Gizmo5 for Windows

Used Gizmo5 for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffDecember 3, 2024

Does the world really need another VoIP client? Here's one Gizmo that thinks so.

Gizmo5's interface is compact and rectangular, with tabs on the top just below the Menu bar and a series of ancillary commands like Chat and Add Contact available at the bottom. There are very few differences between Gizmo's design and its biggest competitor's, and a little originality could've gone a long way here.

Also similar to Skype, Gizmo provides free VoIP for computer-to-computer voice chatting as well as text chatting. It also allows for computer-to-telephone voice chatting for both mobile phones and landlines. It has one feature that Skype lacks: it lets you conference call with multiple PCs by entering in a random, shared number. Overall, the sound clarity and quality was excellent, with no lagging nor echoing. Gizmo also says it provides asymmetrical chat-client VoIP, so you can use Gizmo and your headset to talk to somebody on Windows Live or Google Talk. We couldn't get that feature to work, but it's a smart idea and we hope it gets debugged soon.

Overall, Gizmo's got some good stuff and some room for improvement. If you despise Skype or are just interested in alternatives, you might want to give this one a try, but otherwise we'd recommend holding off.

Gizmo5 for Windows

Used Gizmo5 for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: November 12, 2009

Latest update: December 3, 2024

Version: 4.0.0.386

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows XP
Windows Vista
Windows 2000

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 59,876

Downloads Last Week: 1

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Last Updated

User Reviews

2.7/5

34 User Votes

google bought it and closed it down
April 21, 2015
Pros
was awesome way to use google voice for Free ......
Cons
then google found out and bought it ...and sits on it to keep us in check...booooo
Summary
Works fine until you want it on 7
kamakzy56August 21, 2010
Pros
Works great on my windows XP VM
Cons
Doesn't seem to work for windows 7, gives me an error saying it only works on Windows XP/2000 or higher (Windows 7 is most definitely higher)
Summary
The program worked great while trying it out on a Windows XP virtual machine, but while in windows 7 it wont even install.
none to be had
mhaslowFebruary 2, 2010
Pros
none to be had
Cons
none to be had
Summary
I did not use this product instead I am using Skype
They're not taking new members!
FreakyJasonJanuary 21, 2010
Pros
What can you say positive about a product you can't use?
Cons
Not sure what the deal is, but don't download this. You have to have an account, and they're full. The previous post mentioned that, but it's disabled. More time wasting...
Summary
This needs to be pulled from CNET ASAP until they start accepting new members and we can use it.
couldn't use
larsenkirk63November 25, 2009
Pros
check website first they're not allowing new registration....something nice to know before I had downloaded it
Cons
wouldn't know cause i couldn't use it
Summary
Its Superb!!!!
navid4September 30, 2009
Pros
Perfect Perfect Perfect Perfect Perfect
Cons
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A
Summary
Unethical, Dogdy company
peter_asapSeptember 11, 2009
Pros
I can not come up with any. Skype is much better.
Cons
Customer service really suck. Go with Skype or whatver just stay away from them
Summary
I bought a virtual number in Australia with them. AFTER the purchase they said I need to provide a copy of PASSPORT with them. I refused to provide my passport to some unknown guy somewhere on the planet. They refuse refund. I never got the number. Stay AWAY from them. One of the most horrible companies I dealt with.
Based on Other Reviews
drakedaneAugust 23, 2009
Pros
couldn't find many in the other reviews
Cons
seems like customer support is a real problem!
Summary
Based on other reviews, clearly this is NOT a company that anyone should deal with. I literally could not find one review that would lead me to even give this a try - with the single exception of the cnet review, which is really why i'm posting: how is it that cnet's review of the product is SO out of step with all of the customer reviews?? can we trust ANY reviews from cnet? i hope the Gizmo5 company reads these and decides what's important!!!
Works with Google Voice
ethanthekiwiAugust 14, 2009
Pros
It is the only Voip service that will work with Google Voice (as of 090814). It is compatible with any device/OS that has an SIP client (which is most of them) including Windows, Mac, Maemo, iPhone (jail broken), and more.
Cons
The Google Voice integration over wireless internet on mobile devices like the Nokia n810 is not very good. It usually doesn't work.
Summary
It is good for PC to PC talking (even over wireless) You can even call Skype users from Gizmo5 using their opensky feature.
Unethical Company, Worthless & Nonfunctional Service
acyacyAugust 13, 2009
Pros
Nothing is good about this.
Cons
The product doesn't work. Multiple pleas for service are ignored. They refuse to refund money.
Summary
Any of the reviews praising this company should be suspect. I am proficient with computers and cellphones but couldn't get this service to work despite trying for a long time. Beware.

Developer’s Description

Make phone calls using your PC with this free VoIP software.

Formerly known as the Gizmo Project. Gizmo5 uses your Internet connection (broadband or dial-up) to make calls to other computers. With the click of a mouse, you're connected to friends, family, and colleagues anywhere on earth. You can talk clearly, for as long as you want, for free. With inexpensive add-ons like Call In and Call Out, you can talk to any telephone-mobile or landline-on the planet.