BuddyTalk

CNET Editors' review

Even though this program lacks many of the features we like to see in a Net phone, its attractive, easy-to-use interface somewhat compensates for its omissions. Creating a BuddyTalk account is a more convoluted process than we'd like. You must first surrender your e-mail address to obtain a device ID, fill out a form on the developer's site, then wait for another e-mail to get your user ID and password. BuddyTalk's slick interface looks just like a real-world cell phone and displays prominent tabs for switching between PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone modes. You can easily adjust the volume of the incoming calls, but you can't configure your microphone from directly within the program. The application logs all call records and lets you easily add a contact to your address book with only a few clicks. Unfortunately, BuddyTalk doesn't have most of the basic features found in some competitors, omitting voice mail, an IM client, and conference calls. In our tests, call quality was medicore; we could hear everything just fine, but incoming callers weren't exactly crystal clear. On the plus side, calling other BuddyTalk members is free, and the rates for dialing telephones within the United States are a reasonable four cents per minute. All told, this program best suits those who are new to Internet telephony and don't demand a large feature set.

Publisher's Description

More Popular Web Phones & VoIP Software downloads

  1. Skype

    49,466 downloads

  2. Multi Skype Launcher

    4,173 downloads

  3. SkypeLauncher

    2,902 downloads

  4. Tango

    2,480 downloads

  5. Skype Recorder

    2,094 downloads

  6. Skype Portable

    1,491 downloads

  7. X-Lite

    1,235 downloads

  8. Express Talk Business VoIP Softphone

    435 downloads

  9. iCall

    424 downloads

All User Reviews
  • All versions:

    3.7 stars

    out of 17 votes

    • 5 star: 10
    • 4 star: 2
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 0
    • 1 star: 5
  • Current version:

    3.7 stars

    out of 17 votes

    • 5 star: 10
    • 4 star: 2
    • 3 star: 0
    • 2 star: 0
    • 1 star: 5
  • My rating:

    0 stars

    Write review

Results 1-10 of 12

  • 1.0 stars

    "How is it all these Good and Bad ???"

    June 2, 2010  |   By thabozz6990

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Pros

    Everything,
    was posted by on person???

    Cons

    There were post from
    BuddyTalk 1.0
    saying good and bad things about this one product?
    Why would this site allow stupid people to do such a thing??

    Summary

    Dose CNET post these them selfs or dose some retard come and do it on random sites?

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "It Suck.Dont work"

    September 5, 2008  |   By nishant_delhi

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Pros

    ............................................

    Cons

    cant make account.Its not free

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "it is very good
    it is very good"

    June 2, 2008  |   By holmsy19

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Pros

    like it

    Cons

    dhjsfjsdafanhdfgj

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (1)

  • 4.0 stars

    "i think this is great!!!!!"

    November 6, 2007  |   By vienshane

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (1)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Impossible to register"

    February 17, 2005  |   By tristanbgilb

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Cons

    After a difficult day of trying to register this product they send me an email saying that they want me to fax them credit card statements, a copy of my credit card, and identification. Initially registering this product they told me that I can't use a public email address such as my yahoo account. So I called up my internet provider and asked them about the email box they provide to me that I never use. Any way I never got the chance to register this product because of the hoops required. I don't know if it works or not.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (3) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Annoyingware, but forgiven"

    November 20, 2003  |   By D-cat

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Summary

    It does what it says and at very nice quality. What it lacks is mere annoyances that result from lack of some basic features and inability to save default settings. For example, when it's started, it always comes up (cannot start minimised), and it always starts in PC-to-Phone mode, which is really cheap, but not free. It also starts up a web page that simply tells you that community chat has been discontinued (used to be an auto-signin page). When searching for other users, the result list is fixed at a 50 maximum and the user cannot choose how the list is sorted. Also, this software will require an enhanced Full-duplex (separate record and playback mixer controls: eg. Sound Blaster Live) for smooth operation. It will function on more primitive full duplex cards, but one or both users may recieve an echo. Half duplex operation is not supported. Unconfirmed at the moment- it may have caused interference with my FTP server while in PC-to-PC chat.

    I forgive the small annoyances in this software because it is version 1.0, it does have an effective central server-based call system, so you don't need to know the person youre trying to contact's IP, and the voice quality is very good. I was able for a short time to make the voice break up, but it took a solid bandwidth crunch and a heavy processor load (virus scan) to do it.

    I does as it advertizes, simply needs to be made more user friendly.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (2) (1)

  • 1.0 stars

    "The program seems like an excellent idea, but is hard to configure!"

    October 13, 2002  |  

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Summary

    I have recently been endlessly searching for a program that could make free long distance calls, because I have a lot of family and friends who live far away.
    I read the user opinions, and it seemed like BuddyTalk was free, so I downloaded it.
    Unfortunately, it either is not free, or I simply cannot figure out how to register! I've looked all over their website, and I cannot find where you are supposed to obtain a username.
    Please, if any of you know where to get a username, or, better yet, a free program that I can get, PLEASE send me an E-mail at GrantinatorPlus13@hotmail.com and I would be greatful.
    However, the program does seem like an excellent idea, and it is certainly professional looking.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (1) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Cool and fantastic!!"

    February 27, 2002  |  

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Summary

    Great software for PC to PC and PC to phone. You will not know what's great inside unless you use it. Try it for yourself!

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Good Quality Voice"

    January 3, 2002  |  

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Summary

    I usually don't recommend products, but this is a good one and best of all it's free. I use it with all my friends.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 5.0 stars

    "Excellent PC2Phone product!"

    December 28, 2001  |  

    Version: BuddyTalk 1.0

    Summary

    Very intuitive interface. Excellent voice quality. I highly recommend it.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

Results 1-10 of 12

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for BuddyTalk 1.0
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

See more CNET content tagged:

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for BuddyTalk

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK

About CNET Installer

The CNET Download.com Installer is a tiny ad-supported stub installer or "download manager" that helps securely deliver your downloads from Download.com's servers. We also include offers for carefully screened software that complies with Download.com Software Policies as part of our Installer process. Learn more

BuddyTalk