Internet Phones: Will you take this call?

So what is the buzz about Internet Phones? First it was Bell's harmonic telegraphy which eventually led to land line phones, then car phones, then the stormy advent of mobile phones, and now the world is moving towards calling facilities based on the internet. They are not all that complicated to understand and use. In fact, once you get the hang of what they're all about, they might just become your preferred means of communication.

An Internet Phone uses the technology of VOIP: Voice Over Internet Protocol for transmitting voice signals. VOIP can be used PC-to-Phone (or vice versa) or Phone- to- Phone. Internet Phones digitise your voice and send it over the internet to another phone or a computer through an adapter. Many companies have quickly realized the advantages of this system and have started offering various plans for residential usage as well as business communications.

One among its many advantages is that it offers highly advanced features compared to regular phones, proving useful for both home and corporate use. Caller ID and 3-way Conferencing facilities have become a thing of the past; now you can look forward to Call Recording (for saving sweet memories, reference or proof), Do Not Disturb facility (which forwards your calls directly to Voicemail if you so wish) and Voicemail access over the web- anywhere, anytime. For corporate plans, some services offer the IVR system- or Interactive Voice Response system- which puts large volume of calls in auto queue mode by giving pre-recorded options like “Press 1 for Features, Press 2 for Rates”. In fact, such corporate plans can even replace that very expensive PBX system.

Along with these smart features, the internet-facilitated phones come with much cheaper plan options. VOIP technology has been primarily responsible for the drastic and recent drop in international calling rates. Residential local plans may come as cheap as 5 pounds a month and international calling plans as low as 10 pounds a month! Considering the amount of phone bills you can save, especially if you have family living in other countries or many of your clients are based overseas, the new rage of Internet Phones is a rather tempting.

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Samsung U600: It’s all about functional elegance

Sometimes, even the most inquisitive of people get tired of all the frills and hype that get attached to a mobile phone when it is introduced in the market. The dozens of features, software and applications on a tiny phone seem so attractive- until the system freezes, that is- or you conclude in momentary frustration that it is too complicated for you to use. Well, here is some holiday cheer for you.

The Samsung U600 comes across as a fully functional and elegant phone. Although it can be hard to notice in the cacophony of phones blowing their own trumpets (or ringtones!) so loudly, it truly is a class apart. It functions on Quad band technology, features Bluetooth and is internet enabled. It has a very handy Document Viewer, that supports Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint and PDF formats alongwith a USB port for easy transfer to and from the computer. One of the most thoughtful innovations in this phone is its Sunlight mode, which reduces reflection on the screen when the lighting is too bright and increases the on-screen colour contrast. Another great feature is the built-in hands free application, so you do not have to fiddle with earphone wires or keep configuring the wireless headphones. The Micro SD memory card slot gives ample storage capacity.

If you are wondering whether or not it has any media applications, you are in for a pleasant surprise. It includes a built in 3.2 megapixel camera, a clear and seamless video recorder, supporting MPEG4, AAC, H.263, an MP3 player supporting Mp3, WMA, AAC formats, and even Java enabled gaming applications. Without building up unnecessary hype in the market, the Samsung U600 contains all media applications, presented with thoughtful and substantial features.

Graced with a subtle elegance, this phone is styled in a contemporary fashion. The tough sensitive keypad is based on a slim metallic plate and the keys are separate by slightly elevated seams. A total of 7 colour options are available in Sapphire Blue, Crystal Blue, Platinum Silver, Copper Gold, Garnet red, Neutral White and Soft Black. Besides, did you it is the thinnest slider phone in the market as of now? If you are one who likes to make a subtle and graceful statement without comprising on the substance and features, the super slim Samsung U600 will fulfill your wishes this holiday season!

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Sony Ericsson W910i: Composing life's background music!

Feeling low? Here are some soothing Rhythm & Blues melodies. Feeling funky? Shake with some peppy dance numbers! With an incredible play of technology, the Sony Ericsson W910i will sense your mood and play songs accordingly- with an application called SensMe- now that's what is called innovation. Certainly the most loved music phone till date, this little tech-fluffed device has much else: an in-built Speakerphone, digital camera, Bluetooth connectivity, very convenient PC to phone transfer through USB port along with a Memory Stick Micro slot for expandable memory.

A beautiful addition in the slider category, this music phone is a very sleek and sharp model, weighing merely 86 grams. It is available in 2 bold and basic colours: Hearty red and Noble Black. The slider reveals an etched-in, numeric keyboard, although wide enough for comfortable typing.

This beauty doesn't lag behind in technical specifications. It is compatible on the EDGE, GPRS, GSM, HSDPA (3G) networks. Featuring strong Bluetooth connectivity, it is also optimised for web browsing. Its 2 mega pixel camera captures pictures with good clarity and the generous 2.4 inch screen makes a good viewfinder and photo viewer. Its speakerphone ensures amazing voice clarity and phone is enabled for video calls. Loaded with such novel and user-friendly features, it has taken the market by storm. So much so, that the President of Sony Ericsson was surprised at the market enthusiasm created by the phone, which outshone even their own expectations?

The features that make this phone a class apart as a music phone are its music applications. SensMe is an application which allows creating music playlists based on the user's mood and state. Your constant companion (with a remarkable battery life of 9 hours), this music phone composes the perfect background music through the ups and downs of life! Another novel concept is its “Shake Control” application, which enables you to go the previous or next track seamlessly by just a single flick of the phone. Intuitively and appropriately crafted, a back and forth shake of the phone will shuffle up the songs for you. With supremely easy finger touch navigation, the application is optimised for easy and quick music downloads. So for a melodious experience, filled with a bit of tech-fun, the Sony Ericsson W910i is every music lover's dream machine.

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Sony Ericsson K850i: Picture Perfect

Feeling low? Here are some soothing Rhythm & Blues melodies. Feeling funky? Shake with some peppy dance numbers! With an incredible play of technology, the Sony Ericsson W910i will sense your mood and play songs accordingly- with an application called SensMe- now that's what is called innovation. Certainly the most loved music phone till date, this little tech-fluffed device has much else: an in-built Speakerphone, digital camera, Bluetooth connectivity, very convenient PC to phone transfer through USB port along with a Memory Stick Micro slot for expandable memory.

A beautiful addition in the slider category, this music phone is a very sleek and sharp model, weighing merely 86 grams. It is available in 2 bold and basic colours: Hearty red and Noble Black. The slider reveals an etched-in, numeric keyboard, although wide enough for comfortable typing.

This beauty doesn't lag behind in technical specifications. It is compatible on the EDGE, GPRS, GSM, HSDPA (3G) networks. Featuring strong Bluetooth connectivity, it is also optimised for web browsing. Its 2 mega pixel camera captures pictures with good clarity and the generous 2.4 inch screen makes a good viewfinder and photo viewer. Its speakerphone ensures amazing voice clarity and phone is enabled for video calls. Loaded with such novel and user-friendly features, it has taken the market by storm. So much so, that the President of Sony Ericsson was surprised at the market enthusiasm created by the phone, which outshone even their own expectations?

The features that make this phone a class apart as a music phone are its music applications. SensMe is an application which allows creating music playlists based on the user's mood and state. Your constant companion (with a remarkable battery life of 9 hours), this music phone composes the perfect background music through the ups and downs of life! Another novel concept is its “Shake Control” application, which enables you to go the previous or next track seamlessly by just a single flick of the phone. Intuitively and appropriately crafted, a back and forth shake of the phone will shuffle up the songs for you. With supremely easy finger touch navigation, the application is optimised for easy and quick music downloads. So for a melodious experience, filled with a bit of tech-fun, the Sony Ericsson W910i is every music lover's dream machine.

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Nokia N81: The Entertainment Package

Ask anyone- “Which is the one gadget you like the most?" Without even as much as a second of thought, the answer will most likely be a mobile phone. Moreover, if its the Nokia N81 you own, your adoration will probably grow into an ardent addiction! Designed to provide the ultimate entertainment experience for people on the move, the Nokia N81 is fully loaded with gaming, music, video, camera and web applications featuring Quad band GSM compatibility.

To begin with, the phone is extremely user- friendly. An easy navigation wheel guides you through the loaded maze. Besides being fully customisable, its 3D multimedia menu is as attractive as it is intuitive. The ergonomics of this sleek slider is way beyond comparison or competition. The stylish shape, the glazed polish and illuminating keys along with a sturdy balance makes a powerful statement.

Needless to say, this phone is not just a beauty. Being a “Phone” first, it has a clear call reception and transmission, even in Speaker mode. It has power packed gaming, photo, music and video and Internet applications in a tech-savvy bundle. With a high capacity, in-built memory of 8 GB, you can store your photos, music numbers and video clips, and download and play games as well. For photographers on the move, this is a handy little device with an in-built 2 mega pixel digital camera and a 2.4 inch LCD screen (even bigger than many digital cameras). It provides for a colourful experience supporting up to 16 million colours. For music lovers, an in-built FM radio, integrated stereo speakers, a variety of supporting formats (like MP3, AAC, and WMA etc.) and an in-built Real Player come as a pleasant surprise. You can even configure wireless headsets through Bluetooth and access the web through LAN or at Wi-Fi hot spots.

Perhaps the most unique feature of the Nokia N81 is the Lifeblog, which lets users create, edit, present search and share content- their life in text, photos, music, and videos with other users. Nokia has been successful in creating a strong, loyal following by keeping up with the trends. Nokia has identified and connected with its new age generation and hence, they are being able to bring out the products that have an instant and massive appeal among its target market. Rest assured, this little 140 gram tech-packed entertainment device will stay beside you, singing to you at night or day.

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