vonage posts

Filed under: Wireless, Apple, iPhone, App Store

Business Insider: AT&T to allow VoIP on its 3G network

by Steven Sande (RSS feed) on Oct 6th, 2009

Business Insider is reporting that AT&T has given Apple the go-ahead to enable Voice over IP (VoIP) apps such as Skype on its 3G network. In the past, VoIP apps required a Wi-Fi connection.

The announcement was made in advance of the annual conference sponsored by CTIA - The Wireless Association. AT&T Mobility CEO Ralph de la Vega is scheduled to give a keynote at the conference tomororw and could use the event to further elaborate on their intentions.

The announcement is most likely a response to recent events at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which is proposing new rules that would prohibit carriers from blocking apps on their networks.

A public announcement by AT&T stating that they will allow apps such as Skype on their network would remove any doubt that it's the company that is doing the blocking, and put the spotlight firmly on Apple to explain why they're not approving VoIP apps. As noted yesterday, VoIP provider Vonage has made its app available in the App Store, although ratings after the first day probably make them wish they hadn't...

It should be noted that the announcement will likely have no bearing on the fate of Google Voice, which was rejected by Apple on the grounds that it duplicates functionality already found in the iPhone. The Google Voice app allows users to control their Google Voice account, send SMS messages and check voicemails, but does not provide any VoIP functionality.

Tags: att, CTIA, google voice, GoogleVoice, iphone, rumor, skype, voip, vonage

Filed under: iPhone, App Store

Vonage releases VOIP app for iPhone

by Mel Martin (RSS feed) on Oct 5th, 2009

Vonage [iTunes link] today posted an app enabling cheap international calls using either Wi-Fi or the cellular network. Vonage Mobile for iPhone is free, but requires you set up an account with Vonage, even if you already have an account for your home or work phones.

Users can use their existing mobile numbers, contacts and device interface to place the calls. Just use your existing contact list and click and dial – no extra steps. Users also receive real-time balance updates to ensure they always make the calls they want. The app utilizes your existing cell phone number so people recognize who is calling.

The app supports:

Lower international rates than traditional carriers
Lets you use your existing contact list without taking extra steps
Uses your existing cell phone number

It's a bit surprising Apple and AT&T let this app through. It seems like it certainly 'duplicates existing iPhone features', but it may also be that Apple and AT&T are being careful while under the watchful eye of the FCC.

There have been a lot of negative comments on this app from people who are already Vonage customers and were looking for integration of this app into their existing accounts, but there is no cross-over between the two.

Tags: app store, international calls, iPhone, VOIP, Vonage

Filed under: Software, Internet

Vonage Companion now available for Mac users

by Christina Warren (RSS feed) on Mar 23rd, 2009

Vonage, the international VoIP provider, has just released its Vonage Companion software for OS X. Vonage Companion is available to users who subscribe the the Vonage Pro plan and it basically allows users to use their laptops or desktops to make or receive phone calls. Think of it as Skype but for your Vonage account.

You can use Vonage Companion to record calls, set-up conference calls (or separate conference calls into separate phone calls), selective call block, call transfers and more.

I don't have a Vonage Pro account, so I wasn't able to check out the features firsthand, but flipping through the manual (PDF link) it looks pretty powerful. The biggest benefit to a service like this is the ability to make and receive calls from the road, using your Vonage number and account credentials.

Vonage Companion is free for Vonage Pro customers (existing Vonage users will need to upgrade to a Vonage Pro account) and it works with OS X 10.4.11 Tiger and OS X 10.5 Leopard, though Vonage strongly recommends having the latest security updates and latest OS updates installed. You can download Vonage Companion here (direct .DMG link)

Tags: voip, vonage, vonage companion, vonage pro, VonageCompanion, VonagePro

Filed under: Hardware, Software, Internet Tools

Mac as telephone: I don't get it

by Dave Caolo (RSS feed) on Aug 16th, 2005

The telephone and Macintosh are slowly starting to merge. Applications like The Gizmo Project and Skype make it possible for me to conduct a "phone call" with my Mac, and I've yet to see the point. I've used Gizmo, and while I admit it was sort of fun, sitting there tethered to a headset was hardly convenient. I know there are wireless headsets available, but finding and purchasing one I like and letting others know what my "online phone number" is seems like way too much hassle for something I'm already set up to do with my existing telephone. Plus, I then must convince my contacts to download and set up one of those applications themselves. It's just not going to happen. Today I came across Jon's Phone Tool (JPT), which at least eliminates the headset, but still doesn't push me over the edge.

JPT will let me use a Bluetooth-capable cell phone to make a call via Vonage, CallVantage, Skype and many others. There's also an integrated search for finding contact numbers on your Mac. If this is your sort of thing, check it out. I, however, will be sticking with the good, old fashioned telephone.

So, what's your preference: Cell, landline or IP?

Tags: an+Asterisk+PBX+server, AnAsteriskPBXServer, CallVantage, IP-based+telephony+devices, IP-basedTelephonyDevices, Ovolab+Phlink, OvolabPhlink, Parliants+PhoneValet, ParliantsPhoneValet, Skype, Vonage

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