dual mode cordless phone

Why is the Most Overlooked Always the Most Important?

Amist the glitz and glamour, the stars and lights, the over-sized tv’s and the mini-computers lied one of the most overlooked, but most important part of CES, the International OEM section. Laced with manufacturers from Taiwan, China, Japan, and others this where I learned the most about the future of consumer electronics, because it is here that the future begins.

Consumer Electronics Is All About Brand Name Marketing

I knew this, but I always assumed that these companies “made their own” products. Sure, i knew they outsourced to Asia, but never did I truly realize until this past week how vast the practice of “just sticking your brand name” on an OEM product is for most consumer electronics “manufacturers.” I have reported in the past on how big names have simply stuck their name on an OEM product. This is not just an issue to the VoIP industry, it is across all consumer electronics industries. I can remember the last time I said, “Isn’t that the exact same product but with a different name” so many times.

Now I Know Why We Never Get the Features and Functionality We Want

Because we voice our concerns to the big brand names…and not to the folks actually making the technology! When it seems like everything we as consumers say goes in one ear of the big brand names and out the other, it really is. These big brand names know that they can stick their name on almost anything and we will buy it. We settle for good enough, rather than demanding great products.

A World of Technology Just Waiting to Be Branded

The International OEM section of CES was a true experience in what is next in both VoIP and consumer electronics. Over the next few months, expect to see an influx of cordless VoIP phones, mainly DECT based, with many coming for use with Skype. Look for greater variety in IP conference phones, with prices dropping as low as $160 for a business class solution. Wi-Fi and Dual-mode phones with camera’s and bluetooth capabilities from every big name manufacturer, IP PBX and IP Gateway appliances for more then half of what they are being sold for today. I don’t know who will release them, or what names they might have, but I have seen them all, and can’t wait to seem them again.

Netgear SPH200D Cordless DECT Phone For Skype

One of the hottest new products for Skype that came out of CES was the Netgear SPH200D. The Netgear SPH200D is Skype Certified SPH200D incorporates DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telephony) technology which utilizes the 1.9GHz band enabling the included cordless phone to avoid interference from WiFi networks. The SPH200D’s dual-mode capability allows users to leverage Skype and the PSTN for calling. The dual-mode capability enables “life-line” capability Skype users, something that Skype lacks as a stand-alone service.

Netgear SPH200D Features and Functionality

The Cordless Phone Base Station incorporates an Ethernet (RJ-45) connector which plugs into the home network router and a PSTN (RJ11) connector which plugs into a traditional telephone wall jack. The SPH200D comes with one handset included and can support up to four cordless handsets per household, with additional handsets available for purchase separately.

• Manage your contact list and see who’s available to talk to
• Use premium services like SkypeIn, SkypeOut, Skype Voicemail (additional fees apply)
• Supports up to 4 handsets per household (additional handsets sold separately)
• DECT Cordless–ideal for long range and clear voice quality
• Multiple Languages Supported

Netgear SPH200D: First Impressions

The Netgear SPH200D is not only sleek and stylish, but upon first tinkering, the phone was extremely easy to use. With a retail price tag of $199.99, the phone is reasonably priced for the flexability it offers. With DECT, PSTN, and IP connectivity, Netgear has successfully deliver a device that not only moves Skype away from the desktop, but replicates the traditional calling experience, and bolsters the Skype offering by provide life-line capability. Definitely two-thumbs up!

I am heading out to CES on Monday. For the first time in a long time, I am heading to a conference or expo with very few meetings planned in advanced. Although many may feel this a poor move on my part, it leaves me open to explore, meet, and investigate the latest in the world of consumer electronics. I will be paying particular attention to:

• Skype Products
• Cordless VoIP Products
• Wireless VoIP Products
• Dual Mode Products
• IP phone system Appliances

So If you plan on going to CES next week, what are the products, services, or trends that you are looking for?

I found this beauty on Engadget today. It seems that they have found information on the FCC site on two new Wi-Fi VoIP phones from Philips; the VP6500 and the VP6000. Just recently, Philips threw their hat in the Skype handset ring, with their VoIP 321 cordless handset. The Philips VP6500 and VP6000 seem to be extremely similar in nature. These new phones from Philips represent the next generation of Wi-Fi VoIP phones as the integrated the use of video through an integrated camera. What is funny is that a year ago at this time, the UTStarcom F1000 was all the rage, and now it is an example of the “first-wave” of Wi-Fi VoIP phones.

Here are some of the highlights of the Philips Wi-Fi VoIP Phones:

• SIP Based
• 802.11b/g
• 2.2-inch screen with 65,000 colors with a QCIF+ 176 x 220 display
• Rotating 240-degree VGA cam
• Hands-free Loudspeaker
• WEP, WAP, WPA2 Wireless Encryption
• VP6500 Has “TV Out” Mode

What is not known is when or at what price the Philips VP6500 and VP6000 will debut. It will also be interesting to see if the Philips VP6500 and or the VP6000 will be sold as an open device or come factory-ready for a VoIP Service Provider. I will keep you updated on this product as more information becomes available.

The RTX Dualphone 3088 is the latest Skype Phone from RTX. The RTX Dualphone 3088 is different from previous models, in that it is as standalone unit so you can send and receive Skype calls without your computer. The RTX Dualphone 3088 also allows you make calls over your existing landline making it an excellent option for an home office. The RTX Dual Phone 3088 utilizes DECT 6.0 technology, comes with a color LCD display, base station, charging station, and has up to 300 feet of range. We easy set-up instructions, and an intuitive user interface, the RTX Dualphone 3088 is a steal at the street price of $199USD. For more information on the RTX Dualphone 3088 check out SkypeStyle.com.

USRobotics has released their latest Mini-cam. The USRobotics USR9640 Mini-cam for Skype is the latest in a suite of Skype products USRobotics has released. In October, USRobotics released USR9360 Dual-Mode VoIP phone for Skype. The USRobotics USR9640 is Optimized for Skype and the USR Mini Cam features true 1.3 megapixel capture capability and full motion video at up to 30 frames per second.

The webcam supports new codecs that enable high quality video from a small device. The camera automatically adjusts to low-light conditions, and includes image tuning options such as brightness, saturation, contrast, and horizontal and vertical reversing. Face-tracking auto-focus, digital zoom, and a full 70-degree viewing angle, make the USR9640 Mini Cam the ideal camera for both desktop and laptop video communications.

The USRobotics USR9640 Mini Cam with Headset will be available in January and have a MSRP of 39.99 USD. Look for the USR9640 to have a street price of $29.99 or less when it hits retailers in January.