VoIP Toolkit

Microsoft bares VoIP ambitions

Ina Fried CNET News

Published: 17 Mar 2006 09:45 GMT

Microsoft on Thursday unveiled details of plans for Internet telephony and video products offered through Windows Live services that will include new VoIP phones and a click-to-call feature for address book names.

The software giant already offers free video communications powered by Logitech and PC-to-PC VoIP capabilities via MSN Messenger, as well as one-way PC-to-phone calling capabilities in select markets via Windows Live Messenger.

However, Microsoft later this year plans to either expand its VoIP-related offerings or test new features for Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Search and Windows Live Messenger. This move is part of its overall Live services strategy.

Windows Live Mail, currently a desktop beta, will feature a free email client designed to enable users to right-click on their address book contacts to launch a PC-to-PC voice or video conversation.

Microsoft also plans to test its Windows Live Search, which aims to allow users to make a direct call from their PC to the search result, where applicable.

And the software giant hopes to introduce new VoIP phones designed to make PC-to-PC calls and one-way PC-to-phone calls via Windows Live Messenger. The phones also will be designed to work on a traditional telecommunications network.