Sometimes you just need an operator. It's not often, but there are services that a real, live operator can perform that you just don't get when you subscribe to one of the popular VOIP services such as Vonage. Of course, you're not gong to make collect calls from your VOIP line, and international calls likewise need no operator intervention. But what happens if you need to check the status of a line? That was the scenario I recently faced.
Our reviews of the SMC and Netgear versions of this phone have shown them to be less than impressive. But Tim Higgins found that Belkin's version is the one to get.
With computer VoIP services like Skype and Vonage continuing to build consumer base, Truphone is a new London-based start-up going a slightly different route - bringing the same technology to cell phones to enable free or inexpensive calls on the go.
The technology behind Truphone, which is currently only available for select Nokia handsets, is based on the idea that that calls are routed through the Internet instead the more costly networks of mobile carriers. It can be used anywhere where a strong Wi-Fi signal is present, Truphone writes.
SMC Networks today announced a product bundle for wireless Skype calling.
The bundle includes everything you need to make Internet calls using an 802.11b or g wireless LAN: SMC's WSKP100 Wi-Fi Phone for Skype (reviewed here), FON’s “La Fonera” wireless router, 500 minutes of SkypeOut credit and Skype Voicemail for a year.
The bundle is available now from the Skype Web store for $159.99.
SMC Networks today announced two cradles for its Wi-Fi Skype phone: the SMCDPCR WiFi phone cradle and SMCDPCR-AP cradle/access point.
The SMCDPCR-AP serves as a charger/cradle and includes and an 802.11g access point. The AP has two SSIDs: one for VoIP calls and the other for regular wireless clients. It also supports WEP encryption and WPA and WPA2 security.
The SMCDPCR and SMCDPCR-AP will be available next month at MSRPs of $19.99 and $69.99, respectively.
TelEvolution today announced its PhoneGnome Service 2.0 that offers multiple ways to make free long distance and international calls to most telephones in the world. PhoneGnome Service 2.0 requires no hardware, and gives consumers free or low priced calls using their home phone, mobile phone, or PC.
Netgear's SPH101 Wi-Fi Skype phone is a little less rough around the edges than its competition. But still far from being a viable road-worthy alternative phone.
Updated - Our first look at the performance of NETGEAR's RAX80 and ASUS' RT-AX88U shows little benefit functioning as AC routers.
Updated: The first draft 11ax routers are almost here. Take a little time to know what you might be buying into.
Updated - 160 MHz channel bandwidth is an essential feature of 802.11ax. We take a look at whether it means trouble for your 11ac network.
Ever wonder what happens behind the scenes when Wi-Fi devices roam, or more likely don't? We'll show you why the "seamless" roaming Wi-Fi gear makers promise is still as elusive as a Yeti.
