Skype Access Makes It Easy To Go Boingo

Skype, which has a long standing relationship with Boingo, is making it simpler (and easier) to get access to Boingo hotspots around the world. It announced a new plan that allows Skype users to pay for Boingo Wi-Fi hotspots using Skype Credit. The feature is called Skype Access and is currently available to Mac users as part of the Skype for Mac 2.8 Beta software. I upgraded just for this feature alone. Skype will support this on Windows and Linux versions of Skype later. You pay per minute for the access you use. Previously, you had to sign up for Boingo and got a special rate for using Skype. I thought it was a bad deal. I find Skype Access simpler and easier. (Related Post: Full review of Skype 2.8 for Mac on TheAppleBlog.)

 

VoIP and International Call Termination

Welcome to the second in a series of articles about the issues and opportunities in the international call termination business for VoIP players. This second article focuses on some of the issues VoIP providers face when terminating to mobile operators in Europe as number portability takes hold. Although there is only one strictly compliant way to terminate a call to a mobile operator in many countries, the current reality is that two variants exist, each with different commercial models and pricing. The first method is via official interconnects – either TDM or VoIP based – with the destination mobile operator. This type of interconnect provides full, PSTN quality termination with full feature availability, including correct delivery of the "calling line identity" and support from roaming calls. The drawback, however, is that in many countries, the terminating provider must pay an officially regulated interconnection fee. The second, unofficial method VoIP providers use to terminate calls to mobile operators is via SIM card-based, VoIP gateways. These gateways originate calls into the mobile network using a wireless connection, with special low rates offered for calls made to customers on the same network. As such, each channel in the VoIP gateway acts as an individual mobile phone making calls to other mobile phones on the network. Termination costs are lower, albeit with reduced feature functionality such as an incorrect or missing display of the caller's number. Many thriving businesses provide call termination based on this method, and they all bill the calling carrier based on a defined set of codes that "belong" to the destination mobile operator. One could argue that whenever there is an ongoing difference between the cost of using service normally available in the country – for example, retail SIM cards – and an official interconnect rate, service providers make use of the difference; in many countries this has reached the point where there are two parallel services. The Impact of Number Portability Number portability is a growing reality in many parts of the world, with porting rates ranging from a small percentage in some markets, to almost 50 percent in countries with flexible porting and contract rules. When mobile subscribers port their numbers from one network to another, the original mobile network treats that call as "out of network" and either rejects the call, or connects it at a much higher rate – obviously an untenable answer for the SIM card operator in a highly competitive business. So how does portability add to the complexity? Carriers charge each other based on a defined set of network codes, and ported numbers are exceptions to those codes, which are normally invisible to the carriers involved. So, a carrier buying Vodafone termination, for example, sends all calls matching the Vodafone network codes to the SIM card operator. That operator cannot connect the calls to numbers ported away from Vodafone, and either rejects the call because it is not "on-net" or it simply fails – resulting in lower quality and dissatisfied subscribers. An Intelligent Routing Solution One viable solution to this quandary is to route calls based on the knowledge of which mobile carrier "owns" the number at the time of the call. Most SIM card operators can actually carry a call to a number that has been ported into their network, even though the code range doesn't match up as expected. This means a Vodafone supplier can terminate calls at the Vodafone rate to numbers ported in from Orange, for example. The trick is to be able to segregate the ported calls, and route them to the correct operator rather than to simply rely on the original code set. With this type of routing intelligence, and a simple commercial agreement with the carrier, a provider can answer more calls, improve the customer experience and increase revenue at one stroke. With average rates of portability, a provider can increase its call-connect rate by over 20 percent, a very significant improvement in customer satisfaction and revenue. In addition, the performance is much more predictable over time, which helps with the commercial and operational management of these VoIP interconnects. If you are interested in learning more about the issues of portability, www.globalnumberportability.org provides further information on the impact on international wholesale traffic. IP Steve Heap is chief technology officer for Arbinet. He can be reached at sheap@arbinet.com

 

Skype client for Android and more

Skype access from mobile client was supported by every other mobile VoIP startup than skype. So finally today skype announced release of a lighter version of Skype, a thin client that can be downloaded on Adroid-powered devices. In addition, it can downloaded to more than 100 java enabled handset. Now this one makes more sense. Compared to android phones, there are tones of java enabled phones in the market. Here are some of the features that are supported via lite client: • Make Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world • Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups • Make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones • Receive calls to your online personal phone number on Skype • See when your Skype contacts are online/available to chat Supporting more handsets other than android is definitely a good strategy from both business and user perspective. The client can be downloaded on some of the most popular java enabled phones from LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. Check out the Link for more information about client download and handset models supported. Though the client is free to download, there is a cost involved in using the feature. You will be charged by your mobile operator for local air time and data usage based on the type of calling service and data plan you have purchased. Since the lite version of Skype uses a mobile data connection to sign in to Skype, update your contact list, update presence and send/receive messages, you will be charged by your mobile operator for data usage. You will not incur charges from Skype when you make Skype-to-Skype calls or send instant messages to friends on Skype; however national calling rates may apply from your mobile operator due to the use of local air time. Skype will charge its regular very low Skype rates when you call landlines and mobiles using Skype or when you receive calls on your mobile handset from other Skype users or people calling your personal online number. We highly recommend getting an unlimited data plan for use with the lite version of Skype. The longer you remain signed in, the more Skype contacts you have, or the more you send and receive instant messages, the more data you will use.

View article...

Why Multitasking on Mobile Devices Matters

All of us who spend most of their time in front of a computer know very well how much multi-tasking matters. The ability to perform an activity while keeping the doors open to other "notifications" coming from other apps is a must-have for everyone. I'm reading blogs on my web browser and I can receive IMs on my Adium client, I'm working on a document and I can get an instant notification by my email application informing me that a new message just arrived. For us highly connected and fully involved into business activities everyday it's pretty clear that acting immediately makes the difference more and more. All that said, the ability to bring the experience above while on the go is a must-have for me and it's definitely critical.  What devices let you make this happen? My personal experience leads me to this answer: Blackberry Bold (or equivalent BB). In addition, but I never tried it, I read that the Google Phone G1 by T-Mobile offers full multitasking as well. What device DOESN'T offer you this experience? Apple iPhone. Again, while the iPhone is a fantastic device which offers a stunning user experience, it fails when it comes to using it within a business context since it is not possible to run multiple applications at a time. I already expressed my opinion a few weeks ago and I repeat it here: in order for business users to get an always-on multitasking experience on a mobile device, the iPhone is the device to avoid. An example for all: the excellent service Truphone has just released the ability to connect to your Skype friends from your iPhone and iPod Touch running the Truphone app. Phoneboy points out that a recent chat with Truphone's CEO confirmed that "…at this point, the app still has to be in the foreground in order to receive calls or receive IM messages". This behavior is definitely not acceptable for a communication software, despite it's not Truphone's fault. But iPhone customers must deal with it. What do you think? How far is the iPhone to become a business portable device? Is multitasking critical for your daily job while on the go?

View article...

How Can Skype Become The Next Facebook

I'm pretty sure that after reading the title of this post many of you are thinking: is this man crazy? Well, the heading is a little bit provocative, on purpose. Here is the story. Yesterday I had a good chat on the phone with Stuart Henshall who asked me to use Skype. Honestly, I don't usually use Skype for calling but rather for instant messaging. That being said, I found out that my headphones had a problem so while I was trying to look into it I paid attention to the software client more than usual, noticing something I usually don't: 14.300.000 online users. On October 2007 Skype crossed 10M online users for the first time and just a little bit more than one year later they added over 4M new online users. Another thing I noticed is that unlike Facebook, where I have roughly twice the number of contacts, on Skype the number of average online friends was  almost three times more. All that above together with the new features introduced with Skype 2.8 for Mac made me wonder: can Skype ever become the next big thing in the field of "social networking" rather than "only" the most popular VoIP service ever? Let's try to analyze how far Skype is from this "big picture". User Base Users are not certainly a problem for Skype. With over 200M users (not active, but downloads), it's not far from the huge 150M active users of Facebook. What Facebook is missing at this time is a powerful desktop client. Despite the world of consumer services is moving to the "cloud", having an always on client on your PC has many benefits, such as being always available and experiencing a realtime interaction with your friends. Status The new Skype provides the ability to share your "mood" with your contacts, this becoming a sort of "feed" inside a new chat window or just a new "events" window. It's far from what Facebook provides, but not that far away. Think of the ability to reply to moods and the FB behavior is easily reproduced.  Twitter integration is there already, too. Sharing With this version of Skype you can now collaborate more closely with your contacts thanks to the screen sharing capability. The ability to share photos and other stuff is not far away as well. Moreover, they should add the ability to let everyone view the contact list of their friends as well as their "activity". Profile The profile of your friends you find on your Skype client is far from being a Facebook-like profile. First of all, it should be moved to the cloud. Moreover, it should be improved with all the relevant information in order to make it complete. That's not certainly something difficult to get done and definitely a must have. Applications Again, third party developers can deal with that. Developers found out that an application/service integrated into Facebook can lead to completely different results rather than keeping it "isolated". Skype Apps can be sort of plugins that users can use to interact with their contact list. What about a "Send a Coffee" or "Buy this Contact" option? Messaging While IM is ready, a "Skype Mail" would be the new Inbox. "Send Message" could be a new available option and as soon as a new message arrives, a new notification (maybe with a color different from the red used for other notifications) is shown. The Wall What about a blackboard shared with your contacts? Everyone can write and post something that others can see. Messages, Photos, videos and so on. Easy right? At your fingertip and always available from you desktop client. This is nothing but a simple exercise to analyze whether  Skype has (or could easily have) the capabilities to become a widely used social network. The bug here is in the nature of Skype itself. As a peer to peer software, the concept of "in the cloud" is a little bit too far from Skype's philosophy. Skype is essentially a multi-channel communication tool which works very well and that became a de-facto standard in the VoIP space, not certainly designed to act as a social network. Is the future of Skype in the social networking space? Can all above be something which could help eBay to finally leverage this very powerful service, integrating an Adv engine too? I just noticed that others suggested this as a potential future development for Skype, too. What do you think?

View article...

Reliance iCall - Make free calls to listed countries till 15 January

Thanks to the reader Sameer for alerting me & you all readers about this service. Friends, Reliance iCall is offering all its users Free calls to many destinations till 15th Jan. You can make free calls to USA,France, Canada,Australia,UK , Singapore,Germany , Sweden, Japan, China and many more countries excluding India. Mr. Satish also mentioned about calling African countries. I have not yet tried the service, but from ratings i came to know that the service is nice. Users had experienced good voice quality and call lasted for more than 7-8 min (after they disconnected it). I tried to search on their website (about the destinations) we can call, but below info was there. So, I guess you will know more (free destinations) after you try it. What after 15th Jan..? Well, Reliance has a big name in telecoms industry, and their service is also good. You can try now, and if you liked the service then you can remain connected with Reliance iCall. (Call rates are also not very high). Some other features of Reliance iCall are -: PC to Phone calls. (Phone to Phone not at this time). Call hold. Call forwarding. Call log, Caller Id. Missed call alert. Do not disturb. Address book, Instant messaging. Free PC to PC calls (using softphone only). So, to make some free calls till 15th Jan, just visit Reliance iCall, register with them, download the softphone and start calling. Overall, a very nice offer and a great calling service (Reliance iCall) Try out the service & tell your experience with the service through comments. Have a nice Calling with Reliance iCall.

View article...

Unlimited Voip Calls to US, Canada & Puerto Rico

Hello Everone, Today i will discuss with you about the plan which lets you make unlimited calls to US, Canada & Puerto Rico. Voip.Com is providing this VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) Service in two plans. All you require is High Speed BroadBand Connection. VOIP is one of the telecommunication industry's fastest growing markets. By 2010, voip subscribers are expected to more than quadruple, jumping from 10.3 million to at least 44 million. To use this Voip.Com service all you need is a Computer with high Speed Broad Band Connection & an headphone to start. So Get Voip Save 50% Off Your Phone Bill. Voip Not only provide this scheme, but also cheap call rates to other countries as well. Voip's Low International Rates Brazil 2.2¢/min Portugal 2.2¢/min India 19.1¢/min Italy 1.9¢/min Pakistan 17.0¢/min Sweden 1.9¢/min Poland 2.8¢/min Canada included Voip's Favourite Features Keep your number No contract Lowest intl. rates Unlimited numbers Feel safe with E911 Caller ID Money back guarantee Voicemail   So Don't Wait Check It Out Now! Voip.Com has two Unlimited Residential Calling Plans One is of $19.95 in which you have to subscribe on a monthly basis Another is $199 in which you have to subscribe anually. Choose the plan whatever suits you.

 

Skype Will Never Beat Facebook

When a friend starts a post with a "you will think I'm nuts …" I know he's a real buddy of mine. Luca asks today How Can Skype Become The Next Facebook? I'd have to say no way! My reasons are supported by some of the reasons he provides in his post and some of my own beliefs. What's really provoked his train of thought is Skype's botched "status" update. I say botched as on 432 people I'm seeing just a handful of status updates a day (Yeah.. windows doesn't have it yet etc…). There's no question that status updates can create conversations (as I saw when I installed the beta along with a group of others). My Twitter Status updates also include automated updates eg bookmarks, blog posts, Calls etc. So for Skype to make them really useful they must open up so you can feed other services or data into their system. Saying update Twitter from Skype isn't useful if the "mega aggregator of all the status updates you are following is Twitter".  Skype should have incorporated Twitter. Which could be interesting in itself. The best way to grow sometimes is to infect others. While Phweet has not yet infected the twitter apps… Skype could easily infect Twitter. It could also create a simple Twitter app. So could GoogleTalk. So why should I point out the obvious? Let's turn to the Skype profile. As Luca points out it is no Facebook profile. In many ways it is a good simple profile. It's one up from a number based callerID providing a picture and name and then it reveals (if you put it in) all the other information you need to connect when the other person is not on Skype. The big issue for me is one profile or identity doesn't work in all places at all times. Just like we may resist taking work calls at home or dating calls at work one identity will not suit all conversations. Rather than embrace the Skype profile… Skype should be embracing other profiles. Thus providing choice over CallerID.  Note this is a design feature of Phweet. It is profile agnostic. Now two points in a row that may sound like heresy! Open up your communications platform. Actually this is an appeal to insert your communications platform into the flow of others. Although I'm not sure that Skype's Identity layer will allow this or make it easy. (I think impossible). Luca also wants SkypeMail. He doesn't need it if they infect Twitter as Twitter could provide the mail infrastructure. Although I'd still create a SkypeMail. In fact I'd think Skype could do it using Google! (oops!). Point here is we want talk, text and post! post is the asynchronous approach. Still one of the main reasons Skype cannot become a social network is it's intrusive nature. There's a reason not many talk on Facebook or the conversations take place "out of network".  In fact I believe many of these networks are going the wrong way about communication. If communications are leaving the network anyways then make it easier not harder to make your directory a part of the conversation. If the conversation escalates on Skype or Phweet or another conferencing solution, these directory services are much better off if they remain accessible and continue to manage elements of the data exchange. For example sharing pictures is probably more valuable into Facebook while talking with a friend than sharing them one to one. Yet Skype could easily create a Facebook app. Or a MySpace app for a minuscule outlay. Skype is intrusive because any friend can "Ring"; as the caller and not the receiver is in charge. The result is the majority of users only accept calls from approved buddies and that creates a real hurdle for making new connections. It's further thwarted by the need to get permission before you can chat in many cases. I'd note that the traditional phone system and Twitter don't work like this. (Although on Twitter you have to change your settings to "all @replies"). Many people don't like Skype because it is intrusive and they have little control over interruptions. Skype's second problem for future communications is it is not sharable. It doesn't generate URL's. There's no way seemingly that you can join my call or I can broadcast what I am talking about. Similarly records of calls are no better than the traditional telephone system. In other words others can't ask to join if they don't know the call is in progress. (Again an option that Phweet creates). Then if Skype considers my strategy for plugging in to major social networks their plug-in architecture solves the problem. Overall I'm not saying Skype can't strengthen their strategy or involvement in the social networking space. I've proven above they have opportunities. Equally, I believe they have failed to leverage eBay related opportunities. It does require them to become a different type of player. Skype's no longer really infectious. It's just a tool. Yet escalating to voice and video remains really valuable. More importantly being in the "status" stream and integrating with it will be central to communications. Skype like Facebook is making a play for the Status update. The real question is will Twitter be able to hold on to it… lose it etc. If you ask me…  Big companies should start using Twitter Status.  Afterall it is open and what's the risk if you need a status strategy anyways. Twitter also needs to enable this by providing a proper authentication process. Until then "security" gets in the way.

View article...

Skype Now Available for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices

Skype announces the availability of Skype 1.0 Beta for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices. This new version of Skype software is the result of working with Intel Corporation to develop a new mobile Skype experience for MIDs based on the Intel Atom processor and Moblin-based Linux OS. MIDs are an emerging category of small, truly mobile consumer devices enabling a rich Internet experience, coupled with the capability to communicate with others, enjoy entertainment, access information, and be productive on the go – all without sacrificing mobility or performance. MIDs typically come with 4"-7" screens, a camera, GPS and WiFi connectivity. Select MIDs also provide WiMax or 3G/4G support for wireless broadband connectivity on-the-go. ABI Research expects 86 million Linux-enabled MIDs to ship by 2013. Skype 1.0 Beta for MIDs empowers these devices with a rich communications capability through a new, optimized interface which is designed to deliver a great experience and fast, smooth kinetic scrolling support on the touch screen displays of MIDs. The software enables you to make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls to anywhere in the world, in addition to cheap calls to landlines and mobiles. It also includes instant messaging, group IM, SMS, call forwarding, voicemail, presence (seeing when your contacts are online) and the ability to receive calls from other Skype users or to your personal online number. MIDs' faster performance and wireless connectivity also enable Skype users to experience an excellent mobile video calling experience. Skype is working with Intel to deliver its application software for MIDs through Original Device Manufacturers and Original Equipment Manufacturers. By offering the Skype software on their devices, device manufacturers can provide consumers with an array of rich internet communications experiences – instant messaging, group IM, voice and video calls – right out of the box.

View article...

Boingo to Launch Boingo Mobile Site for Wi-Fi Ready Mobile Devices

Boingo Mobile gives mobile phone and smartphone users from the iPhone to the Nokia Nseries and Eseries to any Wi-Fi enabled Windows Mobile device the ability to get online at more than 100,000 Boingo hotspots around the world. Boingo Mobile is a downloadable application for smartphones that works on a variety of mobile operating systems, including Symbian and UIQ devices, Windows Mobile, and the iPhone platform. The Boingo Mobile software simplifies the process of logging in to Wi-Fi hotspots, and gives users the faster Wi-FI connection speeds to do more on their phones, including uploading and downloading files – such as music, images and documents - and using business applications, such as email and VoIP. Beyond being available for mobile operating systems, Boingo Mobile has partnerships with top handset manufacturers, such as Nokia, Motorola and Sony Ericsson. On the Nokia Nseries and Eseries smartphones, Boingo Mobile can be downloaded on the phone from the Nokia Download! directory. Boingo Mobile will also be bundled on upcoming Nseries phones. Boingo Mobile is currently bundled on the Motorola MOTO Q 11, the first Motorola phone to have Boingo Mobile connection software and service bundled with the phone. With Sony Ericsson UIQ 3.0 handsets, Boingo is available for download and use on the P1i, W960i and the G900. Boingo Mobile service provides unlimited Wi-Fi access in tens of thousands of hotspots around the world — allowing people the ability to listen to streamed music, watch live video, use VoIP, browse online, and upload and download files. Boingo Mobile service is accessible from various mobile devices that have been Wi-Fi enabled by the manufacturer or by the mobile/cellular service provider. Boingo to Unveil New Buying Options As Boingo continues to see a need and desire for mobile connections at its Boingo operated hotspots in airports and other locations, Boingo has redesigned its welcome page to make it easier to get online. The new site – which identifies the phone operating system – showcases the different plans available for purchase, and makes it possible to quickly download the appropriate Boingo Mobile software. For a monthly, flat-fee, Boingo Mobile is a fast and inexpensive connectivity option for multimedia mobile applications such as Web browsing, photo uploads, video streaming and email attachments. Boingo Mobile subscribers enjoy unlimited, global usage for only $7.95, €5.95 or £3.95 per month, with no per-minute or per-megabyte fees, no contracts and no cancellation penalties.

View article...

Voxbone Commended For Best VoIP Innovation At The ITSPA Awards

Voxbone has been highly commended in the Best VoIP Innovation category of the ITSPA awards, December 2008. Voxbone has been recognised for its work in using VoIP to deliver inbound services. The UK VoIP Industry's trade body, The Internet Telephony Service Providers' Association represents network operators, service providers and other businesses involved with the supply of VoIP services to business and residential customers. Their much-coveted awards, hosted by Ian Taylor MP and Derek Wyatt MP and held in the House of Commons, recognise today's pioneering technologies that will shape tomorrow's communications. Judged by a group of independent judges the UK's top VoIP products were stringently evaluated on the basis of reliability, user-friendliness, design, innovation, price and value for money. In each category the judges selected a winner and highly commended a finalist.

View article...

JAJAH Delivers Wholesale VoIP Services with Acme Packet

Acme Packet announces that JAJAH has deployed Acme Packet's Net-Net session border controllers to protect JAJAH's SIP application infrastructure and dynamically optimize the quality and profitability of its IP communication platform. JAJAH provides retail IP calling services to consumers and businesses and white label services to carriers, Web 2.0 companies and application service providers. JAJAH provides a fully outsourced IP communications platform, including PSTN and IP termination, billing, payments, fraud prevention and quality management. JAJAH is the platform partner for dozens of local and global organizations, such as Yahoo!, Plaxo and eHarmony. For example, Yahoo!'s premium voice services, "Phone In" and "Phone Out," enable consumers to make high-quality, low-cost PC-to-phone and phone-to-PC voice calls over the JAJAH network to more than 200 countries using Yahoo! Messenger. Deployed at the border between JAJAH's data center and the Internet, Acme Packet's SBCs provide critical security functions, including denial-of-service attack prevention, access control lists and signaling rate limiting to protect JAJAH's core service infrastructure. JAJAH's services leverage Acme Packet's Open Session Routing architecture featuring Acme Packet's Net-Net SBCs and TransNexus least cost routing and traffic analysis software. The combined Acme Packet and TransNexus solution supports millions of routes and provides JAJAH with the ability to select the best quality route for its VoIP traffic. Using quality metrics provided in SBC call detail records, TransNexus produces near real-time traffic analysis and hourly billing reports that provide JAJAH with detailed visibility of service quality and profitability by customer, provider, route and time of day.

View article...

Skype Launches on Android and More than 100 Java-Enabled Mobile Phones

Skype announces the release of a lite version of Skype, a 'thin' client for Skype that can be downloaded on Android-powered devices, as well as more than 100 other Java-enabled mobile phones. This launch builds on successful public testing last year and the incorporation of user feedback to an earlier beta version which was only available on a limited number of mobile devices. The updated beta now makes Skype software broadly available to millions of mobile users worldwide, including for the first time, mobile users in the U.S. The lite version delivers core Skype capabilities including: Make Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups Make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones Receive calls to your online personal phone number on Skype See when your Skype contacts are online/available to chat By bringing the world's leading Internet communications software to mobile phones, Skype users can save money on calls to landlines and mobiles abroad, and stay connected with friends and family over Skype while on the go. The lite version of Skype works wherever your mobile phone works, without requiring a WiFi connection. The lite version of Skype uses local air time and a mobile internet connection in order to sign in to Skype, update your contact list, update presence and send/receive calls or messages, so you must have both a calling plan and a data plan on your mobile phone to use it. The lite version of Skype is currently available for Android devices, which today include the T-Mobile G1, the first Android-powered mobile phone currently available in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is expected to also work on other future Android devices. Android device users can download this beta version of Skype by visiting Android Market. It also works on more than 100 of the most popular Java-enabled phones from the world's top five handset manufacturers – LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. For instructions on downloading the lite version of Skype to LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson phones, users can visit www.skype.com/m using the mobile browser on their phone or www.skype.com/go/mobiledownload from a computer. The web page includes a directory of the mobile phones currently supported. The lite version of Skype is available globally, with the ability to make Skype-to-Skype calls and low cost calls to landlines and mobiles abroad currently available in ten countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, Brazil (Rio and Sao Paolo), Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Australia and New Zealand. *Costs for using the lite version of Skype: You will be charged by your mobile operator for local air time and data usage based on the type of calling service and data plan you have purchased. Since the lite version of Skype uses a mobile data connection to sign in to Skype, update your contact list, update presence and send/receive messages, you will be charged by your mobile operator for data usage. You will not incur charges from Skype when you make Skype-to-Skype calls or send instant messages to friends on Skype; however national calling rates may apply from your mobile operator due to the use of local air time. Skype will charge its regular very low Skype rates when you call landlines and mobiles using Skype or when you receive calls on your mobile handset from other Skype users or people calling your personal online number. We highly recommend getting an unlimited data plan for use with the lite version of Skype. The longer you remain signed in, the more Skype contacts you have, or the more you send and receive instant messages, the more data you will use.

View article...

SPIRIT and RMI Form Strategic Partnership

SPIRIT DSP and RMI Corporation have signed a Partnership and Platform License Agreement to deliver high quality voice and video over IP for RMI's Alchemy Processor family, an advanced MIPS-compatible processor solution. According to the agreement, SPIRIT licensed to RMI its award-winning TeamSpirit Voice&Video Engine bringing high quality wideband real-time voice and video to the next generation electronics based on RMI's highly integrated SoC, starting with the Alchemy Au1250, a power-optimized single-chip media processor. TeamSpirit Voice&Video Engine is a comprehensive pre-integrated solution with flexible architecture framework which includes a library of highly optimized speech and video codecs, voice and video synchronization tools, speech enhancement algorithms for superior voice quality and network optimizing functionality to handle varying delay (jitter) and packet loss. TeamSpirit is optimized to minimize CPU load and memory consumption, allowing OEMs to lower BOM-costs and to deliver video-enabled products at mass-market price. This partnership enables SPIRIT and RMI to deliver a complete video communication solution for vendors of Mobile Internet Devices, portable media players, personal navigation devices, home media players and other audio/video applications, based on MIPS processor core. SPIRIT and RMI are consolidating their experience for the booming category of products in the home networking and consumer market - Digital Multimedia, Home Media Players and Photo Frames. Adding rich IP-communications Multimedia and Photo Frames are going to be the hype at the electronic devices marketplace (according to IDC forecast, worldwide shipment of digital photo frames and home media players are expected to reach 42.3 million units in 2011 from 2.8 million units in 2006). SPIRIT technologies will bring the highest possible voice and video quality for the RMI Alchemy Processor family that will include added functionality of peer-to-peer content sharing and communication (streaming IP radio and video content, VoIP and video calls) to Multimedia devices and Digital Photo Frame/Home Media Players.

View article...

iPhone and Slingbox HD Streaming on the Mac

Sling Media is demonstrating a version of SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone being developed for the iTunes store at this year's Macworld. Sling Media will deliver a version of SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone to Apple for certification in Q1. Sling Media is also unveiling a prototype of the new SlingPlayer for Mac HD which allows Slingbox PRO-HD users to stream HD content to their Mac desktop or laptop computer. The new SlingPlayer for Mac HD is a web-based version of the SlingPlayer software that will be accessible from Sling.com, Sling Media's recently launched video entertainment web site. Sling Media can be found in two locations at this year's Macworld: The Mac Developer Pavilion- South Hall, #1438 (next to Apple) and the Digital Media and Multimedia Pavilion: North Hall #3526-Q. SlingPlayer Mobile gives consumers their entire home TV experience, including local channels, local sports teams, video on demand, pay per view, etc. Any program that you can watch on your sofa back home, you can now watch via your iPhone using a standard broadband network connection. In addition, SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone users can also control their home DVR to watch recorded shows, pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV, or even queue new recordings while away from home. Pricing and Availability SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone will be submitted to Apple for testing and approval in Q1. It will be compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch. The price has not been determined at this time. SlingPlayer for Mac HD will be available for free via the web-based SlingPlayer within Sling.com later in Q1. Mac customers will be able to use either Safari or Firefox web browsers to get both HD streaming and Live TV within Sling.com.

View article...

UK VoIP Distributor ICON Adds TalkSwitch IP-PBX Phone Systems

TalkSwitch has appointed ICON as its distributor for the United Kingdom. At recommended retail prices starting from GBP499, TalkSwitch comes complete with an extensive feature set that includes built-in voicemail, auto-attendant greetings, call forwarding to mobiles, remote management, and support for both analogue and IP handsets for up to 16 extensions, with modular growth to 64. "TalkSwitch is an established and proven product in the UK, delivering an exceptional value. We are especially pleased to have been chosen as the strategic partner for the UK market. TalkSwitch offers our channel partners a very cost-competitive and versatile solution for their SME customers," said David Marshall, Technical Director at ICON. "We are very pleased to partner with ICON to build on the increasing popularity of TalkSwitch in the UK market. ICON is an experienced value-added distributor specializing in VoIP products, with nationwide regional account managers, and a strong focus on channel and technical support," said Jan Scheeren, president and CEO, TalkSwitch.

View article...

TerreStar Demonstrates Satellite IMS VOIP Call in Comneon Test Lab

TerreStar and Comneon announce that the integrated satellite-terrestrial multi-mode handset designed by Elektrobit for TerreStar has successfully demonstrated VOIP connectivity using satellite simulation in a Comneon test lab. TerreStar expects to be North America's first integrated satellite-terrestrial communications network to utilize an IMS to deliver ubiquitous access and personalized applications and services over wireless devices, such as mobile phones and PDAs. The TerreStar handset uses the Comneon IMS Device Framework as a client solution for its next generation integrated mobile satellite and terrestrial communications network. TerreStar is planning to launch the world's most powerful commercial communications satellite in June 2009 and is finalizing development of its first-of-its-kind multi-mode integrated satellite-terrestrial handset – together with its design partners EB and Comneon, a fully owned subsidiary of Infineon technologies. This integrated platform is designed to enable mobile voice, data and video services over a reliable and secure satellite-terrestrial mobile broadband network to government, emergency responders, enterprise and consumers interested in "anywhere" coverage throughout the United States and Canada. Comneon's portable IMS terminal framework, executable across a wide variety of operating systems and processor architectures, will allow TerreStar to provide users increased flexibility and ease of access to mobile applications – across a large number of terminal types and diverse customer segments.

View article...

ooma Unveils Telo Home Phone System

ooma unveils its next generation phone – Telo – the premier phone system that offers unlimited US calling for free, with no monthly fees, and huge savings on international calls. Packed with new features, Telo offers an unparalleled telephone experience at a significant cost savings to consumers. New, with ooma Telo, is a powerful cordless handset featuring DECT 6.0 technology, High-Definition voice, connected phonebook, mobile transfer, speaker phone, and musical ring tones. Customers can expand to six handsets, enough for each room in the house. Telo will be available in the first half of 2009 and is on display in the Las Vegas Convention Center Grand Lobby GL1a at the 2009 International CES. Telo is also a 2009 CES Innovations Honoree and will be on display at the Innovations Showcase inside the Sands Expo and Convention Center, Booth #72062. The current ooma system is available in more than 1,000 Best Buy stores and other retail locations including, Datavision, Fry's Electronics, Micro Center and J&R. Additionally, ooma is available for purchase at leading online destinations, including Amazon, BestBuy.com, Buy.com, Costco.com, Dell.com, JandR.com, NewEgg.com, PC Mall, Provantage, Shop Harmony, Tiger Direct, Staples.com, and Walmart.com.

View article...

Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac Released with Mac-exclusive Features

Skype released Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac, the latest version of its internet communications software for Mac users. This new release, which was first demonstrated during ShowStoppers at the Macworld Conference & Expo in San Francisco, contains a number of new Skype features, including Skype Access and screen sharing. Both of these features will be built into versions of Skype for other operating systems sometime in 2009. Skype Access is a worldwide, pay-per-minute WiFi hotspot access service provided by Boingo Wireless® and enabled by Skype. Skype Access allows Skype users to connect to any of the more than 100,000 Boingo WiFi hotspots worldwide - including airports, hotels, cafes and metropolitan hot zones - with a single click, and to pay per minute only for what they use with Skype Credit. Skype Access scans for available WiFi hotspots and presents a pop-up dialogue box displaying the price-per-minute to use the Boingo network using Skype Credit. With Skype Access, you only pay for what you use, and there's no need to fiddle with credit cards or log-in details. The price to use Skype Access to connect to a Boingo WiFi hotspot is based on a flat, global rate of €0.14/$0.19 per minute (€0.16/$0.22 incl. VAT), which will vary based on currency. There are no connection fees or monthly charges for Skype Access. Boingo's Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy apply and access to all Internet services will be provided on a simple, per minute billing basis. You can keep tabs on how much you've spent using Skype Access by signing in to your account on skype.com. When you stop Skype Access, the amount will be deducted from your Skype Credit balance. The new screen sharing function in Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac enables you to show others something you are working on or to explain how to do something. Similar to a Skype video call, it works by capturing, encrypting and transferring the content of your screen in real-time to the person you are sharing your screen with. Once there, the content is decrypted and shown to the other person on their screen. If you are using Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac, you are also able to share your screen with Skype for Windows and Skype for Linux users, but cannot see theirs (yet). Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac newly incorporates a number of other nice Skype features: Improved chat management: you can sort chats in the drawer and set priorities to chats Quick Add: it's now much easier to add people to chats Mood message chat: see mood message updates from your friends as chat messages Large profile pictures: just like Skype 4.0 Beta 2 for Windows, you can now use images of up to 256 x 256 pixels Hidden avatars in incoming contact requests: a small minority of Skype users have profile pictures which others may find unpleasant, and so they're now hidden by default in contact requests Add notes to contacts: you can add notes to a contact in their profile window - handy for keeping track of who's who. Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac is available for download at skype.com/go/macosx-beta.

View article...