Sky Voice: Free local calls over VoIP

With broadband penetration reaching new heights, everyone wants to get a piece of the VoIP action, and Sky Voice is no exception. Similar to other VoIP services like Skype and pFingo Talk, Sky Voice provides free audio calls over the Sky Voice Network. If you require calls to mobile or fixed lines, a monthly subscription fee of S$15.75 (US$11.58) gives you free local calls, though international numbers require additional charges ranging from S$0.07 (US$0.05) to S$0.30 (US$0.22) per min.

Sky Voice networks can be accessed through a virtual Softphone on your Windows system or via handsets retailed by the company. The Softphone application is a free download available on its Web site. The SkyVoice S282 (pictured) is a combination GSM/Wi-Fi device which allows you to connect to either the VoIP network or normal mobile phone lines. The Wireless IP3000 does not have a GSM radio, hence it's usable only in areas with wireless Internet connection.

The two handsets cost S$598 (US$439.71) and S$188 (US$138.24), respectively.

So how does Sky Voice rate against its competitors? Skype offers Mac compatibility and video calls, features which are missing from Sky Voice. Moreover, until it releases a Java version of its Softphone, you cannot use Sky Voice on other Wi-Fi enabled handhelds, something which Skype also covers. For SMS addicts, pFingo is a better option, as Sky Voice does not have messaging functionality at this point. However, Skype does not give free local calls and pFingo does not allow dialing to international numbers.

More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.

Bluetooth headsets made retractable

Think everything's been done for Bluetooth headsets? Think again. We spotted two retractable earpieces that allow for easy stashing away. Simply pull out the earpiece to fit in your ear and clip on the main unit to your shirt or collar. To store the cable, repeat press the auto-winding button. Usage is pretty straightforward.

The bulkier UA-11 model delivers stereo sound. There was only a dummy set so we could not get a feel of it. For the specifications, the unit runs on Bluetooth v1.2, has a 6 hour talktime and weighs 30g. It is able to seamlessly auto-switch between music playback and phone calls and, of course, there's A2DP capability.

The sleeker UA-02 unit comes with mono output and has one earpiece. It supports Bluetooth v2.0 and weighs a lighter 26g.

According to manufacturer Channel Enterprises, the mono earpiece is expected to retail for around US$35 in July 2007. No price was set for the stereo headset as of press time though it is expected to hit the shops in October 2007. Retail locations are not specified as yet.

More images of UA-11 and UA-02:


More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.

CommunicAsia 2007 launches

With over 2,400 exhibitors from 65 countries, this year's CommunicAsia is all about digital convergence and interactive digital media (IDM).

At his opening speech for CommunicAsia, Lee Boon Yang, Singapore Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts, offically announced the pilot launch of the Digital Concierge service. A joint program by Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore and Singapore Tourism Board, Digital Concierge offers location-based information for tourists through handheld devices like mobile phones and PDAs.

With Wireless@SG hitting over 5,000 hotspots by September, the Ministry of Education has selected five schools to participate in the FutureSchools@Singapore program. By leveraging on the high-speed network, students can engage in immersive digital learning environments as well as customized educational games.

But end-users are not the only ones to benefit. Infocomm@SME was also launched today which targets small and medium enterprises. The program seeks to assist these companies in exploring how technology can change the way they do business. This initiative will begin with an SME Infocomm Resource Center located at the Singapore Polytechnic, which will provide information on commonly used applications like IP telephony, anti-spyware, etc.

In conjunction with CommunicAsia, the CG Overdrive show is being held during the same period. Recognizing the growth potential of IDM, the Government committed S$0.5 billion to fund research and development in this sector last year.

The Singapore-MIT game lab, GAMBIT (Gamers, Aesthetics, Mechanics, Business, Innovation, Technology), was set up to teach game design and construction. EON Reality, an international 3D software provider, will be locating its EONExperience lab in Singapore's soon-to-be-ready Fusionopolis. This facility will showcase the latest 3D and holographic display tools for business and training needs.

More CommunicAsia 2007 coverage here.