co. are looking to try their luck in the "global business telecoms market" by developing and manufacturing several telephony devices. For cube-dwellers, the firm is concocting its own software / hardware kit which connects users via a "discreet wireless earpiece," a USB stick, and call management software that should hit "public trials" soon. Additionally, the $3,000 RoundTable video conferencing machine touts four webcams for a 360-degree view of the room, as well as VoIP connectivity to save on long distance costs. Interestingly, Microsoft is being "forced" to manufacturer said products on its own, as it couldn't seem to find a willing supplier to construct such a "disruptive" product. No word on when these units will hit the corporate pipeline, but if all goes as planned, you could be chatting on a Microsoft-branded handset before too long.
ORtek's Skypad Skype phone / numeric keypad combo
Looks like peripheral maker ORTek has managed to find a way to distinguish itself from the seemingly endless stream of Skype phones flooding the market with its latest offering, the Skypad -- a combination USB phone and numeric keypad. Dual uses aside, the unit looks to be a pretty bare-bones deal, with a no-frills, display-less design, and that USB cable keeping you from wandering too far off while you're chatting on it. On the telephony side of things, the Skypad boasts full-duplex support and compatibility with Skype, as well as volume control buttons and other Skype-related keys. As far as keypad capabilities go, the unit packs what appear to be decently-sized keys, as well as such exciting features as Num Lock, and "smart" LEDs. No word on pricing or availability, unfortunately, though it looks like Mac users are out of luck with this one, as it's strictly Windows only.[Via Mobile Whack]
