Grandstream GXV3140 Now Skype Certified

As Skype continues to evolve as a service provider it’s inevitable that they will continue to find ways to move away from the desktop and onto the desktop.

Over the summer, Grandstream released a new firmware version that allow it’s GXV3140 to natively support Skype and Skype video calling. Today, Grandstream has taken this one step further by announcing that they Grandstream GXV3140 is now Skype certified.

What’s this mean?

Well, unlike this summers announcement, it means that Skype has officially given the Grandstream GXV3140 its blessing, making it the second videophone on the market for use with Skype. And according to Grandstream,

“Skype certification on the GXV3140 IP multimedia phone creates a seamless video-enabled communications experience from PC to desk phone, giving Skype users the utmost flexibility and convenience for video calling. Grandstream’s GXV3140 bridges the gap between convenient-to-use dedicated voice/video end-points and the increasingly popular world of PC-based Internet multimedia communication offerings like Skype.”

The idea of seamless video communications is a major hurdle to widespread video calling adoption. For the most part there is little interoperability between video calling services and hardware, leaving most companies interested in video calling hesitant to pull the trigger for fear of living in a walled garden.

While this announcement certainly won’t change this, it is a step in the right direction and a sign that more seamless video communications solutions are coming.

WiFi Alliance Announces Five WiFi Direct Certified Products

 
WiFi Alliance Announces Five WiFi Direct Certified Products The WiFi Alliance has announced the first five devices to receive its new WiFi Direct certification. Called a “game-changing advance for WiFi technology” by ABI Research analyst Victoria Fodale, WiFi Direct enables two or several devices—such as mobile phones, keyboards, printers, cameras, gaming devices and headphones—to connect, with or without the availability of a WiFi hotspot. The devices can then sync for gaming, or to pass content such as photos, music and applications. "We designed WiFi Direct to unleash a wide variety of applications which require device connections, but do not need the Internet or even a traditional network," said Edgar Figueroa, CEO of the WiFi Alliance, in a statement. "WiFi Direct empowers users to connect devices — when, where and how they want to, and our certification program delivers products that work well together, regardless of the brand."  

The five WiFi Certified WiFi Direct products, the Alliance announced, are:  

• Atheros XSPAN Dual-band 802.11n PCIe mini card;  

• Broadcom Dual-Band 802.11n 2x2 MiMO PCIe half mini card;  

• Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6200 WiFi card;  

• Ralink MIMObility 802.11 2x2 PCIe half mini card; and  

• Realtek HM92C00 PCIe mini card. 

WiFi Direct technology is intended for both consumer and enterprise devices, as it offers the latest WPA2 security protections. It also works with older WiFi Certified devices, offers a “push-button” setup and—unlike the limited distances of Bluetooth technology—works at a typical WiFi range.

New Grandstream GXV 3140 IP Video Phone is Skype Certified

 
New Grandstream GXV 3140 IP Video Phone is Skype Certified Grandstream Networks, manufacturer of IP voice/video telephony and video surveillance solutions, announced that its award-winning GXV3140 IP multimedia phone.    The GVX 3140 uses mega-pixel camera and H.264 codec to deliver razor sharp video calling over Internet, is officially certified by Skype and incorporates native Skype embedded software to allow Skype video calling without a PC. Skype’s community of users worldwide, who already have the capability to send and receive free video calls to and from their computers, can now do so with Grandstream’s IP multimedia phone. Designed to strengthen relationships with business colleagues and customers, as well as keep in touch with family and friends, the GXV3140 offers FREE two-way or three-way video calling out-of-the-box along with real-time instant access to a variety of Web and popular social multimedia applications.

“Skype certification on the GXV3140 IP multimedia phone creates a seamless video-enabled communications experience from PC to desk phone, giving Skype users the utmost flexibility and convenience for video calling,” said David Li, CEO of Grandstream Networks. “Grandstream's GXV3140 bridges the gap between convenient-to-use dedicated voice/video end-points and the increasingly popular world of PC-based Internet multimedia communication offerings like Skype."

The Skype-enabled Grandstream GXV3140 is the industry’s first desktop IP multimedia phones compatible with both Skype and SIP open standards for voice & video calling. No service contract or additional monthly fee is required to use Skype for video calling.

With a 4.3” digital color LCD, the ‘always-on’ GXV3140 has an integrated Web browser, giving users convenient, one-touch access to personalized feeds of real-time online information services (such as news video or RSS feeds, weather, IM, stock/currency updates, etc), thousands of Internet radio stations, major Web photo sites (Yahoo Flickr, Photobucket, Phanfare), popular social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter) and Internet streaming entertainment sites like YouTube and Last.fm.

Earlier this year, Grandstream also announced successful Skype Connect™ certification for its IPPBX and gateways. Skype Connect interoperability allows business users to receive calls through their Grandstream IPPBX from Skype users around the world. Companies can now allow their customers and remote employees to make free inbound calls to their corporate PBX system using Skype from anywhere in the world.

“We are pleased to deliver this new video device category that works with Skype and are honored to be selected for our innovation, rich features, and affordability. The GXV3140 phone joins Grandstream’s other Skype-enabled solutions including our IPPBX and gateway products previously certified by Skype,” Li added. “We value our strategic relationship with Skype and look forward to bringing more devices with Skype integration to market in the future.”

Pricing and Availability

The GXV3140 is available through Skype Store and Grandstream’s worldwide distribution partners for $229.00.