Orb Networks has released Orb V4S, a free voice messaging system for the popular voice-over-Internet system Skype, which enables Skype users to turn their Windows-based PC with broadband into a voicemail system for their Skype account. V4S users can listen to and manage voice messages using any Internet-connected computer with a streaming audio player, or mobile phones which support streaming audio.
V4S (which stands for “Voicemail for Skype”) operates as software installed on a user’s Windows-based PC with an always-on broadband connection. The V4S software turns the PC into an always-on voicemail service for Skype: rather than storing messages somewhere on central servers (which presents all sorts of accessibility and privacy issues), V4S stores in Windows Media format and serves messages from a user’s own system. The computer running V4S must remain running and logged into the user’s Skype account, although users can still log into the Skype account from anywhere else they like.
Unlike’s Skype’s default voicemail feature, V4S offers access to voice mail from anywhere. When the system received a message, V4S notifies users via an email message or a text message to a mobile phone. Users can retrieve messages via the Internet using any streaming audio player (Windows Media, Real Player, QuickTime, MPlayer) or via a mobile phone’s player which supports .sdp files. Using media players for playback of messages also offers built-in rewind and fast-forward controls.
“Voice messaging fills the gap between real-time voice conversations andtext-based messaging solutions,” said Ian McCarthy, vice president of productmarketing at Orb Networks. “Sometimes you just want to send someone a message in your own voice.”
Orb V4S requires Windows XP, an always-on broadband Internet connection, a Skype account, and Skype software 1.3.057 or later.
