Review: netTalk Duo WiFi

Trends are suggesting that now more than ever people are opting to cut the cords from their traditional telephone services in favor of mobile phones or VoIP devices. By way of its well advertised TV commercials, magicJack is likely one of the best-known USB VoIP devices on the market today. However there are several alternatives including one we previously reviewed, the netTalk Duo.

Looking to step-up its game a little further neTalk recently introduced the new netTalk Duo WiFi. Similar to the netTALK DUO the new netTALK DUO WiFi allows a user to use a traditional handset to make telephone calls (even international calls) through their current internet connection. Much like the DUO the new DUO WiFi allows a user to establish a connection without the need of a computer as it has the option to connect directly to your router via RJ-45 network connections and now thanks to the addition of WiFi support you can connect directly to any existing WiFi network wirelessly.

Features

• Complete Plug and play compatibly via Ethernet port
• WiFi enabled (not sure if its Wireless N compatible or not) Works anywhere in the world with a Wi-Fi connection
• 1 x RJ-11 port (telephone), 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port, 1 x Mini USB to PC or Power port
• Free calling to the US & Canada or DUO to DUO
• No computer needed / No contracts / No monthly bills
• Low cost international calling rates
• First year of service is included. $29.95 each additional year
• Live US-based technical support and personalized customer service
• Free 411 directory assistance, Enhanced 911, visual voice-mail, call waiting, caller ID, call forwarding, conference and video calling, conference bridge, and fax friendly

Standard netTalk Duo WiFi Setup

neTtalk has recently officially released the Duo Wifi and improved some of the setup as well as the setup guide. Here are a few links our readers might need:

• netTALK DUO WiFi FAQs
• netTALK DUO WiFi Setup Guide

Just like our review of the netTALK DUO setup via wired Ethernet port really is just as simple as plug and play. You shouldn't need to open any ports on your firewall or make any changes at all. Plug the adapter into one of the open ports on your router, wait a few minutes for the blinking orange light to turn green and your device should be ready to go. All you need to do then is log onto the NetTalk site and register the device and you'll be ready to make phone calls.

If you choose to connect the adapter to your PC you'll need to do download the USB drivers. Once downloaded and installed you connect the device and again wait for it to sync and the lights to turn green. Once you register your device you should be up and running and you should be ready to go.


Wireless setup for the netTalk Duo WiFi

For wireless setup you will need a PC in order to make the needed changes and select the appropriate wireless network!

Update 4/04/2012: Following our initial review we received a bit of tech support that helped us get the ball rolling. For starters I should note that the instruction we were given were "pre-release" and are still being revised, so they weren't entirely accurate.

NetTalk has since sent us the latest netTalk Duo WiFi FAQ's (PDF) which gave us more accurate instructions. They have also updated the installer for the WiFi management tool to include the USB drivers. With these new drivers we were able to get almost everything working correctly. We still can't use WPA2 encryption but we did get WPA working.

Since the Duo WiFi still isn't widely available and netTalk is still working on the kinks we will continue to update our post and work on getting everything running smoothly. So please check back often as we'll have more details to follow!

Wireless setup for us wasn't working well. I'm not sure if it was the security settings on our Linksys E4200, the Duo WiFi or a combination of both but we ran into nothing but issues. To make things worse the early draft of the setup instructions we were given gave us some information I'm not sure was accurate. For starters the rough draft of the instructions we received detailed setting up the adapter via USB. When we tried this we could not get the device to sync to the netTalk servers at all! Either the Duo WiFi management tool doesn't have the needed drivers or there was a step missing in the rough draft that we couldn't find.

We tried downloading and installing the older drivers and not even that worked. So we went ahead and followed the instructions given one the Duo WiFi Management page. This involved connecting directly to the router and running the WiFi tools, which still wasn't working well. The netTALK DUO WiFi did not automatically detect any networks in the area (even though there are several), so we had to go through the manual setup process. Even though I entered all the correct information, SSID and password, upon attempting to reconnect via wireless the adapter wouldn't connect. It wasn't until I turned security off on our router that we were able to get it to sync up correctly.

I tried a few different settings on the router and a few on the DUO WiFi and still we couldn't get things to work right. This might be a case of user error, a setting we are simply overlooking or something else. At this point we really aren't certain.

netTALK DUO WiFi call quality and features

The netTALK service hasn't changed much, if any at all since our previous review so I'm not going to spend much time here. The call quality even on the few international calls I've made was quite good. There was no echoing or background noise, nothing noticeable that would make you think you were on anything but a standard land line. With the netTalk service I've never experienced issues with dropped or missed calls and with the netTalk Duo WiFi I never noticed issues with dropping connectivity.

For features nothing has changed except for the addition of WiFi of course! So you can expect all your basic services like: Caller ID, call waiting, 411 directory assistance, Enhanced 911 and voice-mail. The device is also fax friendly for those that still need that option.

netTALK offers the following calling plans for the netTALK DUO and netTALK DUO WiFi (prices do not include tax):

• Basic Call Plan: Free calling to US and Canada; one full year included FREE with netTALK DUO and netTALK DUO WiFi and just $29.95 for each additional year
• North America Add-On: Unlimited calling to the US, Canada, Mexico, and Puerto Rico as low as $5.99 per month
• International Add-On: Calling to 60 countries, including China, India, Brazil, UK, France, and more for as low as $9.99 per month

The netTALK DUO WiFi will be priced at $64.95 and will be available in 1,600-plus Target stores across the country starting in early April.

Review: netTALK DUO VoIP Device And Digital Phone Service

VoIP devices offering digital phone service seem to be all the rage these days. It seems more and more people are opting to disconnect from their traditional phone services and look for cheaper alternatives. Today we get our hands on the new netTALK DUO and throw it through a few tests.

Introduction

The netTALK DUO is new an up-and-coming competitor in the VoIP market. Competing against the likes of the MajicJack, with one great advantage there is no computer necessary to use the netTALK DUO. Simply plug the little box directly into a router or modem (or computer) and connect your phone or fax machine and you are up and running.

The services, or what you are paying for

The suggested retail price for the device is $69.95, including the entire first year of phone service and only $29.95 each year after. For the cost of your one year subscription you get digital phone service that includes free nationwide calls to any phone in the U.S. and Canada from anywhere in the world, as well as some pretty decent international rates. The device also offers a slew of other features such as; Free 411 Directory Assistance, Enhanced 911 Service, Three Way Calling, Call Forwarding and Call Waiting. (more details here)

More Features

• Plug and play compatible
• 1 x RJ-11 port (telephone), 1 x RJ-45 Ethernet port
• Mini USB to PC or Power port
• 3' USB to Mini A connector
• 3' Ethernet cable
• Color: Black/Chrome
• Free calling to the US & Canada or DUO to DUO
• No computer needed / No contracts / No monthly bills
• Ultra-low cost international calling rates
• First year of service is included. $29.95 each additional year
• Live US-based technical support and personalized customer service
• Free 411 directory assistance, Enhanced 911, visual voicemail, call waiting, conference calling, conference bridge, and fax friendly

Setup, is it really that easy to use

I've used several of the supposed plug and play devices and I've noticed most the time they aren't always as easy as they are suggested as being. The netTALK DUO really is just that simple. At the most you'll need to download the drivers for the computer setup option, otherwise all you do is drop by http://login.nettalk.com and follow the steps outlined.

I didn't want to be stuck leaving the device connected to my computer so I opted for the 'router setup' which allowed me to connect the device directly to one of the ports on my Linksys E4200. After dropping by the login site and setting up my info it was just a matter of plugging in a few cords and waiting for the device to automatically sync with the nettalk network.

In the matter of just a few minutes I was up and running and could make calls.

Call quality and features

With most of these devices the biggest question is "can you hear me now?" For me the voice quality seemed very good. I'd compare it to that of my AT&T cellphone service, which may or may not say alot. The option of not having it connected to a computer is great. I did some testing with it connected, mainly to try out the netTALK videophone app. I didn't actually get to make any calls but it looked like it would be fun.

They also have a NetTalk app for your Android, iPhone or Blackberry based smartphone (download here). I didn't really see the usefulness of this app, but then again I don't have a phone to try it on.

Since this is really a secondary line only setup for the review I only did a limited amount of testing. So to be honest I didn't get to test most of the other features like voice-mail and call waiting. I didn't want to give out a number that would see limited use to all my callers and all my voice-mail goes through my Ribbit Mobile account which I didn't feel like changing.

As an overall opinion this would be a great device for a small office that requires an actual in office line or someone that wants the functions of a land line without the cost. Being able to fax from the netTALK DUO is a definite plus as I do a ton of faxing. I would have liked the option of a couple extra phone ports but that's really not a big deal.

The netTALK DUO is currently available from Dell.com, Newegg and WalMart.com and sales for $69.99 with a full one year service included.

Zer01 Mobile Officially Launches New Mobile Wireless Service

Zer01 Mobile Officially Launches New Truly Unlimited Voice, Data & Web Mobile Wireless Service Nationwide That Includes No Contracts, Low Pre-paid Monthly Fee

Zer01 Mobile announced today the formal launch of its new nationwide truly unlimited voice, data and Web mobile wireless service that will allow users to make as many phone calls, surf the Web, view movies and videos, text messages, download music and use their smartphones for a variety of other applications all for one, low monthly fee. Offering the new mobile wireless service as a mobile virtual network enabler, Zer01 Mobile has created its own grouping of mobile virtual network operators and strategic business alliances including a new partnership with Netmovies.com, an online entertainment network.

"Many years of research and testing have culminated in the public launch this week of the new, truly unlimited voice, data and Web mobile wireless service from Zer01 Mobile. Thanks to the ingenuity of the Zer01 Mobile engineering team, our new Veritable Mobile Convergence technology allows each smartphone user to make voice calls or transmit data through a VoIP system," explained Ben Piilani, CEO, Zer01 Mobile. "Because Zer01 Mobile is the only carrier in the United States offering truly unlimited mobile Web access, a number of important strategic partnerships with Zer01 Mobile have been finalized including the recent agreement with Netmovies.com, the Boston-based online entertainment network."

In April 2009, Zer01 Mobile first premiered its new truly unlimited voice, data and Web mobile wireless service at the CTIA Wireless Conference in Las Vegas, NV. Receiving positive reviews while showcasing its service at the global wireless industry event, Zer01 Mobile was presented with the "Best Overall Product" Award by Laptop Magazine. "That's the appeal of Zer01, which uses highly efficient VoIP technology to let users make phone calls over existing cellular networks. This new breed of carrier will sell a variety of Windows Mobile devices starting in July that can tap into its service, but it will also enable users to bring their unlocked BlackBerrys, Android phones and other handsets. An extra $10 per month will allow subscribers to add international calling to 40 destinations. Zer01 Mobile promises that it will take as little as five minutes for the company to update your phone's SIM card to make it compatible with its network," stated the Laptop Magazine Web site.

Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Zer01 Communications is owned and operated by the Unified Technologies Group, Inc., a global technology services and consulting company headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware. Zer01 Communications recently premiered the new Zer01 Mobile service at the CTIA Wireless 2009 Conference. Laptop Magazine awarded Zer01 Mobile the "Best Overall Product" Award at the conclusion of the industry conference. For more information about Zer01 Communications, visit www.Zer01mobile.com.

Zer01 Mobile Takes Laptop Magazine Top Honors At CITA, Prepares For July 1st Launch

Zer01 Mobile Awarded Laptop Magazine's "Best Overall Product" Award At The Recent CTIA Wireless 2009 Show In Las Vegas, NV

New "True" Unlimited Voice & Data National Mobile Service From Zer01 Mobile Prepares For July 1, 2009 Launch & Priced At $69.95 Per Month Without Any Contracts

Zer01 Communications, a Las Vegas, NV based mobile communications company, announced today that it has won Laptop Magazine's "Best Overall Product" Award for its new Zer01 Mobile wireless service that premiered at the recent CTIA Wireless 2009 convention in Las Vegas, NV. The new "true" unlimited voice and data national mobile service is scheduled to be launched on July 1, 2009.

"This is a prestigious industry award that our whole Zer01 Mobile team has earned. The annual Laptop Magazine ‘Best of CTIA Wireless Awards' sets the tone for industry professionals and consumers about the hottest products and services for the upcoming year. I am extremely honored that Zer01 Mobile has been chosen as the winner for the ‘Best Overall Product' and I look forward to our national launch on July 1st," said Ben Piilani, CEO, Zer01 Mobile.



"Scouring the show floor at the wireless industry's largest annual event, Laptop's editors went hands-on with the newest mobile devices, services, and applications. Of the products announced or shown at CTIA Wireless 2009, we've selected the top 11 for our annual Best of CTIA Wireless Awards. The winners are the groundbreaking products that enhance the end user's mobile experience through innovative design and functionality," according to the Laptop Magazine Web site. "How does $69.95 per month for unlimited voice and data sound without a contract? That's the appeal of Zer01, which uses highly efficient VoIP technology to let users make phone calls over existing cellular networks. This new breed of carrier will sell a variety of Windows Mobile devices starting on July 1 that can tap into its service, but it will also enable users to bring their unlocked BlackBerrys, Android phones and other handsets. An extra $10 per month will allow subscribers to add international calling to 40 destinations. Zer01 Mobile promises that it will take as little as five minutes for the company to update your phone's SIM card to make it compatible with its network."

"We are the first mobile service to offer consumers a true national unlimited voice, data and Internet plan without any contracts or commitments that is priced affordably at only $69.95 per month with taxes and fees included. We have licensed patent pending proprietary Veritable Mobile Convergence (VMC) Technology that allows each smart phone user to make voice calls or transmit data by sending voice communications through a VoIP system," explained Piilani, CEO, Zer01 Mobile. "Zer01 Mobile is not a new mobile virtual network operator (MNVO). We are a new hybrid-communications carrier."

The new mobile national carrier has created its own interconnect agreements throughout North America and the globe. Zer01 Mobile customers will be able to use their own smartphones or buy a new phone from the online store. "We are saving consumers hours of time and hundreds of dollars. Since we are setup as a pre-paid service, no longer will consumers spend hours and hours reviewing contracts and being subject to high-pressure sales tactics," said Piilani.

"I believe that wireless industry professionals and the consumer market are starting to realize that Zer01 Mobile is a carrier that has the potential to redefine the industry. The technical platform that Zer01 Mobile has developed for the Windows Mobile, Google Android, Blackberry and iPhone platforms is visionary in its architectural design," said Mark Richard, CIO, Pervasip Corporation, White Plains, NY. "I would like to congratulation Ben Piilani and his Zer01 Mobile team on winning the Laptop Magazine award."

A variety of other news sites have taken interest in Zer01 Mobile. The U.S. News & World Report Web site has described the new service as the MagicJack of mobile phones. According to the InfoSyc Web site, "Offering truly unlimited data and voice cheaper than the major carriers, Zer01 is not just a cheap way to make calls, its a good idea, too. The appeal of Zer01 is simple. The cellular 'network,' which is in beta testing mode from April through June and will open for business in July, offers unlimited voice and data for $70 per. When Zer01 means unlimited data, they really mean it, unlike the major carriers who claim unlimited data but cap usage at well under 10GB per month. What's even more interesting than these key selling points is how Zer01 actually works, and how it might change the way networks and customers think about each other."

Based in Las Vegas, NV, Zer01 Communications is owned and operated by the Unified Technologies Group, Inc., a global technology services and consulting company that is headquartered in Wilmington, DE. For more information about Zer01 Communications, visit www.Zer01mobile.com.

More on Zer01Mobile:

• CNet.com - Revisiting Zer01 | New VoIP carrier launches, gets awkward name
  
• EndGadget - Zer01 is the new, contract-less MVNO that will bring VOIP to the mobile masses
  
• HotHardware - Zer01 to Offer $70 Unlimited Voice and Data Plan