Microsoft, Verizon Release Their Skype-Killer TelecomWeb
Microsoft unveiled a public beta version of the long-expected next generation of its instant-messaging software, replete with advanced VoIP capabilities. As expected, it is teaming with Verizon to let users call standard telephones at roughly the same rate that eBay subsidiary Skype charges. With Microsoft claiming 230 million instant-messaging users, all of whom are expected to eventually upgrade to the new Windows Live Messenger, the threat to Skype is obvious. As reported earlier (TelecomWeb news break, Dec. 13, 2005), Microsoft has hooked its new messenger to what's being called the "Verizon Web Calling" service (as an aside, it was MCI back in December, when Microsoft's new software went into an invitation-only beta). The service offers calls as cheap as 2.3 cents per minutes - almost exactly the same price Skype charges for outgoing calls - to landlines in most of Europe, parts of South America and China. Calls to all other parts of the world and to cellular phones in many countries appear to be priced competitively with Skype and other competing VoIP services. As with Skype's "SkypeOut" service, the Microsoft/Verizon service is prepaid, with users required to deposit $5, $10 or $25 in advance. The two also are offering a promo of one hour of free calling for those who sign up via Microsoft's new instant-messaging software - an offer that sounds neat but actually translates to a tiny $1.38 credit (enough for 60 minutes at 2.3 cents). So far, Microsoft is not offering incoming phone numbers, but rumor has it that it's just a matter of time. However, Microsoft has cut pacts with Uniden and Philips to offer standard cordless-telephone handsets that support both the new VoIP service and PSTN calls. Those phones will cost about $100. The move is identical to what Skype offers. Indeed, Microsoft is also will ink a deal with Logitech for a Windows Live Messenger-branded webcam. The deal is just like the one Logitech signed with Skype (TelecomWeb news break, Dec. 1, 2005), which is hardly a surprise because Logitech's goal is to sell webcams that support every service in the world. Microsoft and Verizon say their VoIP service is available immediately to users in the United States, the U.K., Germany, France and Spain. Next week, the VoIP calling service will be released in localized languages and currencies for six more markets: Austria, Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands. Microsoft did not disclose rollout plans beyond that. Although technically a beta, what Microsoft is offering is close to finished software. Such public betas typically are done mainly for marketing purposes. In addition to the VoIP feature, the newest version of the messenger software has the expected laundry list of "new and improved" features. In particular, it has increased support for video chats, and it offer a new feature called "off-line messaging," which lets users send messages to contacts who are offline for eventual delivery whenever the recipients log on. It's also Microsoft's second attempt at PC-to-phone calling. An offering years ago in an early version of its messenger was an abject failure, and the feature disappeared from the IM service. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Duane Whittingham (N9SSN) - Producer Tom and Darryl Radio Shows Heard on C-Band Analog Satellite (W0KIE) - Telstar 6 (IA6) Ch 1 6.2/6.8 mHz Also on WTND-LP Macomb 106.3 FM, WQNA 88.3 FM, WBCQ 7415 kHz & the Internet. Heard Fridays 9pm ET, Sundays 12am ET and Tues 1am ET (Folk) An Independent Freeform Eclectic Radio Show. http://www.tomanddarryl.org http://www.wtnd.us Reply with a "Thank you" if you liked this post. _____________________________ MEDIANEWS mailing list medianews@twiar.org To unsubscribe send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
