Ooma adds new VoIP handset with smartphone features
updated 08:50 pm EST, Tue January 10, 2012
Phone displays caller's Facebook profile photo
VoIP provider Ooma has detailed a new cordless handset with smartphone elements to enhance its Internet-based voice calling. The Ooma HD2 gets a still-small but improved two-inch color screen and picture caller ID. With it, users see caller's Facebook profile picture, giving a much better ability to gauge if it's a friend or not.
The DECT-based Ooma HD2 handset works in conjunction with the company's Telo VoIP router. The phone can sync its contact file with online contact lists from Facebook, Google, and Yahoo. Other components one-touch voicemail access, an intercom to talk between handsets or transfer calls, and a speakerphone. The intercom function can also serve as a baby monitor. Ooma is promising additional features, including customizable ringtones, through firmware updates later this year.
Subscribers to Ooma's Premier $10 per month service get additional features including a second virtual phone line, simultaneous ringing on another phone, three-way conferencing, a second personal number (US only), call screening via the built-in speakerphone, and the ability to send calls directly to voicemail.
Priced at $60, the Ooma HD2 Handset will be available in March.
