You’ve read the news and reviews online. You've seen the TV spots. Magicjack has proven to be a surprise hit device since its launch in 2007, and - on this site at least - has proven to be a hot topic that has stirred passionate debate about the low-cost, plug-and-play telephony service ($39.99 with one year of service included in price). In that time, magicJack has seen over 700 bug fixes and improved customer service, which has seen its Better Buisness Bureau rating jump to an "A-" (previously, it was a "F"). And with sales totalling over 3 million units, it looks like the company is thriving. Still, magicJack inventor Dan Borislow isn't resting on his product's success; big plans are in motion that will expand magicJack's functionality. After the jump, Mr. Borislow's big plans for magicJack.
- New magicJack: In Q3 2009 or Q1 2010, there are plans to release a new magicJack model that will utilize femtocell technology to enable users to shuffle their GSM phone calls through a magicJack to save minutes and boost indoor call quality. The connection will be wireless, and ride a portion of cellular spectrum. According to Borislow "it'll be just a little bigger [than the current magicJack] and the expense will be just a few dollars more." It'll also feature a revamped 911 system that uses triangulation to plot your current location.
- Number-porting: One of magicJack's most requested features, the ability to transfer existing numbers to magicJack, should arrive "within the next 60 days." This will be available to both current and new magicJacks.
- Linux compatibility: Mac and PC users have been using magicJack for some time now, but Linux has been left out in the cold--but not much longer. According to Borislow, Linux compatibility should be available "3rd quarter of this year." This addition will be available to both current and new magicJacks.
- A downloadable application for mobile phones: more on this as information becomes available. Could it compete with the recently released Skype for iPhone?
Clearly, magicJack is continuing its assault on the telecommunications space. If the company can maintain its level of customer service (which was one of the biggest complaints that users had when the product initially launched), it just may give gabbers more reasons to ponder ditching their landlines. So tell us what you think: Do the new magicJack features tempt you enough to cut the landline cord?
