Yahoo launches new PC-to-Phone service

Darius Chang | Dec 13, 2005

Unified messaging has taken another leap forward with Yahoo's announcement of its latest Yahoo Messenger with Voice 7.5 software. Featuring the new PC-to-Phone service, Yahoo Messenger users can hop from the Internet to the telecommunications grid using the Voice-over-IP (VOIP) protocol, and connect to any landline or mobile number.

From simple text messages during the modem era, instant messaging services have taken advantage of the large broadband penetration and gone on to include file, picture, video and even voice communication. Akin to gathering in a large room, the ability to know who was online and have instant access to that person permited real-time exchanges to take place. However, once offline, there was no way for instant messages to reach the recipient.

“The Yahoo! Messenger with Voice environment is now a total integrated communications service that helps users stay in touch with friends, family and business acquaintances. In one easy-to-use environment, Yahoo! Messenger with Voice helps users stay connected. Consumers can choose how they want to connect with others -- whether it is through text messaging, email, mobile text messaging, PC to PC calling and now, PC to Phone calling,” says Reza Behnam, managing director for Yahoo Southeast Asia. Read more