MS Echoes would "get rid" of phone numbers
updated 10:55 am EDT, Fri May 30, 2008
Microsoft Echoes
Microsoft has devised a strategy that would largely eliminate the need to use phone numbers for calling on cellphones, ZDNet says. Echoes would link a user's Windows Live Messenger contacts to a phone number through a cellular provider and would let cellphone users choose one of their IM contacts as the recipient; as information would be automatically linked between the two, users could place calls without ever knowing someone else's phone number, Microsoft claims. The information would be sent automatically to a phone's contact list without needing a dedicated instant messaging client.
Importantly, the technology would also intelligently bridge standards when trying to reach someone who is only available through a PC. A standard voice call would register as a voice chat in the Live Messenger client, while text messages would appear as SMS on the phone and as standard chats for the computer. For computer users, an active cellphone would always appear online and thus let them send both audio and text on their own.
The effort will begin with a phase known as Wave 1 that will launch in the summer with unspecific phone companies and a beta Live Messenger client. Successive waves will add unified entertainment and security services; it may also include a set of extra services that will spring from Microsoft's acquisition of Danger earlier this year.
To date, competitors such as AOL and Yahoo have yet to offer this kind of unified access, with integration normally limited to sending SMS messages from PCs to phones.
How is this......
05/30, 11:13am reply
....much different than the "speed dial" I've had on my land line phone since the 1970s? Isn't this just a natural extension of that concept/process?
psdenno
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Again, why
05/30, 11:20am reply
Why do we keep having to go to MACNN for Microsoft news? Is there not enough Mac news?
Guest
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So...
05/30, 11:20am reply
Instead of your number being 843-555-2859 it'll be 'iLuv2eatCheez98'... yeah, that's easier?
russmacbookpro
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Do democrats know??
05/30, 11:23am (1 reply) reply
The wireless warrant tapping is all the rage on Capital Hill as the dems put "pressure" on the giant telecoms and blame the current administration that it is violating the US Constitution and yet MS is coming up with a method where "Windows Live Messenger contacts to a phone number through a cellular provider and would let cellphone users choose one of their IM contacts as the recipient; as information would be automatically linked between the two, users could place calls without ever knowing someone else's phone number..." So now I don't need your phone number to call you. Maybe there was a reason I don't have your phone number... Sound a little like personal evasion of privacy. Someone tell the dems, quick...
MeandmyMac
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how do you evade privacy?
05/30, 11:51am (1 reply) reply
Evading privacy, is that like walking around nude, carrying a sign with your credit card numbers, soc. security number, etc?
jdonahoe
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uhuh
05/30, 12:06pm reply
MS trying to push their own lousy standard over another existing, well-established one? Yeah sure, why not.
Plus, who in the WORLD remembers phone numbers??? You hack em into your phone, save them under Contacts, and forget them instantly for ever after.
Another brain f*** from the Ballmer Boys.
Jeronimo2000
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And the number is...
05/30, 12:15pm reply
Yes everyone will now only have to dial 666 and then take the phone to Mount Doom to complete the call.
manleycreative
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Re: of course
05/30, 01:35pm (1 reply) reply
it came from MS, so it must be bad. "Let's blast it, boys!" If it were Apple talking about this with .Mac accounts, you'd be struggling to keep yourselves from wetting your pants in glee at their innovations...
But, to those who can't seem to figure it out
1) This is different then speed-dialing by the dialer not needing to even have your phone number.
2) It would obviously be something you would sign-up for, and thus not some type of 'evasion' of privacy.
3) The point is not having to have a phone number that needs to be hacked into your device, which, if it changes, is no longer valid.
And, Jeronimo2000, what well-established system currently in place handles what is mentioned in the article?
testudo
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F**k microsoft
05/30, 01:41pm (1 reply) reply
Yet another way Microsoft is attempting to force people into using their products.
mike3k
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And To Think...
05/30, 05:31pm reply
Most people I know only got headaches from smoking seeds...
space-e
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