Erik Linask : Convergence Corner
Erik Linask
writer

November 2008

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Video Chat for Google Gmail Users

November 12, 2008

It was only a matter of time before Google followed the likes of Skype, MSN, and Yahoo! The search engine giant has now added voice and video communications capabilities to the tools available to Gmail users. With a Webcam and free software, users will be able to easily place video calls to other Gmail users -- audio-only calls can be made if you don't have a Web cam.

Of course, with the majority of new laptops embedded with cameras, a growing number of users will enjoy the capability, from within the Gmail application. The service is available for both Windows and Mac users.

This is just the latest in a series of add-ons that Google has added, as it seeks to win users from its rivals in the no-cost email market.

HD VOIP Phones from AudioCodes

November 5, 2008

Change is afoot. When you went to bed last night, the nation had elected a new president who clearly said, "Change has come."

In the VoIP industry, that change comes from AudioCodes, which Monday announced its strategic entry into the high definition VoIP market with its new HD VOIP technology, which it is incorporating into many of its existing media server and gateways.

Today, it has gone even further, announcing its line of HD VOIP-enabled IP phones.

No, AudioCodes is not known for phones -- not like Polycom or snom, both of whom are also pushing high definition VoIP. But, because of its heritage and its proven voice technology, AudioCodes brings its new products to market with confidence.

"Because we already have gateway certification with those vendors, and because our phones can easily emulate our gateways, the testing we've done and the certification we have achieved with our gateways provide us a tremendous head start on certifying the phones," explained Alan Percy, AudioCodes' director of market development.

The AudioCodes 300HD Series includes three models: The 310 HD entry level phone with a basic display and interface; the 320HD premium endpoint with a larger screen, and the 350HD executive phone with a color LCD screen (pictured).