I haven't posted for a while on gadgets but I have been meaning to mention Gizmo Project's Area 775. Gizmo launched this product in February and I have been using it since then. It is pretty sweet. Area 775 is a virtual number you can get for free or for a small fee you can purchase a number with your desired area code. The virtual number can be reached by someone calling it from an "outside" line. So, basically what this means is that you get a VOIP number than anybody can reach.
Skype and some other VOIP players have virtual numbers already, but Gizmo is taking it a step further by allowing a few key features. Some virtual numbers won't ring on your computer when you are logged on. Some only serve as voicemail. With Gizmo's Area 775, when someone calls the number and you are logged in, it rings on your computer. What is cool is that you can also designate an additional number that will ring at the same time. You can also forward the phone call to another number. So let's say that you answer the call on your computer then realize you need to go somewhere, you can actually forward the call to your cell phone without the person even knowing that you switched devices. There is also a feature that allows you to listen as someone is leaving a voicemail for you with the option of answering the call if you so desire while the person is leaving the voicemail. This is much like the old school answering machine where you can screen your call and then pick up if it is important.
Anyways, I have had the service for about a month and I like it alot. I believe Gimzo will force all the major VOIP players to start providing enhanced functionality. Oh, I forgot to mention that the cost is very inexpensive. For almost $8 bucks per month you can get a virutal number plus a virutal fax number. I have cancelled my efax and have found that Area 775's fax works just as well.
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