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Make Video Calls and More with Gizmo Project 4
Posted by Adam Pash at 6:00 AM on October 23, 2007
Windows/Mac/Linux (All platforms): Freeware Voice-over-IP (VoIP) application Gizmo Project makes phone calls from your PC similar to the popular Skype. Like when we first mentioned Gizmo Project, it still boasts several excellent features like voice integration with other Gizmo Project users as well as Google Talk, Windows Live and Yahoo Messenger users, support for AIM and MSN chat, and a free call-in number—making it sort of a kitchen sink version of Skype.
The latest version of Gizmo Project supports video chat (though it's not as high quality as Skype), an improved interface, and several worthwhile fixes. If you've tried Skype but you're looking for more functionality and integration with other communication standards, Gizmo Project is worth a go. If you've been using Gizmo Project since we first mentioned it, let us know how it's working for you in the comments. The current beta is Windows only, but will presumably support Mac and Linux soon.
The latest version of Gizmo Project supports video chat (though it's not as high quality as Skype), an improved interface, and several worthwhile fixes. If you've tried Skype but you're looking for more functionality and integration with other communication standards, Gizmo Project is worth a go. If you've been using Gizmo Project since we first mentioned it, let us know how it's working for you in the comments. The current beta is Windows only, but will presumably support Mac and Linux soon.
Gizmo Project 4 Beta [Gizmo Project Forums]
Tags: downloads | featured | featured download | linux | mac | osx | phone | skype | telephony | top | voip | windows
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
kbulfin
Posted 11:31 AM 23/10/07
I switched to Gizmo after the breakdown of Sunrocket.
The service works well for my needs. I have the free call in number forwarded to my Sunrocket VOIP Box and therefore people can call my Gizmo number and have my home phone ring. Google's Grandcentral also offers me a call in number and can offer my free outgoing calls also through my Sunrocket Box but it is a pain to have the computer on just to initiate the call.(grandcentral.com)
I am ready to purchase call out credit with Gizmo so I don't need my computer on to make calls. Cheap as chips for calls home to Australia.
kbulfin
soul_grind
Posted 9:58 AM 23/10/07
This'd be great... but unfortunately i'm already locked into skype because everyone I know uses it.
I don't think i could face trying to get them all to switch. Shame, because skype software with built in IM support would be great...
soul_grind
Mindstyle
Posted 2:31 AM 23/10/07
If I only wish to place the calls then I would rather be looking at the services offered by Betamax of Germany, dirt cheap prices, very good sound quality and tons of free destinations. No 'complicated' counting or calculations of any type of minutes. Gizmo, Skype, MSN are too expensive and Yahoo call quality sucks.
A caveat though, few of the users have reported some issues with payments. I have been using this service for about 2 years now and haven't had any issues. (Yahoo sucked my USD 10 and never acknowledged that, inspite of providing them my credit card statement, they kept on saying, we never charged you:frown:)
Mindstyle
netfortius
Posted 11:06 PM 22/10/07
I have been using it with my smartphone - the Nokia E61, purchased two years ago from Germany (that's in Europe ;)). Now that this type of phone (actually a newer model - the E61i) is also available [officially] unlocked in the US, I would advise others to try it out (by the way - the Nokia E61(i) has been suporting the "skinny" (SCCP) Cisco Call manager client for quite a while).
netfortius
CEOself
Posted 9:44 PM 22/10/07
^--- update. I just uploaded my contacts and it looks like the email addresses did not even up;oad into the Gizmo system. Cool. Yes calls you make to people loaded in your book do NOT cost you anything.
CEOself
CEOself
Posted 9:25 PM 22/10/07
@somepocho: Thanks I understand that part. Gizmo offers free inbound calls from everyone in your contact list. However when you upload all your contacts, an email is sent out to all of them letting them know you are using Gizmo and how to sign up. Can anyone confirm or unconfirm this?
CEOself
somepocho
Posted 9:12 PM 22/10/07
@ceoself: i made sure to de-select the contact options and only get an email from the gizmo folks when they release an update or monthly.
I like gizmo in theory, but tend to use skype more because non-tech folks are more comfortable w/ skype based on name recognition.
somepocho
MPhantom
Posted 6:07 PM 22/10/07
Gizmo is just one of those great little not-so known secrets. I currently use it to communicate with my family abroad. With a VoIP device such as the GrandStream 486 (installed at home) along with the free access numbers results in international calls for the price of a local call... so convenient! Really loving it.
MPhantom
CEOself
Posted 5:51 PM 22/10/07
I would love to use this product but I heard that they spam all of the contacts that you upload? Not just normal spam, but spam saying that you are "inviting them to use"...Anyone know if this is true? Thanks,
CEOself
TheTrainedMonkey
Posted 4:47 PM 22/10/07
Lets hope that the video call support will be built into the Linux build too. Skype is great on M$ and it works - OK - on Linux, but the video on Linux is non-existant unfortunately.
TheTrainedMonkey
pratik5705
Posted 4:29 PM 22/10/07
I checked Gizmo's website, the free call-in number is now paid, but they seem to have some complicated way of giving free minutes, if you keep making weekly voice calls to other Gizmo users.
pratik5705