It is being reported that the Nintendo DS has a headset port which will be used in conjunction with the built-in wireless 802.11b networking capabilities to offer VoIP chat. This will also enable gamers to use the Nintendo DS to make free phone calls or simply to talk trash while fragging your opponent.
Of course Microsoft Xbox Live already does this. But rumor has it the Nintendo DS will enable PSTN phone calls - not just gamer-to-gamer voice chat.
I did some research and couldn't determine whether Nintendo will be using someone like Vonage to power their PSTN capabilities or Skype or someone else. Knowing Nintendo's penchant for proprietary game cartridges, I wouldn't be surprised if they use their own proprietary VoIP codecs and perhaps their own proprietary means of hopping off to the PSTN.
Of course, they could save themselves a few billion and just use Level3's excellent QoS managed VoIP network rather than build their own.
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MSFT XBOX uses Level3 and a Million are enjoying XBOX live ONLINE with beautiful results!!! Why re-invent the Wheel when the CART is available to ride right now?????? AOL testing VOIP on Level3, do I detect a trend??????
Skibare
One more thing, I wonder if Nintendo will offer any kind of P2P integration with this. Any thoughts on that?
For the wifi do you have to have wifi in your home to be able to play with others who are more than 100 feet away?
For the wifi do you have to have wifi in your home to be able to play with others who are more than 100 feet away?
No
is the wifi going to cost money. monthly or yearly like the xbox. if so how much?
proprietary like the opera browser?