Gizmo5

Infobox Software
name =

caption =
developer = SIPphone
latest_release_version = 4.0.4.385 (Windows)
latest_release_date = ??
operating_system = Mac OS X, Linux, Windows, Internet Tablet OS, Symbian
genre = Peer-to-peer internet telephony
license = Freeware
website = [http://gizmo5.com Official website]

Gizmo5 (formerly known as Gizmo Project) is the name of a peer-to-peer VoIP network and of a proprietary freeware soft phone for that network.

Gizmo Project was founded by Michael Robertson. [cite web|url=http://www.voipplanet.com/reviews/article.php/3607481|title=Softphones Reviewed: Gizmo Project|last=Stevenson|first=Ted|date=May 19, 2006|publisher=Voip Planet|accessdate=2008-09-15] Unlike its competitor network Skype, the Gizmo5 network uses open standards for call management, Session Initiation Protocol and Jabber. [cite web|url=http://www.tomsnetworking.com/2006/01/18/crowning_the_king_of_free_talk_/|title=Crowning the King of Free Talk - Skype vs. Gizmo|last=Boiko-Weyrauch|first=Derek|date=January 18, 2006|publisher=Tom's Guide|pages=1|accessdate=2008-09-15] But it uses several proprietary codecs, and like Skype, the Gizmo5 client is proprietary/closed source software. Gizmo5 is run by the company SIPphone.

Since Gizmo5 is based on SIP, it can inter-operate with other SIP-based networks directly, although some data will always be routed via central SIPphone-servers, making it less than ideal in these settings from a privacy and security perspective.fact|date=September 2008 This avoids the phone system and is thus free of charge. Gizmo also will use encryption (SRTP) for Gizmo to Gizmo calls and works well with Phil Zimmermann's new Zfone secure add on.fact|date=September 2008

The Gizmo5 software also has additional features that are unique to itself, such as interoperability with other systems/services via the SIP standard, built-in recording, and free voicemail. Gizmo also allows paid members of LiveJournal to make 'voiceposts' if they are unable to use the voicepost telephone lines provided by the website. [cite web|url=http://voipservices.tmcnet.com/feature/articles/3141-livejournal-adds-gizmo-letting-users-make-free-voip.htm|title=LiveJournal Adds Gizmo, Letting Users Make Free VoIP Calls |last=Barnard|first=Patrick|date=October 17, 2006 |publisher=TMCNet|accessdate=2008-09-15]

Gizmo supports outbound caller ID in the United States, [cite web|url=http://support.gizmoproject.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=104|title=Gizmo5 Knowledgebase|date=September 27, 2005|publisher=Gizmo5|accessdate=2008-09-15] where people commonly reject incoming calls from unknown numbers.

Gizmo 4.0 Beta offers video calling. Gizmo5 offers Gizmo on a smartphone platform.

The text chat function of Gizmo5 utilizes the Jabber protocol.fact|date=September 2008 Users using Gizmo5 can be reached through the Jabber protocol at [e-mail]

Free calls to landline/mobile phones

Gizmo5 offers free calls from a computer to the landline/mobile phones of other Gizmo users, but with restrictions that aren't fully disclosed. [cite web|url=http://support.gizmoproject.com/index.php?_m=knowledgebase&_a=viewarticle&kbarticleid=284|title=Are there any restrictions on where I can call?|date=November 14, 2007|publisher=Gizmo5 Knowledgebase|accessdate=2008-09-15] For example, presently only 11% of US phone numbers are eligible to receive a free Backdoor call from Gizmo. [cite web|url=http://gizmo5.com/pc/backdoor/|title=Backdoor Dialing|publisher=Gizmo5|accessdate=2008-09-15] As a result, accounts can switch between a qualified and unqualified status without notice.fact|date=September 2008

Mobile phones with Gizmo5 mobile cannot make phone calls to normal (PSTN) phones without using up mobile phone plan minutes. When such calls are made, the Gizmo5 service calls the phone #s of both parties and connects the call.fact|date=September 2008

See also

* Comparison of VoIP software
* List of Jabber client software
* Ekiga
* QuteCom

References

External links

* [http://gizmo5.com/ Official site]