Topic 24 of 395: WebPhone
Wed, Jul 24, 1996 (10:33) |
Paul Terry Walhus (terry)
WebPhone -- WebPhone may well become the killer app that puts
to shame similar offerings from VocalTec (Internet Phone) and
Quarterdeck (WebTalk). Even though it is still in beta release,
WebPhone already offers an impressive array of features and an
even more stunning 'wish list' for future releases. With WebPhone
closing in on an official public release, much of its wish list has
become a reality, with more to come in the next few weeks. Full
duplex support for real time voice communication between parties,
the ability to handle up to four concurrent and simultaneous
conversations, speed dialing for quickly calling your favorite
friends, built-in true Caller ID and integrated ITEL World Wide
Directory Assistance, voice mail and advanced message retrieval
capabilities, point to point connection ability with knowledge of just
the person's e-mail address, and an unique WebBoard feature for
retrieving and posting audio and graphic messages are all either
recently added features or soon to be added features. This
impressive array only adds to what WebPhone already offers.
WebPhone's extremely cool interface alone makes it worthy of a
download. The cellular telephone motif is carried to the extreme for
a very impressive and very cool look and feel that also makes the
client fun to use. The phone also holds innumerable options for
customizing your connection including microphone and speaker
custom controls, call holding and muting, voice mail retrieval, an
audio utility for recording and playing outgoing messages, a 'do not
disturb' button, and a separate menu for setting additional user
preference settings. WebPhone also offers an advanced address
book directory system for storing dialing information for your
friends and acquaintances. The directory also offers sorting by name
or alias for efficient perusal. You have the additional option of
dialing the person's internet address or typing in their e-mail address
for a point to point connection. One final feature offered by
WebPhone that elevates it yet another level above the competition
is an extensive and attractive multimedia online help system with
tons of useful information. The answer to the above question
concerning whether WebPhone, even in beta release, is a viable
download is an obvious and unconditional yes -- it's definitely
worthy of your time and attention. No other client can match
WebPhone's extremely cool interface, and while some features
remain counterintuitive to new users, the current fare of features
and impressive interface are more than enough to keep most users
happy. So is WebPhone the best available Internet communication
app? Perhaps at this stage the battle is still too close to call, but
without doubt, if WebPhone continues to deliver on its many
promises, WebPhone will indeed be the consummate client for
communicating with others in real-time on the 'net.
Pros: The coolest interface to date, cellular phone motif, impressive
array of features
Cons: Some features are counter-intuitive, somewhat stiff learning
curve for novice users
New: Integrated voice-mail, improved audio, conference calling,
call transfer, more
Version Reviewed: 2.0 Beta 3
Date of Review: 7/3/96 Reviewer: Forrest Stroud
Date Entered 7/6/96 Reviewer: Forrest Stroud
20 responses total.
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 1 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Mon, Jul 29, 1996 (12:10) * 5 lines
The cellular phone graphic is impressive but daunting at times. If
you're one of those cell phone users, you might feel a little more at
home with it. It's a bit of curve to get up on this app, but it's well
worth the investment of time. The help menus clear up the obscure codes
on the cell phone keys.
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 2 of 20: Jacqueline Hess (Jesus) * Fri, Sep 6, 1996 (20:06) * 2 lines
Hello
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 3 of 20: Rolf Hemmerling (Hemmerling) * Sat, Nov 16, 1996 (02:14) * 3 lines
The most important thing with WEBPHONE is that a "light / lite" version is
distributed with CREATIVE SOUNDBLASTER cards, now ! Although the version
is limited, it is not limited as the demo version.
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 4 of 20: Don McCarthy (DON) * Thu, Nov 28, 1996 (02:32) * 4 lines
My experience with Web Phone has been somewhat disappointing. Primarily due to "lock-ups". Other users have had similar experiences although the Netspeak folks tend to minimize this problem. They have consistantly been very nice and willing to assist, but
I still have the problem. I have submitted two bug reports which they claim to be working on to no avail. Same experience as other users have reported to me. Great features and good sound quality. What more could we ask except for it to work without lock
ng up. I have been told a new version is due out shortly which will correct the problem. I'm waiting. Anyone know anything about when a new version will be released?
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 5 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Thu, Nov 28, 1996 (13:48) * 3 lines
Try this email for Webphone support:
mailto:support@netspeak.com
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 6 of 20: Stanley Koehler (stanley01) * Sun, Dec 1, 1996 (20:29) * 19 lines
I'm really glad that I found this forum! I am
in the process of searching for a communications
program for myself (here in the U.S.) and a friend
that lives in Portugal. I have Windows95 he has
Windows3.X. I've been struggling with "Net-
Meeting" by Microsoft and since he doesn't have
Windows95 I need something we ~both~ can use.
Right now I'm torn between Web Talk and Web Phone...
I really don't think that either of our sound cards
will support "full duplex," can anyone give me
a little bit of assistance on what THEY think would
be the wise choice?
Please E-mail me, and please believe me...
your help will really be appreciated!
Gratefully,
Stanley Koehler
stanley@dialnet.net
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 7 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Mon, Dec 2, 1996 (00:14) * 3 lines
Have you considered either iphone or powwow?
This is where I'd start out for you cross platform
situation.
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 8 of 20: Preston J. Tuchman (Preston) * Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (09:33) * 4 lines
Has anyone tried the CURRENT version of Webphone.... 3.0 second beta? This
is an improved Webphone now sporting video capabilities.
Preston
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 9 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Fri, Dec 13, 1996 (17:28) * 1 lines
No, how does it stack up to iphone and to NetMeeting?
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 10 of 20: Ted Chong (tedchong) * Tue, Dec 17, 1996 (19:46) * 4 lines
Anyone know which internet phone package can be used on a http proxy
setup (Unix host connected to the Internet, Win95 client)?
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 11 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Tue, Dec 17, 1996 (21:47) * 2 lines
What have you tried?
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 12 of 20: Ted Chong (tedchong) * Wed, Dec 18, 1996 (19:38) * 5 lines
I have tried WebPhone, InternetPhone 4, NetMeeting and Intel Internet Phone
and all need UDP support on http-proxy. I am using Squid http-proxy at
the moment as Internet gateway.
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 13 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Wed, Dec 18, 1996 (23:05) * 1 lines
If you go on WebPhaone right now you would see my video. Connect to terry@spring.com.
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 14 of 20: MarciaH (MarciaH) * Sat, Dec 18, 1999 (00:54) * 1 lines
Can we still get you on WebPhone?
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 15 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Mon, Dec 20, 1999 (09:12) * 3 lines
I've got it running on a computer out in Cedar Creek, you can get me on it
when I'm out there.
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 16 of 20: MarciaH (MarciaH) * Mon, Dec 20, 1999 (14:00) * 1 lines
Using your current "salamander" email address (without putting in out for the world to see)?
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 17 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Tue, Dec 21, 1999 (09:48) * 4 lines
Yep.
I have NetMeeting on various computers also.
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 18 of 20: MarciaH (MarciaH) * Tue, Dec 21, 1999 (12:37) * 1 lines
Gotcha. Have to investigate NetMeeting...
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 19 of 20: Paul Terry Walhus (terry) * Wed, Dec 22, 1999 (10:29) * 5 lines
http://www.microsoft.com/netmeeting
Also, it's on Stroud's site http://www.stroud.com
Topic 24 of 395 [apps]: WebPhone
Response 20 of 20: MarciaH (MarciaH) * Wed, Dec 22, 1999 (13:45) * 1 lines
Thanks, Terry! I appreciate the URLs.
apps conference 
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