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15/03/2010 - Polycom brings video collaboration to Macs

Companies that use Macs rejoice! Telepresence, video, and voice communications provider, Polycom announced that its Polycom CMA Desktop video collaboration app now supports OS X.

Polycom CMA Desktop for Mac OS X offers high quality video and voice communication as well as seamless interoperability with the existing Polycom CMA Desktop for Windows, and a number of other standards-based telepresence systems on the market.

"Polycom CMA Desktop sets a new standard for flexibility, performance and interoperability for desktop video collaboration and we are happy to deliver on customer demand, particularly in the education, healthcare, creative services and entertainment markets, for Mac OS X support," said Joe Sigrist, senior vice president and general manager of video solutions at Polycom in a release.

For more:
- read the release

03/02/2010 - More and More iPhone Apps Support VoIP over 3G

It came out of nothing. Releasing a new version of iPhone SDK last week (along with the reveal of the iPad) Apple lifted 3G VoIP restrictions on the iPhone. Since then VoIP calls are not only available over Wi-Fi but also over cellular networks and more and more companies announces that their apps are now 3G friendly.

22/12/2009 - Top Stories of 2009: Mobile VoIP gets real

There are two different and sometimes warring sides to the Mobile VoIP world. There are the application and software developers who have created mobile VoIP apps that use carrier data networks and circumvent carrier voice plans, and then there are the carriers who sometimes wish to block such applications while also making plans to launch their own VoIP systems.

Since mobile VoIP arose as an option, there has been both debate about its plausibility and sheer inertia of its inevitable progress. In May, Pete Wylie wrote an Editor's Corner highlighting and questioning whether pure-play mobile VoIP could succeed. Then, in August, Unstrung released a report predicting that in 10 years mobile VoIP will be as common as circuit-switched mobile calls are today. A month later, InStat predicted mobile VoIP applications would generate annual revenues of $32.2 billion by 2013! In addition, Gartner claimed more than 50 percent of mobile voice traffic will be VoIP by 2019.

So what happened this year that is going to launch us into this bright mobile VoIP future? Skype in a way, led the pack.

Skype started off the year in January with big news: launching its software on Apple computers. My how time flies--fast forward to November and they've got their app on the iPhone. In our article "TV, cell phones, business = Ubiquitous Skype" we discussed all of Skypes big plans. Skype first embeded on Nokia and Sony-Ericsson phones, and followed that up with Skype for Apple iPhone in April. Skype for iPhone saw two million downloads in its first week but only worked over WiFi. This wild success however saw apps from other VoIP providers follow suit including Nimbuzz, JAJAH, and Vonage. When Vonage submitted its iPhone App its stock was sent soaring. As interest grew, tutorials came out on jailbreaking iPhones to run Skype over AT&T 3G. The EU even began to grumble about forcing VoIP on cellphones. Eventually, after sparring with Google and Skype over mobile net-neutrality, AT&T claimed it would allow VoIP over 3G to iPhone users. To this date, the service is still not enabled.

On the carrier side, things have taken a slower more experimental pace with the focus on integrating VoIP into the main voice offering of their services. In August, FierceTelecom's Sean Buckley wrote an editor's corner for FierceVoIP about how some carriers were beginning to take the premise of mobile VoIP seriously. In "Mobile VoIP can you hear me now?" Sean noted that Verizon and Telefonica O2 were experimenting with the technology. Verizon tested VoIP services on its LTE network in Boston with Alcatel-Lucent. The companies successfully made data calls using VoIP to enable voice transmissions over the LTE 4G network. At the same time Telefonica O2's German division announced that VoIP applications could now be carried on its 3G wireless network. Other carriers were also getting in on the action: Clearwire tested WiMAX mobile VoIP phones in March, and in April AT&T said it liked VoIP on LTE because its 3G network was already to congested to support it.

14/12/2009 - Rumor Mill: Apple to buy VoIP provider iCall

Google has been buying up VoIP companies, so it only makes sense for its rival Apple to do the same. Rumors are floating about that Apple may be in the market for VoIP provider iCall.

iCall is a low-cost VoIP provider with desktop software, browser-based calling and mobile apps. The company also has enterprise offerings including SIP termination. The connection to Apple lies in it's iPhone app which allows users to intercept cellphone calls and answer them through the VoIP service. Speculation as to why Apple might want iCall ranges from their interest in competing with others on VoIP software--getting the technology in-house rather than rely on apps or even to offer iPhones without calling plans--to just wanting the company for its name with the lower-case 'i' being a calling card of Apple's.

For more:
- read this article

Related articles
Skype for Apple iPhone rolls out Tuesday
Vonage iPhone App submission sends stock soaring
AT&T extends VoIP over 3G to iPhone users

07/10/2009 - AT&T Enables VoIP over Its 3G Network for iPhone

After “evaluating customers’ expectations and use of the iPhone compared to dozens of others AT&T offers,” the operator has finally taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s wireless network.

Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled only for Wi-Fi connectivity. At the same time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks.

21/09/2009 - FCC: Net Neutrality rules could be coming to protect VoIP

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski is putting forth a "notice of proposed rule making" for broadband policy that would implement Net neutrality principles ensuring open and unhampered access to broadband networks. Genachowski said the rules could extend to mobile broadband networks as well, which is possibly a reaction to the controversy over Apple's rejection of Google Voice from the iPhone AppStore.

In his letter, Genachowski specifically mentions carriers slowing or blocking access to VoIP applications as cause for rules regulating open access to broadband access. Not surprisingly, carriers quickly criticized the proposed rules and said they might slow down efforts to roll out new products and compromise security on affected networks. VoIP providers, especially ones that play heavily on mobile devices, have to like the direction in which this is headed.

The two new rules Genachowski proposed would prohibit service providers from discriminating against specific applications and make Internet access providers maintain transparency on their networks. He said in an open letter he plans to launch a formal notice of the rulemaking at the FCC's October meeting.

For more:
- see the PC World article here

26/08/2009 - Vonage iPhone App submission sends stock soaring

Vonage shares have been skyrocketing after reports surfaced about the company's plans for an Apple iPhone App, according to a Bloomberg report. Vonage has been on its largest three day stock rally since May 2006, according to Reuters, and the bundled plan the company announced last week just didn't warrant the gains for most analysts.

An approved iPhone app would be a boon for Vonage, which has been languishing with a huge debt load and high churn, unable to grow its subscriber base to reach profitability.

A Barron's blog report, however, said Vonage's request with Apple has been delayed by technical issues, according to an interview with Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris. She confirmed that Vonage has submitted an iPhone application for review, however.

Apple's App store and its take on VoIP applications has been in the news all week, as the FCC probes Apple's rejection of Google's Google Voice app. Will Apple allow Vonage's app, which could pose a threat to wireless revenue for its iPhone partner AT&T?

AT&T, which maintains it had nothing to do with the Google Voice removal, said its agreement with Apple allows VoIP over WiFi, but prohibits applications that access the 3G cellular network for voice call transmission.

For more:
- see the Bloomberg report here
- see the Reuters report on Vonage's stock rally here
- see the Barron's blog on Apple's comment on Vonage's app here

24/08/2009 - AT&T washes hands of Google Voice iPhone app removal

AT&T had no part in the decision to remove Google's Google Voice iPhone application from the Apple iPhone App Store, according to a 16-page letter the telco sent to the FCC.

AT&T maintains that while it has an agreement with Apple to restrict voice applications that leverage wireless networks operated by AT&T, it retains no control or review privilege for any iPhone application and Apple alone acted to remove the application. In addition, AT&T said the agreement limiting VoIP applications did not extend to VoIP apps that leverage the iPhone's WiFi capabilities.

In the letter AT&T specifically mentions that part of the initial iPhone exclusivity contract required Apple to block VoIP calling functionality on the iPhone in order to protect AT&T's monthly service revenues. AT&T said in the letter that it would take a fresh look at allowing VoIP over its 3G data network as a result of the controversy regarding the Google Voice removal and subsequent FCC probing of its practices related to VoIP.

For more:
- see the ZDNet.com article here

24/08/2009 - Apple Explains the Removal of Google Voice from App Store

Not long after Apple removed the official Google Voice application and any other applications that use Google Voice functionality from its iPhone App Store, the Federal Communications Commission has asked both Apple and AT&T to clarify the reasons of the removal.

The companies just answered FCC and published their statements.

A bit surprisingly, Apple stated that the company has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it.

06/08/2009 - Pros and cons of Google Voice from around the Web

Google Voice has been all the rage lately, and this week was no exception. In addition to reports and analysis of Apple and AT&T's removal of the Google Voice app from the Apple iPhone App Store, there have been some interesting takes on the service in general.

Nerd Vittles has a really good primer on how to connect the Google Voice client to any Asterisk system, as well as reports on progress for a Python interface for Google Voice.

Basically, with a little tweaking you can use a Google Voice account for free U.S. calling and SMS from Asterisk phone systems by leveraging a DID with free inbound calling. Nerd Vittles provides an in-depth look at the benefits of this set-up, as well as all the code necessary to make it work.

VoIP opinion blog truvoipbuzz.com takes the opposite approach in an editorial about eight reasons why you should not use Google Voice as your primary phone number. The article lists limitations in carrier networks, spotty SMS reception, and overall reliability issues as evidence that Google Voice is not a good choice for your main line.

I'm impressed by Google voice's international rates, especially to mobile devices, but the voicemail transcription is really awful currently. I tested it several times and found about a 60 percent success rate, which left the messages largely indecipherable. I did not have problems, however, with excessive rings between connections, as some have noted. If you've got an account, what are your thoughts on Google Voice and its performance so far?

For more:
- see the Nerd Vittles GVoice-Asterisk primer here
- see the truvoipbuzz.com article here

03/08/2009 - FCC probes Google Voice iPhone app removal

Apple and AT&T have found themselves in some hot regulatory water over the removal of Google's Google Voice application from the Apple iPhone App Store. The FCC wrote both the CE manufacturer and the nation's second-leading wireless carrier on Friday for clarification on the reason for the removal, citing potential anti-trust violations. Neither Apple nor AT&T commented on which company initiated the removal or the reasons behind it.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in the two letters that his commission's duty to encourage competition in the wireless space for consumer interest compelled him to seek more information about the Google Voice application removal.

The FCC action could mean big things for other VoIP application makers, both in regards to the iPhone App Store, and others such as the BlackBerry App World and Palm's nascent application market for its Pre handset. Skype and Google, most notably, have pushed the FCC to mandate open access for applications on cell phone carrier networks, as TechCrunch's Erick Schonfeld notes. Schonfeld sees the FCC's interest as a sign that regulation may move toward creating "dump pipes," which is an exciting prospect for VoIP players, but one likely to meet fierce resistance from mobile carriers protecting their wireless revenues.

For more:
- see the TechCrunch article via the Washington Post here
- see DigitalBeat's write up of VoIP applications for the Palm Pre here
- see Information Week's coverage of the FCC action here

13/07/2009 - Yet another entrant joins mobile VoIP app market

WCell International, a Hong Kong-based VoIP calling platform for mobile devices, announced its application is now available for download on a variety of mobile operating systems. The application currently is compatible with BlackBerry, Java, Windows Mobile and Symbian, among others, and it is pending approval by Apple for listing in the iPhone App Store.

WCell, which has been bootstrapped with investment from its founders, said it can offer comparable or better voice call quality than its many competitors in the mobile VoIP applications world, while simultaneously delivering cost savings against leaders such as Skype. It said it will attempt to differentiate from the likes of Skype, fring, Nimbuzz and Truphone by targeting retail handset sales. The company aims to have 10 million paying customers of the service by November, and it will have to rapidly expand and compete with all the other entrants in the space if it to reach its goal.

For more:
- see the Venture Beat article here

17/06/2009 - Media5 SIP Softphone App Turns iPhone into IP-PBX Extension

Media5 has released a SIP client application that allows the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch to be used as a IP-PBX extension.
The company says the full-featured softphone enables the Apple devices to be used to access the same phone services and features as if they were in the office.

22/04/2009 - Vopium joins the me-too iPhone VoIP app club

Stop me if you're heard this before two dozen or more times: Company starts mobile VoIP service to bypass expensive long-distance calls, using free downloadable client. Company introduces iPhone application. Do a find on "Company" and replace with "Vopium"

As a promotional incentive to get iPhone users to download the app from Apple's App store, Vopium is offering 30 minutes of free calls and 30 SMS text messages to "get started" says the press release, and then users drop into the usual and all-too-familiar world of pre-paying for credits, free call through WiFi when available, and redirecting calls along the cheapest routes via VoIP.

Net-net, we've been here before -- way too many times. Vopium joins a crowded room of mobile VoIP characters that includes established players like Skype for iPhone - with its 1 week/2 million downloads - and Truphone.

For more:
- Vopium's press release in the evil .PDF format.

08/04/2009 - Skype for iPhone: One week, 2 million downloads

Skype reported Tuesday it has logged 2 million downloads for its Skype for iPhone application, a bit more than a week after the application was released at CTIA. To get such a number, downloads have had to occur at an average of two to three per second since the app first appeared.

It's a big number considering that around 4 million iPhones have sold between product launch and the end of 2008, but you could dilute it down a bit if you throw in however many million iPod Touch owners may have downloaded the app.

Regardless, 2 million downloads in a week is still a big number, no matter how you might want to divvy up the pie between the total number of iPhones and iPod Touches sold. It is also likely a number to grow larger and be freely bandied about during Skype's lobbying efforts at the FCC and the EU, as it fights restrictions and/or banning of the application by carriers.

For more:
- Review Skype's blog on hitting 2M downloads.
- Ars Technica estimates around 4 million iPhones sold between launch and end of 2008.

30/03/2009 - Skype for Apple iPhone rolls out Tuesday

Skype will officially pull the wraps off its Apple iPhone application Tuesday, but it seems like every reporter with an iPhone got a look at the application over the weekend. Users will be able to Skype-inate over WiFi, including free calls to other Skype users and the whole cheaper calls bit via SkypeOut. A Skype version for the BlackBerry will appear in May.

PC World says that users won't be able to place calls over a cellular data network; this is a protective sop thrown to the carriers so the app won't (supposedly) diminish long-distance and roaming minutes. Presence and IM work the same and go over whatever data network is available; cellular or WiFi.

Skype for iPhone will use phone numbers directly from the iPhone's address book and will also helpfully display Skype contact photos. Conference calling is available, but right now, an iPhone user has to be invited in.

Other features not available in the first version of Skype for iPhone are SMS, video, file transfer and voicemail. However, iPod Touch users will also be able to load and use Skype.

For more:
- PC World has screen snapshots and details. Post.

29/01/2009 - eBay To Sell Skype?

Skype's future as an eBay company is looking increasingly unsure as speculation mounts over its possible sale.
eBay's chief executive, John Donahoe, has done nothing to ease expectations of a sell-off. Last week he told analysts that "synergies between Skype and the other parts of our portfolio are minimal" and that it is "a great standalone business".

16/01/2009 - Choice of VoIP iPhone Apps Growing

The options for VoIP calling on the iPhone are expected to continue expanding with both Skype and Truphone expected to join a growing list of VoIP apps for the Apple handset.
Truphone already provides an app for the iPhone which enables users to make low-priced international calls via the GSM network even when the smartphone is not connected to the Wi-Fi network.

29/10/2008 - Truphone announces VoIP app for BlackBerry

The VoIP mobile software developer Truphone has launched a beta version of its iPhone app for RIM's BlackBerry 8801 and Curve devices.
While Truphone Anywhere for Blackberry only works on WiFi enabled BlackBerrys at the moment it will be rolled out for 3G at some point.

17/09/2008 - iPhone Interface Allows Call Center Mangement

Smoothstone IP Communications has developed a mobile interface that allows corporate call centers to be controlled from anywhere in the world using the iPod and iPhone.
The company says Apple’s new support for corporate security standards allows it to provide a secure, enterprise solution for IT professionals to use when they are out the office environment.

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