Vonage plans to release iPhone and BlackBerry applications on Monday afternoon Eastern time, Reuters says. The apps should make Vonage's VoIP service portable on any American BlackBerry or iPhone. Unlike most VoIP offerings however, the apps do not attempt to provide free calling. They instead provide cheaper rates, in some cases more than 50 percent below normal carrier fees, according to Vonage.
Apple has already issued a response to today's release of an uncensored Google submission to the FCC, according to Silicon Alley Insider. "We do not agree with all of the statements made by Google in their FCC letter," reads a statement from an Apple representative. Reiterating an earlier point of view, the representative adds that "Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application and we continue to discuss it with Google."
Following several Freedom of Information Act requests attempting to access Google's redacted documents regarding the FCC's Google Voice inquiry, the company has decided to drop the confidentiality requests. The unredacted portion of the document contradicts Apple's public statement that it has not formally rejected the app, as the matter is still being discussed.
Auction site eBay has completed a deal to sell off its Skype VoIP division, according to an announcement. The deal is said to be worth $2.9 billion, granting a 65 percent stake to an investor group including Silver Lake, Index Ventures, Andreessen Horowitz and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. eBay is holding on to a 35 percent equity investment, and gaining $1.9 billion in cash, plus a note in the principal amount of $125 million.
Nimbuzz has launched an update to its instant messaging and dialing app for the iPhone, as well as a new Mac version. With Nimbuzz 1.3 users receive photo, music and video sharing features, a re-designed buddy list layout, and push notification that provides alerts for incoming calls and chats. Also included in the new version is a location-sharing function, which displays whereabouts on a map.
Skype has posted an official v2.8 release of its self-named Mac client, which allows for conversations via VoIP, video and text. New in the update is screen sharing, which can be used to show a Skype contact an entire desktop, or only a select portion in order to preserve privacy. The receiver in the process must only have a video-capable version of Skype.
Matching an existing iPhone version, Truphone has released v3.0 of its VoIP software for the iPod touch. Using Wi-Fi, people can make free calls to Skype, Google Talk and other Truphone users, as well as paid calls to landlines and cellphones. Accounts can be topped up without leaving the app, and the cost of a call can be estimated using rate charts, or calculated exactly once completed.
Truphone has released v3.0 of its self-titled iPhone application, which provides VoIP calling as an alternative to eating into limited cellphone minutes. Calls to users of Truphone, Skype and Google Talk are free over Wi-Fi, though rates begin to apply when calling landlines and regular cellphone numbers. Use over cellular data is also possible.
The European Commission is considering a measure to force acceptance of VoIP by cellphone carriers, reports say. The EU's telecoms commissioner, Viviane Reding, has called for the EU to undo arbitrary obstacles to "innovative services" on cellphones; a draft of the VoIP measure is thought to already be completed, but still unfinished due to a lack of precise wording. Current rules permit each country to decide what is blocked on the Internet.
German iPhone owners have been banned from fully exploiting the recently-released Skype app, writes the Associated Press. In spite of the title being legally available to download from the country's App Store, T-Mobile warns that it considers use of the app on its network a violation of contract. All VoIP services on the iPhone have been blocked since 2007, notes a representative for T-Mobile's parent company, Deutsche Telekom.
Skype may be ready to launch an iPhone version of its VoIP and IM client, a source told gigaOM. The "very reliable" tipster claimed that the iPhone launch could come as soon as next week, possibly at the CTIA Wireless trade show which kicks off on April 1st. Skype can already be used on the iPhone, but through third-party apps such as Truphone that combines a number of messaging and VoIP services.
Nimbuzz has updated the Nimbuzz social networking app for the iPhone, adding the ability to make VoIP calls to landlines and mobile phones via Skype-Out. The software supports multiple VoIP technologies and allows iPhone users to communicate over Wi-Fi, 3G, EDGE, GPRS and now via dial-up VoIP. Nimbuzz supports free calls to messenger friends over Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger (MSN) and Google Talk.
Skype will introduce new applications for its VoIP software at next month's Mobile World Congress in Spain, Pocket-lint maintains in a Monday report citing a statement from the company. Specifics are unknown, but the company has said that the new software versions will be made for various mobile operating systems and the company will announce partnerships with major handset and mobile technology vendors.
SkypeCap has announced its namesake program for the Mac, an audio recording application that works with Skype's VoIP software. With SkypeCap, users can record any audio conversations made through Skype. The title recognizes all Skype audio sessions, and can be used to automatically detect and save them.
Comcast is not treating VoIP traffic as fairly as the law demands, the FCC alleges. In a letter issued by general counsel Matthew Berry and wireless competition bureau chief Dana Shaffer, the FCC notes that whereas Comcast's Digital Voice VoIP service is unimpeded, third-party VoIP technologies remain subject to supposedly "protocol agnostic" bandwidth throttling. The cable provider has an obligation to explain why the disparity was omitted in earlier filings, according to the letter.
Truphone has launched a new VoIP application that enables an iPod touch to be used as a phone. If equipped with a microphone and headphones, the device can make phone calls to Google Talk or Skype users, another Truphone-enabled iPod touch, or certain Nokia handsets, from anywhere in the world where a Wi-Fi connection is available. Other features include instant messaging to Skype and MSN, along with the ability to check and set facilities for both Twitter and Facebook.
The v2.2 firmware for the iPod touch should enable the use of VoIP accessories on first-generation players, claims Macity. While the update primarily enables the use of voice headsets by Apple for recording, it is also possible to use third-party recording gear attached to the dock connector; this, in turn, is said to allow the VoIP functionality. Where hooking up accessories meant for Nanos and regular iPods would normally display error messages, the warnings are said to have disappeared.
DeFi Mobile has announced the expansion of its Global Access VoIP service to include the iPhone platform. For a monthly subscription fee, users will have access to unlimited global calling, roaming, and long distance. The calls require a WiFi connection, but the company claims that its global partnerships extend the available access points to include private and commercial connections. Other features include voice-to-email, caller-ID, call-forwarding, call-hold, and call-transfer.
Callpod has introduced the Drone, a plug-and-play USB to Bluetooth 2.0 adapter. The Class 1 output is claimed to offer a range of up to 100-meters. If a user is listening to music when a VoIP call comes in, Drone will automatically switch to voice communication. The device supports A2DP and AVRCP profiles, allowing music from a variety of audio sources such as CDs, iTunes, or Windows Media Player, to be streamed in stereo and controlled remotely.
Skype, together with network operator 3, have once again teamed up to bring the second-generation of the 3 Skypephone, dubbed S2. Functional changes from the original VoIP candy bar handset include the addition of a bigger screen and HSDPA wireless network support. The 2.2-inch, 320x240 resolution display replaces the old 176x220 unit, while the built-in camera now takes 3.2-megapixel photos as opposed to 2-megapixel captures.
Two VOIP companies -- TruPhone and Packet 8 -- have announced support for the iPhone, allowing users to make calls through Wi-Fi hotspots. Truphone says its VOIP application acts just like the regular iPhone dialer, except that calls are made through the internet at what it claims are "incredible low rates." Calls to landlines in 40 countries cost 6 cents per minute; 30 cents for calls to other mobile phones. The dialer is free at the AppStore.
T-Mobile is readying a VOIP phone service that will allow its customers to use standard landline phones over any broadband network for only $10 per month. Similar to offerings from Vonage and Packet8, T-Mobile's nationwide service has already been tested in the Seattle and Dallas markets since February and is expected to launch on July 2 as T-Mobile AtHome; it offers unlimited domestic calls as well as features such as call waiting, caller ID, three-way conferencing, voicemail, call forwarding and other features as well as optional features such as CallerTunes (ringback tones). Users will be able port their existing home phone numbers, but T-Mobile will require customers purchase a wireless plan that costs at least $40 per month as well as a compatible T-Mobile Internet router: the "HiPort" router costs $50 (with a two-year contract) and works with any standard corded or cordless phone and plugs into any broadband connection.
Sipgate on Wednesday unveiled a new free application which allows iPhone users to interact natively with any VoIP service that uses industry standard SIP. Users can place or receive VoIP calls over WiFi, with the service offering rates as low as 1¢ per minute. The service also allows users to maintain both domestic and international numbers in one place, so they do not have to keep track of separate services. Sipgate is offering the iPhone VoIP application directly on its website.
On Tuesday, AOL introduced Open Voice Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) that could bring mainstream VoIP a step closer to cell phone use. The APIs would endow third-party developers and VoIP device makers with open standards that would in turn allow them to integrate AOL Instant Messenger's Call Out service into softphones, SIP-enabled hardware and even Wi-Fi enabled cell phones. This would allow cell phone users to make low-cost voice calls via AIM's Call Out service, which would relay them via the Internet instead of the traditional phone network.
Skype on Monday announced it will offer unlimited international calling to land lines in 34 countries for $10 a month under its Unlimited World plan. In a few countries, including US, Canada, China, Hong Kong and Singapore, the VoIP company's newest plan includes calling to cell phones as well. With the plan, subscribers will also be able to use their cell phones or traditional land lines to call a local number, which then forwards their call to one of the 34 countries and does not incur long distance charges.
fring on Tuesday today became the latest VoIP application to be made publicly available for Apple's iPhone. The fring beta software, which requires a "jailbroken" iPhone (the company uses "opened" as its euphemism), enables users to talk, chat and interact with other fring users and all of their online communities, using their iPhone’s WiFi connection. A light, sneak preview R&D version of the popular mobile VoIP application, developed in conjunction with the Holon Institute of Technology academic research labs in Israel, is now available for use on the iPhone. According to the company, the pre-release version is designed to gather feedback from users; the final version is due for launch later this year.
The most common way to access the Internet with a laptop computer is through a Wi-Fi network. Unfortunately, Wi-Fi access isn’t always available. If you can’t find a free hotspot, the next best option is to use a wireless modem for accessing the Internet through a cellular network. Not only are cellular networks more readily accessible than Wi-Fi networks (especially when you’re riding in a car, bus, or train), but cellular networks are still often fast enough for basic web browsing and e-mail access. With a cellular wireless modem (also called a mobile broadband device), a laptop, and a program like Sprint’s Connection Manager software, you can access the Internet wherever you have cellular coverage.
For the longest time, the three most popular ways to make phone calls was through a landline, a cellular phone, or a voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) phone system such as Skype. Landlines offer near-perfect reliability and sound quality, but with varying costs and limited mobility. Cellular phones offers mobility but at the cost of high fees. VoIP phones offer mobility with unlimited free calls anywhere in the world, but are often restricted to calls placed to other VoIP users. If you want to use a VoIP phone to call a landline or cellular phone, the charges jump up dramatically. Fortunately, there’s now another calling alternative called magicJack.
Jajah today announced it is in the process of expanding its iPhone call-back service into a full-blown global Voice over IP application, in addition to its current web-only client. According to Pocket-lint.co.uk, the iPhone application will be available in the summer, following shortly after the impending iPhone 2.0 firmware version and the app store. The VoIP application will allow both incoming and outgoing calls over WiFi, and will be either free or a low-cost service, depending on the call destination or source.
Arcosoft has released an update to VONaLink ScreenPop, its VoIP (Voice over IP) call recording and productivity software. VONaLink ScreenPop works with any VoIP phone system based on the open SIP standard, like Vonage and Asterisk, to prevent the dialing out of any phone number -- including long distance and toll calls. VONaLink ScreenPop is priced at $30 and supports up to 10 phone lines.
Arcosoft recently announced an update for VONaLink ScreenPop, its VoIP service enhancement software, adding outbound dialing restrictions. VONaLink ScreenPop works with any SIP compatible VoIP phone system, including Vonage and Asterisk. By hooking a computer that hosts the software to a hub, users can monitor and manage outgoing calls, preventing undesired charges and fees from unauthorized phone calls. Arcosoft is selling VONaLink ScreenPop on its website for $30, with a free demo version also available.
Sony has confirmed that its PSP handheld will soon support Skype, the free VoIP program. Like the desktop versions of Skype, the PSP version will allow people to make free calls to other Skype users, and paid calls to landlines and cellphones; for convenience, contact lists and account details will be viewable (and alterable) without first connecting to a PC. The PSP client will become available with a system update later this month, and will add a Skype icon under the home menu's Network category.
Vonage today unveiled its new MyVonage product strategy, which includes the new V-Portal device – a single port digital voice adapter and router. A built-in LCD helps users to install and troubleshoot the device, as well as show caller ID, call timing and logging information, with easy access to Vonage’s service numbers. The device also handles advanced features, such as group calling and voice-activated dialing. New customers can purchase the box for $10; an instant rebate brings the price down from $80, while users are still required to pay a $10 shipping charge, and a $30 activation fee.
Three new models recently joined Erector’s Spykee Skype-capable robot: Spykee Cell, Spykee Vox, and Spykee Miss. Like the original Spykee, the three new robots feature a video camera, MP3 player, loudspeaker, and VoIP capabilities, while the latest versions include an iPod dock in their front. Using a computer, users can control Spykee’s movements remotely to patrol about their houses. As with the first model, users design and build their own custom robot according to their tastes or needs. Pricing for Vox, Cell, and Miss has not been released; the original Spykee goes for $370.
Canada's Nortel is the latest to settle a patent dispute with VoIP carrier Vonage, Reuters reports. Unlike the company's recent legal problems, however, Vonage was in this case the originator, having inherited a 2004 lawsuit when it bought Digital Packet Licensing in 2006; in question were patents relating to 411 and 911 services, along with so-called "click-to-call" technology. Nortel filed a counterclaim earlier this month, which may have been the trigger for the settlement.
Crucially for Vonage, which has been in serious financial jeopardy for several months, the agreement will require no cash damage payments. Instead, each side will let the other license three of its patents in a limited arrangement.
As airlines begin resuming in-flight Internet services, some have already decided to filter what passengers can do, writes the Associated Press. American Airlines -- confirming plans -- will be joined by Alaska Airlines in soon blocking access to VoIP services such as Skype, while companies such as Virgin America are currently contemplating a ban. The problem is that VoIP not only consumes large amounts of bandwidth, but may generate tremendous noise in a cabin from numerous ongoing conversations. Wi-Fi-enabled handsets could help circumvent the bandwidth concern.
Vonage and AT&T late yesterday announced that they have settled a dispute between the two over alleged patent infringement by the former's voice-over-IP (VoIP) service. Although both companies have declined to provide exact details of the agreement, the deal comes several weeks after the two had agreed in principle to end litigation that accused Vonage of infringing on patents for connecting phone service to Internet systems.
Ribbit today released what it says should be the first service to integrate voice on the web with phones. A self-titled platform, Ribbit's technology is based entirely on an Adobe Flash interface that acts as a software telephone switch between both Internet-based and real-world phone systems: an embedded website widget talks both to real cellular and landlines but also to normally incompatible services like Skype and Windows Live. Voice communication effectively becomes transparent and easy for developers to integrate without much work of their own, the Mountain View, California-based company says.
By using the SvSIP software for the Nintendo DS provided by Samuel Vinson, a developer identified as "Eok" has created a semi-working VoIP client for the iPod touch. Although the Touch does not have a built in microphone, a small dock connector mic was developed by Touchmods' Marian and has been successfully tested with the SvSIP software. Information on the project is sparse so far, with only a casual mention, and a few lines from the log files.
The internet telephony firm Skype released a new beta of its next generation VOIP software. First released in August, the new Skype 2.7 beta adds support for Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard, Apple latest operating system, and also brings better video resolution. The company said that video conversations are now set at 640 x 480 pixels by default and offer up to 25 frames per second. The free software offers the ability to make free Skype-to-Skype (worldwide) calls, make calls to ordinary phones and mobiles at low rates, video-conferencing with others, group chats of up to 100, and standard conference-calling with up to 10 people.
The official revelation of a 3G iPhone may have been a deliberate and expensive message to Apple, says tech columnist Robert Cringely. By letting the public know a 3G iPhone was coming in 2008, says Cringely, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson has deprived both Apple and AT&T of important revenue, since media-savvy shoppers may delay their spending not only on the iPhone itself, but also on the requisite two-year AT&T contract. This could be equivalent to a loss of one million customers for AT&T, a market cap of approximately $1 billion.
