Web site: www.gizmovoice.com | www.gizmoproject.com (not active)
Category: Network
Subcategory: VoIP Clients
Platform: Linux, OS X, Windows, Symbian
License: Proprietary
Interface: GUI
Wikipedia: Gizmo5
First release: 2005
Gizmo – a free to use, but proprietary phone application which uses Voice Over IP / SIP protocol.
Gizmo5 (formerly Gizmo Project) enables free calls via the Internet between computers as well as chargeable calls to landlines and mobile phones. Gizmo5 was originally developed and distributed by the American company SIPphone. The software itself is proprietary, but uses some free protocols.
The software is characterized by the fact that it also works smoothly behind firewalls and NAT routers. It uses the SIP protocol, which is trying to establish itself as the standard in Internet telephony. In contrast to its competitor Skype, Gizmo5 uses a free standard.
In addition to calls over the Internet, you can also purchase so-called CallOut credit, which allows you to call regular landline or mobile phone numbers for a fee. In addition, after negotiations with some major telecommunications providers in the USA, it is also possible to call customers who have been connected by these providers via VOIP free of charge using an area code.[4] For a fixed monthly fee, Gizmo5 users can also register normal telephone numbers in currently over 28 states, whose calls are forwarded to their softphone.
In addition to the SIP number automatically assigned by Gizmo5 during registration, it is also possible to connect to a second SIP server and select which of the two accounts the call should be made via. This means that existing VOIP flat rates or cheaper tariffs can also be used.
Users of the SIP protocol can exchange text messages with each other using SIMPLE. It is also possible to send files. Gizmo5 also offers the option of chatting with XMPP and Google Talk users. Chats with users of proprietary protocols such as AIM/ICQ, MSN and Yahoo Messenger are also supported.
Gizmo5 has an answering machine and the option of conference calls.
The software is available for Windows, Linux and Mac OS. Versions for Palm OS and mobile phones with Symbian are also available. In November 2009, Gizmo5 was bought by Google and re-implemented or later discontinued (since April 3, 2011).
