Jabber have announced that version 3.1 of their Jabber Messenger software is now available for download for Microsoft Windows. This release provides a major progression from previous versions, adding interoperability with AIM, web conferencing capabilities and VoIP.
Users can now chat with others on the AIM network, add each other to buddy lists and partake in other AIM services. Jabber Messenger 3.1 is also capable of conducting a video conference between two remote locations, as well as making VoIP calls between two computers.
This news comes after YIM and MSN announced that they would also offer VoIP calling within their applications.
Microsoft and Verizon-owned MCI Inc. have announced a deal to start offering a VoIP service dubbed “MCI Web Calling for Windows Live Call” shortly after BT and Yahoo! announced their entry into the VoIP marketplace.
The new VoIP service from Microsoft and MCI Inc. will allow customers to place calls from a computer to a traditional landline phone or cellphone. The new service is set to launch in the USA this week, with a wider rollout in the first half of 2006. Teleo Inc., a small startup acquired by Microsft in August, will provide the technology to let people initiate a call simply by clicking a button on a page.
Users of MSN Messenger will be able to make calls to cellphones or landlines using the new service, but will have to wait to be able to received calls through the instant messenging application.
Windows Live Call will be priced at a base rate of $0.23 per minute throughout the initial trial, with a price review to come when it rolls out fully next year. Customers will be able to sign up for the new VoIP service through Microsoft’s new Windows Live Messenger software that is slated to eventually replace MSN Messenger. Calling time will be available in $5, $10 and $25 amounts from MCI Inc., who will handle accounts, customer billing and support.
This could be how the new MSN Messenger enabled with VoIP will look.
Vbuzzer have announced a promotion that gives any new subscriber to Vbuzzer 30 minutes of free long distance calls to coincide with the relaunch of their website. Vbuzzer is a VoIP service provider offering an application that can be downloaded from it’s website then used to initiate and receive calls via the internet.
“We’re really excited with our re-launch. The site is easier to navigate with a terrific user interface. Downloading Vbuzzer messenger and softphone is very quick. We’re playing Santa this season and giving new subscribers thirty minutes of free long distance,†said the Vbuzzer’s Mike Mu.”
Vbuzzer recently challenged Skype over it’s proprietary client software, appealing for “every VoIP provider to employ an open standard protocol.”
The new amiciPhone from amicima is a P2P application that allows users to make secured VoIP phone calls, send text messages and initiate and receive file transfers.
Using amicima’s Secure Media Flow Protocol (MFP) the user will experience a smooth and clear voice call, fast text message and fast file transfers via the internet. MFP encrypts all the communications between both computers using an Advanced Encryption Standard, coupled with RSA authentication and AES key.
The amiciPhone integrates these features on top of an established open-source code base that is already being used in other applications. You can download the amiciPhone application for Windows XP.
Peneo have become the latest VoIP service provider to enter the marketplace. Peneo uses SIP technology, a wide spread tehnology that allows users to initiate or receive VoIP calls without a computer.
Peneo offer the following services.
- Peneo users anywhere in the world can connect two phone lines using an internet-based interface and pay Penoe’s low call rates.
- Callback can be used from any computer and does not need any software to be installed.
- SMS callback allows users to send an SMS to Peneo with account details and both number to be connected.
Peneo also offer reseller plans for other businesses wanting to get into the VoIP marketplace.
