Misc. Communications

CQPhone is an easy to use PC-to-PC phone, that allows voice chat, as well as video chat and text chat. In addition, you can easily exchange pictures and web links by simply dragging them onto the interface. Once you install the software, you will be automatically assigned a phone number, no registration or sign up required. To connect to your friend)s), simply enter their CQPhone number, just like you would with an ordinary phone. CQPhone works with most firewalls and routers without additional configurations. The sound quality is very good.

JDVoiceMail is an easy to use application that lets you record and send voice mail messages, using your default email program (Outlook, Outlook Express etc.). It creates compressed .wav files using DSP True Speech, GSM 6.10 or LAME codecs, and can achieve file sizes of about 30kb (using a 30 second message as an example). The receiver does not need to install any software and can listen to the message with Windows Media Player or any other audio player. The interface is straightforward and easy to use with standard playback controls. The audio message can be automatically attached to a new email message or saved to disk. Other features include a customizable subject line and body text, a photo address book, as well a codec selection and recording controls.

Focus VideoPhone is a standalone video phone application that allows you to connect to other machines on the network and start a video conversation. The program provides a simple interface and an IP address book to connect to other machines. The remote computers needs to have a copy of Focus VideoPhone running and will be notified of the incoming call with a distinctive ring. Other features include adjustable video compression, one-way video mode and a display with network statistics. Standalone executable, no install needed. Works with any USB webcam.