VoIP Q & A: Freetalk Connect Me, Skype, Jabra Headsets

May 30, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Questions about VoIP devices and services are regularly submitted to VoIPSupply.com through a technical support ticket or via the “Ask The Expert” tab on our product pages.

We respond to these requests directly but more often than not, this Q & A would be helpful for lots of other folks.

Below are your VoIP questions answered – Real questions from real people just like you.

freetalk-skype-voip-supply

Q: Is this [Freetalk Connect Me] only for Skype or can it be used with any VoIP [sic] with compatible voice codec?

A: The Freetalk Connect Me is a Skype-specific analog telephone adapter (ATA) that allows you to make and receive Skype calls from your regular, old home phone.

The Connect Me allows you to switch back and forth between making Skype calls and calls using your home phone number. The diagram above shows how the Connect Me ATA is a bridge between your landline and your broadband internet connection.

The Connect Me isn’t designed to provide you with VoIP service.

If you’re already using VoIP to make calls, the Freetalk Connect Me certainly shouldn’t impede that if you’re looking for a standalone Skype phone option to make and receive Skype calls while you’re away from your computer. For more info, here’s a good Freetalk Connect Me video tutorial.

Jabra GN9350e OC

Q: Is the head band size ajustable [Jabra GN9350e OC]?

A: You should be asking WAS the headband adjustable and the answer would be, yes, it was, and in fact it came with (3) wearing options – Over-the-head, behind-the-neck, and on-the-ear.

The Jabra GN9350e OC has been discontinued and has been replaced by the Jabra PRO 9450 which also features those same (3) great wearing styles and offers (4) ways to answer a call via the:

Headset,
Touch Pad,
PC Call Manager,
or Keyboard Shortcut

For a full run-down of the PRO 9450, check out this video:

Stay Tuned

Check back next time for more VoIP Q & A.

Thanks for your questions!

Badly Photoshopped VoIP Phones as Spaceships

May 20, 2014 by Tom Costelloe

Since I first started at VoIP Supply in 2008 I’ve spent a lot of time selling, researching, writing about and testing VoIP phones. On the side I’ve also spent a little bit of time “unorthodoxly testing” VoIP phones by using them as shot-puts, discuses, for archery practice and hockey shot accuracy to name a few.

Another side to my time with VoIP phones takes me back to my time in high school where on a Friday afternoon my mind would drift and I’d start doodling in the margins of my notebook but now instead of classes I’ve got a job and instead of a notebook I’ve got Photoshop. So sometimes on a late Friday afternoon or after a particularly long day my mind starts wandering and I start imagining VoIP phones as spaceships and tinkering around in Photoshop.

Unfortunately where my imagination sometimes excels in this field, my Photoshop abilities are lacking . So may I present a small sampling of, “Badly Photoshopped VoIP Phones as Spaceships”

Badly Photoshopped VoIP Phones as Spaceships
In this rendering I imagined the Polycom SoundStation Connect as a nimble, agile attacking fighter while the Cisco SPA232D is a slower moving cargo transporting ship.

The old 1st Generation LifeSize Conference phones remind me of something you’d expect to see in classic UFO’s from sci-fi movies from the 50’s and 60’s or when you visit Area 51.
Badly Photoshopped VoIP Phones as Spaceships 4
The Konftel 300 conference phone paired with a few of the 300 external microphone kits remind me of a transporter for important people with the external microphones being the escort ships for its safety and security.

I mentioned my idea of VoIP phones as spaceships to one of the guys who works on the design side here at VoIP Supply and by the time I got back to my desk he had sent me this image of a FOSCAM IP camera as a fighter spaceship in mid battle.

How to Choose the Right Grandstream IP Camera For A Full VoIP Solution

May 16, 2014 by Taylor Hamp

Join Grandstream on May 28th for this to view Grandstream’s updated IP Surveillance line and learn how their security solution can fit your needs.

By now you’ve probably seen plenty regarding Grandstream. Not only are they an evergreen presence in voice over IP endpoints, but they’ve also made quite a splash in the video over IP as well.

From humble beginnings, with their GXV3615 indoor cube IP camera, Grandstream has made their presence known with their award winning GXV3672 outdoor day/night IP Camera and more recent outdoor day/night vari-focal lens GXV3674_HD_VF. The quality is great, they are surprisingly sturdy, and the price is right.

gxv3672

The best part is that Grandstream IP cameras are compatible with Grandstream video phones. That means that on that gorgeous 7″ color touchscreen on the GXV3275, you can view and review your security footage. If you’re an integrator and a few of your clients are jumpy about price, take some time out to attend these webinars. You can build a complete, affordable, VoIP solution with Grandstreams VoIP & Video Phones, Gateways, IP-PBX’s, ATA’s, and IP Surveillance equipment. Personally, I’ve been pleased with recent Grandstream products and their attention to future-proofing their products has been nothing if not noteworthy.

VoIP Supply at the MOBOTIX 2014 East Coast National Partner Conference

April 28, 2014 by Taylor Hamp

The VoIP Supply President, Paula Griffo, and I just got back from the MOBOTIX East Coast Partner Conference on Friday and are we excited where this security company is going!

VOIP Supply and MOBOTIX have had a beautiful relationship for years. When the MOBOTIX Partner Program went into effect last year, VoIP Supply was immediately an Advanced Partner. We’ve been trained on the products and we can get directly on the phone with MOBOTIX, which is a huge benefit to you, our customers.

Dr. Ralf Hinkle, MOBOTIX Founder

If you’re not familiar with MOBOTIX, they are a full solution surveillance company. Dr. Ralf Hinkle founded the company back in 1999 in Germany by building a DVR directly into an IP camera. This decentralized system was revolutionary, and since then MOBOTIX has grown to a worldwide presence. MOBOTIX IP cameras are incredibly robust with an average 9 year life span (IP65/IP66 rated housing and no moving parts are to thank for that), include on-board storage, on-board video processing, feature remote access and control, and include free software and upgrades for life. There’s no licensing required, often times no extra mounting is required (sometimes there is, but not often), and remote controller apps for your mobile devices are free.

MOBOTIX event Display

MOBOTIX Cameras are both sophisticated and simple. Much like Apple vs a PC, MOBOTIX IP cameras are different from other IP cameras you may be accustomed to. MOBOTIX cameras look different, they install different, they run different, and the software is different. However, once you take the time to learn the product, familiarize yourself with the features, and hold a device for the first time, you’ll be hooked for life. These are quality products and if you’re building to last, MOBOTIX is exactly what you want.

MOBOTIX NPC

MOBOTIX is a unique blend of the security department and the IT department, and if you’re techy, you’ll love it as much as we do. These cameras run over a SIP network. MOBOTIX advertises that their cameras specifically work with Grandstream IP Phones, who just so happens to be one of VoIP Supply’s Top 5 VoIP Phone companies. That these two vendors are compatible with one another makes us very happy, because that means we can build a better solution for you.

Jorg Steuerwald, Director of Projects

The MOBOTIX East Coast Conference itself was a great event. As you can see, there were plenty of MOBOTIX products for us to snap pictures of and get our hands on. The image clarity from the new lineup of cameras and lenses were incredible. The best display was undoubtedly the MOBOTIX MX-M15D-Thermal, which was aimed at everyone with both a color sensor image module and thermal sensor image module so we could see ourselves normally as well as our body heat signature. Even when the lighting (lux) was low in the evenings, the color image was still fantastic. The most recent 5 MP lens sensor modules for the x15 series have really stepped up in the game with image clarity, motion capture, and low lighting situations; Paula and I were very impressed with what we saw.

While it’s still too soon to announce a few upcoming releases, it’s certainly safe to claim that MOBOTIX is future-proof. Paula and I got a chance to see what new products and software are yet to come and we couldn’t be more satisfied. MOBOTIX’s eyes are set solely on the future, and they’re building security products that will be ready to mingle as the technological world consumes our everyday lives. Even at the conference, everyone was tied to their laptops and phones as emergencies popped up that needed to be addressed immediately, which proves just how much technology is now involved in practically every waking moment. MOBOTIX has been seeing this for years. Instead of fighting it, they’ve embraced it, and once everything is official, I think you’re going to be really excited about what solutions they have to offer.

Frankly, it’s exciting to see a company so focused on blending a security solution into an existing network, as well as having it ready to integrate with whatever else may come our way. MOBOTIX isn’t just trying to keep up, they’re blazing a trail in their own industry that is right on par with all other technologies. It’s brilliant, it’s usable, and VoIP Supply is proud to be a part of their team!

Left to Right: Rob Millar MOBOTIX BDM, Paula Griffo VoIP Supply President and CFO, Steve Gorski MOBOTIX General Manager of the Americas, Taylor Hamp VoIP Supply Product Manager

If you’ve been interested in MOBOTIX cameras but never took the chance to check them out, take some time to look at our MOBOTIX IP Camera category to see what’s new.

First Look: Jabra Motion UC Bluetooth Headset

April 24, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

VoIP Supply has added the Jabra Motion UC Series of Bluetooth Headsets.

What Is It?

Jabra Motion UC is a unique line of Unified Communication (UC) Bluetooth headsets that wants to be the only headset that you will ever need.

For example, a single Motion UC can be paired with your VoIP desk phone, VoIP softphone, cell phone, tablet, and Microsoft Lync system so that no matter where you go or what device you’re working from, you’ll just need this one hands-free Jabra headset.

Right now we’re carrying the following Motion UC and Motion Office headset models for both standard applications and optimized for Microsoft Lync:

Jabra Motion UC: Bluetooth headset for VoIP softphone, cell phone, and tablet.
Jabra Motion UC MS: Bluetooth headset optimized for Microsoft Lync that connects to VoIP softphone, cell phone, and tablet.
Jabra Motion Office: Bluetooth headset connects to VoIP desk phone, VoIP softphone, cell phone, and tablet.
Jabra Motion Office MS: Bluetooth headset optimized for Microsoft Lync that connects to VoIP desk phone, VoIP softphone, cell phone, and tablet

Who Is It For?

The Jabra Motion is great for anyone who makes calls across a variety of devices, likes to communicate hands-free, and would like to cut down at least on the number of headsets you use when you’re in the office, on the go, or working remotely.

And if you like wireless VoIP headsets that are mono (one ear) and have a behind-the-ear wearing style, then the Jabra Motion UC series is for you because that’s they only fit and form they come in. But these headsets also offer:

Auto Pairing
Music Streaming
Noise and Wind Filtered Microphones
7 Hour Talk Time
Voice Control
Movement Sensors

Pricing & Availability

Jara Motion UC headsets are available with some slight price variations:

Jabra Motion UC: $150 to $200
Jabra Motion Office: $380

First Look: CounterPath Bria Softphones for Apple, Android, and Windows

April 10, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

VoIP Supply is now offering another VoIP phone option with the CounterPath Bria Software as a Service (SaaS) for flexible desktop and mobile communications from the cloud.

What Is It?

CounterPath Bria is a softphone that can used on a variety of devices that will keep your remote and mobile workers connected to their business phones when they’re outside the office.

Currently VoIP Supply is offering Bria for:

Apple: iPhone, iPad, and Mac Desktops
Android: Smartphones and Tablets
Windows: Desktop PCs

With Bria there is no additional hardware to buy, no installation costs, and no maintence. Simply use your existing devices and CounterPath manages the communication network on the cloud.

Bria provides voice, video, instant messaging, presence, analytics and reports, plus the standard VoIP calling features you’re used to from your desktop phones.

Who Is It For?

Bria is a great solution for businesses that want to keep up with their employees on-the-go, offer a simple communication solution for remote workers and BYOD applications.

Your company’s VoIP phone system can be accessed with Bria from wherever you are on your device of choice so you don’t miss out on important customer calls and messages.

Pricing

Bria is available in 12 month, 24 month, and 36 month licences across all platforms and devices so prices vary:

Apple: $26.99 to $163.99
Android: $26.99 to $88.99
Windows: $52.99 to $136.99

Availability

CounterPath Bria Softphone downloads are available right now. Click here to shop all CounterPath Bria options or call 800-398-8647 to speak with a friendly VoIP Engineer.

First Look: Sangoma PBXcelerate

April 8, 2014 by Tom Costelloe

For many years Sangoma has been well known for making PCI cards that can be used inside IP PBX’s but had never made the crossover to being an IP PBX manufacturer. Their first foray into this market came in June 2012 when they released the Lync Express. Now, with the release of the new Sangoma PBXcelerate, they’re making further inroads into the PBX appliance manufacturer market and their first to the SIP and open source IP-PBX marketplace.

Sangoma PBXcelerate

What Is It?

The Sangoma PBXcelerate is a highly customizable IP PBX appliance designed for use in small to medium sized offices as well as branch offices.

The first of the customizable features of the PBXcelerate is the PBX software that is loaded or lack thereof. This Sangoma appliance comes out of the box as a blank slate that can be loaded with well-known IP PBX software such as Asterisk, Elastix, FreePBX and others. Or if you would rather not have to load the software on yourself, the PBXcelerate can be shipped to you with the software of your choice already loaded on it for you.

The second customizable feature of the PBXcelerate is its port configuration. There are currently three standard port configurations available: SIP – no PSTN connectivity, Analog – 4 FXO + 1 FXS ports, and Digital 1 T1/E1 4 FXO + 1 FXS ports. This does not mean these are the only configurations available for the PBXcelerate. It features two ½ length PCI Express slots that can be used to create any combination of analog, digital, hybrid and GSM Sangoma cards that are required for a specific deployment.
Sangoma PBXcelerate Back
The rest of the hardware on the Sangoma PBXcelerate appliances are standard no matter which port configuration you choose:

Atom dual core 1.86 GHz
2 GB RAM
32 GB SSD (options for HDD and RAID 1)
Dual Ethernet ports
60 W universal internal power supply
Rack mounting clips included

Who Is It For?

The PBXcelerate has been designed with the small to midsized offices or branch offices in mind. Depending on the ports configurations the suggested users and calls will vary:

SIP Trunking Configuration

Up to 100 users
Up to 30 active calls

Analog Configuration

Up to 20 users
Up to 8 active calls

Digital Configuration

Up to 100 users
Up to 30 active calls

If you choose to go with a custom port configuration the number of users and calls will vary.

In addition to end users looking to do their own install, the PBXcelerate will also be an attractive option to installers and integrators looking for a flexible appliance to use for their customers install.

Pricing

Sangoma PBXcelerate SIP Trunking – $1,195
Sangoma PBXcelerate Analog – $1,745
Sangoma PBXcelerate Digital – $2,195

Availability

All three configurations of the Sangoma PBXcelerate are available to ship today. You can shop on-line for Sangoma products on VoIPSupply.com or contact the VoIP Supply sales team at [email protected] or by calling 1-866-582-8591.

Updated 4/16/2014 – The Sangoma PBXpress was renamed the Sangoma PBXcelerate. This change was in name only and did not change any of the features of the appliance.

Free Switchvox User Training When You Buy Switchvox SMB Systems from VoIP Supply

March 28, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Free Switchvox User Training when you buy a Switchvox SMB System or Software – Promotion Runs Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2013

UPDATE

This promotional combo ends on March 31, 2014.

Free Switchvox User Training Details

Now is a great time for small and medium businesses to step into a new Switchvox SMB Unified Communications (UC) solution.

We’re excited to offer free Switchvox User Training, valued at $995, with the purchase of the following Switchvox SMB appliances and software:

If you’re checking out online, it’s simple. Under “Options” just select the Switchvox User Training box to add it to your order at no charge.

“The Switchvox User Training is an online, self-paced two hour course that will teach anyone in your business the ins and outs of Switchvox, the Switchvox user web suite and GUI, the Switchboard, and Digium phones,” said Ben Sayers, CEO of VoIP Supply.

Every person in your company can use a single user training login to learn how to use and navigate a new Switchvox VoIP phone system which is more than just an office phone system and offers.

VoIP calling, faxing, instant messaging
The Switchboard, an interactive communications dashboard for each user
3rd Party Integration with CRM platforms
Video, presence, conferencing
Detailed reporting

Switchvox system capabilities range from 30 or less users up to 600 users and 150 concurrent calls for a variety of work environments.

First Look: Aastra 6865i 9-Line VoIP Phone

March 21, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Aastra has just released their new Aastra 6800i Series that includes four VoIP phones models to serve a variety of users. The 6800i Series offers Aastra’s best quality, features, and pricing to date with three key selling points:

Design: A thin, modern, space saving design
Audio: Enhanced HD audio for natural sounding calls even with the speakerphone
Power Consumption: Environmentally and budget friendly power saving features

Our first look at the Aastra 6865i is the next level up from the 6863i base model in this range of phones.

What Is It?

The Aastra 6865i is a 9-line VoIP phone in a compact design that offers:

Display: Easy to read 3.4″ LCD display with large fonts and soft white backlighting.
Audio: Includes Aastra’s high definition Hi-Q™ audio technology for clear calls from the handset, headset, or speakerphone.
Connectivity: Dual Gigabit Eithernet ports.
Flexibility: XML capable, 8 programmable keys, and an innovative headset port that supports both DHSG/EHS and 4-pin connections – no additional adapters or cables are needed for wireless headsets.
Power Savings: Uses efficient Power over Ethernet (PoE) Class 2, allows you to set up power management features, and is compatible with an optional energy efficient Level V AC Adapter
Accessories: Wall-mount kit and two Expansion Module options with the color LCD, 28 key M685i Module and the cost efficient 16 key M680i Module.

Who Is It For?

The 6865i is a great choice for small to large business that need a versatile phone with multiple lines and headset options and for anyone who appreciates Aastra’s commitment to power saving features and use of recycled and biodegradable materials in their packaging materials.

Pricing

The 6865i is currently priced at under $155.00.

Availability

The 6863i has an estimated shipping date of April 2014. VoIP Supply is currently taking pre-orders.

Downloads

Aastra 6865i Datasheet

First Look: Aastra 6863i 2-Line VoIP Phone

March 19, 2014 by Nathan Miloszewski

Design: A thin, modern, space saving design
Audio: Enhanced HD audio for natural sounding calls even with the speakerphone
Power Consumption: Environmentally and budget friendly power saving features

Our first look at the Aastra 6863i is the entry level model in this range of phones.

What Is It?

The Aastra 6863i is a dependable 2-line VoIP phone in a compact design that offers:

Display: 2.75″ monochrome LCD display
Audio: Advanced audio processing from software, including Aastra’s high definition Hi-Q™ audio technology, and hardware, provide you with remarkably clear calls from either the handset or the speakerphone.
Connectivity: Dual 10/100 BaseT Ethernet ports
Flexibility: 3 programmable keys
Power Savings: Uses efficient Power over Ethernet (PoE) Class 1, allows you set up power management features, and is compatible with an optional energy efficient Level V AC Adapter
Accessories: An optional wall-mount kit is available

Who Is It For?

The 6863i is ideal for common areas that need a basic phone, for workers who have low call volumes and don’t need many line appearances or have any use for advanced features, and for anyone who appreciates Aastra’s commitment to power saving features and using recycled and biodegradable materials in their packaging materials.

Pricing

The 6863i is value priced at under $100.

Availability

The 6863i has an estimated shipping date of April 2014. We are currently taking pre-orders.

Downloads

Aastra 6863i Datasheet

VoIP Q & A: Freetalk Connect Me, Skype, Jabra Headsets

Stay Tuned

Badly Photoshopped VoIP Phones as Spaceships

How to Choose the Right Grandstream IP Camera For A Full VoIP Solution

VoIP Supply at the MOBOTIX 2014 East Coast National Partner Conference

First Look: Jabra Motion UC Bluetooth Headset

What Is It?

Who Is It For?

Pricing & Availability

First Look: CounterPath Bria Softphones for Apple, Android, and Windows

What Is It?

Who Is It For?

Pricing

Availability

First Look: Sangoma PBXcelerate

What Is It?

Who Is It For?

Pricing

Availability

Free Switchvox User Training When You Buy Switchvox SMB Systems from VoIP Supply

UPDATE

Free Switchvox User Training Details

First Look: Aastra 6865i 9-Line VoIP Phone

What Is It?

Who Is It For?

Pricing

Availability

Downloads

First Look: Aastra 6863i 2-Line VoIP Phone

What Is It?

Who Is It For?

Pricing

Availability

Downloads

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