Free Calls to USA and Canada from Gmail Account

You are from USA and you are having a Gmail and a google voice account ? How about making Phone calls directly from your Gmail account without having to login somewhere else. How about if all these phone calls are free.

Yes that is what Google has to offer to you now. Basically now you can access Google voice account from your gmail account, its the integration of Google Voice + Gmail. Using this new Gmail feature you will be able to make free phone calls to USA and Canada.

You need to install a Google voice and video chat plugin to your Gmail account. After you have installed this plugin and restarted the browser, you will see an additional option "Call Option" in the chat window. To make a call, just click the Call phone link in Gmail and enter any number or name from your address book.

You can also receive phone calls in your gmail account now using this same feature. The calls made from Gmail will display your Google Voice phone number as the outbound caller ID. You can also make international phone calls using Gmail, the call rates will be same as that of Google voice service. So basically its just Google voice service which you can now directly access from gmail.

One thing which needs to be mentioned is that this feature is available only to people in USA. I am not sure how are they tracking it, it may be the IP address (will proxies work) or some say its the language set (English US). Keep trying and let us know whatever works for you.

Seems that Google is now all set to give a great competition to Skype, Yahoo voice, Vonage. Lets see how many are able to use this service and find this useful.

READ MORE - Free Calls to USA and Canada from Gmail Account

How to Jailbreak my old iPod Touch 1G?

1. I forgot that it has been a long time since I updated by Jailbroken iPod Touch 1G which is on Firmware 2.1.1
2. Cydia no longer is able to update all the latest patches. It seems that I have 34 files/apps need to upgraded.
3. Since, Cydia failed to update, I have decided to Restore to 2.2.1 and Jailbreak it.
4. Then, I realized Blackra1n did not support 2.2.1.
5. Thus, I downloaded 3.1.3 and Jailbreak it using Jailbreakme.com.

READ MORE - How to Jailbreak my old iPod Touch 1G?

Can We Make Money Out of Mobile Apps?

In a recent article from David Pringle's article "How big is the mobile app economy?", it seems that not all seems to be rosy if the developer is not able to develop enough attraction for the consumers to buy.

The mobile app economy is growing fast, but is it growing fast enough? In the first half of 2010, sales of smartphone apps worldwide generated US$2.2 billion in revenue compared with US$1.7 billion in the whole of 2009, according to a new study by analysts at research2guidance.

If we assume there are 100,000 active app developers worldwide, that amounts to just US$22,000 revenue per developer in the first half of 2010. If you take out the 30 percent levied by the typical app store, developers will have made an average of just US$15,400 apiece. Take out their development costs and that doesn't leave much in profit.

Of course, developers may have other sources of revenue beyond straightforward apps sales. Some will have been commissioned to create free apps as adverts or promotional services for big companies, while others will be pursuing the "freemium" model, creating free mobile apps to promote their own paid-for software or content on other media. And there will also be some in-app advertising revenue to add into the mix.

Indeed, Juniper Research forecast recently that total mobile apps-related revenues (encompassing pay-per-download sales, value-added services and advertising) will reach US$32 billion by 2015. If the global active developer community is still 100,000 strong by 2015, that would mean the average developer would be generating US$320,000 in annual revenues before paying commission to app stores, ad-brokers and other elements of the ecosystem. That would appear to put the mobile app community on a more commercially-sustainable footing.

READ MORE - Can We Make Money Out of Mobile Apps?

Review: iPhone 4 Case (Cygnett Snaps Duo)

1. Yesterday, I purchased a "Snaps Duo" - Silicon frames for iPhone 4 from Cygnett.
2. Price: RM 129
3. Shop: Macstudio, Low Yat Plaza
4. It came with 2 silicon frames of different colors. One of the main color is always black, whereas the other can be either Grey, Blue, Red, Orange etc. I bought the Black and Grey colored frames.
5. Its easy to slip the iPhone 4 into the frame but I felt quite "odd" holding it without a full case (just like the 3G or 3GS)
6. However, it does expose the original design of the iPhone 4 but still protect the iPhone against any bumps and drops.
7. There is also the front and back screen protector but I did not use them.

UPDATES - REVIEWS

• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?
• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps
• Review: STM Scout XS
• Review: Screen Privacy Filter
• Review: Yoobao iPad Case
• Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard

READ MORE - Review: iPhone 4 Case (Cygnett Snaps Duo)

FillnCall : Fill Surveys and make free international calls

Its been long that we have a a new voip service which allows one to make completely free international calls or free calls to India. Tuitalk is one offering free calls to many countries including India but the call duration is very less about 2 min per call, that too with a limitation of 3 calls per day.

Evaphone is also one voip provider offering free Pc to Phone calls to India. We have now found you a new voip provider which is offering free international voip calls and free calls to India.

As a special promotion, we have collaborated with FillnCall so that our blog readers can get the maximum. FreePctoPhoneCalls will get double registration credit with FillnCall.

So lets first describe about FillnCall and then we will give the details to get double credit and make free calls.

FillnCall is a voip provider which lets you make free calls by filling out surveys. For each free survey which you fill you will get free credit coins. It just takes 10 to 30 seconds to complete a survey and you get anywhere between 1 to 100 coins in one go. You can redeem coins for calling vouchers to call India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and so on, the choice is yours.

1. Register: The sign up process takes about 10 seconds, and we'll even give you 10 FREE BONUS COINS when you register. But since you are a freepctophonecalls readers, you will get double registration credit (20 coins). You need to register using this link.

2. Earn Coins: To be able to receive FREE gift vouchers, you need to earn coins. Earning these coins are FREE, and you just need to complete a few surveys to get enough coins to claim a free voucher. There are no trial offers or ways to purchase coins as of now. No credit card is required for any of the surveys.

3. Get a Free voucher: Once you have earned 100 coins on Fill-n-Call you can swap them for calling vouchers. Basically, you can request ANY voucher, as long as we support calling to that country.

Using these calling vouchers you can make free calls. To make calls you will need Nakia Communicator. Download this software from here.

So now the questions comes to your mind, how do they make money and offer these free calls. Basically these surveys are powered by advertising company, FillnCall get paid for these surveys which you fill and hence the calls are powered by that money !!!

So since you are free pc to phone calls readers, you will get double registration credit. Register using this link.

I myself had some queries about this offers which I have clarified with FillnCall.

Q1. How many offers can a person complete per day.
FillnCall response: One can complete any number of surveys each day. For now our widget shows 10 to 12 surveys every day.

Q2. Does these offers require any credit card info (any purchases). Are these offers free.
FillnCall response: All the offers are either free downloads or free surveys. No offer requires credit card or trial downloads.

Q3. What is the calling rate to India (in credits).
FillnCall response: Calling rate to India is 92 minutes for 100 coins. That means your blog visitors get around 18 to 20 minutes just for signup. But they can only redeem those coins after reaching 100 coins.

Q4. Can people purchase these credits.
FillnCall response: At present they cannot purchase credits. This can be installed if people ask for. But I feel people prefer free calling.

So if you have any other queries please let us know in the comment section, We will try that FillnCall officials answer your queries on the blog itself.

READ MORE - FillnCall : Fill Surveys and make free international calls

Facetime being Blocked Behind Corporate Firewalls

1. I have not been able to connect successfully using Facetime over my corporate WiFi network.
2. We have even tried having both Facetime users connected on the same WiFi AP but still unsuccessful.
3. You will always encounter a "Connecting" message and then, the call will be dropped.
4. Then, I realize, its probably the Port Blocking issues.
5. Here's an article from Apple --> iPhone 4: Using Facetime behind a firewall.

READ MORE - Facetime being Blocked Behind Corporate Firewalls

Review: My First Facetime Call Experience

1. I think the Facetime will be one the key features of iPhone thats gonna be a hit.
2. Successfully made a Facetime call from my house using WiFi over Streamyx (ADSL) and a colleague using WiFi over UniFi (Telekom Malaysia's new High Speed Broadbadnd using Fiber)
3. The quality is quite good and the voice quality is excellent (no lag)
4. Both cameras played a significant role in making the conversation a worthwhile experience. Its fun to switch the camera back and forth to show around the places. It will be a better hit if it can operate over 3G!
5. The ability to move around the owner's display anywhere around the screen is also cool.
6. What's more interesting is like you are are really having a conversation with eye-to-eye contact unlike the way you communicate over a video conferencing desktop camera.

NOTE: Received my iPhone 4 on Aug 25, 2010.

READ MORE - Review: My First Facetime Call Experience

Localphone Upcoming Rate Changes

I just received a mail from LocalPhone informing about the rate changes. Thought to share the mail with you all. Check the new rates before you make calls to your destination.



---------------------------------------------------------------------------
We periodically review all of our calling destinations to assess where we are able to reduce our rates, and where rates need to be increased to provide more reliable, higher quality routes for your calls.

Our team has recently completed one of these reviews, and new rates will come into effect at or after 12:00 GMT (noon) on Thursday 26th August.

While we always strive to reduce the cost of calling, inevitably there are a few countries where we are unable to sustain our current rates while providing the level of call quality our customers expect. We will work hard to lower these rates again as soon as possible.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

For more info, visit LocalPhone.

Update : Localphone is running a promotional offer. When you sigh up with $1 credit, you will get $2.5 credit. That's additional $1.5 credit as bonus.
$1.5 credit is worth 100 minutes to India. This makes cheapest voip provider to India with effective rate of just 0.6 cents per minute. This offer can be used to call other countries as well. What are you waiting for. Just try Localphone.
(No expiry of credit, good voice quality, and sign up with as low as $1).

READ MORE - Localphone Upcoming Rate Changes

Finally the "4" is Here ... !!

1. This gadget arrived today (~RM 2500) from Singapore. New features include: Facetime, Retina Display (960 by 640 pixel resolution at 326 ppi), Multitasking, HD Recording and Editing, 5 Mega Pixel Camera with LED Flash.
2. Purchased Anti Fingerprint Screen Protector (RM 79)
3. And SGP Skin Guard (Carbon Black) to protect the back. (RM 69)

RELATED:

• Prepared for Shipment!
• 
  

READ MORE - Finally the "4" is Here ... !!

Review: My iPad Accessories List

These are my following accessories:-

1 - Review: STM Scout XS
2 - Review: Screen Privacy Filter
3 - Review: Yoobao iPad Case
4 - Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard

READ MORE - Review: My iPad Accessories List

Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps!

1. I purchased my iPad on April 15, 2010 in Taiwan.
2. It seems that 11 pages are not enough. How I wish that the iPad 3.2 have the "Folder" features like the iOS 4.0.
3. My favorite frequent apps are listed in the first few pages. And my favorite Game is "Angry Birds".
4. You can read more of the review below:

• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?
• 
  

1. After 4 months, here's the list of my favorite apps screenshots:-

READ MORE - Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps!

How Apple Kill the Web, Long Live Internet.

Chris Anderson and Michael Wolff wrote a recent article titled "The Web is Dead. Long Live Internet"

"You wake up and checkyour email on your bedside iPad � that�s one app. During breakfast you browse Facebook, Twitter, and The New York Times � three more apps. On the way to the office, you listen to a podcast on your smartphone. Another app. At work, you scroll through RSS feeds in a reader and have Skype and IM conversations. More apps. At the end of the day, you come home, make dinner while listening to Pandora, play some games on Xbox Live, and watch a movie on Netflix�s streaming service.

Over the past few years, one of the most important shifts in the digital world has been the move from the wide-open Web to semiclosed platforms that use the Internet for transport but not the browser for display. It�s driven primarily by the rise of the iPhone model of mobile computing, and it�s a world Google can�t crawl, one where HTML doesn�t rule. And it�s the world that consumers are increasingly choosing, not because they�re rejecting the idea of the Web but because these dedicated platforms often just work better or fit better into their lives (the screen comes to them, they don�t have to go to the screen)."

Its true, that iPhone have changed the way I access the Internet. I no longer frequently use the iPhone Safari browser to surf the Net. Every morning I will open up my Tweetdeck to check all the Tweets and news feeds from iPad and iPhone fans. Sometimes, I will use the Facebook app or the Four Square app to update my status and reply comments.

If I have to check the song played on radio, I will just use the SoundHound app which will search the Music database and provide me with the Lyrics and also its related Youtube information.

In fact most the applications found in the App Store are somehow linked to Internet. Its intriguing to see how Apple have transformed the users who used to access the web the traditional way using a Web browser to accessing the Internet via the "Internet-based apps".

READ MORE - How Apple Kill the Web, Long Live Internet.

Cheap calls to Australia and international destinations

Note : If you are looking for cheap solution to make cheap calls to India - then try Rebtel (We offers a bonus $5 coupon code).

Today we talk about another voip provider names Freshtel. I am not very sure if we have talked about it in the past, but it offers some good packages to make cheap calls to Australia.

What is Freshtel. As its websites says (and which almost every other voip provider boast about)

• It’s the future of phones
• It will save you money – up to 60%!
• It’s easy to use and flexible
• No contracts to tie you down
• And we’re not one of the big boys – enough said!

You can use Freshtel directly on your mobile. For information about installing Freshtel on your mobile visit mobile.freshtel.net !!

For making calls to Australia : freshtel offers no charge and flat rate untimed calls to any landline anywhere in Australia but that is under one plan in which you have to pay a montly charge of 9.95 AUD. Freshtel offers some other plans with lower monthly charges and one plan with no monthly charge but higher calling rates.
Fair usage policy :

• Applies to all customers.
• All prices are displayed in Australian dollars.
• All calls subject to a maximum of 180 minutes per call.
• All flat rate calls to Australian landlines limited to a total of 2,500 minutes per month.
• On the Freshtel 29.95 plan, all flat rate calls to Australian landlines are limited to a total of 3,000 minutes per month.
• Freshtel reserves the right to exempt specific customers.
• 
  

For business users, Freshtel also offers a PBX system : TalkSwitch which is designed for a small business. Each TalkSwitch telephone system comes complete with built-in voicemail, auto attendants to answer calls, music on hold, caller display and an extensive feature set. TalkSwitch is a hybrid PBX that works with standard analogue and IP telephone sets. It works with analogue telephone lines and has the option of VoIP for multibranch networking and select service providers. If you are looking for a PBX system for your business you can try Freshtel.

READ MORE - Cheap calls to Australia and international destinations

[HOW-TO] - Disable "Call Forwarding Active - Dismiss" Message on your iPhone

• Download and install PlistEdit Pro.
• This is the tool to edit the "carrier.plist" file.

The �call forwarding� popups in the iPhone 3G can be disabled by editing thecarrier.plist file. This file can be find in this forlder:/System/Library/Carrier Bundles/Unknown.bundle/
Search for :
[key]ShowCallForwarded[/key]
[YES/]
[key]ShowCallForwarding[/key]
[YES/]

Now change the �YES� values into �NO�
[key]ShowCallForwarded[/key]
[NO/]
[key]ShowCallForwarding[/key]
[NO/]

Reboot your iPhone and the popup�s are gone!

UPDATES - REVIEWS

• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?
• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps
• Review: STM Scout XS
• Review: Screen Privacy Filter
• Review: Yoobao iPad Case
• Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard

READ MORE - [HOW-TO] - Disable "Call Forwarding Active - Dismiss" Message on your iPhone

Cheap Voip International Calls from Finland

Voip has already a very popular technology with people from all over world using it to make cheap international calls. Today we discuss about another voip provider offering cheap international calls.

99599 Minicom is a Finland based voip provider offering voip calls from Finland. There is not much listed on their website but the method to call and rates are being listed.

To make calls :
Select: 99599 / country code / area code / phone number
For example to call Stockholm, Sweden, dial 99599 / 46 / 8 / ******

Their website says "With our cheap and high quality 99599-international calls you can reach your friends all over the world! Calling is easy and above all extremely cheap. Just take a look at our rates and compare them to your current service provider's rates. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our customer service. We are here for you! ".

There is not much information if it requires you to join their service (how to activate). May be just dialing the access number should work. So better just contact them regarding.

Regarding the calling rates, the rates are competitive when you activate (discounted rates). Calls to India are at 2.5 eurocent. Check their rate list before you make call.

For more info, visit Minicom.

PS: To make free international calls or cheap calls to India, check the last post on Rebtel (bonus coupon code).

READ MORE - Cheap Voip International Calls from Finland

How To: Jailbreak iPhone 3GS on iOS 4.0.2

There's no reason for you to upgrade iOS 4.0 to 4.0.1 unless you want to rectify the "Signal bars" issue (as claimed by Apple). And there's also no reason to upgrade from 4.0.1 to 4.0.2 unless you want to make your iPhone 3GS more secure from any attacks.

Anyway, if you still insist to upgrade to 4.0.2, you might want to read the article below:-

[Source] - Jailbreak iPhone 3GS on iOS 4.0.2 using PwnageTool [How To Guide]

However, take note its for the Old Bootrom iPhone 3GS.
The article also shows how to Unlock the iPhone 3GS on iOS 4.0.2.

READ MORE - How To: Jailbreak iPhone 3GS on iOS 4.0.2

Finally Status Change - "Prepared for Shipment"

• It was ordered on July 30th by a Singapore friend.
• And it was first reported by Singapore Forum on Aug. 16 that orders have started to "change status"
• Our order status finally changed on Aug. 18, 2010 (see photo below).
• And yesterday (Aug 18, 2010) some have reported the change from "Prepared for Shipment" to "Shipped" together with the tracking number.

UPDATE: Aug. 19, 2010

Aug 19, 2010		22:59		Shenzhen - China, People's Republic		Departed from facility - Shenzhen - China, People's Republic
Aug 19, 2010		22:58		Shenzhen - China, People's Republic		Processed - Shenzhen - China, People's Republic
Aug 19, 2010		20:17		Shenzhen - China, People's Republic		Shipment picked up - Shenzhen - China, People's Republic

UPDATE: Aug. 20, 2010

Aug 20, 2010		14:21		Singapore - Singapore		Shipment delivered - Singapore - Singapore
Aug 20, 2010		11:19		Singapore - Singapore		With delivery courier - Singapore - Singapore
Aug 20, 2010		10:30		Singapore - Singapore		Arrived at delivery facility - Singapore - Singapore
Aug 20, 2010		09:09		Singapore - Singapore		Departed from facility - Singapore - Singapore
Aug 20, 2010		09:06		Singapore - Singapore		Processed - Singapore - Singapore
Aug 20, 2010		07:58		Singapore - Singapore		Clearance processing complete - Singapore - Singapore
Aug 19, 2010		22:59		Shenzhen - China, People's Republic		Departed from facility - Shenzhen - China, People's Republic
Aug 19, 2010		22:58		Shenzhen - China, People's Republic		Processed - Shenzhen - China, People's Republic
Aug 19, 2010		20:17		Shenzhen - China, People's Republic		Shipment picked up - Shenzhen - China, People's Republic

Unfortunately, early morning Aug. 20, 2010, Apple have stopped signing 4.0.1 and thus its no longer able to downgrade 4.0.2 using Alt-Restore method. I have missed the chance to Jailbreak the iPhone 4..!

READ MORE - Finally Status Change - "Prepared for Shipment"

Rebtel free $5 Bonus Coupon Code and Special link

Its been long we have had a special promotion for our blog readers, but the wait is finally over. FreePctoPhoneCalls has again a special Rebtel promotional offer for you.

In the past too we have launched some special promotion in collaboration with Rebtel. The double your money offer was a big hit with hundreds of people taking its benefit. Rebtel is one of the most widely used voip provider for making international calls, quite popular among people making voip calls to India.

For those who are have no idea about Rebtel, its a voip service offering you a local number for your contacts. You can make free international calls to almost 40-50 countries using Rebtel. For calling India Rebtel rates are very competitive.

So coming back to the new offer :

Rebtel is offering a voucher code (which you have to use during your signup) using which you will get $5 bonus on the first deposit. $5 is equal to approximately 6 hours of calling to the UK or Mexico, or about one hour to Asia or Africa.

Rebtel offers first call free ! So after you signup you will get first call free, I am sure you will like the service so deposit some credit and make use of free $5 bonus.

1. Sign up using this link - Rebtel Signup.
2. At the signup page enter the Promo Code : REBTEL5

• Rebtel Signup Link
  
• Voucher code: REBTEL5
• Start date: 1st of July
• End date: 1st of October
• The minimum deposit is $10. The deposit must be made within 30 days after the sign up

This is a promotional offer valid for new customers so make full use of it. If you are already a Rebtel customer then in order to make use of offer, signup using some other email id and phone number.

Let us know your reviews and problems if you face any !

READ MORE - Rebtel free $5 Bonus Coupon Code and Special link

iPad - Segment Gizmo TV9 (Nasi Lemak Kopi O)

1. My appearance in Nasi Lemak Kopi O in TV9 Channel under the Segment "Gizmo" (Recorded End of June 2010). Actually, iPad have to arrive in Malaysian shores. Fortunately, I managed to get the gadget within 2 weeks it was officially launched. Thus, the TV channel was trying to find someone capable of explaining the iPad.
2. Since I am one of the early users in Malaysia, someone recommended me for the TV show. After purchasing several apps and using it daily, I decided - why not accept the TV offer?

Checkout my Twitter @mazlan_abbas

UPDATES - REVIEWS

• Review: 13 Reasons iLike iPad - How About You?
• Review: I Am A Student - Is It Worth To Buy an iPad?
• Review: After 1 month using iPad
• Review: What is it like after 2 months owning an iPad?
• Review: iPad - After More than 100 Days
• Review: After 4 months - List of my 11 Pages of iPad Apps
• Review: STM Scout XS
• Review: Screen Privacy Filter
• Review: Yoobao iPad Case
• Review: Apple Wireless Keyboard

READ MORE - iPad - Segment Gizmo TV9 (Nasi Lemak Kopi O)