Om notes the pending release of a cool new Voice 2.0 service … (gotta love the not so new numeric age we are living in now.)
Without actually using this it’s hard to make a real judgement, but I like how it seems to work, which is fully transparent with your mobile device. Your virtual TalkPlus number can both send and receive calls directly on your mobile with the help of a small app… You can choose to keep your mobile number private if you like which is a feature I probably would not take advantage of personally but as Om also notes will be great for the dating scene.
My challenge is getting past initial trial on most of the new VOIP services as tasty as they seem (GrandCentral, TruPhone, etc) is that it’s not that simple to use at the same time as your current phone without having to constantly use a different number for in and outgoing calls. TalkPlus seems like it will simplify matters considerably.
Here is how it works: the service gives you a TalkPlus number that you can pass around freely. The service connects to a TalkPlus server over the data network, and allows you to authenticate your number. All out bound calls from your phone can be made via any of the two phone numbers you have – your cell phone, or this virtual number.
Outbound and inbound calls use the voice channel, and connect to the PSTN network. There is no voice quality degradation, typically a problem with mobile VoIP offerings. Those who are receiving your call can only see your virtual phone ID.
When they want to return your phone call, they can hit call and the call is returned to the virtual number. When they hit send, the call is then routed to the TalkPlus softswitch and then onto your mobile phone. [GigaOM]
Technorati Tags: GrandCentral, TruPhone, TalkPlus, VOIP
I have been using (( truphone )) for 3 – 4 months and it is just brilliant. I do not understand the issue with the numbers. I basically have dropped my Vodafone number and just use it now as a forwarding number when I am not in WiFi. As I am most of the time at home or in the office I have used (( truphone )) extensive. The result is amazing. While I was never able to get my mobile phone bills down from the £450 level I was operating; even after Skype started; I have now received bills at a level of £50 – 120 with Vodafone. So a massive saving through (( truphone )). I agree it is still early days but the savings make it worth while the hassle. I recommend anybody to try mobile VoIP. I have found that (( truphone )) the most compelling as it does not change your dialing behaviour; I would try it if I would be interested into lowering the ever same Mobile Phone Bill.
Alex
“My challenge is getting past initial trial on most of the new VOIP services as tasty as they seem (GrandCentral, TruPhone, etc) is that it’s not that simple to use at the same time as your current phone without having to constantly use a different number for in and outgoing calls. ”
Have you tried using TruPhone?
The beauty of this service is that you only need to use ONE number – your Truphone number! When operating within WiFi range inbound calls will be routed to your phone via VoIP and when not in WiFi range but in GSM calls to the TruPhone number are call forwarded to the GSM number. SO – whilst you may still retain a GSM number, it becomes vestigial as all inbound calls are routed through the TruPhone infrastructure.
Oh – and do not forget – unlike other mobile offerings that CHARGE for all mobile calls, TruPhone does NOT make any charge for pure VoIP calls! So – if you have a teenage daughter, she can talk to her friends from home using a Truphone mobile for three hours without running up a massive bill!