social networking

VoxOx launches free Universal Communicator

Pete Wylie — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:18:39 -0500

TelCentris, a San Diego telco, announced a public beta for its VoxOx "Universal Communicator" free, web-based service Monday. VoxOx combines free inbound and outbound VoIP calls, voice chat, IM, SMS, social networking, file sharing and email aggregation for PCs and Macs.

VoxOx sets itself apart from other free social networking/IM clients by providing free voice and video chat. Users accrue minutes of outbound calling time by watching VoxOx-supported ads or referring friends to the service.

Certain features, like built-in prank call sounds boards, seem to indicate that VoxOx is targeted at a younger consumer. TelCentris reportedly plans to monetize the offering from users who pay 1 cent a minute or $20 per month for unlimited service.

"We've added the advertising in there because right now with the whole economic crunch going on a lot of people would appreciate that they could fire their phone company and not have to replace it with one that charges them a bunch of money," said CEO Bryan Hertz to Wired.

For more:
- see the Wired blog post here

iSkoot gets Social

Pete Wylie — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 12:07:36 -0400

Mobile VoIP start-up iSkoot has expanded out of its previous Skype-client model with the purchase of messaging client Social.im, which allows customers to IM Facebook friends. Before Facebook launched its own messaging feature, iSkoot looked capable to fill the profitable niche. The purchase gives iSkoot messaging capabilities that it can meld with its current VoIP offerings.

Although the terms of the deal were not disclosed, it is likely iSkoot got social.im for a song, given that Social.im's prime market has been dominated by larger players.

iSkoot has received $13 million in venture funds, and this is a notable acquisition that could increase its standing in the VoIP arena and beyond.

For more:
- skoot to the TechCrunch blog on the acquisition

Live Universe Snaps Up Jangl Leftovers

Doug Mohney — Sun, 18 May 2008 00:19:42 -0400

Live Universe has agreed to acquire Jangl's assets and remaining staff. Last week, Jangl's founders and five engineers split to Jajah after the company failed to find a buyer and its board was unwilling to raise more capital.

Live Universe is an online entertainment network lead by the founder of MySpace and the company operates websites across "core verticals" of video, social networking, and music. With a network reach of 56 million unique visitors in June 2007 (Comscore) and sites high in the 16-36 demographic and Jangl's emphasis on adding voice to social networking, it would appear that the two companies are a good fit. There's also some interest in what might happen to Jangl's existing deals with social networking sites Facebook, Bebo, Match.com, Frendster, and others now that Live is taking over.

Jangle's tale of woe started last fall when its board said it wasn't going to raise more venture money and management needed to find a buyer. A deal to be acquired by WhitePages.com fell through and founder Michael Cerda announced his departure through a personal blog posting on May 7.

For more:
- TechCrunch's blog on Live Universe Buying Jangl leftovers

Related articles:
Jangl and TalkPlus On the Block
Michael Cerda's blog on Jangl and Jajah