Tier 1 VoIP Services

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By Bhagwad Park

One of the great things about the VoIP market today is the state of competition. There are relatively low barriers to entry even though it is important for SIP providers to have proper infrastructure in various locations to ensure prompt and reliable service. But other than that, there is no requirement for expensive government regulation and heavy investments in assets. A multitude of entities have emerged providing Over the Top (OTT) VoIP services that use a customer's existing Internet connection to function.

We are seeing however a trend of telecom companies entering the VoIP space. Since they invariably own the networks over which VoIP is delivered, it may be tempting to choose one of them instead. However, there are several disadvantages to having your telecommunications provider also sell you VoIP services.

To start off with, there is always the danger of lock-in. What this means is that the telecom company might bundle the VoIP services in such a way that it is impossible for you to disengage for any reason later on. You may have to move to another geographical area or you simply may find a better deal elsewhere. It's always good to keep your options open after all. So if you have invested a significant amount of time and effort into receiving VoIP service from a tier 1 provider, you lose the flexibility and become a hostage to them.

Mind you, I'm not talking about SIP trunking here. I'm talking about full-fledged hosted VoIP PBX services. Smaller providers realize that they need every edge they can get and so properly implement SIP standards that enable VoIP interconnection between other service providers who do the same. Large companies invariably do not follow SIP standards and therefore you lose the advantages of network effects. Again, if you build your system on a nonstandardized protocol, there is always the danger of it being broken in the future. Bottom line: telecom companies don't play nice and have no incentive to implement open standards.

Finally, smaller OTT VoIP providers will give you better customer service because your business is truly important to them. The larger a company gets, the more difficult it is to obtain personalized attention. When you sign up with a local SIP provider, you can be sure that they will move heaven and earth to ensure that your system works perfectly and that you receive the best VoIP quality possible. As a business, this is an assurance that you simply cannot afford to go without. You need someone responsive and agile at the other end to help you deal with any problems that might occur.

So while it might be tempting to opt for vertical integration and use the same provider for your VoIP services and your Internet connection, it's generally not such a good idea.

Bhagwad is an expert consultant on [http://www.onsip.com/local/chicago-hosted-pbx]phone services in Chicago. He also specializes in VoIP competition. [http://siponiphone.com/2012/10/state-competition-voip-market/]Click here to find out more.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-You-Shouldnt-Use-a-Tier-1-Provider-for-VoIP-Services&id=7352219] Why You Shouldn't Use a Tier 1 Provider for VoIP Services

VoIP Service, VoIP Providers, Sip VoIP, VoIP Phones

Skype's Tight Integration With Windows Phone 8 Showcased

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By Ray Willington
Windows Phone 8 is looking to make a major splash this holiday season, but unlike Windows Phone 7, this iteration will have a major product on its side: Skype. The hugely acclaimed VoIP app has become a fully integrated part of Windows Phone 8, which shouldn't be a surprise given that Microsoft is now Skype's parent. That said, Skype for Windows Phone 8 looks more beautiful than one could've imagined, and it's as integrated with WP8 as FaceTime is with iOS. It's truly a FaceTime rival, but the sheer scope of Skype makes it that much more appealing. It's also always on, enabling you to take voice and video calls just as if someone was calling your phone number, and if you switch phones, you'll be able to keep Skype alive so long as there's a data connection -- a huge boon for avid international travelers who pick up data-only SIMs upon arrival.

It's a pretty great app, and might just convince some heavy users to give WP8 a look even if they're loyal to Android and iOS now. Have a good look at the video below and judge for yourself.

Source: http://hothardware.com/News/Skypes-Tight-Integration-With-Windows-Phone-8-Showcased-On-Video/

voice over internet protocol phone voip gains over traditional phone system

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Advantages of Using VOIP Systems over Traditional Phone Systems for Your Business

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is the latest phone system technology. VoIP phone systems convert regular telephone calls into digital data delivering the voice communications over the Internet, or a packet-switched network. Essentially, when using a VoIP system, you are using the Internet to make telephone calls as opposed to a traditional phone line.

VoIP phone services continue to advance and are becoming highly reliable and popular. The key advantage to use a VoIP phone service over a traditional phone system is that it is cheaper. Other advantages include the convenience and portability of VoIP service and the advanced communication features that are available at no extra charge.

If you are a small business and need this service, visit Resource Nation’s VoIP phone service center.

Utilizing VoIP phone services rather than traditional phone systems can result in lower costs to individuals and businesses. For example, individuals or businesses with a broadband Internet connection (DSL or cable) can make PC-to-PC phone calls anywhere in the world at no charge. Or, if wanting to make a PC-to-phone connection, there is usually a minimal charge that is typically less than traditional phone service. In regards to business owners with multiple locations, if the business locations are connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) or Wide Area Network (WAN), they can share all features of the VoIP system without needing to set up separate phone systems in each location. Additionally, calls between long-distance business locations does not cost extra as it does with traditional phone service. This is particularly attractive for businesses with hefty monthly long distance charges due to calls between various company locations, or with international customers.

Another cost-saving benefit of using VoIP phone service relates to setting up new service. For example, when setting up a new office, whether it is a home office or a commercial office, VoIP can be less expensive than traditional phone installation. With VoIP, you will not have to run separate cabling for your phone system. This results in cheaper set-up and cabling fees.

In addition to saving money, VoIP phone systems are convenient and provide portability. For example, you can take your VoIP phone service with you wherever you go and make and receive phone calls anywhere there is a broadband connection. This is particularly attractive to frequent travelers and employees on the go.

Typically, VoIP phone services allow you to use technologically advanced communication features for free. Call forwarding, call waiting, voicemail, caller ID, simultaneous ringing across multiple phones, seamless call transfers, and three-way calling are some of the features generally available. Data such as pictures and documents are easy to use with VoIP and it also works with various Computer Telephony Integration (CTI) applications, such as call center management. These popular, and often times necessary, applications can prioritize incoming calls based on the caller’s identity. The application automatically brings up callers’ account information as the call is answered so the recipient of the call can easily and conveniently see who is calling.

With its low costs when compared to traditional phone services, the convenience and portability, and advanced communication features, VoIP phones benefit everyone from individuals to small offices to large enterprises.

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News Source: http://www.resourcenation.com/blog/advantages-of-using-voip-systems-over-traditional-phone-systems-for-your-business

emergency VoIP phones

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Telcom & Data intros emergency VOIP phones
Telcom & Data, an industrial phone systems company, has announced that Guardian emergency VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) telephones are now available, Yahoo News reports.

Guardian's HDE series phones are designed for use in public settings where immediate support or hands-free communication is required. Applications include elevators, universities, parking facilities, medical centres, amusement parks and building entrances.
The phones boast many outstanding features

The phones boast many outstanding features. The units have a durable exterior with a rust-resistant finish. The telephones function in severe conditions, including in the extreme cold weather, rain and noisy environments. The units may be set to autodial two numbers or to ring down through a PABX. The phones feature an emergency push button. Once the button is pressed, the phone automatically connects to the intended location. An LED provides a visual confirmation of a call connection.

When Ricardo Trinidad, president of Telcom & Data, was asked about the phones, he said: “These phones are critical for public safety. With the simple push of a button, the caller receives immediate help. It couldn't be easier,” Virtual Strategy Magazine notes.

News Source: http://www.allvoipnews.com/telcom-data-intros-emergency-voip-phones.html

voice over internet protocol phone voip

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                                            Why voice over internet protocol phone voip?

Free yourself from expensive phone bills with home voip. Residential voip uses your high speed Internet connection to replace your phone lines. With voip home phone services, you use your normal phone just like you've always done. When you pick up the phone, you hear a dial tone. When someone calls, the phone rings. What's different? Home voip includes local, long distance, great features, and more in one low flat fee. All inclusive service, one low monthly fee.
Great Features

Home Voip includes Voicemail, Call Blocking, Caller ID, Call Waiting, Find Me, Call Forwarding, Three Way Calling, and services you will not see anywhere else such as Do Not Disturb, Speed Dialing, plus more! Rsidential Voip have over 45 features in all. With traditional phone service, this could amount to quite a hefty phone bill. With voip home phone service, these features are included in your service at no extra cost.
Superior Quality

Residential voip digital lines increase the quality of your calls. Voip home phone service uses your high speed Internet connection to replace those old phone lines. Your calls sound great and at a fraction of the price you've been used to paying.
Easy to Use

When you get a call, the phone will ring. When you pick up the phone, you'll hear the dial tone. The phone will work just like it used to!
Great International Rates

Save money on your International calls with voip's low rates to countries all around the world. See our rate list for details.
Take the Mystery out of Your Monthly Phone Bill

Somehow, with traditional phone service a thirty dollar phone bill turns into fifty dollars when you add taxes, surcharges, tariffs, billing fees, and who knows what else they tack on to your monthly statement! With voip, you know your monthly bill in advance. It's that simple. We've taken the guess work out of your phone bill and put it back where it should be: picking your lottery numbers.
30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee

With our 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee, you can terminate your service within 30 days from the date of your subscription. Simply return our hardware and pay the initial month of service at the standard monthly rate for your plan. Shipping, handling and activation fees, if any, are non refundable.

Source: http://www.voip.com/why_voip_phone.aspx

voip internet protocol IP wirelss phone save cost

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Use a VOIP Phone System and Save on Costs
By Alen J Smith

Anyone needing a reliable business communication system can use a VoIP phone system and save on costs. The calls are transmitted over a data network instead of phone lines in a VoIP phone system. By improving the connectivity and flexibility, these systems enable improved business productivity.

Amazing Features that Cater to Business Needs

A virtual PBX system is implemented using dedicated connections. A VoIP phone system can offer communication capabilities which match that of the multinational companies. They have all the features of a high-end premise based PBX system, but they are made available at a fraction of the cost. The advanced features integrated in the hosted system include: dial by name, dial by extension, virtual receptionist, auto attendant, find me follow me call forwarding, music on hold, call transfer, caller ID, voicemail, fax mail, web administration and so on. The auto attendant system can be programmed to greet the callers with a professional sounding greeting message.

Hosted IP PBX telephone systems virtually empower small business owners to operate their businesses without being physically present in the office. The service providers can offer toll free numbers and local numbers with the area codes of your favored city. The calls to these virtual numbers will be routed to the appropriate destination through high bandwidth Internet connections, regardless of the distance to be covered. The call forwarding facility utilizes a set of predefined phone numbers associated with the person to track him. If the call remains unattended even after several rings, the callers will be directed to a voicemail system, where they can leave their messages. Users can check these voicemail messages from any part of the world on a computer having Internet connection.

Highly Scalable, yet Affordable

Virtual VoIP phone systems do not require any equipment to be purchased or installed. All the required switching equipments and software are maintained at the service provider's site itself. As these systems have a considerable amount of scalability, their connections and features can be extended as and when needed. Since the hosted PBX service is shared among multiple users, the cost that the individual user has to incur is rather low. Considering all the benefits included, it is best to use a VoIP phone system and save on costs.

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Use-a-VOIP-Phone-System-and-Save-on-Costs&id=1473033] Use a VOIP Phone System and Save on Costs

 Anyone needing a reliable business communication system can use a VoIP phone system and save on costs. Hosted IP PBX telephone systems virtually empower small business owners to operate their businesses without being physically present in the office. Since the hosted PBX service is shared among multiple users, the cost that the individual user has to incur is rather low.

VoIP phone system, hosted VoIP PBX, IP PBX, VoIP services, VoIP phone service, hosted pbx, pbx, voip
PBX Telephone System, VoIP Phone Systems, VoIP PBX, Hosted PBX,

VoIP - Voice over Internet Protocol

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By David Dunlap
You've probably at least heard of the word "VoIP", even if you didn't quite understand what all the excitement is about. VoIP stands for "Voice over Internet Protocol" and is going to change the way you think about making long distance phone calls. Basically, VoIP technology turns analog audio signals (i.e. the sounds you hear when talking on your regular telephone) into a digital signal (which is then transmitted over the Internet.)

So why is VoIP revolutionizing the industry?

Because it means that by getting your hands on some of the free software that's available right now, you can totally bypass your telephone company, and start making long distance phone calls for free! This revolutionary technology has the ability to totally change the phone system of the entire world! Perhaps you've seen television commercials for one of the pioneers of VoIP - Vonage. Vonage brands itself as the "broadband telephone company" and offers enticing perks to customers who switch to it's VoIP service such as low-cost 800 numbers and very cheap international rates (fees are waived from the U.S. to Canada, and international calls are as low as .03 cents a minute to overseas locations such as Paris). But Vonage isn't the only company who is interested in harnessing the power of VoIP. AT&T is setting up VoIP calling in several areas of the U.S. and there are other major VoIP players on the scene as well, such as Skype, who is relying on viral advertising to get the word out. Even some regional cable television companies are now offering VoIP telephone service at deep discounts to their customers.

One of the interesting components about VoIP is that there's not just one way to make a VoIP call. There are actually three ways to make a VoIP call:

1) VoIP via ATA: is the most commonly used VoIP method right now. Using the ATA (analog telephone adaptor), you connect your regular telephone to your computer or Internet connection. The ATA is an analog-to-digital converter and it takes the analog signal from your phone and converts it into digital data and transmits it over the Internet so you are able to make VoIP calls. This is how Vonage and AT&T's CallVantage handle VoIP calls. The ATA is free with their services. And using an ATA for VoIP is so simple that anyone can do it. Open the box, plug the cable from your phone into the ATA instead of the wall socket, and you're ready to begin making VoIP calls. Depending on your computer, where you live, and what type of Internet connection you have, you may need to also install VoIP software onto your computer, but this shouldn't be too difficult for most people.

2) VoIP via IP Phones:VoIP phones look just like a standard telephone. They have a handset, cradles and buttons. But an VoIP phone uses an RJ-45 Ethernet connector instead of the standard RJ-11 phone connectors. VoIP phones connect directly to your router and all the hardware and software is already built inside to handle your VoIP calls. Look for Wi-Fi IP phones to be available in the near future, which will allow you to make VoIP calls from any Wi-Fi hotspot. This will allow you to take your VoIP phone with you when you travel, and stop in at any Internet café, hotel or other location where you can use your Wi-Fi laptop, and you can use VoIP technology to "phone home" from anyplace in the world.

3) VoIP via Computer-to-Computer:This is arguably the easiest way to use VoIP. There are no fees for long distance calls and there are several companies offering free or low-cost software right now for you to make use of VoIP technology. All you need is the software, a microphone, speakers, a sound card and a broadband or cable DSL Internet connection, and you can start using VoIP service right away. Except for your normal monthly ISP fee, there is no charge for any computer-to-computer VoIP call, no matter how far away they are.   rel=nofollow http://www.skype.com is one such VoIP service. Chances are, you've already been using the VoIP technology without even being aware of it, any time you've made a long distance telephone call recently. Many of the major phone companies are already using VoIP technology to reduce their own bandwidth. It's a simple matter of routing thousands of phone calls through a circuit switch and into an IP gateway. Once received on the other side of the gateway, the VoIP calls are decompressed, reassembled and routed back to a local circuit switch.

VoIP telephony is the wave of the future.

VoIP technology makes sense in terms of ROI, from both an economic and infrastructure point of view. It may take some time, but eventually all of the current circuit-switched networks that are in use today will be replaced by packet-switching VoIP technology. More and more businesses are already installing VoIP systems, and as VoIP technology makes its way into our everyday language, our lives, and our homes, it will continue to grow in popularity. According to Forrester Research, nearly 5 million U.S. households will have VoIP phone service by the end of 2006. The two biggest advantages of VoIP for home users are price and flexibility. Currently, most VoIP providers offer calling plans similar to that of cell-phone companies, which are commonly called "minute-rate" plans, for as little as $30 a month. And as with cell-phone plans, you can also get unlimited plans for around $79 a month.

With the elimination of long-distances charges, unregulated charges, and all the freebies that come standard with VoIP service, it can actually amount to a significant savings for you. For example, you may be paying extra for features like:

· Call waiting

· Three way calling

· Call forwarding

· Caller I.D.

· Repeat dial

· Last call return with VoIP

These services come standard. Plus there are some advanced features that make VoIP something worth looking into. With some VoIP carriers, you can set up call-filtering options and actually have some control over how calls from certain numbers are handled. For example, you can:

· Forward the call to a particular number

· Send the call directly to voicemail

· Give the caller a busy signal

· Play a "not in service" message with most VoIP services.

You can also check your voice mail on the Internet, or attach messages to an email that is sent directly to your computer or handheld. (By the way, if you're interested in any of these features, not all VoIP companies are created equal, so do a little shopping around first, because VoIP prices and services do vary).

The second benefit that makes VoIP so attractive for home and small business users is flexibility. With VoIP you can make a call anywhere you can get broadband connectivity. Since the VoIP phones or ATAs broadcast information over the Internet, they can be administered by any provider. For business travelers, this means they can take their VoIP phone or ATA with them on the road and never miss a home phone call.

VoIP FAQ:

How does VoIP / Internet Phone Work?

VoIP converts the voice signal from your telephone into a digital signal that travels over the Internet. If you are calling a regular phone number, the signal is then converted back at the other end. VoIP can allow you to make a call directly from a computer. If you make a VoIP call using a phone with an adaptor, you’ll be able to dial just as you always have, and the service provider may also provide a dial tone. If your service assigns you a regular phone number, then a person can call you from his or her regular phone without using special equipment.

Does My Computer Have to be Turned On for VoIP to work?

Not if you are making VoIP calls with a phone and adaptor or special VoIP internet phone, however your broadband Internet connection needs to be active. You can also use your computer while talking on the phone.

Is There a Difference Between Making a Local Call and a Long Distance Call?

Some VoIP providers offer their local service for free, normally only charging for calls to non- subscribers to the VoIP service. Some VoIP internet telephony providers charge for long distance calls to numbers outside your calling area, similar to existing, traditional wireline telephone service. Other VoIP providers permit you to call anywhere at a flat rate for a fixed number of minutes. Your VoIP internet telephony provider may permit you to select an area code different from the area in which you live. This means that if your VoIP provider charges for long distance, then charges could be based on whether you call within your area code rather than geographic area. It also means that people who call you may incur long distance charges depending on their area code and service.

Can I Take My internet Phone Adapter with me when I Travel in order to use VoIP?

You may be able to use your VoIP service wherever you travel as long as you have a broadband Internet connection available. In that case VoIP service would work the same as in your home.

How Do I Know If I have a VoIP Phone Call?

The phone will ring like any other call.

Additional Considerations for VoIP service:

If you’re considering replacing your traditional telephone service with VoIP, there are some possible considerations you should be aware of: Some VoIP services will not work during power outages and the VoIP service provider may not offer backup power. It may also be difficult for some VoIP services to seamlessly connect with the 911 emergency dispatch center or to identify the location of VoIP 911 callers. In May 2005, the FCC ordered providers of Internet-based phone calls to certify that their customers will be able to reach an emergency dispatcher when they call 911.

Dispatchers also must be able to identify the caller's phone number and location. You can review additional information about VoIP and 911 considerations at [http://www.911voip.org] VoIP providers may or may not offer directory assistance/white page listings. Aspects of these considerations may change with new development in Internet Voice technology. You should always check with the potential VoIP service provider to confirm any advantages and limitations to the VoIP service they offer.

To provide reliable VOIP http://voipservicepro.com information, David Dunlap has created a comprehensive resource directory at [http://voipservicepro.com] where all of your VOIP questions can be answered.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?VoIP

Zycko Sets Up snom 821, Microsoft Lync 2010 Enterprise Voice

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By UCStrategies Staff

Zycko, a Platinum Partner of snom, replaced its legacy PBX system with the Lync-powered snom 821, a feature-rich line of business VoIP phones that are readily integrated with Microsoft Lync 2010.

The upgrade was spurred by Zycko’s need to keep a smoothly running IP communications system for its European offices. Zycko maintains offices in various European countries, which include Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Norway, Sweden, and Poland.

By doing away with its legacy PBX and switching to the Microsoft Lync 2010 enterprise voice system, Zycko is now able to deliver VoIP and UC systems to European resellers. And since the new communications system cannot be set up without the proper IP phones, the use of the Lync-compatible snom 821 line of IP phones is inevitable. In the coming months, Zycko is planning to scale to the 350 snom UC edition IP phones.

The primary benefit of switching to IP phones is cost reduction for corresponding IP telephone customers. Since the IP technology is dependent on the internet rather than an expensive dedicated network infrastructure, IP phone service providers can then charge much lower prices compared to their non-IP counterparts.

Another benefit to Zycko is the subsequent enhancement on its workforce mobility. By using IP phones, Zycko’s workforce is afforded more mobility since a user can simply transfer an IP phone from one location to another and still keep the same telephone number, phone settings, and features. In addition, users of IP phones can put calls on hold then pick up from another location with an internet connection, transfer calls to telephones that are part of another network, and even send voicemail messages by way of email.

The snom 821 is equipped with an integrated 1-gigabit switch. Its main features include five-way conferencing, caller ID on a display directory that consists of up to 250 entries, speed dial, call blocking, multiple ringtones, and other traditional calling options that are accessible via an intuitive menu structure. Twelve different SIP identities can also be programmed into the IP phone. The snom 821’s high-resolution TFT color display screen shows phone directories, call lists, and caller information via an XML browser. The audio quality is said to be comparable to an FM radio. In terms of security and protection of customer data, snom outfits the 821 line’s firmware with a secure virtual private network (VPN), transport layer security (TLS), and secure real-time transport protocol (SRTP). (KOM) Link. Link.


Source: http://www.ucstrategies.com/unified-communications-newsroom/zycko-sets-up-snom-821-microsoft-lync-2010-enterprise-voice.aspx

VOIP: Improving Your Business In Ways You Never Knew

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By Megan Webb-Morgan
The Associated Press reports that New York State has seen a 55% drop in landline phone usage over the last 10 years, and some experts estimate that landlines will be completely obsolete by 2025. Landlines are being replaced by mobile and voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phones in homes as well as businesses.

VoIP phones offer all of the features of PBX and other complex phone systems at a fraction of the cost, and often come with features unheard-of in landline systems. You can listen to your voicemail in your email, utilize call diversion, call presence, and call recording, and partake in conference and multiparty audio or video calls with ease.

However, the benefits VoIP phones can bring to your business don’t just stop there.
Dramatically Cuts Costs

The simplest VoIP systems only require a computer in order to make a call, while the most complex require specialized wiring and equipment. However, even the most sophisticated system can save your business money in the long run

    According to ComputerWorld.com, when the Seattle Times Company switched their phone system from PBX to VoIP in 2001, their dial charges dropped from $50,000 to $2,000. Because they only needed one LAN wire to supply both the phone and the computer, their cable installation costs were cut almost in half.
    Oregon Corrections Enterprises’ call center needed to expand its call capacity while also reducing costs. Within 60 days of installing a VoIP system, their monthly telecom charges dropped by 40%. (Case Study, Dialogic Corporation, 2007).

Automated Call Statistics

VoIP telecommunication systems can help your business by providing automated calling statistics for your staff. You can use this information to your advantage to analyze your sales staff’s efficacy and time usage.

    Call statistics break down each salesperson’s daily, weekly, and monthly call activity. It registered the number of total calls made, the number of calls that were answered, the length of each call and its total cost.

One Number Everywhere

Whether you’re in the office, at home, or on your mobile phone, VoIP can route callers to a variety of phones on your system so that you never miss a call. You can also make calls from any device on your system, and your business name and number will always be displayed in the recipient’s caller ID.

    This feature helps keep you connected to your customers no matter where you are, and makes you look more professional by always having a consistent number on display.

Emergency Recovery

Keeping your phone system on a hosted VoIP server can protect your business in case of an emergency or disaster. Whether it’s struck by fire, flood, or blizzard, your business can keep functioning no matter what’s happening outside its doors.

    If you can’t get to the office, you can transfer your VoIP phone to your laptop or mobile phone, preventing a disruption in your business.
    If your VoIP system is hosted in the cloud, you can have all your data – including messages, voicemails, etc – backed up and easily accessible anywhere.

The market for VoIP phone systems is expected to reach to nearly $76 billion in revenues by 2015 according to Infonetics Research, a market research firm. Furthermore, the number of VoIP customers is predicted to increase by nearly a factor of ten – from 47 million in 2010 to almost 410 million by 2015.

VoIP phone systems offer a wide array of features that both mimic traditional landline systems as well as go far beyond anything  previously thought possible for a business phone system. Take advantage of the unique qualities of a VoIP system to improve your business in ways you never dreamed of.

Photo credit: voicebuy.com
Source: http://www.resourcenation.com/blog/voip-improving-your-business-in-ways-you-never-knew/35430/

Skype for Windows Phone 8 has some smart moves

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Skype's VoIP app is "coming soon" for Windows Phone 8, but when it arrives, it'll be outfitted with more options than its Skype sibling for Windows Phone 7.5.

Written in native code, the app integrates into your address book and partially into the dialer, so you can receive incoming Skype calls the same way you would receive a cellular call. You'll be able to answer with a video chat in addition to voice. Skype contacts also integrate into your address book, so you can find your buddies from your contacts screen, not solely from the app.

To field your calls, Skype is always receptive, through a backend notification system that is designed not to drain battery.

There are some new features as well as old favorites. Like the version for Windows 8, Skype for WP8 adds a new screen for favorite contacts. Group chat also makes its debut. Skype emoticons are all there as well, and support for Skype Credit means you'll be able to call friends from overseas. If someone IMs you during a video call, you'll be able to respond, or move the bubble aside, without crashing your call.

If you pin Skype to the Start screen and blow it up to its largest possible size, you'll be able to read your latest instant message.

There are two ways to get into the Skype app, from the live tile/app list or by selecting a contact's name from the address book. Entering the former way brings you to the Recents screen. The latter, however, doesn't launch any outgoing call, it lands you on the chat screen. From there, you can reach out via chat or just place the call.

I find this buddy-list-to-chat behavior unnecessarily circuitous, and it seems to serve Skype's agenda to forward its chat service more than it does people who just want to make a call.

How does the app itself look? Some screens look terrific: clearly tied into the Skype aesthetic, but simple and streamlined. Others strike me as overly sparse, unfinished, and very Web 1.0.

My assessment on how well Skype works on Windows Phone 8 will have to wait for the full version to land, but I will say that the demo calls went through without dropping, and while video was a little dicey over CNET's free public Wi-Fi network, it held on through the duration of a short demo call without skipping or freezing.

Source: http://www.cnet.com/8301-17918_1-57542745-85/skype-for-windows-phone-8-has-some-smart-moves-hands-on/