August 19 - 4:30pm EDT   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. [full story]

July 11 - 9:35am EDT   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. [full story]

June 25 - 12:45am EDT   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 ... [full story]

June 4 - 6:05pm EDT   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. [full story]

April 29 - 12:15pm EDT   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. [full story]

April 21 - 3:45pm EDT   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. [full story]

April 15 - 1:40pm EDT   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 ... [full story]

April 14 - 5:25pm EDT   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 ... [full story]

April 10 - 4:50pm EDT   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. [full story]

April 4 - 12:40am EDT   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. [full story]

January 28 - 5:50pm EST   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. [full story]

January 25 - 7:45pm EST   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. [full story]

January 8 - 4:20pm EST   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. [full story]

January 7 - 10:00pm EST   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. [full story]

January 5 - 2:55pm EST   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. [full story]