wifi calling – SomeGadgetGuy

October 12, 2015

Wi-Fi Calling Now Available for iPhone 6 and 6S

We’re taking more steps towards all communication on mobile devices moving to data.

Now users on the iPhone 6 and 6S running iOS 9 will have access to WiFi calling on AT&T. This feature will be built into post-paid plans, and wont affect any current services the consumer might be paying for.

WiFi calling allows people to move voice calls to data networks, without managing separate VOIP phone numbers, and can makes for a handy solution in areas with poor call quality. Once this feature is enabled, text messages can also travel over WiFi.

While we’ve seen services like Google Voice in the past, AT&T has recently been making moves to incorporate more cell connection “mobility”. Supporting products like the Gear S smartwatch which could move calls back and forth between the SIM in your phone and the SIM on your wrist. Earlier this year at their developer conference, they showed off demos of people moving video calls seamlessly between PC and phone, all tied to the phone number on their plan.

Moving forward, it seems your phone number will be less a static way to call someone, and more your Login ID for richer data driven communication.

You can read the full press release below.

Continue reading “Wi-Fi Calling Now Available for iPhone 6 and 6S”

April 4, 2014April 3, 2014

Free WiFi Calling For All Through Facebook Messenger

If you’ve been rocking the BETA, then you’re already aware of this, but it’s finally rolling out for all consumers.

If you’ve got the separate Facebook Messenger app installed, you can now call your Facebook friends over WiFi for free! The update to FB Messenger 4.0 brings this to all users alongside better support for creating chat groups and the ability to create shortcuts to specific chats on your homescreen.

Hit the update and get calling!

Facebook Messenger (Google Play)

September 19, 2013

Moto X coming to Republic Wireless for $299, No Contract, Plans start at $5 per month

Republic Wireless is a scrappy alternative MVNO cell carrier. Offering insanely cheap plans starting at $5 a month, they’ve been a favorite around the budget conscious shoppers looking for smartphone service. The trick to keeping plans that cheap is Republic is a hybrid service. When out and about your phone uses Sprint’s network, but when you’re in range of WiFi your phone will use data to make calls like Skype or Vonage. I had the pleasure of reviewing their Moto Defy back in February.

Now the problem with Republic for many folks was the lack of devices. The software to enable hybrid calling has to be built into the ROM, so you can’t bring your own phone. Until now, the only phone they offered was the Defy, which was a fine Gingerbread device, but not the sexiest phone compared to other low cost carriers.

Well that’s going to change really soon. Republic Wireless has scored the Moto X, and they’re going to sell it for an incredible $299 off contract. From the Republic Wireless website:

The Moto X will retail at $299 (plus taxes and surcharges) from the Republic Wireless store. That’s right – we took the hot, new Moto X, added Republic’s great Hybrid service and priced it at $299 with no contract required. That’s a price that’s, like, impossible to match anywhere in the industry. How did we do it? The phone is $299 because we are footing the bill. Period. This is NOT a $299 phone. Take a quick look around the web and look at “no contract” pricing for the Moto X.

In the industry this is typically known as a subsidy, but we’ve added a twist. We are bringing down the cost without holding you to a contract. We’re doing this because we have trust in our members…and we have confidence in our product and service. Contracts are inherently built on a lack of trust…and a lack of confidence in your ability to bring your A game every.single.day. We believe in a better way…the way things should be.

That’s a pretty bold move on the part of such a small player, and I’m stoked to see companies like this look for ways to compete against larger carriers.

Get the full scoop on the Republic Wireless site.

My first impressions video of the Moto X.