VoIP Archives - Page 7 of 7

Hands On With Netgear Dual Mode Skype Phone

I must preface this post by saying Netgear gifted me with their new $199 Dual Mode Skype Phone, part of my CES Blogger In Residence prize package (AKA ‘Dave got paid’). So, it’s entirely possible I’m not objective and therefore I won’t do a formal review. Having said that, quite a few products sit (unopened) on my floor for months waiting to be reviewed… whereas I immediately put this phone into production when I returned from CES.

Unlike Netgear’s previous WiFi Skype phone, this model has a base station which you wire to your home router. The base station will also accept a telephone connection from your “land line” — hence the “dual-mode” moniker: Skype + Land Line. Which brings me to the first point (of two) that I wanted to share…

My one month trial of Xbox Live (Gold level) expired last week… Since they hooked me, I started looking for membership deals. Xbox Live Gold is the fee-based service that allows you to compete online, download movie trailers, chat with folks, compare online stats, etc. 12 months of Gold membership retails for $50 — you can buy online through the Xbox or via a retailer.

At the time I ordered, I wasn’t able to find any discounts. However, I did notice the Gold subscription plus web camera for $65 at Amazon (versus the $80 list price). The bundle also includes Robotron and Uno game downloads, a headset (I already have one), and 200 points (~42% of an HD movie rental) — Including the webcam, these seemed like decent bonus items for only $15 over the annual subscription.

The 360 supports video chat and allows you to add your face to some games, such as Uno and the new Rainbow Six. Though… the biggest bonus of all turns out to be the Vision camera (which retails for $40 without Gold membership) also works under XP. Installation is a breeze: Plug it in, then let Windows find the driver online. It’s definitely not a high-end cam (and it has no microphone) but the price is right. The hardware is simple, though it does rotate and pivot — and, surprisingly, it also balanced fine on my LCD. I had fun ~~making faces~~ testing the video with Skype last night (and you can see that I still haven’t shaved).

Digital Media Bytes: Skype Edition

Skype Mobile 2.2 Beta supports Windows smartphones: jkOnTheRun Skype PC 3.0 released with topical public chat feature: TechCrunch US/Canadian SkypeOut fees return in 2007: Alec Saunders

Tech Company Customer Service Rated

If the BBB can rate these guys, why not me? I’m a stickler for good service — I won’t patronize companies providing inferior service. When I had a billing problem with Sprint about 5 years ago and the phone rep called me a liar, I switched to VoiceStream (Jamie Lee Curtis had nothing to do … Read more

Skype On Your Set-Top Box?

Oregan Networks has produced a Skype CallerID widget. While this hasn’t been deployed anywhere, Oregan produces Internet-connected CE device software — such as code and infrastructure powering PS2’s online functionality.

MovieBeam Review (With Video!)

If you recall, MovieBeam is the movie rental device and service spun off from Disney and backed by Cisco. Unlike Akimbo’s internet downloads, MovieBeam contracts local broadcasters to distribute films over the air. The box supposedly holds 100 movie rentals at any given time, including several offered in HD. A few weeks ago, MovieBeam lowered … Read more

PGA-Skype-Slingbox Command Center

Check out this over-the-top convergence of technologies! Jim Courtney monitors PGA.com live stats while watching the action from his Slingbox and discussing it with fellow fanatics via Skype.