(Click here for larger image of the Uniden WIN1200)The docking cradles of the two devices -- the Uniden WIN1200 (pictured above) and the Phillips VOIP433 -- provide both a land line phone connection and a USB 2.0 port to a PC. Users have three options for placing calls:
- Free PC-to-PC calling through Windows Live Messenger
- MCI Web Calling service, offering a low-cost PC-to-phone outbound calling option for Windows Live Messenger users
- Traditional landline phone service
As a hardware extension to the Windows Live Messenger service, these devices display the Messenger contact list and let a user know when a contact is connected to the network and capable of receiving communication through the Messenger interface, according to Microsoft. Moving this "presence technology" to a cordless phone frees users from the need to remain attached to a PC to stay in communication.
The Phillips VOIP433 operates in the 2.4 GHz band using
DECT (Digitally Enhanced Cordless Telephone) technology, which is said to eliminate interference with other wireless networking technologies using the same frequency band.
DECT originated in Europe, but is now being adopted increasingly worldwide for use in cordless telephones, wireless offices, and even wireless telephone lines to the home. DECT was recently
approved by the FCC for use in the US.
The VOIP433 will debut in Europe, Asia Pacific, and parts of Latin America in the spring of this year, according to Phillips.
The Uniden WIN1200 operates in the 5.8 GHz band and includes the company's "integri.sound" technology for "life-like audio." The device will be offered through North American retailers for about $100, starting sometime in the spring.
Windows Live Messenger is currently in limited beta and is expected to become more broadly available later this year, according to Microsoft.
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