New Gizmo talks to Yahoo Messenger and Windows Live Messenger

Stephen Withers
Thursday, 01 March 2007 09:51

Business IT - Technology

SIPphone's Gizmo Project 3.0, a free VoIP application, supports call-out to Yahoo Messenger and Windows Live as well as to other Gizmo users, SIP networks and regular phones.

Initially only available for Windows (the Mac OS X and Linux implementations are still at version 2), Gizmo Project 3.0 also supports instant messaging (including group chat, a tabbed interface to avoid window proliferation during multiple sessions and chat archiving), file sharing and custom avatars.

Gizmo Project also supports call forwarding to fixed or mobile phones (normal Gizmo call rates apply) and free calls to the landline numbers (and in some cases mobiles) of other "registered, active Gizmo Project users in 60 countries around the world."

Dial-in numbers are available in 30 countries, though in most cases the available area codes are very restricted. Prices for this service start at $US3 per month.

Gizmo software is also available for the Nokia N800, 770 and N80 Internet Edition phones, allowing calls to be made at little or no cost while the phone has a Wi-Fi connection.

Gizmo Project can be regarded as an alternative to Skype, but an alternative that is standards-based and that doesn't come with the risk that other users' traffic will flow over your Internet connection.