We have heard the news about Google’s GrandCentral acquisition. Josh Kopelman offers this take on why Google want to offer you a free service through the GrandCentral acquisition. Scary. I hope the privacy advocates take a look at this seriously.
I think it’s important for consumers to recognize what they are “paying” for a free service. With 1-800-FREE411, you’re “paying” by listening to their advertisements. With Google, you’re paying by giving them your voice.
Before buying into his take, you should also keep in mind that he is an investor in the competing free411.com.
Fring has just released a Windows Mobile app. You can download it here. I am installing it. It got my dash, running Windows Mobile 6, hung twice and once the registration process was on forever. I am yet to succeed in my installation. Will update here once I get it done. This was one app I was expecting for a long time. I will post my experience after I get it working.
Update1: I got it working finally. It is really cool. I did a test call with fring test call service. It works flawlessly. I will try Skype/MSN/Gtalk call in the evening and see if they also work without any problems.
Update 2: It sucks big time. If I use the software, quit and then open it again, it hangs big time. Not sure if it is a problem with their software or an issue with Windows Mobile 6 memory management but the experience sucks big time. This is one app I wanted badly. I am hoping that the folks at fring fix this issue soon. I also wish that these wireless companies offer phones like Dash with a version of embedded Linux packed into it. I will be more comfortable with them than Windows Mobile.
VSNL, a leading international communications solutions provider, announced today that Skype has selected Teleglobe voice termination services to provide call termination for SkypeOut™, a feature in Skype™ software that allows users to make cheap calls to landlines and mobiles around the world.
This could lead to cheaper calls to India through Skype. Right now Skype charges 15.4 cents to landlines in India and 17 cents to mobiles. This is almost twice compared to other VOIP companies like Vonage, Lingo, Mobivox, etc. This agreement with VSNL might bring down the cost of calling landlines and mobiles in India and make it comparable to other VOIP providers.
Now you can setup PBX in your home/Office with just few clicks. AsteriskNOW is an open source software which allows you to deploy Asterisk in a matter of minutes. This is an open source software appliance with a customized Linux Distribution, Asterisk, AsteriskGUI and all other software necessary for the deployment. The feature set is very comprehensive to take care of the needs of any business.
