IP Democracy: Sony, Yak Launch Free Video VoIP Services

Sony Electronics and IP-based video communications company GlowPoint have joined the ranks of companies pushing the VoIP model toward the free end of the spectrum. The two companies announced yesterday the launch of Sony’s IVE or Instant Video Everywhere service which offers free unlimited voice and video service combining traditional VoIP with desktop-based video communications.

Like the leading free VoIP service, Skype, IVE is a computer-to-computer application downloadable from the Internet, but, also like Skype, it also offers premium upgrades, starting at $10/month, that allow users to place phone calls to traditional phones.

Another VoIP provider, Yak Communications, announced yesterday the launch of a no-cost, video-enabled VoIP service called YakforFree that allows users to make and receive voice and video calls to and from other YakforFree members by downloading a “Virtual VideoPhone” software application. Like Skype and Sony, Yak also offers premium services that enable the delivery of calls to traditional phones, with prepaid increments starting at $5.00 and unlimited monthly service for $19.99.

Posted by Cynthia Brumfield on November 17, 2005 8:06 AM to IP Democracy