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Skype for the Mac OS

admin — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 12:49:53 +0000

Voip is certainly making a name for itself around the world.Voip or Voice over Internet Protocol is simply a way of chatting with someone on the phone through an IP-based network.Seeing that there is Verizon, which is a very popular telephone company, Voip might have a ways to go before they beat out Verizon, but there are certainly many reasons why people should transfer over to a Voip related service.Evolving into the wonderful world of cordless phones, Voip is starting to make handsets for people to carry around, which are also more portable.Instead of using your standard phone company, you will use an internet based phone that actually uses the internet to process your phone calls.The idea is marvelous and the theory is great, many people find it very easy to use, and you could just add the bill to your monthly internet bill.Skype, which is a very popular messenger program, is included on this particular handset.
The Linksys CIT200, which is a couple of years old, is one of the more popular ones that people have.The system software is PC related, which allows it to run Skype; it also allows you to connect your phone to your computer via a USB cable.You can actually make phone calls from your PC if you’d like.The CIT200 is currently only supported by Windows, which is a shame, because many people do own a Mac related computer, as do Linux users.A few things to note about the CIT200 is that it supports call waiting, has a built-in speakerphone, can hold up to 120 hours of standby time and 10 hours of talk time, and more.While there are many more phones that are a bit more stylish, this is considered new technology and it will take some time before they are the “next” best thing.

Uniden, which is a decently popular company, produces the TRU8860 5.8 GHZ Cordless Handset. It is a very stylish cordless phone that is similar in looks to a regular cordless phone, except with more jazz in its looks.A few things you can look for in this phone is that it’s a 5.8 digital expandable system, has the ability to access 3-way conferencing with other Voip related handsets, ability to transfer your information that is saved inside of your handset to another handset, etc.The TRU8860 is wall mountable and also includes 2 belt clips so you can carry around the phone.All in all, this is a nice addition to anyone’s home assuming that you have Voip service.

There is still plenty of time before we really see Voip starting to overtake the other phone services, but they have definitely made a name for themselves, especially with all of the commercials we see every day.Vonage is one of the more popular services.

Voip Handsets

admin — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 12:44:54 +0000

Brazil telecoms gearing for a battle

admin — Sun, 17 Dec 2006 11:45:09 +0000

Brazil’s telecoms companies are hunkering down in anticipation of a protracted fight for dominance as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services arrive.

Empresa Brasileira de Telecomun-icaes (Embratel), the country’s privatised long-distance telephony service provider, will now offer VoIP services using the infrastructure of Brazil’s leading cable television operator, NET Servios.

Embratel entered the Brazilian local calling market in 2003 with the acquisition of Vsper from Qualcomm. This acquisition also allowed Embratel to offer broadband services.

The partnership between Embratel and NET will also allow for the launch of a treble play offering for the country’s residential market. Treble play is an integrated voice, broadband, and video offering that is delivered through a single network infrastructure. The services in this offering will be billed jointly by the companies.

Embratel will not only get to use and benefit from NET’s network, it will also give it access to NET’s 1.3 million subscriber base as well as it distribution channels.

Embratel and NET is hoping that they would be able to lure local clients away from Brazil’s fixed-line service providers while also boosting client loyalty to its long-distance service. But the fixed-line phone companies are also preparing itself for this impending competition.

Tele Norte Leste Participaes, Brazils largest local telephony provider, has also announced that it will work with Net2Phone, the US-based VoIP enabler for telecoms companies, to offer residential broadband telephony throughout the country.

It is expected that prices for voice connections in Brazil will fall significantly because of this impending competition.

Using the Internet to Call

admin — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:32:43 +0000

Using the internet to call is really easy. Anybody can do it. Even if you are new to computers and the internet, you can be chatting very shortly. It is as easy and simple to use as your regular telephone. Just think of it as a different handset.
The first thing you need to do is check your internet connection. Making calls over the internet works best if you have a high speed or broadband connection. The speed is necessary so that your connection is clear otherwise it will be much like placing an old fashioned trans-Atlantic phone call; full of static.
The next thing you need is the proper program for making internet calls. There are so many to choose from, it can be quite bewildering. If you are already using an instant messenger, check if they will allow you to make calls as well. Yahoo! voice for example provides you this service already. One advantage of this is that you have a ready contact list that you can already reach. No need to remember any phone numbers since their user ID already links you to them.
You can download the necessary program from the net if you don’t have the service yet. You can use your search engine to search for all available providers of VoIP and compare their packages. Among the most popular and probably the best known is Skype.
You do need to keep in mind that some programs will only allow you to contact someone using the same software as well. Others will allow you to make calls to land lines as well. Most will not allow you to place calls to directory services or to emergency services.
Once you have chosen your software, you need to check your equipment. Quite a number of programs will need nothing more than your PC or laptop, a good pair of speakers and a microphone. Most people choose a combination headset and mic for comfort.
Some programs will require that you have special equipment to use VoIP. A phone adapter is a common tool required. This will allow you to link your land line phone directly to your computer and to the internet.
Another piece of equipment you may need is an IP phone. It will replace your ordinary phone and hook directly into your router. An IP phone usually has the necessary software installed so you need not download any software for your PC. With wi-fi now becoming readily available, this is a great option.
All you need now are the contact numbers of your friends. Most VoIP services provide you with a unique phone number. A few will allow you to retain your existing number. You just need to know what number to call. If you are using software like Yahoo! voice, there is no number to memorize, just their Yahoo! ID.
Once you have their contact details, just turn on your equipment and start dialing. Talk into your mic like you would your handsets receiver and enjoy talking with your family and friends no matter where they are in the world.

Uncovering the Secrets of Free VoIP Calls (Part 4)

admin — Fri, 21 Apr 2006 11:28:17 +0000

Most Instant Messaging programs also includes that the ability to hook up a digital camera or web cam and incorporate video with your audio and web based application.
VoIP telephones are also beginning to integrate video as part of their free VoIP services. There is no doubt that this will also become a popular trend in the not too distant future. And I’m certain that VoIP fanatics are already on the look out. Now, when it comes to the more than 900 million Instant Messaging subscribers, they are already experiencing the power and freedom of converged communications.
Mobile phones are now finding out that the general public wants to combine video with their audio, which explains the sudden influx of videophones all over the globe. There are some leading mobile phone makers who took videophones to the next level and combined audio, video, and graphics by allowing you to store pictures in your telephone, and use it as a camera.
As the technology of VoIP continuously move up to, we can rest assured that more “Beta” programs will be released and as that occurs, keep your eye out for more free VoIP programs. This is not just cheap people, it’s free! Truly, the best things in life are free!

Uncovering the Secrets of Free VoIP Calls (Part 3)

admin — Thu, 20 Apr 2006 11:27:18 +0000

By clicking call, you will be using free VoIP technology to send a phone call to your buddy’s computer. The receiving computer will actually ring, like a standard telephone, and your buddy will have the option of accepting or declining the phone call. All that is needed is a high speed Internet connection, this provides the best audio quality and speed), a microphone, and speakers. You and your buddy are free to talk as long as you like. The other advantage to Instant Messengers that allow free VoIP calls is the ability to call more than one person. You can call people on your buddy list, and invite them for a conference call. This has unlimited potential and can be used by small businesses for free training calls, and by people everywhere who just want to stay in touch with friends and family.
Other Internet Messaging services that have embraced VoIP calling include MSN and AOL Instant Messenger, and Google has begun their new service, Google Talk.
VoIP is a preferred method of telecommunications due to the fact that you can integrate audio, video, and web based applications with one program. The Instant Messaging programs are perfect examples of how audio and web based communications are working together to increase communication.

Uncovering the Secrets of Free VoIP Calls (Part 2)

admin — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 11:25:39 +0000

Today, most of the free VoIP have begun to charge a monthly fee for their services. There is still one program left that is absolutely free. That is Ad Calls. This program displays various advertisements on their display while you can use the service to make free calls. There are limitations to this program however. You can only use the service for ten minutes at a time, and you are unable to call toll free numbers.
The major VoIP programs that embrace free VoIP calling left on the Internet are bundled with your Instant Messaging programs. Programs such as Yahoo Messenger have recently been redesigned with the ability to make free VoIP voice phone calls. You won’t be able to call a landline telephone however. You will need to use the program to call another member who is using the same program.
For instance, you have the newly VoIP enabled Yahoo Messenger downloaded to your computer but your friend (who lives overseas) is still using the old Yahoo Messenger; you can send him a link so that he can download and upgrade his current version. Ones they have installed the new Yahoo Messenger, you will see a “call” button with a phone icon at the top of your Yahoo Messenger chat box.

Uncovering the Secrets of Free VoIP Calls (Part 1)

admin — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 11:23:58 +0000

You’ve probably hear the old clinch, “nothing is free”. Well, I guess the person famous who made that had not heard of VoIP. In case you’re still unaware of what Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP is, let me enlighten you. VoIP is all about being able to transmit voice over the Internet. This breakthrough in technology has been consistently gaining in strength and popularity as a preferred telecommunications method.
Small businesses are opting to go free VoIP because of the numerous benefits. It is a viable source for businesses to make long distance calls virtually free, or at a significantly lower cost when compared to other telephone service providers.
You too can experience the power of Free VoIP with a High Speed Internet connection. In fact, you may have already tried this technology without even realizing it. There are many services and programs that have been available for free, on the Internet, for the past ten years that have embraced VoIP.
Dial-pad was known for allowing people to connect a microphone and speakers to their computers and then make long distance calls virtually world wide for free. Well, Dial-pad isn’t free any more, but if you do purchase their monthly service, they do provide an option for unlimited long distance calling. This service is still comparable to other telephone providers.

VoIP and Hotels (Part 3)

admin — Mon, 17 Apr 2006 12:22:09 +0000

There is no need for additional equipment, (which means additional cost) to use Skype, but Skype users can only call other Skype customers for free. Calling regular phone numbers still result in a charge.
Vonage allows customers to travel with their phone adapter, which they can then just plug into their computer and broadband Internet, giving them the same Internet phone service that they receive at home. Vonage offers a couple of plans to choose from, with their unlimited local and long distance service coming in at under $25.00 per month.
“Communication was always an issue with expats working overseas. Satellite telephones have helped me to keep in touch with my family but the per minute cost prohibited long or chatty calls,” says Thomas Drown, a geologist working in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
“Now, I can talk to anyone in the world who has either a phone or an Internet connection. Now I can call my mom in Canada from my western Mongolia field office any time of the day or night for just eight cents a minute.”
Broadband phone service, offered through WiFi hot spots and high-speed internet service is the wave of the future. With voice over internet protocol now receiving main stream acceptance with the residential and business communities, look for VoIP services to start showing up in most hotel chains in the near future.

VoIP and Hotels (Part 2)

admin — Sun, 16 Apr 2006 12:20:28 +0000

Adam Dubroff of TravelGlue, the company who wired the Residence Inn for VoIP, informed CNN that “Until now, hotel guests have paid a premium for the convenience of long distance service, which was appropriate when there were no cell phones and it really was a convenience.”
Dubroff also added, “But as technology has developed, it has become an old business model and the prices charged have been rendered exorbitant. Now, because of VoIP, there is an opportunity to provide guests with a phone service for free and I think this will be the norm in the future.”
The Wynn in Las Vegas has taken the VoIP technology to the fullest extreme offering reservations, hotel information and more right from a touch screen VoIP phone. Plus when a user accesses the broadband Internet the Wynn offers, they can use their personal VoIP service for only the cost of the Internet access.
A lot of VoIP providers allow their users to take their service with them wherever they travel. To give an example, Skype offers a free VoIP service that can be used directly with a user’s computer and broadband Internet connection. Now this allows the user to access it just about any place and at any time.