VOIP is Hot

Hi folks, here is more information on my Jan 24, Monday Morning News Global TV tech segment on Voice Over Internet Protocall (VOIP) phones.

http://www.globaltvedmonton.com/video/index.html?releasePID=k2wYKO3Zr0rFA_lfqFQymYxim6Int22O

MAGICJACK is the cheapest starting $49.99 for the first year (comes with the USB dongle) and $19.95 year thereafter, plus $10 yearly for local Canadian number. Home-like plug – uses existing home phone, even cordless model. Auto built-in install, portable, best for free calls in Canada and US, comes with free Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voice Message. Free worldwide with other magicJack users. Needs plan for outgoing international. If all you want is cheap calling in NA, this is it.

 http://www.magicjack.com/6/faq/

http://www.themagicjack.ca

SKYPE needs a PC headset or optional wireless Skype phone, free world call to other Skype users but requires a plan of 1-2 cents/minute for North America landline calls. It is the killer app for free video calling and works with Google Voice too and  offers group video calling for a fee. Also works on specific cellphones and Samsung, LG and Panasonic TVs. If you want more, Skype is your best choice. Expect to pay about $200 a year.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/get-skype  

VONAGE  is the most serious VOIP with a $360 year all-inclusive plan for unlimited long distance in more than 60 countries including Canada, US, UK and India. It also accepts a home phone plug  and for travel  has more business features, keeps your existing number and features transportable numbers for lower cost calls and dedicated fax numbers and business plans. It also works with the most computer operating systems. It’s the closest feel to a landline phone but costs the most.

http://www.vonage.ca/    

WHAT’S NEW WITH VOIP PHONE SERVICE

Here is the latest on what you can expect this year on VOIP from recent Vegas Consumer Electronics Show announcements.

-Skype, with more than 500 million registered users, acquired mobile video calling company Qik, expect to have better quality video calling experience including Skype Group Video Calling by month’s end.

http://www.skype.com/intl/en/get-skype  

-The new magicJack Plus with free calling over 4G wireless service for cellphones adds to its original USB-only device with a wireless WiFi or cell-like 4G option. The company claims its new VocalTec technology sounds better than cell phones and land lines. http://www.themagicjack.ca

-magicJack competitor netTALK Duo will cost more,  but offers live tech support, and unlike magicJack, doesn’t need a PC, optionally connecting directly to your home router. http://www.nettalk.com/   

-Google will offer existing GTalk to all Gmail users from their email browser window, letting you make calls worldwide without switching apps. http://www.google.com/talk/ 

This is amazing technology allowing for better and cheaper ways for folks to keep in touch through phone calling. Did you know that the traditional copper line that powered your landline home phone separately, even during  majour power black-outs will soon be no more? You may still have the copper line going into your home, but the rest of the phone network lines leading to your home are being replaced by fibre. This means you will need to have a battery backup for any landline phone. Progress?