Google boosts VOIP tech

Google is testing a voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) service which will be built into Gmail, reports TMCnet.

Currently, to call someone using Google Voice, the caller requires a Google application downloaded on their mobile phone.

Google's latest feature, using technology from Gizmo5, will enable users to make voice calls directly over the Internet using their PC, and voicemail will be sent to the user's e-mail, as well as allowing users to send free text messages.

Genband has raised $171.04 million from a single investor, days after it bought Nortel Networks' VOIP division for $282 million, states Citybizlist Dallas.

Genband earlier this month completed the acquisition of the bankrupt Canadian company's carrier VOIP and application solutions division.

The telco's acquisitions of Tekelec's IP switching division, Nextpoint Networks and Nortel's IP switching division has led the company to capture two-thirds of the marquee service providers in the broad markets of fixed, mobile and cable.

StarView Solutions has released an Apple VOIP application called istarsip 3.0 that adds a second number to any iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad that works over 3G, WiFi or cellular networks, says Mobile Enterprise Mag.

David Walsh, StarView Solutions president, says: "We are excited to release our first phone app, which turns a smartphone into a virtual VOIP phone that can reduce long distance charges while travelling or calling overseas.”

The application is fully automated, which means there are no hardware or software configurations needed to use the application.