Hey geeks, it’s the holidays and I’m quite sure that I can’t wrench you out of your computers to go call your relatives. In its stead, I’m recommending Skype, Gizmo Project or this neat service called Gizmo Call, a browser based VoIP service that allows you to call any phone straight from your browser.

Who can I call?
You can call any other GizmoCall, Gizmo5 users, 800 numbers, or SIP address for no charge. Here’s a guide to free calls you can make. To call a traditional phone number and take advantage of some of the low rates on the net you will need to buy $10 of call-out credit here.

Can GizmoCall receive calls?
You can receive calls using GizmoCall. Simply login and then any other GizmoCall user can call you at that username. As long as GizmoCall is open in any window or browser tab (even if in the background) you will be able to receive a call.

How can I make sure my speaker and microphone are working?
Click the “Test” icon below the numeric keypad and follow the instructions. Then use the microphone and speaker sliders to set the optimum settings.

Why not give it a try, and call your folks now?

[image screenshot c/o author]

Post from: Cellphone9

The dispute over which wireless network should shoulder a massive scale of VoIP can only be settled by figuring out which one penetrates a concrete wall. But more than this, it seems that Dean Bubley has also identified something that’s actually very apparent: VoIP on a 4G network is more plausible because of the current types of phones we’re seeing today. As HSDPA is getting more and more accessible as a bundled feature, the trend is truly unanimous.

Cellphones for VoIP. Laptops for WiFi.

[Read]

Post from: Cellphone9

Cubic points out that this feature alone is a life-changer for people who have moved, for example, to the United States from overseas. Their family back home can keep in touch for the price of a local call.

In his column, David Pogue talks about the new global cellular phone that allows globetrotters to call for less, anywhere. The phone, provided by Cubic Telecom is a prepaid device that works just the same way mobile phones do – except that the call rates are 90% cheaper, and you can assign different contact numbers depending where your friends are located.

The phone also allows for unlimited international calls anywhere from wireless hotspots for a small fee of $42.00 a month. The phone is designed by Pireli and is available for a price of $140.00. Proceed here for the full article.

Photo credit goes to David Pogue’s column at the NY Times website.

Post from: Cellphone9

Installing the application to your mobile phone is quick and easy. All you need to do is go to the Fring homepage and key in your mobile number. An SMS will be sent to your phone which contains a link download for the app. I’d advise downloading over WiFi if you have a crappy data plan. You will then be asked to key in a new username and password which will link to the four supported services. Voice quality was loud and clear with some breaks when I would move around the house through doors. But I guess the experience will be different according to your ISP’s quality of service.

Post from: Cellphone9

Currently on beta, Fring is a free service that allows you to use desktop based VoIP services onto your 3G, EDGE and WiFi compatible mobile phone. This means that you can use Skype, Google Talk, MSN Messenger and even Twitter. The technology assures that you can use the VoIP service seamlessly across WiFi and 3G networks:

fring roams seamlessly between Wi-Fi and 3G networks while bypassing traditional mobile voice and SMS text messaging services mobile-to-mobile calls, mobile-to-landline calls, and mobile-to-PC calls including integration into Skype, MSN Messenger and Google Talk wherever you are. The patent-pending peer-to-peer mobile VoIP technology delivers full-duplex voice quality with rich internet functionality and maximum network efficiency.

This means that you can make international calls for free via WiFi or use your data plan for calls rather than spend a pocketful of money for precious international minutes while on the go

In the same way that SMS killed the pager, will built in VoIP software in mobile phones kill off Skype phones?

[DOWNLOAD APPLICATION HERE]

Post from: Cellphone9

The guys over at Mobile Crunch have posted a real world use review of the N800, placing it into the pseudo-laptop category. Pseudo what?? Well here’s the beef:

I don’t think that the N800 can completely replace a laptop and even a trip of four or five days (for me at least) would be a stretch with just the N800 but since starting to use it I have found that while traveling I don’t pull my PC and during a number of conferences I have used the N800 for note-taking, liveblogging and keeping myself entertained during boring presentations. [source]

So it seems that the N800 is a life support vest for the traveling geek that always needs to check email, surf the web and make some calls over VoIP. This discerning market also wants to have the freedom of not being able to lug around and “unsleep” a huge laptop (the N800 has an instant on feature too) but have the convenience of a really bright screen.

Post from: Cellphone9

I don’t need a home phone number because I’m always out.

As it turns out, the demand for a universal number that can be accessible from anywhere, whether it be your home, your car, your mobile phone, or behind your dog’s left ear is very appealing. This is very possible with VoIP.

Read the whole thing here.

Post from: Cellphone9