MagicJack ate Skype’s lunch.  But now Skype is fighting back with a new piece of hardware that allows you to make calls from your home phone using the Skype service.  It’s called FREETALK Connect•Me.

FREETALK Connect•Me is a small box that sits between your phone and your home’s router.  Simple as that.  We’ll not quite, but for those who aren’t tech savvy, it boils down to that.

You connect your home phone using a standard telephone cord, while the Skype box plugs into your router using a standard Ethernet cord.  The initial setup process requires a computer, so yes, you’ll still need one of those to use the FREETALK Connect•Me.  But once it’s setup you should be good to go, though if you need to obtain additional Skype credits Internet access will be required.

The FREETALK Connect•Me conveniently sports a built-in AC plug that can be swapped out with a variety of attachments to accomodate the international jet setter.  It reminds us of Apple’s Airport Express, only instead of streaming music you can make phone calls.

Much like the normal Skype service found on your computer, Skype to Skype calls are free, while telephone calls to a landline or mobile phone will cost you.  If you order the box now, which cost $39.99, Skype will include 60 minutes of Skype credit.

Google might be ready to take on Skype.  Late last year they bought Gizmo5, a company that produced desktop software that allowed for VoIP calls.  It’s not clear if the leaked software will be rebranded to Google Voice, but it appeared to integrate (contacts and incoming calls to GV) with the service rather seamlessly.  Mike Arrington of Techcrunch tested it out in video and noted good call quality without any echos – that’s always a concern with VoIP.  At this point no one knows if this software will see the light of day, but we think it’s pretty likely.  Then again Arrington makes a good point.  The founders of Google don’t want anything happening outside of the browser window.  But then why an iPhone app for Google Voice?

AT&T has officially announced its plans to roll out their 3G Microcells nationwide in mid April.  While no actual date was announced, they did make mention of price, and if you play your cards right you could score one for $0, yup zero dollars.

So here’s the deal: AT&T is charging a one time fee of $149.99.  But with that said, you’ll have to use your prexisting plan’s minutes even though the call is being rerouted through your home’s broadband connection.  But as a favor – more like extortion – AT&T is offering 3G Microcell customers an individual or family talk plan with unlimited minutes through their Microcell for an extra $19.99 a month without using any of their anytime minutes.  And to be clear, that is only through the Microcell, not any phone call over AT&T’s network.  If you so choose this option you will be eligible for a $100 mail-in-rebate for your Microcell device.  If you want another $50 back, which gets you to the aforementioned $0, you’ll need to also purchase a broadband plan through, none other, than AT&T.  But here is the kicker: YOU ONLY NEED TO BE A CUSTOMER FOR 30 DAYS TO RECEIVER THESE REBATES!

And there you have it.

Full press release after the ‘leap’

AT&T* today announced that AT&T 3G MicroCell plans to begin its national roll out beginning in mid April, with new markets activating in cities across the continental U.S. for the next several months.  AT&T 3G MicroCell is an innovative solution that allows residential customers to route wireless phone calls and data connections (or sessions) across a home broadband connection. This solution is designed to benefit customers who live in homes that have coverage impediments that consistently interrupt wireless spectrum, such as dense wall and roof construction or unfavorable terrain.

AT&T 3G MicroCell is the only femtocell to support both 3G data and voice services.  Developed in conjunction with Cisco and in a public trial in select markets since September, AT&T 3G MicroCell is available for a one-time cost of $149.99.

Consumers with AT&T 3G MicroCell will be able to easily activate the device the same day it is purchased, thanks to easy, self-install instructions. Technical support is available for customers who need it.

Consumers manage AT&T 3G MicroCell though their online MyWireless account at www.att.com/mywireless. Through this online management, only those phones chosen by the customer may use the MicroCell. Customers may define up to 10 lines to have access and up to four may operate on it simultaneously. Minutes used through the MicroCell affect only the account of the phone making the call – there is no requirement to purchase separate service for the 3G MicroCell.

In addition, AT&T will offer a companion rate plan option for MicroCell customers – especially customers on Family Talk plans — who want to supplement their existing voice plans.  For $19.99 a month, individual or Family Talk customers can make unlimited calls through a 3G MicroCell, without using minutes in their monthly wireless voice plan.

Consumers who select 3G MicroCell calling plans at purchase are also eligible to receive a $100 mail-in-rebate toward the purchase of AT&T 3G MicroCell – effectively making the device about $50. Customers who also purchase a new line of broadband service with AT&T (DSL or U-verse 1.5MB or higher) are also eligible for $50 via mail-in-rebate– effectively making the device about $100.  If a customer is eligible for both rebate options, the customer will be able to get the device for $0, after mail-in rebate.

For more information on AT&T 3G MicroCell, visit www.att.com/3gmicrocell. For the complete array of AT&T offerings, visit www.att.com.

*AT&T imposes: a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge of up to $1.25 to help defray costs incurred in complying with obligations and charges imposed by State and Federal telecom regulations; State and Federal Universal Service charges; and surcharges for government assessments on AT&T. These fees are not taxes or government-required charges.

1 Promotional Card from AT&T: Price of 3G Microcell is $149.99.  Receive $100 mail-in rebate via AT&T Promotional Card with enrollment in AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling, and $50 mail-in rebate via AT&T Promotional Card with new AT&T DSL 1.5 Mbps or greater subscription or U-Verse High Speed Internet Access subscription.  Allow 60 days for fulfillment. Card may be used only in the U.S. and is valid for 120 days wherever major credit cards are accepted. May be used to pay wireless bill. Not redeemable for cash and cannot be used at ATMs or gas pumps. Some restrictions and other charges apply. See terms at store or at att.com/wirelessrebate. Card request must be postmarked within 45 days of activation and you must be a customer for 30 consecutive days to receive card.  Cannot be combined with promotions or discounts other than those described here.  Offer available while supplies last.

2 Limited-time offer. Other conditions & restrictions apply. See contract & rate plan brochure for details. Subscriber must live & have a mailing addr. within AT&T’s owned wireless network coverage area.  Equipment price & avail may vary by mrk & may not be available from independent retailers.

3 Sales tax calculated based on price of unactivated equipment.

4 Standard usage rates apply to text messaging and Internet browsing, depending on your plan.

5 High Speed Internet service and AT&T post-paid wireless plan of $39.99 or higher required. Unlimited talk option available for additional monthly charge. Device must be operated in a location where AT&T is authorized to provide wireless service. It is not compatible with other wireless systems. The maximum coverage of the AT&T 3G Micro Cell™ is approximately 5000 square feet. Actual coverage will be limited by the density of obstructions.  Device may not support all location based wireless services or video share services.  In the event of a service disruption, you will not be able to access E911 service using the Microcell. Internet access serviceand usage generated by 3G MicroCell are subject to applicable charges from your ISP. Normal charges apply for mobility data plans and features when using the AT&T 3G MicroCell™.  AT&T Unlimited MicroCell Calling talk feature includes inbound anytime minutes and outbound anytime minute domestic calls made to the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands.

6 Information set forth in this press release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update and revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

Hello Nelly!  Verizon Wireless is opening up their data network to VoIP calls.  Okay, that’s a bit of an overstatement.  VZW has formed a strategic relationship with Skype and will now let users call any where in the world using their Skype account while connected to 3G (read: not WiFi).  Initially Skype will be available on the following VZW handsets: BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour 9630 smartphones, as well as DROID by Motorola, DROID ERIS by HTC and Motorola DEVOUR.  Well folks, it looks like were hitting the point where ‘any time minutes’ will begin to cease to exist.  What date Skype will roll out on Verizon has yet to be announced, but I’d probably expect it to happen sometime by the end of February or early March.

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Anyone familiar with microphones will instantly recognize the Blue Microphone logo.  The Snowflake USB microphone by Blue is USB 1.0 and 2.0 compatible and will work on your Mac or PC like that.

Perfect for a myriad of activities including:  VOIP, podcasting, and recording, this little mic is capable of lying on a flat surface or hanging onto the top of your laptop screen.   With no drivers to install, the Snowflake USB Mic is absolutely plug-n-play and ideal for those on the go.

On sale now for $57

Read my review of the Samson USB GoMic!

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Snom kicked out an all new VoIP phone today that includes a 4.3-inch touchscreen and a wide array of connectivity options.  Built upon what appears to be a custom OS, users can drag and drop contacts into conference calls, and access external USB cameras or even stock reports via the built-in XML mini browser.

Hardware wise they’ve included a few USB ports that can facilitate your Internet connection over WLAN or you can just plug in an Ethernet cord, which if you’ve got the setup can also provide the phone’s power.  Lastly, if you’re looking for true synergy you can synchronize the Snom 870 with MS Office, that is of course assuming you have a Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007.

The Snom 870 is available now at select retailers for $349.

For Immediate Release
NEWS RELEASE

snom Debuts New Touch Screen VoIP Phone
for North American Businesses
Advanced Desktop Business Phone Features Slim Elegant Design,
High Definition Color Touch Screen Display and Intuitive Interface with
One-Touch Calling and Seamless Integration with IP PBX,
Hosted VoIP and Unified Communications Solutions

Beverly, Mass. (July 16, 2009) – snom technology AG, developer and manufacturer of Voice-over-IP (VoIP) telephones, today introduced the snom 870, an advanced touch screen desktop phone for the North American enterprise as well as small and mid-sized business markets. Designed for today’s information-driven workforce, the new phone is the latest addition to snom’s “8″ series of fourth generation SIP phones and features a slim, elegant design and powerful multimedia capabilities anchored by its innovative color touch screen display and highly intuitive interface.

“The snom 870 marks the next step in communications design and technology for snom,” said Michael Knieling, snom’s Executive Vice President of Marketing. “It is not just a phone, but a highly intelligent endpoint that blends advanced technology with superior design at a compelling price point. The snom’s 870′s color touch screen display serves as a dashboard to launch a variety of business communications that are critical for today’s enterprise workforce – such as telephony, unified communications and customer relationship management applications.”

SNOM 870 HIGHLIGHTS

High Resolution Color Touch Screen Display: The snom 870 features a large high resolution 4×3 inch touch screen display with 24-bit color depth. The touch screen enables the user to easily handle even complex applications like swapping calls or establishment of conference calls for up to 5 participants via a simple “drag and drop” menu.

Intutive Interface with One Touch Calling: The touch screen display features an intuitive interface for easy one-touch calling. A well- arranged address book makes sure that each caller can be quickly identified. It offers space for additional information such as company affiliation, email address and much more. The control elements on the display are designed for active call handling, so that the right contact is selected even in multiple call scenarios.

Platform for business communications: The snom 870′s fourth generation SIP technology enables it to serve as an intelligent endpoint for a number of business communications applications from IP telephony systems and solutions (IP PBX and hosted VoIP) platforms to unified communications (integration with Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007 via its special firmware – snom OCS edition) to CRM solutions. An integrated XML browser also provides a wide range of additional applications. Whether it is controlling an external monitoring camera or accessing business-critical information and data from the web, the snom 870 offers a wide array of extras.

snom klarVOICE for Crystal Clear Voice Quality: The audio quality on snom 870 matches the high standard that snom customers have come to expect: Wideband audio with silence suppression and voice activity detection to ensure phone conversations are crystal clear.
The snom 870 is the second model of the new 800 series product line of advanced business VoIP phones from snom and complements its existing line of VoIP phones: the snom 820, snom MeetingPoint and snom 300 VoIP telephone series. snom handsets are SIP- based and feature snom’s mature fourth generation VoIP technology designed for rugged business-class performance, reliability and ease of interoperability, which has made snom the VoIP handset partner of choice for the industry’s leading VoIP service providers, hosted VoIP, IP PBX and unified communications solution vendors.

See the video

Access the snom 870 video demo here

Availability/Pricing:

The snom 870 VoIP conference phone, is generally available today in North America through its network of distributors and resellers and has an MSRP of US $349.

About snom
snom technology AG develops and manufactures Voice-over-IP (VoIP) telephones and related equipment based on the IETF open standard, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). Recognized for its high quality, customizable and cost-effective business solutions, snom is also differentiated by the company’s history in the VoIP industry, and its dedication to high security standards. All of snom’s software exists in the firmware on the phones – making it easier for users to download updates and new features. snom customers benefit from the interoperability and flexibility that the snom telephones offer, including plug and play integration and universal compatibility with any SIP-based telephony platform. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, snom technology AG also has an office in North Andover, MA. The company distributes its fourth generation SIP phones through its network of authorized reseller partners in Europe, South America, Asia-Pac, Africa and Australia. For more information on snom, please visit www.snom.co m.

There’s certainly no shortage of Skype phone accessories and adding to the long and lustrous list is the Skype Travel Mouse.  Yup, it doubles as a VoIP phone and you can peep whose calling via the built-in LCD screen before you pickup.  To make a call just slide out the keypad, dial and press the mouse to your face or use the speaker phone function.  In case you’re wondering it has an 800 dpi optical sensor and appears to be Windows only compatible.  Yours for $34.69.

[via RFJ]

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Oregon Scientific is a name that is synonymous with weather gadgets, not phones.  But contrary to popular belief, the company has unveiled a Dect 6.0 compatible phone called the Photo-Touch Phone. At the core of the device is a 7-inch 480×234 LCD screen that can display up to 200 photos from its built-in memory and includes an SD, XD, MMC, MS card reader.  Surprisingly, it can only store up to 50 contacts and to further sour things, the screen isn’t touchscreen, but at least the keypad is ‘touch sensing’.  No word on a US release date, but you can preorder it from Oregon Scientific’s Hong Kong website for about $260.

[via Chipchick]

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It wasn’t too long ago that iPevo launched their latest Skype handset, the SO-10W.   I managed to get my hands on one and give it a once over.  It’s a straight forward Skype only phone that enables you to make and receive both Skype and Skype Out calls.  It features a 2-inch LCD and a set of relatively large buttons to navigate the exact same menus found in the Skype PC application.

The iPevo SO-10W can be connected to your network via Ethernet or WiFi.  WiFi is not built directly to the phone, so iPevo has included a small, but somewhat cumbersome wireless dongle.  The wireless dongle plugs into the handset via USB and draws its power from the phone, which is powered by an AC plug.  Setting up the wireless dongle proved to be the most challenging aspect of the device.  First, you’ll need to plug the dongle into the handset to be able access the appropriate menus. Simple enough, but that’s where the simplicity ends.  Since the iPevo lacks a QWERTY keyboard, punching in any security information can be a timely process.  Fortunately, you’ll only need to do it once since the phone will remember it.  After entering in all the necessary network info I found myself tapping my foot.  In other words, the SO-10W isn’t exactly expeditious when it comes to connecting to a wireless network.  In fact, the SO-10W seem to take minutes, not seconds as one would expect, to join the network. Furthermore, it actually took me a few attempts to join my home’s network before the SO-10W would accept it.  Fortunately, everything following that was as simple as logging into my Skype account and dialing as normal.

The phone features 3 speed dials buttons, a speakerphone and the usual set of buttons and features you’d expect to find on a corded phone of this type. As previously mentioned it includes a 2-inch LCD that is very bright and easy to read – no complaints there.  The handset is derived from previous iPevo VoIP devices and is actually a bit too light weight for my liking – something with some more heft would have been preferred – and is a tad on the slim side for pressing your ear to your shoulder.  Nonetheless, these are all subjective observations and some my appreciate the iPevo’s sleek minimalist design.

Unlike some other VoIP handsets I’ve used, the iPevo’s buttons are very responsive (the center green button was a little wobbley, though) and I experienced no delays when accessing the phone’s Skype menus or contact list.  And they’ve done the uncoordinated a favor and made the answer and end call buttons large and unmissable.

The speaker phone on the iPevo SO-10W is very loud and crisp, although this resulted in callers complaining that they could hear themselves.  The handset on the other hand is a bit too loud and even at the lowest volume was slightly ear blistering, but nothing one couldn’t tolerate although it would have been nice to have the option of less volume.

During my few weeks of use I’ve only had the phone freeze on me once, which required me to unplug its power.  Unfortunately, and surprisingly, I had to manual locate my home’s network and select it in order to get back online – I would have expected it to rejoin the network automatically.

The SO-10W is a nice little corded Skype only phone .  I vastly enjoyed its ease of use with the exception of setting up the wireless connection, and would have much preferred WiFi built-in since the dongle just takes up more counter space.  Given its lack of feature set and simplicity the iPevo is probably best suited for the old school (e.g. my Mom) looking to go new school.

Pros:

• Bright and easy to read screen
• Large and responsive buttons
• Loud speakerphone with quality sound

Cons:

• Wireless isn’t the device’s fortey
• Handset volume too loud
• No camera for video confrerencing

In recent land line phones have taken a serious back seat to cell phones.  That is until now.  The Alessi Cordless DECT Telephone is a complete beauty and sports a 65k color OLED screen and polyphonic ringtones by musician Gak Sato (no clue who that is).  Available now for about $175.

[via Ohgizmo]

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Generally speaking I turn a blind eye to late night infomercials and products that make guarantees that are just too good to be true.  Magic Jack appeared to be one of those products, but apparently the company has turned itself around since launch and sold over 3 million devices.

If you’re not familiar with Magicjack it’s a small device that lets you place VoIP (like Skype) calls from a regular landline phone through your computer’s broadband connection. It plugs into your computer’s USB port and for $40 includes unlimited calls to the US and CA with no monthly charges or minutes for up to 1 year.   After that it’s just $20 a year.

Now the company has plans to expand and perhaps even take on the big guys, such as AT&T.  Arriving sometime between Q3 of 2009 and Q1 of 2010 the company will introduce a femtocell product that lets you wirelessly reroute your cell phone calls through the MagicJack.  Apparently, the Femtocell MagicJack will be slightly larger than the current device and cost only a few dollars more.  AT&T and others carrier have plans to roll out a femtocell device sometime later this year (Verizon already released theirs), but their devices are said to be retardedly expensive but lack a monthly fee.

You can also expect the company to roll out number porting in the next 60 days, which will enable consumers to port preexisting numbers over to the MagicJack.  They’ve also got plans make the MagicJack Linux compatible by Q3 of this year and possibly roll out a mobile phone application similar to Skype that appeared on the iPhone recently.

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Out with the old, in with the new. Today iPevo launched their Skype friendly phone.  It’s not exactly a revolution in communication, but since the SO-10W meshes new tech with an old form factor it might just appeal to the baby boomer crowd, such as my Mom.  It’s got built-in WiFi so no need to string an Ethernet cord across the kitchen and although there is a 2.4-inch tilting LCD screen, it lacks a camera for video chats.  It’s yours for $169.99.

[iPevo via Coated]

Skype for the iPhone hit the App store last week and it has become a massive success with over 1 million downloads since its launch.  As expected, the Skype service, which traditionally makes calls over a data connection from a computer, has been restricted on the iPhone so that consumers can’t make VoIP calls over AT&T’s 3G network.  Clearly, from a business logic this makes sense since consumers pay a monthly data fee with their iPhone service and if allowed could make unlimited calls with no restrictions on minutes, which in turn would heavily tax the carrier and contradict their business model.

But would it really?  At this point carriers, at least from my understanding make most of their money off data plans and text messages, with the latter being a God send since each message requires so little data usage it’s practically free for them to transmit and that means massive profits.  But one consumer group, Free Press, isn’t happy about the current Skype calling restriction on the iPhone and has requested that the Federal Communications Commission to investigate if Apple and AT&T are contradicting federal guidelines by preventing VoIP application from accessing the carrier’s 3G network.  Until an answer has been provided Skype iPhone users will be restricted to making calls over WiFi, which is free to all AT&T iPhone customers for free at hundred of Starbucks locations.

[WSJ]

Without a moment of hesitation and as promised, Skype released their iPhone app to the iTunes store at 12am EST March 30th, 2009.  As mentioned yesterday, this version, 1.01, includes Skype-to-Skype and VoIP calls, and instant messaging.  It’s free to download.  Enjoy!

Update: I rang my girlfriend.  Her first response: ‘I’m echoing’.  But within a few seconds the app, or Skype seemed to remedy itself and the audio was cell phone quality.  I attempted one other call and couldn’t connect, but didn’t reattempt.

[iTunes]

Skype and Nokia may have partnered today, but I guarantee it will be quickly overshadowed by carrier blockage.  What do I mean?  So the partnership integrates Skype into many of Nokia’s phones going forward.  They’ll start with the Nseries and more specifically the N97.  Nokia and Skype intend to let users dial out using Skype over both 3G and WiFi.  WiFi is fine and all, but if carriers allow 3G calls they’ll potentially eat into their profits since most data plans include an almost unlimited amount of bandwidth.  Or will they?  I’m at a cross road in this discussion (with myself) because carriers now make a shit load of money through text messaging.  It costs the carrier nothing and idiots, such as myself, always go over the allotted amount in my plan.  It remains to be seen what will happen, but perhaps this is why we have yet to see a Skype app on the iPhone?

[DailyMobile]

Looks like Verizon is ready to go toe-to-toe with AT&T’s Home Manager Phone.  Although official details have yet to be released, the Verizon Hub looks to be a jack of all trades including a touchscreen for cruising through pics, checking email and weather, and no doubt a variety of features already found on AT&T’s phone.

Price isn’t known, but based on the accessories page the Verizon Hub will probably run in the $200 range.

[Thanks, Talon]

What is it: The iRiver Wave is home media device with a built-in phone running Linux.  They plan to partner with a telecom company to sell the device.

Features: 7-inch LCD, VoIP with video, radio, flash games, phonebook sync, text messaging,1.3MP camera, photo viewer, media player, web browser, server side storage and 1GB of on board storage, remote doubles as a phone.

Availability: Late 2009, available in Korea next month

Price: Sub $400

The touchscreen phone game is heating up.  AT&T just announced the availability of their AT&T Home Manager system, and now OpenPeak has made their OpenFrame IP Media Phone official by selecting Intel’s Atom processor as the core engine of their touchscreen device.  The OpenFrame is almost analogous in feature set to the AT&T Home Manager. Both are touchscreen devices with pocket sized handsets and both can display email, calendar, make VoIP calls, stream Youtube, show movie times and more.  AT&T surely has an advantage since they can subsidize their cost with services, but perhaps OpenPeaks has a VoIP up their sleeve?

Expect the OpenFrame IP Media Phone Q1 2009. Price is unknown.

Full release here

Anyone else remember when ‘video calling’ was the wave of the future, in the the 80s? I recall people trying to solve the whole bandwidth, streaming, caching problem and then poof, cell phones eclipsed the video phone concept. Obviously, that didn’t stop Asus from building the AiGuru SV1 Videophone, though.  Built-in WiFi and Ethernet get you connected (looks like Skype) while the 7-inch 800×600 screen displays all the video mischief you and a love one can have.  The built-in battery will allow true cord free conversations, though you’ll be limited to 20 minutes of pointless banter.

Looks oddly similar to the video phone in the movie ‘Total Recall’.  Get your ass back back to MARS!  My name is not Quade!  Malena!

Expect the Asus AiGuru SV1 sometime this November for $300.  Available in Europe and North America.

[Ubergizmo]

By: Daniel O

What do you get when you mix American walnut, brass and a bit of cable? You get Helger’s new VoIP phone called Pappa*Phone. It’s the first ever wooden VoIP phone and works with most services including Skype. It plugs straight into the PC or Mac and has a cable reach of 1.5 meters. Go on and get yourself one, they’re only $300.

[Hulger]