Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
What if Digsby and Skype merged into one seemingly all-powerful VoIP and messaging communications tool is the question that VoxOx seeks to answer. VoxOx's many features have not yet been seen in one package, and version 2 of the program introduces even more features. Whether their execution suits your needs may be another matter.
VoxOx 2 offers all that came before, and more. It's got multiprotocol chat, social networking support, and Web mail integration. It also offers a telephony service that includes call encryption, mobile-to-mobile calls initiated by either SMS or via a Web site. New in this version are a free personal assistant for recording, forwarding, routing, and screening calls, inbound and outbound fax management, Facebook and MySpace IM support, a reworked contact manager that attempts to merge your contacts from their disparate sources, and stronger back-end support. Users have been promised that new servers can handle the workload asked of them.
You can share files up to 100MB via an internally-generated download link that can then be shared via e-mail or instant message. This is different from the direct support of most IM clients, but that file size bump is hard to ignore. There's mobile access, too, for those who use a mobile browser, iPhone, or WAP. The call quality on the Callback feature, where you initiate a long-distance or international phone call from your computer or SMS, was clear and crisp.
The Personal Assistant is the big new feature in this version, and for users who need to manage multiple phone numbers, it's a killer. You can redirect calls based on which number you want to be reached at first, and by who's calling you. You can record calls as they occur, or listen to messages as they're being recorded. You can also transfer a live call from a landline to a mobile number and not lose the call.
The interface has received an overhaul, and in general it's better. One drawback is that while many options are available from the Settings menu, not all of them are. Some you need to go to different parts of the program, such as altering IM fonts. Using VoxOx's phone features requires points, and users are given 120 points/minutes to get started. With an overwhelming feature set, VoxOx continues an uphill climb against better-known competitors or those who focus on a single feature, but it's hard to ignore the appeal of what's offered.
Publisher's Description
From TelCentris:
VoxOx is the only service that unifies all of your communication channels with a free local US phone number, allowing you to Call, Text, and Chat in a single, intuitive interface, giving you full control of your interconnected lifestyle. VoxOx additionally supports video, social media, e-mail, fax and content sharing. VoxOx enables you to manage all of your connections and contacts holistically, requires you to give up nothing and, at the same time, provides a sophisticated global phone service for free or at low cost options. By using VoxOx, you can easily participate in virtually every electronic form of communication one at a time, simultaneously and in different combinations. VoxOx supports Google Chat, Skype, Yahoo IM, MSN, AIM, Jabber, and Facebook.
What's new in this version: 2.6.6 Fixes a few lingering issues, and increases stability.
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All versions:
3.2 starsout of 17 votes
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Current version:
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"Works better than Google voice"
Version: VoxOx 2.5.3
Pros
completely free, no ads etc. It download on the desktop so I don't have to open a browser to make a call every time (Google voice only works in a browser), good call quality.
Cons
My firewall blocked it at first, but just make sure the ports are unblocked then everything worked fine
Summary
Good software, no need to pay my phone bill anymore, very awesome!
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"let's me FB chat at work"
Version: VoxOx 2.5.3
Pros
I use it to talk to my facebook friends since I can't use FB or aim OR my phone at work.
Cons
The old version was a little touchy and seemed to 'forget' things sometimes... I just got the latest version and it already seems to work better
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"Good back-up for cell phone (when you break it)"
Version: VoxOx 2.5.0
Pros
I dropped my cell phone and it broke, luckily I had added all my important numbers to VoxOx. PHEW!
Cons
I wish it had a way to import numbers from a cell rather than manual input. This is pretty annoying so I sent them a suggestion about this. Hope it makes it in!
Summary
Maybe it's infatuation, but since this episode with no cell? I kinda love VoxOx.
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"Reduces Clutter"
Version: VoxOx 2.5.0
Pros
One window instead of 8 tabs/apps open on my desktop, saves space for other things like work!
Cons
I had to update the software on my Mac in order to get VoxOx to work properly. Guess it's not for "classic" Mac OSes like mine.
Summary
Keeps my desktop organized, easier to hide than several web windows. Pretty handy.
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"Latest version is best one yet"
Version: VoxOx 2.5.0
Pros
Very cheap!
Cons
How do I import my address book?
Summary
I normally don't write reviews like this, but I have really been impressed by this product.
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"Love the translation features"
Version: VoxOx 2.0.9
Pros
I don't speak a lot of Spanish but have family that only speak Spanish. I really like the translation feature in Voxox (the globe in the chat window). I can type i nEnglish and my cousins type in Spanish. Voxox translates right away.
Cons
Not loving the colors, but I hear a new version is coming out so we'll see.
Summary
Translation is very cool, keeps me using Voxox.
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"When will it work on my MAC?"
Version: VoxOx 2.0.9
Pros
I love all of the features, design and concept. It looks very nice and I am very excited about trying it.
Cons
I have downloaded, uninstalled, downloaded, uninstalled and it continues to crash upon start up on my brand new MacBook Pro!
Summary
When they get it to work on the MAC I will write another review!
Hey Bryan:
Updated on Oct 11, 2011
Thanks for the advise. I actually have been following every update you guys release. In fact, I think I have had a minor credit on my account, for a very long time.
I do LOVE the Facsimile feature, because I travel all over the world and this is so easy! Cheap Too!
Thanks! -
"Very cool product. Sleek & easy to use."
Version: VoxOx 2.0.6.2163
Pros
Easy to use, very streamlined.
Cons
Not really sure at this time.
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"useless application"
Version: VoxOx 2.0.6.2163
Pros
None at all
Cons
What it the use of this application if it crashes at the start up itself. I tried at least 20 times to install.. It does not work. Why bring out a beta version when elementary things like crash at the start are not taken care of. Useless application
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"Crash on start. Promising but no cigar."
Version: VoxOx 2.0.6.2163
Pros
Promising.
Cons
Since ever one of the last few version crashes on start, I have not been able to try it out. I run OSX 10.5.8
Summary
It looks promising and I will keep trying.
