October 5, 2011 in Magic Jack, Magic Jack Plus, MagicJack Plus by magicjackadmin

magicJack Plus Review

What is the magicJack Plus?

The magicJack plus is a small rectangular shaped device that is used to connect to the magicJack 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. The magic Jack Plus 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 magic Jack). The magicJack plus 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 the magicJack Plus cost?

If you want to buy magicJack Plus 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 magicJack 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 magicJack Plus?

Our reviews showed that the new magicJack 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 a magic Jack account and get your phone number. Once the magicJack Plus is 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 to the magicJack Plus?

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

How well does the magicJack Plus work?

Our tests show that the magicJack Plus 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 magic Jack 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 magicJack To magicJack Plus?

If you have the original magicJack you will need to purchase the new Plus device 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 magicJack 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 the magicJack Plus?

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 work with the magicJack Plus. The old magic Jack may have had a few minor issues and all of them have been tackled with the release of the Plus 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?

June 6, 2011 in Magic Jack, magic Jack App, magicJack app by magicjackadmin

What Is The magicJack App?

If you are interested in magic Jack then perhaps the new magic Jack App will be even more enticing. Previous versions of the magicJack have either had their shortcomings or don’t provide quite the convenience than an App could. The original magic Jack requires a computer, which often creates unfixable functionality problems due to differences in individual computers. In order to combat this issues magicJack developed the magicJack plus which takes things a step further by allowing direct connect to a regular telephone. A great advancement but one that still requires a landline telephone, and home ridden phone line. In taking things a step further in magic Jack’s evolution they are soon coming out with the magic Jack App (Originally called magicTalk). With the magicJack App you will get all of the benefits of magic Jack while being able to make your calls directly from your cell phone. Imagine that, whenever you are on Wi-Fi (and possibly 3G) you will have unlimited minutes through your magicJack App, from you smartphone, for just $20 a year.

And believe it or not but the deal gets even sweeter! Initial reports are saying that the App and calls will be free if you are already a magicJack user and are simply making calls to other magicJack users. If you are a magicJack user and want to make calls to landlines and mobile numbers you will have to pay a small $10 licensing fee. If you are a new user you will have to pay the standard $40 for the first year of service with all future years costing just $20 each.

The magicJack plus is suppose to be released in early July with reports stating that the magicJack App should be released at or near the same time. The initial release is only expected to cover computers, iPhones, and Ipads with an Android and Blackberry compatible App coming soon thereafter.

June 4, 2011 in Magic Jack, Magic Jack Plus, MagicJack Plus by magicjackadmin

magicJack Plus Release Update

The magicJack Plus was slated to be released for sale during the 1st quarter of 2011 but for this go around magicJack and VocalTec are doing it right and putting their new product through a lengthy testing phase before its release. At this time only 200 magicJack Plus units have been sold and magicJack is using feedback from these users to work out any kinks and get the final design ready for release.

Recently VocalTec gave guidance that this testing phase is expected to be completed in early July 2011 with release of the product thereafter. However don’t hold your breath on this one. We have been told many times about a release from magicJack only to be disappointed with delays. VocalTec also said that it hopes to release the magicJack App at the same time, this app is expected to work on computers, iPhones, and iPads initially.

We also just learned that you will indeed have the option to transfer your existing number from the original magicJack over to the magicJack Plus. It didn’t specify whether any future years of service that you paid for would transfer with the number but I think its safe to assume that they will transfer over.

The last time we posted about the magic Jack Plus we didn’t have any information on what the device would look like or its size. However with the testing phase in order pictures and videos of the new device have begun to surface. The magicJack plus looks almost the same as the original but it is slightly more square shaped, comes with an Ethernet port, and has the word “plus” added to the image we have seen for years on the original MJ (See image below).

If you have been anticipating the magicJack Plus release for awhile then it’s time to get excited because it is almost here. Let’s just hope MJ doesn’t disappoint with another delay.

June 3, 2011 in Magic Jack, magic Talk, magicTalk by magicjackadmin

What Is MagicTalk?

MagicJack is at it again but this time with a software program that works independently on your computer. This new program is called magicTalk and it lets you connect to the magic Jack VoIP network through your computer without any need for the magic Jack USB dongle or magicJack Plus device.

The new magic Talk program is super easy to use. Just download it from their site and you should be ready to go in a few minutes. Once setup and registered you can start making calls right away directly from your computer screen. Of course you will either need a headset, built-in mic, or a microphone that you hookup to your computer.

Currently VocalTec is offering some services from magicTalk for free and other parts of it require you to upgrade to a paid account. With all accounts you get a free 10-digit magicTalk number and the ability to make and receive calls from all magicTalk and magicJack users totally for free. If you sign up for a free account you will be assigned a number automatically. If you upgrade to a preferred account you will be able to choose from a list of available phone numbers. You also get free incoming calls from all landlines and cell phones. However, in order for someone to make an incoming call to a free magicTalk account they first must dial magicJack’s free access number at 305-848-TALK and then follow the prompts to enter the magicTalk number they are trying to reach.

If users want to make outgoing calls to non magic Jack lines they will need to upgrade their account from the free basic membership to a preferred membership which will cost just $19.95 per year and will include the standard unlimited local and long distance calling to the US and Canada. For Canadian numbers magic Talk user will have to pay an additional $10.00.

magicTalk is a great idea for those that want quick, simple, and cheap calls. However it is definitely not for those that want to use a regular telephone to make calls because all calls are made directly through your computer.  For those that want to use an actual phone they would be better suited to go with the original magicJack or magic Jack Plus

June 2, 2011 in Magic Jack, Magic Jack Plus, MagicJack Plus by magicjackadmin

magicJack Plus Review Video

The magicJack Plus has now been unofficially released  to a select group of individuals for testing and feedback. One of these individuals has so kindly provided us with a magic Jack Plus video review. Check out the video and you’ll notice that the original and the plus look very similar. The only differences appear to be a very slight change in size, the USB part has been moved from the right side to the left, and the Plus comes with both a phone jack and Ethernet port.  Besides the device you also get the AC power adapter, an Ethernet cable, and a USB extension cable.

Current guidance from the company says that the magicJack Plus release date should be sometime during July 2011.

February 20, 2011 in Magic Jack by magicjackadmin

Is There A Magic Jack Scam?

Whether or not magic Jack is a scam is a hotly debated topic on the Internet and something that we simply have to address. For starters there is a clear answer to this question and it is simply NO! There is no magic Jack scam!

Magic Jack currently has millions of active users and that is quite simply because the company offers a legitimate product/service at a wonderful price. As is the case with any product, when you have millions of users you are bound to have a few that are unhappy with it for one reason or another. You see the key here is that the unhappy customers always make the most noise regarding issues while happy users aren’t out writing anything because they are busy being satisfied with their service and see no need to declare the product great because in their mind it works great for everybody. Why would they have a reason to go check out reviews about a product that isn’t giving them any trouble?

So to sum it up again, no the magic Jack isn’t a scam and if you are interested in getting the magic Jack it would certainly be a good choice.

January 23, 2011 in Magic Jack, Magic Jack Plus, MagicJack Plus by magicjackadmin

What Is The MagicJack Plus?

The magicJack Plus is exactly the same as the original magic Jack 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 magic Jack). In fact, the magic Jack plus comes with the same features as the original 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 (The magicJack plus was originally slated to work via Wi-Fi 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 magicJack 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 magicJack plus is super easy to use and works with any standard phone. All you have to do is hook your phone up to the magicJack plus via the ethernet cable and you will be up and running within a few seconds. No more dealing with a software installation like you had to with the old magic Jack.

The biggest reason why the magicJack plus is such a great product is because it comes with all of the great benefits that people have been getting for years with the magicJack 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 original magic Jack but should be well worth it when you consider its upgrades. At the 2011 CES Dan Barislow ran a magicJack plus 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 magic Jack iphone app too.

Reasons Why You Should Get The magicJack Plus

No Computer Required – The elimination of needing a computer means that the magicJack plus 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 – The magicJack plus 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 magic Jack has call quality issues but the new magic Jack plus was given specific updates to combat this. These updates have allowed the magicJack plus 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 the magicJack plus 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 magicJacks PC softphone. The simplest of ideas is to bring it along when you are staying at a hotel and unhook the hotel room phone from the wall and hook your magicJack plus up to it.

Free International Calling To The U.S. – Take the magicJack plus 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.

September 15, 2010 in Magic Jack by magicjackadmin

Magic Jack Official Commercial

Check out the official magic Jack commercial below. It does a pretty good job of explaining what the magic Jack is in an extremely short amount of time.

May 26, 2010 in Magic Jack by magicjackadmin

Magic Jack PC Softphone Eliminates Need For Actual Phone

If you like the magic Jack but would rather make calls directly from your computer then you are in luck because this can now be done with magic Jack’s PC softphone software. With magic Jack’s news softphone feature users now have the choice of either continuing to hook their phone up to the magicJack phone jack port or as an alternative make calls directly from their PC via an on-screen phone.

Below you can see a picture of the magic Jack softphone and a short explanation of its layout and how to use it. It is very easy to use and provides away to reduce clutter and eliminate the need for a phone to be right at your computer desk. The PC softphone is also advantageous because these days many people do not have a landline telephone at their disposal so the magic Jack would require them to go out and purchase one.

The layout of the software includes a large banner to the left that can be ignored most of the time. However, from time-to-time it includes useful information such as new feature alerts or current specials that offer to allow you to extend your service at a discounted price.

Just to the right of the banner and above the keypad is a little box that displays whether or not the magic Jack and its sofware is functioning properly and currently able to make calls. You should always take a quick glance at this screen in order to be sure your magic Jack is working before initiating a call.

Below the above mentioned screen is the keypad, a white text box, and the end/send buttons. This is the main portion of the software where the action takes place and it is quite easy to use. All you have to do is click the buttons related to the number you are trying to call. As they are clicked they will show up in the text box above the keypad. Once you have the phone number entered click the send button and your call will be initiated. Once finished talking simply click end and the softphone will end your call.

Just to the right of the keypad is a large white area, this area is your phone book. Here you can save any numbers to your phone and also look up recent calls that you have made via the softphone.

Above the phone book area is a minimize button and big button that allows you to minimize the application or make it bigger if needed. There is also a menu button that you can click on that will give you the PC softphone menu options.

Below the phone book is the redial, voicemail, and 411 buttons. These buttons are pretty self explanatory.

Finally, and very important is the area along the bottom border. This area is the place where you enter your physical location (address) from which you make your magic Jack calls. This is important because if you ever have a 911 emergency and call from your magic Jack it will allow them to locate you.

May 9, 2010 in Magic Jack by magicjackadmin

Official Magic Jack Features

If you are interested in getting the magic Jack or already have it and want to know what all you can do with it check out the list below that shows the features that the magicJack comes with.

• Unlimited Local And Long Distance Calling To Any Landline, Cell Phone, or Magic Jack User
• Free International Calling To Other Magic Jack Users
• Best International Calling Rates As Low As $0.02 Per Minute
• Actual Phone Optional – All Call Can Be Made Through magic Jack PC Softphone
• Portable Phone Line – magic Jack Can Be Taken Anywhere That A High Speed Internet Connection Exists
• Phone Number Portability
• Free Directory Assistance
• Conference Calling
• Call Forwarding To Other Numbers
• Call Waiting
• Caller ID
• Voicemail
• Voicemail To Email
• Address Book And Outlook Express Integration
• Windows & Mac Compatible
• Works With A Bluetooth Head Set

If there are any other features that we missed leave them in the comments below and we’ll add them to the list.