Mobile Magazine » voip

Rogers One Number Offers Free Talk and Text from Your Computer

Michael Kwan — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:04:25 +0000

So, you’ve gone over your monthly allotment of minutes. Again. And you’ve racked up all sorts of long distance charges for calling your friends in Winnipeg and Montreal. Again. The irony is that you’re likely sitting in front of a computer for the better part of the day. There has to be a better way, right?

The Rogers One Number service has now officially launched and it effectively lets you enjoy unlimited calling, texting, and picture messaging from your computer. The kicker is that the person on the other end will think that you are using your phone. With Rogers One Number, your phone’s identity is carried through to the computer equivalent. It uses the existing Internet connection and minutes (and texts) used do not come out of your monthly bucket. You also get free Canadian long distance and, if you’re talking to another Rogers One Number user, you can have free video chats a la Skype or IM protocols too.

One other feature is the ability to transfer your call between your actual mobile phone and your computer, simply by pressing the corresponding button in the computer app or by dialing a special number on your smartphone.

You can get more information, as well as register, by visiting RogersOneNumber.ca. However, it seems that more than a couple of users have already encounted some problems. Some aren’t getting their PINs, others are being told that the service isn’t supported in their area code. It should also be noted that Rogers One Number does not work with business accounts, pre-paid accounts, or Alternate Line Service. And of course, there’s the issue of entrusting all your services to one provider.

[ source via Redboard ]

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Republic Wireless Goes Fully Unlimited

Leo Xavier — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 20:48:33 +0000

Although Republic Wireless’ announcement of their $19 per month unlimited plan last month made everyone jump through the roof with joy at first, the rest of the deal seemed to be a downfall. But now, the upstart carrier has made another announcement which will allow you to fix your roof once again. From now on, the promised unlimited will be truly unlimited.

Just to refresh your memory, Republic Wireless came out last month and announced their $19 per month plan that promised unlimited talk, text, and data. The deal required a customer to buy the $199 LG Optimus S handset.

But the problem was that the handset was tweaked by the carrier in such a way that it uses Wi-Fi whenever possible for data and calls.

Access to 3G via the Sprint network was available but 3G usage had to be kept to a minimum. If a customer crossed the 3G usage limits the carrier could terminate the service. Therefore a customer could enjoy unlimited stuff, provided the bulk of it was via Wi-Fi.

But all that is changing now with the carrier’s announcement that they are eliminating all usage thresholds.

This is what Republic Wireless has to say:

“Rather than revising our fair use policy, we’ve decided not to have one at all. There will simply be no thresholds, and no risk of losing service. We’re doing away with all of that to keep all of the focus instead on where it really belongs: Creating a new wireless future together. A future that is simple to understand, unfettered to use, and an amazing value for all. That’s what we started down this path to do. That’s where the power of this vibrant community, dynamic Wi-Fi ecosystem and revolutionary technology should be invested. We’re all-in”.

This new move is certainly a big surprise, especially since the service is still in beta. But the phone will still be trying to use Wi-Fi whenever possible. But we don’t think there will be any problem with that. VoIP calls can be done quite well via Wi-Fi, and you will get 3G service for the incredibly low price.

Head here to check out the carrier’s full announcement.

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Ooma VoIP-In-A-Box Service Coming to Canada, Eh!

Michael Kwan — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 23:40:52 +0000

For better or for worse, I don’t have a conventional landline telephone anymore. I rely mostly on my cell phone, but I do have a secondary VoIP line in the house just in case. Pushing the VoIP agenda is Ooma, which has now announced that it will be offering its services to Canucks across the country.

You may already know Ooma from the VoIP services it has been offering in the United States for a number of years now, but now they’re expanding to Canada. The VoIP-in-a-box can be ordered as of today for $229 and that provides virtually unlimited calling to anyone in Canada. I say virtually, because any broadband overages you incur from your ISP are on you. That said, VoIP typically consumes very little data and won’t be nearly as much of a concern as, say, your Netflix subscription.

For an extra $9.99 a month, you can upgrade to the Premier service for call screening, three-way conferencing, ringtone options, and so on, but the basic telephony is “included” in the $229 purchase price. Ooma US Prime customers can now call Canada for free too.

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PhoneIt-iPad turns the iPad tablet into a 3G phone

Radu Tyrsina — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 23:32:13 +0000

Maybe you’re one of those crazy kooks who didn’t get an iPad because it does not offer the possibility of making phone calls. Sure, there’s all kinds of voice apps and Skype apps, but now with PhoneIt, you really turn your iPad into a gigantic iPhone since you can make and receive phone calls or send text messaging using PhoneIt. The app has been developed by iPhoneIslam and runs on jailbroken iPad tablets only (that leaves the iPad 2 out of the question); therefore you should not expect to see it in the AppStore. PhoneIt-iPad does not require data-only SIM cards, which are usually provided for the iPad; the app works with regular 3G SIM cards. If you want to install this app on your iPad so as to use your tablet to make phone calls, you might consider using a headset. The iPad is quite big and it would be uncomfortable to hold it to your ear, not to mention that people will definitely make funny faces when they see somebody talking on the iPad on the street. PhoneIt-iPad can be purchased from Cydia for $20. A video recorded by iPhoneIslam while testing the app is also available.

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Telus To Add Skype Billing Solution for Android Smartphones

Fabrizio Pilato — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:27:41 +0000

In the first agreement of its kind, Skype has partnered with Canadian wireless carrier Telus to offer the ability to purchase Skype Credit via your mobile account. Telus customers will be able to bill Skype Credit charges to their wireless Telus accounts. Alongside the Skype announcement, Telus will soon launch the LG Optimus Black, Skype edition smartphone. Not alot of details were given about the nature of this particular “Skype edition” Android 2.2 smartphone, but from the looks of it they will just preload Skype on your home screen for you.

Skype is a great service for instant messaging and free Skype to Skype communications, but over the years their rates have increased significantly, according to Skype forum users. Calls on Pay As you Go plans start from 0.023 per minute, while an unlimited US & Canada plan costs just $3 per month. Skype was recently sold to Microsoft for $8.5B.

TELUS and Skype sign agreement to offer the best customer experience for on-the-go Skype users
TELUS customers can now easily enjoy the benefits of Skype on their smartphones on Canada’s fastest* coast-to-coast 4G network

Toronto, ON – TELUS and Skype today announced that they have signed an agreement that will revolutionize how TELUS smartphone customers use Skype, including the ability to purchase Skype Credit through their existing TELUS accounts, making it more secure and convenient for them to stay connected with loved ones both in Canada and abroad while taking advantage of Skype’s low-cost calling rates. In addition, TELUS will launch the Skype edition LG Optimus Black, the first Skype edition smartphone in the Canadian market.

“We believe that by developing a deep relationship with leading global communications brands that our customers already know and enjoy, such as Skype, TELUS can provide a superior customer experience that leverages the best of what those brands have to offer and empowers our customers to choose the services they want and need,” said David Fuller, chief marketing officer at TELUS. “By bringing Canadians their choice of the best communication technologies we offer our customers the freedom to customize their mobile experience with the services they want, when and how they want. And when you experience these services on Canada’s fastest* coast-to-coast 4G network, it’s a perfect match.”

Through its partnership with Skype, TELUS will continue to increase its participation in the rapidly growing smartphone application ecosystem by pairing its own unique value proposition with Skype’s well-known communications solutions. TELUS customers using Skype will more easily and securely be able to take advantage of affordable international calling rates to both landlines and mobile phones through Skype Out calling, using Skype Credit. Only TELUS customers have the ability to have Skype Credit charged directly to their wireless bill. TELUS customers can also enjoy unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls and instant messaging to users around the globe.

“People want to take their Skype conversations with them on-the-go, wherever they are, whether it’s on a laptop, or increasingly, via their mobile phones,” said Russ Shaw, Skype vice-president and general manager of Mobile. “TELUS will enable Canadian consumers to get the best Skype experience on their smartphones and it will truly change the way people communicate with their friends and family either here or abroad.”

Consistent with its commitment to an unparalleled Future Friendly customer experience, TELUS will also champion Skype offerings and make them easier to use with customer service team members ready, willing and able to help set up accounts and troubleshoot in store, at TELUS’ exclusive Learning Centres and on the phone. TELUS customers will also be able to take advantage of enhanced web support.
Skype Edition LG Optimus Black coming soon

Coming this summer, the Skype edition LG Optimus Black is set to open the door to the world and change the way Canadians communicate. The first Skype-branded phone on the Canadian market, it features a preloaded Skype icon that connects the user to the Android Market with one touch, where the latest version of Skype Mobile can be downloaded. The Skype edition LG Optimus Black also comes complete with an in-box Skype quick-start guide and up to 60 minutes of Skype international calling credits, so users can begin connecting with the world right away. The slim and light Skype edition LG Optimus Black boasts a 700 nit NOVA display (the world’s brightest mobile display) for stunning colour and clarity on its 4 inch touchscreen. It is also the first device to offer a 2 megapixel front facing camera for premium photo taking, and video capture.
Visit telusmobility.com/skypephone to learn more about the Skype edition LG Optimus Black.

Stay tuned for additional information about the great offers TELUS and Skype plan to bring to Canadians this summer.

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Line2 brings voice and data multitasking to Verizon’s iPhone

Raggy Jin — Tue, 08 Feb 2011 17:42:20 +0000

Those of you looking to grab the Verizon iPhone 4 may be surprised to hear that the phone doesn’t support network multitasking. You have to choose between voice or data, not both simultaneously as is possible with the AT&T iPhone 4. What this means is that when you answer a voice call all of your apps will be pushed offline, you can’t check online schedules, you won’t even receive emails or be able to browse the web while talking. If you’re on Verizon now with another smartphone you’re probably used to this. It’s for all those interested in switching over from AT&T. Contrary to what some people will tell you, this isn’t Apple’s fault. What’s more, the Verizon iPhone isn’t the only phone with this “problem,” it’s any phone on CDMA.

“It’s a feature of CDMA,” says Apple’s Natalie Harrison. “You can’t do voice and data simultaneously. Every CDMA phone is like that.”

That’s right. So when we received a press release from Toktumi Inc. saying their Line2 service “fixes the Verizon iPhone’s inability to multitask” and that “the upcoming Verizon iPhone will only support a voice OR data connection, not BOTH simultaneously over Verizon’s CDMA network,” I was shocked.

Line2 basically combines VoIP and cellular calling under a single phone number, it won first place in the Mobile Apps Showdown at this year’s CES and might be the best app out there to handle this. Giving you voice capabilities over data while still being able to use data and saving you heaps of money in calling fees. Check the PR below for full details.

Line2 Fixes Verizon iPhone 4 Multitasking Issue and Saves Customers Money

Save Up To $1,000/year On Your Verizon Bill

San Francisco, CA — Line2, the only app for Apple and Android devices with tri-mode calling technology, fixes the Verizon iPhone’s inability to multitask. With the upcoming release of the Verizon iPhone just days away there are several issues that potential Verizon iPhone users should be aware of. The upcoming Verizon iPhone will only support a voice OR data connection, not BOTH simultaneously over Verizon’s CDMA network. This will come as an unwelcome surprise to AT&T iPhone users who are used to being able to run their apps and connect to the internet while on a call over AT&T’s GSM network. Verizon iPhone users will have to choose one or the other type of connection. This means that while on a Verizon iPhone call, users will not be able to browse websites, receive new email messages, or access live information from internet-connected apps like Google Maps, Flixster, or Opentable.

Fortunately Line2 has the perfect solution to the Verizon multi-tasking issue. With Line2’s tri-mode calling capabilities you can call and text over Wi-Fi or cellular 3Gdata networks without interfering with any other app or browser connection. The only time a Line2 user won’t be able to use multiple apps is when they don’t have a Wi-Fi or 3G data connection and instead are using the underlying cellular voice line to complete the call, a feature offered by Line2 when needed. With Verizon’s strong 3G data network, however, most customers will be able to place Line2 calls via VoIP over 3G, saving cell plan minutes and allowing true multitasking.

Line2 recommends that Verizon iPhone users port their main number to Line2 at no charge and sign up for the minimum Verizon calling plan – 450 Talk for $69.98 with unlimited data. Using Line2 as your primary number will allow you to enjoy the iPhone’s built-in multi-tasking capabilities and will also save you between $600-1000 a year compared to subscribing to Verizon’s unlimited plan.

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Skype on the iPhone with crystal clear calling over 3G coming ‘really soon’

Fabrizio Pilato — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 15:47:50 +0000

Skype has an update to their iPhone app on the backburner and were told it will be on the iTunes app store “realy soon.”

The Skype app will take a nice chunk of change off your monthly mobile phone bill by connecting you with your Skype contacts and utilizing the Skype Out services which come in various packages ranging from low per-minute rates, unlimited local, national and global while connected to your 3G network.

“We want to give you as much feedback as possible about what’s actually going on with your call,” said David Ponsford, leader of Skype’s iPhone development team.

They are aiming for CD-quality sound on your calls, currently the only Skype application for iPhone allows half-duplex communications, similar to that of a walkie-talkie.

Ponsford also talked about the app having a clear indicator of what type of call quality and signal you were achieving with red-yellow-green-coded status lights in real time while on a call.

The current 1.3 version of the Skype iPhone app only allows calls over WiFi. This is another announcement following Apples change in their developer kit allowing VoIP applications to make calls over 3G networks, and with AT&T on board, it’s a go. Other vendors have been releasing VoIP over 3G apps for the iPhone since then.

Skype for iPhone v1.3 Image Gallery

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iCall first to unlock VoIP over 3G on the iPhone

Fabrizio Pilato — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:42:58 +0000

iCall is the first mobile application to utilize new features unlocked in Apple’s latest iPhone developer SDK. Previous versions of iCall for iPhone restricted users to makingVoIP calls solely over a Wi-Fi network connection, now you can make VoIP calls over 3G.

To our knowledge, this is the first application to be released that will grant you VoIP over 3G capabilities on the iPhone.

iCall CEO Arlo Gilbert is quoted as saying, “I applaud Apple’s decision to allow iCall to extend its functionality beyond Wi-Fi and onto the 3G networks. This heralds a new era for VoIP applications on mobile platforms, especially for iCall and our free calling model. I hope that now more developers will begin using our VoIP as a platform to integrate VoIP into their applications.”

iCall 1.2.5 with support for VoIP over 3G networks is now available in the App Store for download for free.

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V Phone VoIP app for iPhone cuts LD to International destinations

Fabrizio Pilato — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:31:16 +0000

VPhone is a SIP client made by a company called Matrix which will allow you to utilize a VoIP service provider on your mobile handset, the iPhone version was just released today.

Voice calls and SMS are routed through the internet connection of your iPhone, basically it’s translated to data packets rather then being seen as “voice” or “sms” by your mobile carrier. So if you have a hefty data plan, then this is the software for you.

International calls are where this comes in as a cost-effective product where mobile phone carrier LD rates for international destinations are practically insane. With a VoIP provider, you could literally save thousands off your phone bill each year.

The VPhone application is really targeted to VoIP Service Providers (VSP’s) that provide the voice services to their customers and would add VPhone as an ancillary service to their existing offerings. However, it will work just the same if you are inclined to configure it with your VoIP providers settings.

V Phone 1.01 is $1.99 (USD) and can be purchased and downloaded from the iTunes App Store. It is already available for Symbia S60 3g, Android and Windows Mobile devices.

What’s your long distance bill like on your mobile phone? Do you use VoIP at home?

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