Domain-scrambling for VOIP

Everpeace Technology has released the EP-880, which is an encrypted VOIP phone that adds frequency domain-scrambling technology and can block phone-tapping devices, reports Computer Products.

The phone features open and cryptographic communication mode, with up to one million sets of cryptographic codes, and it has a crypto communication LED indicator.

The EP-880 includes auto redial, hands-free, speakerphone and calculator. It also has a 16-digit, 3-line LCD that can display the total number of calls, a new call, the call sequence and the date and time.

Shoppers at almost half of Wal-Mart chain stores in the US were able to buy Skype hardware and pre-paid VOIP calling cards starting from last week, reports Computer World.

While some Skype gear has been available for more than a year in various Wal-Mart stores, the expansion to 1 800 stores for Skype hardware sales and the addition of $20 Skype pre-paid cards shows the rapid growth of consumer VOIP adoption.

Skype competitor Vonage also sells products in Wal-Mart stores, but Skype will be first with the pre-paid cards, a Skype spokesman says.

Most Hewlett Packard (HP) computers with Microsoft Vista will come pre-installed with the VOIP service MediaRing, after a deal was signed between the two companies, says Telappliant.

Chief executive of MediaRing, Khaw Kheng Joo, said: "Our strategic relationship with HP is a major win for us. This unified and secured approach to manage voice and data through a single easy-to-use interface is infinitely exciting for users."

The deal, however, only applies to territories in Australia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore and Taiwan, so European and American new HP computers will remain a blank slate for VOIP users.