5 Steps to VoIP

So you’re ready to enjoy unlimited long distance calling and lower monthly phone bills. Well, before you make the switch, here are five steps that will help you get the VoIP plan that is best for you. Make the Decision Yes, it is new technology, and sometimes we are scared of the unknown. VoIP technology is on the rise and many high profile computer companies are already switching to VoIP and in return are...

The future of mobile phones (part 2)

Mobile phones today are altogether different animals. They’re convergence machines—it is not uncommon to see phones that have built-in digital cameras and MP3 players. Many phones now also let you have full internet access over the cellular network with built-in web browsers. And with the release of new WiFi-enabled VoIP phones, you can now bypass your cellular network and make calls for a fraction of what the...

The future of mobile phones (part 1)

I remember getting my first mobile phone about a decade ago. It was in the heyday of analog networks—digital systems were still in their infancy (and had dismal coverage). My phone was among the smallest of handsets, but definitely not by today’s standards. Being new to cellular telephony, I was elated every time I received a call on my phone. Of course, that’s just about it—the only things that my mobile...

Government mulls switch of emergency 911 networks to VoIP

Government is considering replacing the traditional communications infrastructure of the 911 emergency service with Voice-over-Internet-Protocol. This is brought about by inefficiencies in addressing emergency calls experienced by authorities during Hurricane Katrina in the recent months that led to numerous deaths, injuries and billions in property damages that could have been avoided with a more effective warning...

The world is becoming smaller with VoIP

My former boss was a frequent traveler. Whenever there were international conferences of interest, he would be sure to go abroad to attend. However, leaving the office always posed some difficulties for our hands-on manager. He would always find the need to call the office to check on the progress of our various projects (and he also likes getting in touch with his kids every now and then) Things were quite...

Skype with Video

Voice-over-Internet-Protocol company Skype has recently released a much-awaited upgrade to its popular VoIP software. The new version 2.0 features security updates and added features, such as a new interface and improvements in the personalization options. What’s notable with this new release is the video conferencing feature. Not only can you talk with family, friends, and colleagues over long—or...

Netgear announces Skype phone

Netgear recently announced its plans to release a WiFi phone for Skype. More popularly known as a manufacturer of networking hardware, including wireless-enabled broadband routers and WiFi adapters for desktop and notebook computers, the equipment supplier’s entry into the mobile phone market is marked with a stylish handset reminiscent of SonyEricsson’s own award-winning cellular phone designs. With the...

Uniden and Microsoft launch VoIP for Win IM

You may have heard about how wireless electronics manufacturer Uniden teamed up with Vonage, a VoIP service provider to release the Uniden UIP1869V, a 5.8GHz digital expandable cordless broadband phone system. Well Uniden’s done it again—working with Microsoft Corporation to create another digital cordless phone that can take both traditional and Internet calls. The 5.8GHz digital cordless phone bundles VoIP...

VoIP standards: which one should be used?

It is widely acknowledged that VoIP has brought with it a good number of advantages. Ease of use, affordability, flexibility — there are so many virtues to the technology which is the reason that it is gaining popularity. But implementing a standards-based VoIP network also presents an initial challenge in the form of selecting the appropriate standard. Over the past ten years, different industry standards bodies...

Google Sued Over VoIP technology

Patent infringement is a term that almost all companies – be it big or small – loathe to hear. Why? Because it either means two things, litigation or a pay out – and frankly, both ultimately mean spending a lot of money. I remember the patent infringement suit that a company called Immersion Corporation filed against Sony. The subject of the infringement is the rumble technology that is used on its Sony...