Microsoft details VoIP and video plans

Microsoft on Thursday unveiled details of plans for VoIP and video products offered through Windows Live services that will include new VoIP phones and a click-to-call feature for address book names.

The software giant already offers free video communications powered by Logitech and PC-to-PC VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) capabilities via MSN Messenger, as well as one-way PC-to-phone calling capabilities in select markets via its Windows Live Messenger.

However, Microsoft later this year plans to either expand its VoIP-related offerings or test new features for Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Search and Windows Live Messenger. This move is part of its overall Live services strategy.

Windows Live Mail, currently a desktop beta, will feature a free e-mail client designed to enable users to right-click on their address book contacts to launch a PC-to-PC voice or video conversation.

Microsoft also plans to test its Windows Live Search, which aims to allow users to make a direct call from their PC to the search result.

And the software giant hopes to introduce new VoIP phones designed to make PC-to-PC calls and one-way PC-to-phone calls via Windows Live Messenger. The phones also will be designed to work on a traditional telecommunications network.

[200mbpsBPL]

World Triple Play IPTV Forum

fyi: World Triple Play IPTV Forum
24-26 April 2006, Berns Hotel, Stockholm , Stockholm, Sweden

In 2004, the market for IPTV services in Western Europe was worth $62 million. By 2009, this market will be worth $2.5 billion

IDC


<a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.me-uk.com/summit/EventDetails.asp?EventID=10345&#38;PageID=272" target="_newWindow">http://www.me-uk.com/summit/EventDetails.asp?EventID=10345&#38;PageID=272</a>

[Earl Benser]

You sort of wonder how long it will be....

... before MS buys AT%T, or do they even bother?????

[tapaskm]

Need universal phone with router

What we need is a phone with built in router that we can use for this windows live as well as use it with any other voip service. Currently if we were to switch from one voip provider to another, we will need to get a new router. When it will be like a regular telephone, plug it to the wall and we have a dial tone, does not matter who the provider is.

[sisednys]

Vonage and Satellite VoIP

The problem is that the 6040 has been out for two years ... and is not usable in the US.

The &lt;a href="http://www.highspeedsat.com/dw7040.htm&gt;7740</a> is just coming out... <a class="jive-link-external" href="http://www.highspeedsat.com/dw7040.htm" target="_newWindow">http://www.highspeedsat.com/dw7040.htm</a>
Is it usable in North America? Vonage is messed up on Direcway ... in the US.