Sunday, January 15, 2006

Microsoft & VOIP

IP PULSE is reporting that "Microsoft will offer MCI's PC to phone service dubbed MCI Web Calling, as part of Windows Live Call Messenger, the successor to Microsoft's popular MSN Messenger. The service is currently being beta tested in the US - even the beta version of the service is offered via per minute rates. The terms of the agreement between the two corporate giants call for MCI to manage customer registration, termination of calls, customer account management, customer support, and billing. Customers will be able purchase prepaid calling from MCI in $5, $10, or $25 blocks." [Of course, MCI is now VZ] In addition to Microsoft teaming with MCI to offer PC to phone service, the software company has also tapped Uniden to provide a cordless phone to enable a secondary phone to phone service to work in conjunction with Windows Live Messenger. Uniden has introduced WIN 1200, a 5.8 GHz digital cordless phone that connects to a PC via USB. The phone has integrated presence within the handset including the online status of members on the contact list and notification options. Other phone features include a handset speakerphone, a color LCD screen, a soft key menu and joystick navigation. The phone can be used in conjunction with both the VoIP service associated with Live Messenger or the PSTN. The phone goes for $99. Uniden has also developed a phone to work with 8x8's PacketCable VoIP service. The UIP165P is a 5.8 GHZ DSS cordless phone that can support up to 10 handsets. The phone system, which delivers router functionality, includes a base station and a caller ID handset with a charger. The phone features a keypad and speakerphone at the base and the ability to transfer calls between handsets. The system offers 20 distinctive ring tone options, and support for calling features such as caller ID, call waiting, handset paging and new message waiting indicator with an alert tone option. The UIP165P is compatible with other Uniden accessory handsets such as models TCX805, TCX400, TCX450, TCX905, and ELX500. The phone is available for $130.

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