July 23, 2011 in Magic Jack, Magic Jack Plus, MagicJack Plus by admin

What Is The MagicJack Plus?

It is a new device from VocalTec that is exactly the same as the original device in that it is a VoIP telephone adapter that allows users to make unlimited local and long distance calls to the US and Canada through a regular phone for only $29.95/ year ( $10 increase over the original). In fact, it comes with the same features as the old magic Jack but also a few key upgrades that make it a lot better.

The biggest difference between the two is that the magicJack Plus not only works by way of USB port but also independently of a computer via Ethernet to router/modem (It was originally slated to work via WiFi and possibly 4G but these updates were cancelled). The major hang up with the magic Jack, its reliance on a computer, has now been solved with the plus. Another difference from its predecessor are two new features that are sure to improve call quality to an all time level. These two features are Echo Control and HD Voice and these additions will make call quality as good or better than you can get with any other phone.

The biggest reason why the new device is such a great product is because it comes with all of the excellent benefits that people have been getting for years with the old gadget but it also addresses the magic Jack’s shortcomings. In the past people have been willing to deal with any issues in exchange for saving $50 per month but now you can have your cake and eat it too!

The magicJack plus will cost just $69.95, which is $30 more than the old one but should be well worth it when you consider its upgrades. At the 2011 CES Dan Barislow ran a demo to show every how it worked and although not yet released it is currently in beta and is a working product that is getting good reviews up to this point. The release date was estimated at sometime during the first quarter of 2011 with a potential release of an app too.

Reasons Why You Should Get The magicJack Plus

No Computer Required – The elimination of needing a computer means that it will work almost flawlessly just as your regular home phone does. Now you won’t have to keep your computer on at all times or move your telephone so that it sits near your computer.

Super Low Price – It comes at an insanely low price! For just $70 you get the device and one year of service with future years of service costing just $30. The initial cost for one year of service is equal to or less than your are probably paying through a traditional home phone company. Nobody in the telephone industry can rival this price.

Some Of The Best Call Quality – The old device has call quality issues but the new one was given specific updates to combat this. These updates have allowed it to reach new heights in regards to call quality. Get the best all quality out there while also paying almost nothing for it!

Ability To Take Your Home Phone Anywhere With You – With it you have the ability to take your home phone with you no matter where you travel. All you need is the device, a regular telephone, and an Ethernet port. Or when traveling you can connect it via your computers USB port and use the PC softphone.

Free International Calling To The U.S. – Take it with you when you travel outside of the country and you will have free calls back to the U.S. and Canada. No matter where you are in the world all calls to the U.S. and Canada are free. You can also considering buying it for someone you know that lives overseas and give the gift of free calls to you along with all of their other friends and family back in the U.S.

July 5, 2011 in Magic Jack, Magic Jack Plus, MagicJack Plus by admin

Our magicJack Plus Review

What is it?

It is a small rectangular shaped device that is used to connect to a VoIP network. With it users are able to get unlimited local and long distance calling to anywhere in the United States or Canada for just $29.95 per year and works in two different ways. It can either be hooked up via an Ethernet port on your router/modem or by way of a computers USB port (like the old device). It comes with all of the features that you are use to getting with a traditional landline phone company including voicemail, call waiting, call forwarding, 3-way calling, caller ID, and much more. Included with your purchase will be the magicJack Plus device,  USB cable, AC power adapter, Ethernet cable, and the owner’s manual/instructions.

How much does it cost?

If you want to buy it it comes at a price of $69.95 for the device and the first year of service. All future years of service cost just $29.95 each. The price includes unlimited local and long distance calling to the United States and Canada with the ability to make international calls for an additional per minute cost. If you are interested in getting additional years of service with your initial purchase of the device you can get them at a pretty good discount. When going through the setup process you can also purchase an extra five years of service for $99.95, a significant discount off the regular yearly price. The new plus also brings the ability to port your current phone number for a one-time fee of $19.95. Finally, when buying the device and also when registering it users have the option of purchasing device replacement insurance for an extra $10.

How do you setup the device?

Our reviews showed that the new device is extremely easy to setup and can be up and running within just a couple of minutes. When you first receive the device you will need to hook it up to your computer via its USB port. This needs to be done so that you can go through the steps to register for an account and get your phone number. Once hooked up to your computer all you have to do is follow the onscreen prompts and you’ll be ready to go in no time.  Here you can either choose a vanity number for $10 or pick from available numbers that are listed for $3.  Once setup you can either continue using it on your computer or you can now take the device and hook it directly into your modem or routers Ethernet port. The only step left at this point is hooking the other end of the device up to your telephone and you’ll be all all ready to go.

Can I port my current phone number?

Yes. Most people can port their current phone number for a fee of $19.99. Current users of the original one  can also transfer their number to the latest version for free. In order to do this all you have to do is purchase the new device and during setup select “add to existing account” when prompted.

How well does the it work?

Our tests show that it works incredibly well. When testing its call quality it has been excellent and a big improvement over the original magic Jack. This is in part due to the new echo control and HD voice features along with no need for a computer. Without involving a computer in the process their phone service has been greatly simplified and outside factors related to each persons computer performance have been totally eliminated. This alone has been the biggest factor in improving freeze ups, dropped called, and static.

Can I Upgrade From the old device to the new one?

If you have the original you will need to purchase the Plus and during registration of the device you will need to select that you already have an account. In doing this you will have the option to  transfer your old number over to your new device. This upgrade however does not include a transfer of subscription. Your new device comes with a full year of service after which you will have to renew.

What’s the final word on this product?

The magicJack Plus provides consumers with one of the cheapest options for home phone service and does this while allowing users to enjoy all of the features and benefits that come with more expensive traditional landline service. It is super easy to setup, super easy to use, and its call quality rivals that of all other service providers all while allowing users unlimited minutes and free long distance for just $29.95 per year. Of course you can also take this “home phone” with you wherever you go since it can be used via a USB port as well. Considering it’s price, quality, and easy of use you can’t go wrong with it. The old one may have had a few minor issues and all of them have been tackled with the release of the new device.

Wondering minds can only imagine what’s next for magicJack. Perhaps a totally wireless device that works via Wi-Fi? Or maybe a 4G capable device that can also bring cheap Internet service to its users?