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Ooma Arrives

ooma: logo

I received the Ooma today which I initially discussed on my podcast, the GearTech Update.

In the box were both the Hub and Scout which was a nice surprise as the Scout is sold separately or so I thought when I first read about this. I am not sure whether the initial seeds (1500 White Rabbits) are getting both pieces or if everyone does which somewhat offsets the future price of $400. Though the scout is around $40 as I recall – so not that much! You can certainly choose to add a Scout anywhere you want more hardware.

The hardware is both elegant and simple. There are lights to let you know which “line” is active and lets you choose whether you want to join a call or start on a virtual line. I used quotes only because the Ooma provides access to a second virtual line which is usually not available unless you take a call with call waiting. With the box and actually now with the flash on your phone you can switch and start a new call on a separate line. I’ll have to play with this more as I’ve only made a test call to my cell so far (it’s after midnight). You can also conference the two lines together with the box by pressing both line buttons together which is a nice bonus feature. The other buttons enable voicemail access, playback and delete. There’s another button which lets you push any call into voicemail like on your mobile – again a nice bonus feature though I would think this could be even more useful with an LCD display to show Caller-ID. The way cordless phones walk around our home, it’s quite possible to have the phone ring and have no idea where the actual handset is hiding …

I have the main Hub unit on my desk where it can directly connect into our network with my cable modem and router. It’s suggested that you place the Hub between your Cable Modem and Router so that voice can be prioritized over your data. In my past experience with VOIP services (Vonage and CallVantage) this made a noticeable difference and I’ve gone with the suggested configuration. I do however, have the main phone line running through my HP PhotoSmart 3310 Printer so the fax works. The Scout is directly connected to our phone line in the Kitchen with the cordless base station. The phone on my desk is a wireless extension as are the rest of the phones in the house.

When everything is connected and plugged in, Ooma auto-connects and configures itself. The lights blink and after a few seconds you are ready to set up your greeting and voicemail. This is the usual stuff – nothing really to report on this other than I had no issues. When Ooma is active on your phones you get a new dial-tone to let you know it’s on. You also get a visual reminder on both the Hub and Scout with the blue status light. If you lose power or have a network problem, the light turns red and you are back on copper. My plan once I really give this a test is to drastically reduce my Verizon monthly service (currently ~$100/mo) as we’ll only really need basic dial-tone and local calling for emergencies. Ooma also provides web access for call logs and remote voicemail access. I’m not sure that you can get mp3 voicemail attachments as I’ve had with other services and it looks like a flash player, so no listening via mobile phone just yet.

So far Ooma seems like a nice addition to our home telephone set-up, though I’ll be very interested to hear what my wife has to say when she sees and uses it for the first time. It does seem like a very friendly consumer design and other than the fact that we now have another small box on the kitchen desk (her desk!) I like how the boxes let you see you have a voicemail… perhaps now we’ll be better about actually listening to home voicemail messages! In many ways the boxes themselves are a new spin on the older answering machines and Ooma has even called this a Broadband Answering Machine. There’s clearly more under the hood as it’s a VOIP router with Quality of Service (QoS) and P2P inside. I”m guessing that the Scout runs on some home phone-line networking I also am not sure how the P2P really works yet or what the mystery USB port is on the Hub… I’ll post more once we really test this whole set-up. For now, here’s an unboxing… and yes I think I probably do look that tired most of the time.

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T-Mobile officially Launches UMA service

“Essentially, what the T-Mobile has done is delivered the first consumers UMA platform using the same phone to make calls over a cellular network outside of the home and leveraging consumers WiFi and Broadband connections at home. To that end, there are two hardware components to T-Mobile’s offering. First is a phone that can work off of T-Mobiles Cell network and is also WiFi enabled to use GSM of over WiFi and a T-Mobile branded optimized router that gives priority to voice packets. While you don’t need T-Mobile’s router to use the service, it’s the recommended solution. On the phone side, you’ll need one of two new handsets T-Mobile is introducing, one from Nokia and one from Samsung. Regular WiFi enables phones or PDAs won’t work.” [Michael Gartenberg]

A tough week to launch a new mobile anything but T-Mobile is going live (sort of) with their UMA service… The site looks the same as it originally did and there’s no mention of the Nokia phone Michael Gartenberg mentions. I wonder if would be possible to activate true UMA service (auto switching) with software – like TruPhone Plus ?

I’ve used VOIP services on all of my WiFi enabled Nokia phones and both TruPhone and Gizmo let me choose the Internet Call option instead of cellular when I am in range of my AP at home (or work) but neither service seemlessly auto switches an active call between networks which is the real advantage to UMA.

I’ve been testing the service here in the Digital Domain for the last few weeks and i must say, it works and it works well. Places where I could never get a cell signal (like my home office) now work fully. Out and about, I had no problems connecting at T-Mobile’s Hotspots, getting into the car while on the same call and then going from car to home WiFi network. The call just stayed connected seamlessly which is as it should.

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T-Mobile, You used to be cool, what happened?

T-Mobile used to be cool. They were one of the first carriers in the US to offer the opportunity to use unlocked phones and they also were very early in WiFi deployments, tested Dual-Mode Services and even invested in VOIP company JahJah — Amazingly this coolness has been lost and while the left hand has been exploring the potential for advanced voice services, the right hand has begin smacking themselves back into the traditional and anti VOIP line.

If you’ve been an active follower of the working anywhere ethos, you’ve certainly used a TMO Hotspot here or overseas and probably used a VOIP service there as well… Today, though VOIP has become an issue for TMO in the UK and they are actually blocking it’s use on their networks – though cellular today, it could escalate to blocking VOIP over WiFi as well.

In case you missed the news recently TruPhone is rolling out a new version of their service. TruPhone offers a software download which enables users of WiFi enabled Nokia devices (N and E Series) to make VOIP calls over WiFi and now even 3G data. This is a great boon for the active traveller, caller and just someone looking to cut down on their monthly minute allocation. T-Mobiel has taken a remarkably active stance against Truphone and is blocking calls between their network and TruPhone, thus making themselves an island I would not want to be trapped on.

Here are some core FACTS worth noting:

  • T-Mobile has refused to interconnect with mobile VoIP provider Truphone: T-Mobile customers making a call to Truphone’s number range (07978 8xxxxx) will not be connected.
  • T-Mobile refuses to interconnect with operators offering VoIP as a matter of policy.
  • However T-Online Ventures, the venture capital arm of T-Mobile’s parent company Deutsche Telekom, has just invested in VoIP provider Jajah; T-Mobile connects with BT Fusion, a VoIP service; and T-Mobile has also announced a trial of a VoIP service in USA and Germany.
  • T-Mobile is required to ‘make calls or otherwise transmit electronic communications to every normal telephone number’, which it has refused to do in the case of Truphone and other VoIP operators.
  • The other four UK major mobile network operators – 3, O2, Orange and Vodafone – all interconnect with Truphone, leaving T-Mobile isolated on this issue.
  • T-Mobile’s current adverts display the slogan “Setting the internet free”.
  • Currently a ‘beta’ service, Truphone’s is prevented from launching fully until the 07978 8xxxxx number range is fully interconnected. Beta service customers are presently unaffected by this issue.
  • Other mobile operators have employed different methods to prevent VoIP uptake. There has already been the well-publicized removal of internet telephony functionality from Nokia’s popular N95 handset by Vodafone and Orange, and new data tariffs published by Vodafone that mean customers using VoIP will be charged more than for web browsing or email.

The CEO of Truphone, James Tragg said “T-Mobile will argue that it is not ‘blocking’ Truphone but is merely negotiating on price. T-Mobile receives 35p per minute from its customers but is offering only 0.21p per minute to Truphone even when Truphone’s costs are 9p per minute to terminate the call.

While I recognize that T-Mobile is a global company with views that may vary a bit by country, this stance is sure to extend into other regions soon enough. My advice is to switch and let them know just how ridiculous this attitude really is. The users can be in control, rather than the networks. We are willing and able to purchase advanced devices and have the right to use them. In this case voice is being used as a data service and if you buy an unlimited data plan, we should be able to use it. The walled garden approach has held excitement and innovation back long enough.

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Gizmo updated on N95

I just updated the Gizmo client on my N95 (actually updated on my N800 as well) and have to say it’s very slick. You can add contacts from AIM and MSN with a coming soon on Jabber, Yahoo and iChat. I love that it’s integrated with my phonebook which means I only have to open my contacts and slide to the right one click to see who’s online with my various IM services. You can then chat or make a call to any of these contacts.

Gizmo seems to run in the background which is nice so it’s “just on” once you’ve established which networks (cellular and wifi) you want it to use…

Here’s a quick round-up in Screenshots:

Main Screen - SIP enabled

Contacts on N95 ... Gizmo is on the Right SideMain Gizmo Screen

Adding IM ServicesContact Actions

Contact Detail OptionsGizmo Activities ...

Gizmo Version 1.0

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Working Anywhere: give me broadband and stand clear

I’m not quite as travel-intensive these days but reading Andy’s post on Working Anywhere got me thinking about some past experiences and frustrations. Reflecting back across the past few years, I can recall many times when hotel “broadband” was difficult to connect to or even impossible. I’ve had wireless only rooms that can’t get a signal – always a nice feature and of course the ridiculous price you get charged for a 24 hour session, which always seems to timeout if you leave your machine running overnight. I never expect the ports to be wide open, but it’s great when you can actually use a VOIP app or connect through to your VPN without issue.

My main needs are a clean modern room, good desk and chair with more than 2 outlets within reach and a reliable high speed connection. It’d be nice if the desk was near a window and not with your back to an HVAC unit — tends to make the temperature hard to regulate when working. In the past year the number of gadgets I carry has increased considerably and I prefer to have wired access in the room so that I can enable rest of my fleet with a travel router. I used to be content with just getting online, but now I really do look for the same flexibility I am accustomed to at home. Beyond my room, It is certainly nice when you find connectivity (that’s either free or that respects your existing login) in the lobby areas and even the hotel restaurants.

I don’t need the pampering that Andy seeks as I tend to spend little time sitting around the hotel other than pre-sleep and pre-breakfast.

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Working Anywhere: give me broadband and stand clear

I’m not quite as travel-intensive these days but reading Andy’s post on Working Anywhere got me thinking about some past experiences and frustrations. Reflecting back across the past few years, I can recall many times when hotel “broadband” was difficult to connect to or even impossible. I’ve had wireless only rooms that can’t get a signal – always a nice feature and of course the ridiculous price you get charged for a 24 hour session, which always seems to timeout if you leave your machine running overnight. I never expect the ports to be wide open, but it’s great when you can actually use a VOIP app or connect through to your VPN without issue.

My main needs are a clean modern room, good desk and chair with more than 2 outlets within reach and a reliable high speed connection. It’d be nice if the desk was near a window and not with your back to an HVAC unit — tends to make the temperature hard to regulate when working. In the past year the number of gadgets I carry has increased considerably and I prefer to have wired access in the room so that I can enable rest of my fleet with a travel router. I used to be content with just getting online, but now I really do look for the same flexibility I am accustomed to at home. Beyond my room, It is certainly nice when you find connectivity (that’s either free or that respects your existing login) in the lobby areas and even the hotel restaurants.

I don’t need the pampering that Andy seeks as I tend to spend little time sitting around the hotel other than pre-sleep and pre-breakfast.

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iPhone to make VoIP calls

Hard to see how this won’t work. I hope other VOIP providers follow… I can’t really see Michael Robertson sitting idle, letting Jajah get an edge over Gizmo.

It seems Jajah’s Mobile Web service will allow iPhone and smartphone owners to make these calls from within the mobile’s built-in web browser to any number in the world – no software download is required.

All an iPhone user will need to do is type the address mobile.jajah.com into their browser, and then enter their user name and password in order to be able to call people from within the browser.

The Jajah blog claims: “We are going to bring Jajah Mobile to the iPhone as soon as it becomes available.” [Macworld UK]

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FCC forces rural phone companies to carry VoIP traffic

Great news for MuniWireless and for VOIP — and also highly relevant to the MuniWireless event I am currently attending…

The Federal Communications Commission has lifted one barrier to wider VoIP use, ruling late last week that rural telephone companies must allow VoIP calls from other carriers to connect to their local lines. Regulators in Nebraska and South Carolina had ruled that VoIP calls could be blocked from connecting to local ILECs (incumbent local exchange carriers), saying that traffic from some VoIP service providers wasn’t considered a “telecommunications service” and could therefore be blocked.

Those decision led Time Warner Cable to file a petition with the FCC in March 2006, asking it to rule that wholesale telecommunications carriers were entitled to hook up with rural networks and force the ILECs to carry their VoIP traffic. Time Warner pointed to other states such as Ohio, New York, Illinois, and Iowa that have forced ILECs to carry all traffic, regardless of where it originated. In its ruling, the FCC found that the Communications Services Act of 1934 “does not differentiate” between telecommunications service providers, and the question of whether the services offered were wholesale or retail, “traditional” voice or VoIP, were irrelevant. [Ars Technica]

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Birdstep SmartVoice – why is this interesting?

Birdstep SmartVoice looks interesting, but I am struggling to understand why you would need it. They are targeting the service provider not the consumer, so I suppose the idea is that a non-UMA device could be enabled to function in that capacity switching seamlessly between wifi for VOIP and cellular as you enter and exit coverage zones.

Once you’ve installed TruPhone, Gizmo or Fring as I have your device connects to your APs and does exactly this. TMO is banning 3rd party apps (which sucks for unlocked users like myself) and would limit the usage I’ve been enjoying – though I’m on Cingular… and you can certainly choose a carrier that’s open to getting your own apps working to do this yourself. These apps are easy to install and easy to use.

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Thank You Verizon

Just a quick thank you to Verizon for knocking my phone service out today for some unexplained reason — and especially for not being able to address the problem until tomorrow.

I’ll keep this in mind the next time I see your advertising making sure I know that a phone is “always on” unlike my cable service on which I am still able to use for connectivity to write this as well as for VOIP calling…

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Dear Lazyweb… WiFi Video Calls Anyone?

Does anyone know if it’s possible to use the video calling feature of Nokia’s N-Series phones for calls over wifi? I can’t figure it out but think it would be a great way to do enhanced VOIP chat… similar to what the N800 can do, but using the N80 or N93…

I was thinking initially that Fring might be able to do it with one of their supported services (GTalk, Skype and MSN) but don’t see the option…

Any other thoughts here?

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Is it really Gizmo?

Alec Saunders takes a shot at the Gizmo implementation for Nokia stating:

It’s very cool to be able to make WiFi SIP calls from the N80i, but the software:

* Doesn’t give easy access to my Gizmo buddy list.
* Doesn’t make it easy to create a conference call.
* Doesn’t include the fun sound effects that Gizmo has.
* Doesn’t record calls…

And so on… [Alec Saunders .LOG]

Gizmo on the N80i is certainly Gizmo – but not the full application. This may actually work to your advantage on the phone since SIP is already built in and you don’t need to run a memory hogging app to make a call. I can live without the IM piece for now since that is not what I really use Gizmo for when I look to it but there is actually a very nice additional piece that’s been developed which Alec may have missed…

Gizmo Account Manager Gizmo Address Book Nokia Dialing Options

If you connect to Gizmovoip.com from the browser on your phone, you can login to your account and actually access your full address book. With a simple click you can even add a contact to your phone’s address book! While this is a few clicks (after you bookmark the site) it’s not that bad and considering you’ll probably want to add people you call with any frequency to your contacts it’s actually pretty slick.

BTW – Gizmo on the Nokla 770 is the full app optimized for the tablet. It’s also quite nice to have the full version here, though I often wish the 770 was already ready to rock rather than having to launch an application to make a call. Then of course if Nokia had enabled the bluetooth to handle a headset we’d really be talking…

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Gizmo Port opened for N80 access on my home AP

Here’s a great way to start the year…

I’ve previously reported issues getting Gizmo to work on my home network and I’ve finally nailed the problem… my router (D-Link DGL-4100) was blocking Port 5060. Now that I’ve defined Gizmo as a special application on the router it’s open and working! I had posted on the Gizmo forums which is where I learned which port needed to be adjusted.

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Nokia N80 Internet Edition … longer term use

I am really liking the N80 now that I’ve had it for a while. Thanks to Andy, I’ve been able to overcome a few glitches it seems were perhaps pilot error than the fault of the device….

For starters, there is a zoom function in the camera — you just use the 5-way and press either up or down to zoom. Easy. I was getting a bit used to the more advanced functions on the N73 and N93 to realize this was right there – doh! The pictures are not as good as either the N73 or N93, but quite good for a camera phone…

Disabling Birdstep, smartroaming has made a drastic difference in my battery life. In fact, since disabling it I have not seen the low battery message. I charge each night so I can’t tell you exactly how long the battery does last but in my case a full day is sufficient with limited WiFi usage.

I’ve also been able to get Gizmo VOIP working – confirming an issue on my home network. I spent the last couple of days in Philadelphia and successfully activated Gizmo on both my parent’s and sister’s home networks…

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Nokia N80ie First Thoughts

I received my Nokia N80 Internet Edition yesterday via the Nokia Blogger relations program and have been very happy using it for the past 24 hours. It’s a tad chunky compared to the N73 but quite a bit shorter. As you can see it’s a slider style device so the number pad is initially hidden underneath the main function buttons.

The N80ie is essentially the same as the N80 though the Internet Edition designation includes some built in apps right from the get-go.. The N80 has a quad-band radio so you know if there’s a signal you’ll connect, plus the addition of WiFi for those beefier data needs like VOIP with Gizmo Project which comes ready to be installed with a few clicks. I’ve actually installed it, but for some reason cannot activate the service. If you’ve solved this one, please let me know.

My only gripe is that with WiFi on, you’ll have a tough time making it a day on a single charge. If you use it judiciously (like only when you really need it) you should be fine.

I’ll post some more later tonight including a video I shot…

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Free Agent

I am officially a free agent.

I am currently considering career options and feel like this is the ideal point for me to make a change. I’m looking for something that will enable my passion for technology and my experience in marketing to live nicely together — hopefully in a highly entrepreneurial environment. I’m not sure where it will all net out, but am looking forward to the journey. If you know of anything that might be a good fit, please let me know!

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Nokia Communication Suite

Andy points to a very cool Nokia announcement coming from NokiaWorld today… The Nokia Communication Suite!

“The use of broadband Internet access for voice communication is here to stay, and Nokia recognizes that traditional operators – both mobile and fixed – can swim in these waters as well.

“At the same time, IP gives operators better control over how their network resources are used – an important consideration as multimedia services proliferate and data traffic grows.”

By using IP, internet telephony can support calls, video sharing, video calls, instant messaging, presence, file sharing, and other multimedia services.

With Nokia Communication Suite, users can make and receive VoIP calls and other services from their PCs using their existing mobile number. Calls to their mobile number can be answered with either their mobile or PCsoftphone.

Operators can offer both PC-PC calls, calls to mobile phones, or calls to traditional telephones at competitive rates and can bundle additional services as well.

Other services can be charged to same account as the subscriber’s fixed or mobile calls, simplifying their billing and avoiding the need to set up separate, pre-paid accounts for VoIP service. Nokia’s Communication Suite can also allow travelling subscribers to avoid roaming charges for mobile calls when abroad. [Computing.co.uk]

I hope this is not carrier dependent and something we can just use… oh and Mac support please!

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Got Gear Will Travel

As I read Oliver’s post on MobileCrunch, I realized that I am not alone in packing gadgets and accessories for a trip. As I packed for my recent trip to Iceland I geared up for the adventure specifically (mainly with International adapters), but actually carry a similar load on most days. Here’s the core gear I brought along:

  • Nokia E61 – My main work device. I use it for Exchange sync via MailforExchange, calls, browsing and the occasional VOIP call. I use the mobile Gmail client to check my personal mail as well as
  • Nokia N73 – I swap my SIM to this baby for my personal use and actually consider it the current champ in Nokia’s arsenal of devices. I love the size, camera and connectivity – amazing reception! On my trip I bailed on the E61 once I realized that there was not an abundance of WiFi (as in none) and used this to snap pics which were then auto-uploaded to Flickr via Shozu.
  • Nokia N93 – The camera is definitely better than the N73 and takes larger size images and videos, but the size is less comfortable in my pocket. Also as a Cingular customer, I am lacking the 850 band which enables far better reception on the N73. I do really like what this device can do, but given the choice as I have been, I prefer the N73. I still brought it thinking I would have a chance to do some video capture as we toured around…
  • Nokia BH-800 – My Bluetooth headset
  • Nokia 770 Internet Tablet – This is one of my favorite devices. While I wish there was a slide out keyboard, it’s great for what I use it for which is reading news feeds, listening to streaming audio, reading email (short replies via stylus) and VOIP calls via Gizmo — I was able to call my wife from the airport in Reykjavik through Gizmo which worked great.. It’s quite small considering all that it packs and can easily connect via bluetooth to any of my phones or use WiFi when it’s around.
  • Nokia LD1W GPS – Awesome for Wayfinder on the phones as well as Maemo Mapper on the 770
  • Nikon D70s – I knew going to Iceland was not something you get to do every week so I brought this excellent camera along to capture some high res keepers.
  • Nintendo DS – Games!
  • 60GB 5G iPod – I actually watched my first movie from the ITMS on the way home… Cars.

I recently removed both the N70 and N90 from my backpack which I don’t actually find myself using much these days but had them in there for comparison with some of the newer NSeries units. I also carry a pretty vast array of cables and connectors and a Sprint EVDO card along with a Powerbook (no work issue MacBookPro yet).

As you might expect, I’m used to getting stopped at security and having everything swabbed for explosives. I don’t think the TSA appreciates seeing so much gear at one time in a single bag. Interestingly one of my colleagues was traveling with two laptops and did not get stopped so I’ve concluded it’s the cables and smaller things that make them nervous. I’m sure it’s odd to see someone with 3+ phones and an internet tablet (a what!?) but it’s all normal for me… 😉

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Cingular blocks certain SMS messages…

Quite a few new companies are starting to offer SMS configurations for mobile services via an SMS which can actually install a file on your device directly. This is great for a few reasons – It confirms the user’s device address and makes it easy to get going rather than worry about manual entry for adding settings to things which can actually be quite a pain for the average person.

Truphone offers an SMS configuration trust me when I say you don’t want to manually configure SIP on a phone. I was not able to get the SMS to arrive on my phone even with a full signal so I began to try and figure it out eventually getting some help over the phone…

GooSync is another service which can configure your device for use and as adding a sync service is a bit complex. Again, the SMS never arrived… Seems there are quite a few people in the group list who also had not received their messages and were also on Cingular.

A few threads later, it was revealed that there’s actually a binary multipart message being sent which is clearly being blocked by Cingular I’m sure as they think it might be something bad…

Truphone’s solution to this problem is to offer a download (two parts) from their site based on how their service works… not ideal, but you can get it done. I’d imagine that the average mobile VOIP user is not your average user anyway so a bit tech-duct tape to the rescue… Hopefully a work-around for Goosync will also come around. It’s unlikely that Cingular will unblock these type of service messages.

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