GeekSugar

T-Mobile Announces Free VoIP Calls on Facebook

Kristy Korcz — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 12:12:06 PDT

Adding to the already-established voiceover IP options of Google Voice and Skype, T-Mobile announced today it has developed an app that enables users to make free VoIP calls through Facebook.

It's all centered around the Facebook app called Bobsled. After downloading the app, you'll be able to call friends on your computer with just a click and can even leave voicemail messages (marking them public or private) if you've missed them. It's all free, and you can call pals no matter where in the world they're located.

Losing Your iPhone Doesn't Have to Hurt: 3 Survival Tips

Michele Foley — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 03:00:45 PST

This weekend was not pretty for me - I lost my iPhone. Now that the initial panic has subsided, and the pangs of withdrawal are gone, I'm doing OK. I'm getting a new iPhone next week, and unlike my landline- and voicemail-only days, not having a cell phone doesn't mean lugging a roll of quarters and an address book around. Besides email, here's how I'm staying connected:

Gmail's "Call Phone" feature - Being able to make phone calls from my Gmail account is pretty amazing. The desktop VoIP client is free when calling any number in the United States and super easy to use. You just dial the number on a pop-up keypad and talk right into your computer. I've ordered food delivery, called a cab, and confirmed appointments using the Call Phone feature.
Video chat - Whether it's Skype or Gmail, I've been all about using video chat this week to call my friends, which is something I've never really done on the regular. This is especially cool when I'm video chatting with a friend who only lives a few blocks away. In the past, I would have just texted and lost out on the face-to-face time that video chat provides.

See what else I'm using after the break.

Could the iPod Touch Eventually Replace the iPhone?

GeekSugar — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 05:47:35 PDT

Though Apple's iPhone has been taking off since it was first introduced years ago, a new report shows that 40 percent of iOS sales come from the iPod Touch. And now that a brand-new iPod Touch with more iPhone-like features hits stores today, I expect their sales will soar.

One of the most exciting features of the new iPod Touch is the introduction of a front-facing camera from which users can access the popular FaceTime feature, chatting with both iPhone 4 users and other iPod Touch users over a WiFi connection. Since the iPod Touch doesn't carry a 3G connection, though, it's impossible to use FaceTime (or other apps like Skype) on the iPod Touch similarly to an iPhone (from anywhere, without WiFi).

For more reasons I think this could happen (including a quote from Steve Jobs), and to share your own thoughts, keep reading.

Mobile VoIP Comes to BlackBerry

GeekSugar — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 14:45:45 PDT

RIM has made tremendous updates and changes to its BlackBerry OS, but there is one feature that has been conspicuously absent from the service until now: the ability to make calls over WiFi. Both iPhone and Android users have several applications, like Skype, that take advantage of this technology. Now, a new Indian company is giving BlackBerry users a VoIP calling option. The company, called TringMe, created an app that runs on BlackBerry devices running OS versions 4.2 to 5.0 and allows voice calls over a WiFi network. It also allows for worldwide conference calling.

To try the service, visit bb.tringme.com on your BlackBerry's browser. After installation, a TringMe option will appear in your phone's address book or call log. With close to 500 billion calls expected to be made over VoIP connections in the next five years, this functionality is a welcome addition for BlackBerry users.

Transform Your Phone, iPad, or Computer With This Headset

GeekSugar — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00:24 PDT

Apple's new iPad may not officially have phone functionality, but it does support VOIP calling, and one of these sleek headsets would look amazing attached to the tablet (or iPhone or computer for that matter). The Curve MM02 Headset ($64) is designed for use with any smartphone or device that has a headphone jack. Besides being stylish and nicely shaped, the headset allows you to access your phone, iPad, or computer's other functions while speaking on the device. Plus, it looks and feels like an actual phone sitting on your desk. Use it to Skype or just make a phone call. Ring-a-ding-ding!

View 4 Photos ›

You Are Now Free to VoIP Via 3G on Your iPhone

GeekSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 01:44:57 PDT

As you may have heard me say before, the iPhone can do pretty much everything under the sun except open a bottle of champagne thanks to its amazing apps - except use its 3G goodness to make calls from Skype, that is. You could use any open WiFi signal to dial up your pals for free over the Internet, but Apple drew the line at you hopping on its 3G signals to use voice over IP.

After much grumbling from the geek population (including a few gripes from yours truly), Apple has finally allowed 3G voice over Internet calling, which includes using your free Skype App. Hop on your signal to call whomever, whenever, and now you don't have to go searching around town for a free WiFi signal in parts of town you aren't familiar with. If only this would have come up a few weeks ago when I was abroad, it would have made my traveling life so much easier.

Would You Make Phone Calls Via Twitter?

GeekSugar — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 07:33:28 PDT

I'm all over Google Voice, the freakishly awesome (and free) Google service that lets me take my own phone number anywhere (plus a ton of other great features). But just cause I use my email carrier to make phone calls, doesn't mean I'd do the same on Twitter. A new third party app from Jajah will allow users to voice chat over Twitter just by first sending a message to @call @"username." Of course you could chat with your mom just by sending her an @call @"your mom's Twitter username," or we could all attempt to chat with Ashton Kutcher, too. I wonder how well that would go over?

We can already post pictures and upload video to Twitter, so enabling voice chatting service seems like the next logical step. The question remains though, would you make phone calls or chat over Twitter?

Does the ooma Core Mean the End of Phone Bills?

GeekSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 07:30:27 PST

You're already familiar with Skype -the service that lets you make calls over the Internet for free - so this little gadget is a total no-brainer.

The ooma Core VoIP Phone System ($249) is a hub that allows you to use voice-over-Internet calling like a home phone - without all the monthly charges (except what you would pay for your Internet access, of course). Just hook up your ooma phone to your modem and you'll be up and running in minutes. Plus, ooma tosses in some pretty cool perks for using their phone system: Free call waiting, caller ID, voicemail, call forwarding, and the option to port your current number to your ooma hub. And you can make international calls on the cheap. Cheap, like starting at a penny a minute.

Seriously, in these troubled economic times, cutting out your phone bill could save you some serious dough, and that is never a bad thing.

Daily Tech: Apple's App Store Reaches 60 Million Downloads

GeekSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 12:00:44 PDT

In just over a month, the App store has already had 60 million downloads since its launch. - CrunchGear
The famous Best Buy vending machine located in the Dallas-Fort Worth airport will now be installed in eight other airports including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, and San Francisco. - Gizmodo
On the fence about getting a Mac or a PC? Here's some Optimus Store in New York. - Engadget
Global IP Solutions has created a new software kit that will enable Voice over IP applications to be made for the iPhone. - CNET
It's giveaway time! Be sure to log into your TeamSugar account for your chances to win a white Nintendo DS Lite and a Space Chimps game! - geeksugar

Another Way to Cut Down on Cell Radiation: Handset Attachments

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 15:36:33 PDT

We told you earlier about how cell phones are now labeled as "carcinogenic" by the WHO, but there are ways to cut down your risk. If you don't want to use the speakerphone or an in-car Bluetooth device, you can always pick up one of these Moshi Moshi Pop Phone ($30) attachments and make like someone from the '90s with a giant mobile phone.

This attachment works with any 3.5mm jack (like the iPhone), but can be used on most mobile devices with an appropriate adapter. Since it keeps your toxic cell phone away from your skull, you're less likely to absorb harmful radiation. Bonus - you can even use for your VoIP calls (i.e. Skype and Google Video Chat) and plug it right into your computer. I'd love to see someone pulling this thing out of their bag. If you do get one, post a pic of you using it on our Facebook page!