Poppy girl

http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/us_tec...show_magicjack

lansbury

Now that makes the Magicjack much more interesting.

Still limited by needing a computer running but an interesting addition.

BritishGuy36

Magicjack was pointless before....and it's still pointless...when you can set up a VOIP account for free, make and receive calls for free, get the VOIP hardware cheaper than this new device (no doubt), and with VOIP you aren't tied to a PC.

agentpeppermint

I have the magic jack... and I prefer it over skype

You hook the jack up to your PC, let it install, hook the phone up to the jack ( we have a cordless ) we can call the UK for 2 cents a minute... BUT my mum in law has one as well with a local number, so my hubby and her can call each other whenever they want for 20 bucks a year.

lansbury

Not if you are someone who doesn't have a home phone and only uses a cell. This could save you minutes when you are at home and the computer is on. Useful if you run close to your allotted minutes each month or can cut down to a cheaper plan.

sime303

Can only be used on GSM networks which in the U.S. includes phones from AT&T and T-Mobile. The whole thing with the minutes is a great idea. If they change the system though it will be worthless but I can't see that happening.

Bluegrass Lass

How long before all the carriers file a lawsuit preventing MajicJack from actually selling these devices or the FCC shuts it down? Notice the article said that MJ does not have permission to use the GSM wavelengths.

We still don't have incentive to leave Vonage due to free calls overseas.

BritishGuy36

Well a VOIP phone isn't a home phone....it works through the internet the same as magicjack - except you don't need a computer, the call quality is better, and it can be set up to be completely free.

MrEmjoy

I think they have done the homework and know that it is LEGAL and they don't need permission as the GSM rule doesn't cover the inside of ones home!

BritishGuy36

I don't know why it wouldn't.....the radio spectrum is for everywhere in a given territory....it's not like radio signals stop at the house walls.

paddingtongreen

How the hell do you get VOIP for free?

BritishGuy36

Well I said the VOIP account setup and calls were free - there is a small cost (under $30? - maybe less) to get the VOIP adapter, if you don't already have one). Takes a bit of tinkering, but it works, and works well.

Buy an unlocked VOIP adapter like a Linksys PAP2 on fleabay
Plug any old phone into it, and plug the adapter into your router
Sign up for a free VOIP account - put those details into your adapter (I use voiptalk.co.uk but there are free ones in the US too)
Sign up for a free VOIP number at ipkall.com - put your VOIP provider's details into the IPKall website. You get a free inbound WA number.
Get a google voice account, and point it to your ipkall number.

For inbound calls, folk just call your google voice number.
For outbound calls, you go to your GV console and call people from there (GV calls you, then when you pick up, the other party). This is needed because IPKall only allows free inbound calls. But if you initiate an 'outbound' call from GV, it's still an inbound call to your VOIP number.

The good thing is that though your IPKall number is in WA, you can pick a GV number that's local to you...so local folks can call it for free, and when you call others, it appears to be coming from your GV number, and not the WA number.

Tarkak9

I think its going on the premise that you are essentially buying a radio or wireless device for your home and the range is only going to be mere feet (so in theory, you don't need a license to own and operate such devices). The FCC will go after them anyway due to the pressure and influence of AT&T et al... big boys don't like new kids playing in their sandbox - just like they did with Voip companies, Lingo, vonage etc mostly complaining and using the excuse that voip's didn't have to pay fees and fed taxes, because the internet isn't in the jurisdiction of the FCC. MJ is going to spark another Telecommunications vs Internet debate and the lawbooks are going to be rewritten.

agentpeppermint

Google Voice rocks i have it on my mobile and i give out my GV number... I was thinking of doing a VOIP for free but it was easier to buy the MJ and send it to mum.