Source: andyabramson.blogs.com

I’m not so sure that using Fring is a good idea if you want any kind of privacy. While Fring’s privacy settings on the handset require enable you to switch the fringME! location feature on or off this whole idea of tracing someone’s movements is getting a little extreme. Since a lot of people pass phones around o show off their "toys" one moment you may be where you want to be, but don’t want anyone to know, and the next you will be tracked unknowingly when someone "configures" your phone.

In the end I wish these "tracking" technologies were like the 10 second beep when a call is being recorded. Let the user know its working when it starts and then every few minutes. You’d be amazed what something like that will stop.

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

The Wall Street Journal carried an article about Google Powered Phone, (Google Phone, Gphone) today. But the Journal is basically saying what we have been saying for some time now, first article here, and then the update here, both with photos that were mocked up Google phone. Even the first article got DUGG. Of course Google’s support of open Broadband, Open access to 700MHz spectrum may have had something to do with Google Phone.

The article cites unnamed sources as saying Google has been talking to Taiwan’s HTC and South Korea’s LG Electronics about making phones that will run the Google mobile OS.
But I am yet to find a real Gphone photo.
Google might select T-Mobile, supposedly the most consumer-friendly of the major U.S. cellular carriers, as the Google phone’s wireless operator of choice. The Google based phones are expected to wrap together several Google applications like its search engine, Google Maps, YouTube and Gmail, that are already available on some mobile devices. The most radical element of the plan, though, is Google’s push to make the phones’ software "open" right down to the operating system, say Linux!, the layer that controls applications and interacts with the hardware. That means independent software developers would get access to the tools they need to build additional phone features.
WSJ Article

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

San Diego, CA – July 30, 2007 – Switchvox, a leading provider of IP PBX phone systems for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), today announced the availability of Switchvox SMB v3.0, the latest version of its IP PBX that now supports real-time sales and customer service applications.

Switchvox customers can now analyze and manage sales leads through Switchboard panels designed to work directly with their customer relationship management (CRM) programs. Detailed information from SugarCRM and Salesforce.com automatically pop-up on incoming calls via the Switchboard, Switchvox’s real-time call control panel, eliminating the burden of having to access records manually. The integration of Google Maps makes it easy to identify the location of inbound calls, helping to more easily adapt to potential leads.

Switchvox SMB v3.0 also features customizable Switchboard panels, where developers have access to a toolkit and the ability to build custom panels to fit the specific needs of the business. Additional features include:

• Integration with external voicemail servers: Switchvox now has support for third-party, SIP-based voicemail servers, like those made by Esnatech
• Sound packs: allows organizations to select from professionally recorded male and female voices that best complement their business
• Upgraded operating system: increased capacity to handle more concurrent calls with faster hardware systems
• Firedialer 2.0 upgrade: now includes automatic updates and support for local and international numbers

"With the integration of key CRM applications, our SMB customers are able to take the guess work out of their sales strategy. They now have the ability to manage incoming and outbound lead generation, and even locate prospects with Google Maps," said Joshua Stephens, CEO of Switchvox. "This is a key element that had been lacking in the industry which allows smaller businesses to take full advantage of communications technologies available to them in one simple package."

Switchvox builds its products from open source software and uses open standards. The company’s products are sold as turnkey solutions that include server hardware and pre-installed Switchvox software. Switchvox provides an easy-to-use and manage system that allows companies to make calls using traditional analog lines, as well as VoIP services.

The new Switchboard panels for SugarCRM, Salesforce.com and Google Maps integration are available immediately and free of charge for a limited time. Switchvox SMB starts at $2,495 and can be purchased from Switchvox directly or through its network of channel partners. Further information on Switchvox can be found at www.switchvox.com. Information on the Switchvox reseller program can be found at www.switchvox.com/resellers.

Source: voipcentral.org

Following Googles sharp criticism on mobile operators for their efforts to block access to certain popular services like Google Map applications and VoIP, Vodafone came out to defend the mobile service providers.

For Vodafone, VoIP is not a service. It is simply a technology to enable cheap phone calls. The customers are not looking for the VoIP services rather they want mobile services.

Terming VoIP as irrelevant in mobile communication, Bobby Rao, Vodafone Corporate Strategy Director in UK said,

VoIP is not a service. Its a technology, which provides only one thing-cheaper call-and we can provide cheaper calls very easily by cutting prices.

He continued,

We think the best way to offer people cheaper calling plans is to offer them cheaper calling plansThe value customers are looking for is not VoIP.

A Google senior executive, Chris Sacca has disparaged the mobile operators for putting pressure on the search giant to block people accessing Google Mobile Maps. He also said that mobile operators do not want to allow people access to VoIP applications.

Also Read

Source: voipcentral.org

Google has added a Click-to-Call service in its Google Maps features this week. Appears like a VoIP service, the CtC service allows the users to call advertising from Google Maps. In fact, calls are free. You just need to register for it.

Google Maps Team says how it functions:

Search for a business, like a hardware store, on Google Maps, and click the ‘call’ link next to its phone number…. Then, enter your phone number and click ‘Connect For Free.’ Google calls your phone number and automatically connects you to the hardware store.

There are two things that I really like about this. The business’s phone number is automatically stored in your caller ID so you can easily call back in the future. And by checking the box to save your phone number, you can make future calls from Google Maps with just two mouse clicks (after you pick up your phone, of course).

Source: snapvoip.blogspot.com

Despite all the hoaxes, discussions and wondering, Google Click2call is alive and doing well. Sometime back, I read on Om Malik’s weblog about this same issue. He stated that "Strange development on Google’s official blog which indicated that Google’s click-to-call project was canceled. Many readers including Aswath had pointed out that it was a hoax. We have updated the previous post to reflect that, and have also closed the comments on the previous post."
Anyway it turned out to be a hoax.
But just to make things clear, There is an article on Google Official weblog about the new developments with Google Click2call.
Ming Zeng of Google Maps team tell us how he found Blue Xmas lights using Google Click2call!
It works like this on the Google maps;
Search for a business, like a hardware store, on Google Maps, and click the ‘call’ link next to its phone number. This is on the left hand column of the map search page.(see the picture). Then, enter your phone number and click ‘Connect For free.’ Google calls your phone number and automatically connects you to the hardware store.
I would say great. Because I prefer to click than typing, whether on a keyboard or on the phone.
According to Ming’s post, the business’s phone number is automatically stored in your caller ID, when you make the first call, so you can easily call back in the future. And by checking the box to remember your phone number, you can make future calls from Google Maps with just two mouse clicks.
So who pays for this? Ming has the answer for this as well.
"We’re providing the ‘call’ link as a free service to all businesses. These aren’t ads and don’t influence the ranking of businesses in the search results. We foot the bill for calls (local and long distance), but airtime fees or other mobile fees will still apply if you use a mobile phone number. Currently, the calling feature works if you live in the U.S. and are looking for a business located in the U.S."

You can learn more about this feature at Google Maps help page. The link is provided below.

Links;
Click on Google Maps to call
Om Malik’s article.
Google Maps Click2call help

Source: voipcentral.org

Palm Inc. has officially announced the launch of its latest Treo brand Palm Treo 680 in New York this week.

Its cost is around $200. Added with multiple features including Google Maps, eBay auctions, Yahoo Links and Flickr pictures, the new smartphone will be a highly versatile device for the causal mobile phone users.

For instance, the Google Maps that the 680 Treo embeds can guide the users while they are on a tour. It would inform them about the driving directions, traffic reports and searches for local restaurants.

That is why Palms CEO ED Colligan said,

The Treo 680 is the smartphone for everyone. It’s small, sleek, fast and comes in a variety of fun colors. It’s a great phone design, great for messaging and email and provides users easy and fast access to the Internet and to their favorite music and pictures, and makes it easy for people to manage and balance their business and personal lives while on the go.

Read