Gadget Gurus - Magic Jack - The Skype Vonage Killer

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Magic Jack - The Skype Vonage Killer

Written by Rich McComas

The Magic Jack device is deceptively simple, with every features one could want in a VOIP solution. And, for just $20 per year in service, you get everything, unlimited calls to the US and Canada, call forwarding to three simultaneous numbers, call conferencing, an local inbound phone number, advanced caller ID, voice mail, and even a connection to Outlook

The size of a matchbox, this device installs automatically on any computer you connect it to, and it announces your presence at that computer to the network so that phone calls are immediately routed to that computer. Using either the computer microphone and speaker or any phone plugged into the Magic Jack, you can immediately begin making calls just by dialing the number... even if you are in Europe or Asia, and all calls to the US are free, and calls overseas are just 2 cents, and inbound calls are free.

For a small "virtual" business, the Magic Jack gives you a phone number that rings at a reception desk for just $20 per year, plus it rings up to three other numbers simultaneously (home, office, cell, etc). The first to answer their phone (or computer) captures the call.

For Microsoft Outlook users, the magicJack includes free software which makes a call to any outlook contact just a click away.

For small business travelers, the ability to make free phone calls without burning off valuable cell minutes or using hotel phones at a buck a minute, this is an invaluable tool.

As a result of cellular plans, and Vonage and Skype, today, many homes across America have no traditional wired phone lines in their homes. And, with cordless phones coming in sets of two or four (or more) that require only one phone jack, the magic Jack is the solution that more than likely will tip the scales against the major wired carriers, leading to adoption of VOIP by millions of homes for whom Vonage is too expensive, and Skype is too computer-oriented. The only remaining piece of the puzzle that would allow almost any computer-connected home to get away from Ma Bell is number portability. Currently, magicJack does not allow you to request vanity numbers or to transfer your own phone number to their service, but we are told that this is coming soon. When that happens, the floodgates will open up.

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TECH2 LAKE HOUSE

UPDATE - The exterior of the Technology Lake House is complete and we are now working on interior finishing and electronics. Last year, San Francisco's Channel 7 ABC News ran a special video report on the construction progress of the Technology Lake House, and we expect them back for a follow-up soon. Click HERE for a DLINK Live Video Feed with pan and zoom features (userid=user, no password, daylight hours only).

Ron Rosberg's current project home, the Technology Lake House, is currently under construction on the shores of Clearlake in Northern California. Even though the house is a wireless demo house, we have installed more than seven miles of wires in the walls for dozens of flat panel TVs, speakers, control panels, and sophisticated lighting. So far, more than a dozen technology and fixture manufacturers have agreed to sponsor this project, which has been simmering in Ron's head since he attended the first CES show in New York in 1967. The 7,500 square foot project (plus three existing rustic cabin guest houses) is being built on a five-acre Honeymoon Cove resort with 500 feet of beach directly across from Konocti Harbor Resort. This summer retreat will host technology gatherings annually, inviting Western states home builders, contractors, and technology consultants for a live open house showcasing the latest in home technologies. There is room to park plenty of boats, so plan on coming up for some lake fun after the project is complete. For more info, send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 707-995-2683. To see the latest photos, visit Ron's Flickr gallery.

We are currently looking for products to evaluate in these areas:

Home automation: lighting, security, and entertainment
A/V technology for the 500 SF home theater media demo room

Hot News on Cool New Features: The ENTIRE front of the home is made of 21 sliding NanaWall glass panels that fold into the walls, opening the entire home up to the lake during demo days.

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