Items tagged with calling
It's a feature that many have likely overlooked given T-Mobile's current focus on being the Uncarrier, but it's one that was universally loved by international travelers. Wi-Fi Calling essentially allows one's smartphone to make a traditional voice call using their own local (U.S.) phone number, but instead of relying...
Read more...
There's progress, and then there's going too far. While you won't find too many technology lovers who are opposed to having Wi-Fi below 10,000 feet or being able to leave one's Kindle on from gate-to-gate, there's a fine line here that may soon be crossed. Enabling connectivity in the sky is a godsend for those who fly frequently and need...
Read more...
The future of the telephone may be in jeopardy, or at least in some form of danger. Why? Google. The company has allowed US-based users to make telephone calls to the United States and Canada via Gmail for a few years now, and it's about to extend that in a big way. Recently, with a Gmail overhaul, the ability to make...
Read more...
Last year, Republic Wireless made headlines with its $19/month unlimited everything smartphone plan. At the time, the service was available in a limited Beta service. As a result, many people who were interested in the service couldn't sign up for it. Now, Republic Wireless is opening the Beta service up to everyone. As you'll recall, Republic...
Read more...
Looking for disruption in the wireless market? Look no further. Republic Wireless, which bills itself as the nation's first Wi-Fi-centric mobile operator, just reopened its $19/month unlimited Beta to new customers, offering an all-new handset, the Motorola DEFY XT. That's right: cellular service for $19/month. The...
Read more...
Hey, Windows users -- seeing ads in your Skype calls? Fret not, it isn't an unathorized version of the software; it's just a new twist on "free" VoIP calling. Skype has today announced the launch of Conversation Ads, finally, a way to make cash off of free calls. These new display ad units will appear within the calling window of users who...
Read more...
Another video chatting tool? Yep. As if Skype, Facetime and the other alternatives weren't enough, now one of the guys that had a hand in Facebook's development is launching a new video chatting platform that taps right into that network. Airtime is the project of Napster creator Shawn Fanning and tech overlord Sean...
Read more...
What exactly is Dell these days? A PC maker? A smartphone maker? A tablet maker? Dell's been trying a little bit of everything the past few years in an effort to see where traction could be gained, and so it's hardly a surprise to see them delving into yet another market: voice over IP. This week, Dell Canada and...
Read more...
Who doesn't like free? Vonage, which is still around helping people who love home phones, is finally taking a serious leap into what's next: mobile. The company just announced the new Vonage Mobile iPhone and Android app, which lets users make free high-definition calls and send free texts to all users of the app...
Read more...
There's an old saying that goes something like "the best things in life are free." Then there's another, more cynical proverb that says, "there's no such thing as a free lunch." While I'm not here to choose sides or recite old proverbs, I'd offer that, in reality, both views are often very true and have merit. Which brings us to...
Read more...
Enjoy free calling? Of course, who wouldn't? While Google Voice and Skype (amongst a host of others) have provided some fee-free calling options, we haven't seen that kind of enthusiasm from actual mobile carriers. No shock there. But T-Mobile USA is going against the grain with Bobsled, a service and technology that...
Read more...
For the longest time, Sprint's "Simply Everything" plan was the cheapest overall "everything included" calling plan offered by one of the four major U.S. carriers. But now, T-Mobile USA is encroaching, and you have to wonder if this new plan will be folded or pushed over when the AT&T takeover occurs. The company's newest calling plan...
Read more...
There's nothing pretty about the situation going on in Japan right now, but the good news is that there seems to be plenty of people reaching out to help. It will be a long while before the nation is fully restored, and the massive loss of life will haunt residents forever, but in dire times like these, it's the small things that tend to add...
Read more...
Ever heard of a femtocell? Sprint's AIRAVE, AT&T's 3G MicroCell and Verizon's Wireless Extender all fall into that category, and they all serve one main purpose: to extend cellphone signal range into your home. They're basically made for those who have terrible in-home cell service. You just plug the box into your...
Read more...
We're starting to think that voice minutes are heading to the grave. We know that's an exaggeration, and we're still decades out from cellular voice minutes actually being "old hat," but there's no question that those on the cutting-edge have fewer reasons than ever to actually use them. Skype over 3G has put a large dent in the usefulness...
Read more...
VoIP mobile applications have been around for nearly as long as app stores have existed, and Skype alone has seemingly taken over that industry. But there are other options out there, like Fring. Today, another new alternative has come to light, and it may be the most powerful and attractive of all. The app is called...
Read more...
These days, people don't "call each other." They simply "Skype." Skype is definitely making a mark in how people communicate, and with more and more people signing up for their VoIP services each and everyday, it's becoming harder to ignore. The service just keeps getting better with each release, and today Skype...
Read more...
It already happened in the home, and now it's happening on college campuses everywhere: landline phones are vanishing. With the proliferation of cellphones, it has made it harder and harder for landline services to prove necessary. Even VoIP-based services such as digital phone from a cable company or Vonage seem limited in use, with the only...
Read more...
There's no question that more and more smartphone users are using their data services more often than voice services. And with the popularity of texting on the rise, actually calling someone has become an event that happens far less frequently than it used to. And even when you do call someone, there's a good chance...
Read more...
There's just no question that Skype has revolutionized calling, and has basically delivered VoIP to the mainstream. Before Skype, VoIP was mostly used to make intracompany calls and teleconference calls, but few consumers bothered with it. The setup was simply too difficult, and there was no unified way to actually...
Read more...
Here's some interesting news. Skype, which has grown to become the go-to VOIP application for mobile and desktop use, is no stranger to Verizon Wireless. Various Android handsets have been able to use Skype for awhile now, with the Droid and Droid Incredible being two in particular. But frankly, smartphone use of...
Read more...
A good bit of time has passed since Skype launched a dedicated application for Apple's iPhone OS. Last March, diehard VOIP users were elated to finally have their favorite calling program available with just a single finger tap, but one huge problem remained: you still needed a Wi-Fi hotspot in order to make or receive a call. Since that time,...
Read more...
