VoxOx Is Legitimate Alternative to Skype, Google Voice

Skype and Google Voice users who want more bells and whistles for their phone communications services have a another option from TelCentris.

The startup makes VoxOx that lets users make calls from PC to PC, as well as from PCs to landlines and mobile phones, and much more. Windows and Mac user may download the applications, which is backed by the TelCentris telecommunications service platform.

Similar to Google Voice, VoxOx gives users a dedicated phone number, but VoxOx is more than the middle man routing calls to various phones -- it connects the calls from endpoint to endpoint in the U.S. and overseas, thanks to deals with 600 mobile operators.

The Web application also enables video, instant messaging and two-way text messaging, file sharing and social networking into one platform. In fact, most of these communications features are accessible pretty much from one interface, which the program's creators  describe as a "universal messaging window."

TelCentris CEO Bryan Hertz and CTO Kevin Hertz (yes, they are brothers) provided eWEEK with a quick demonstration Oct. 29, which is when the company launched Skype-like subscription plans for VoxOx.

The brothers Hertz showed eWEEK how to make a call, take a call, add video to that call, start a chat, send a text and send an instant message from the universal messaging window. Users can also send or receive a fax, and send files up to 100 megabytes, if they are so inclined. Conference calling up to 20 users (while on a call, no less) is also an option.

Like Google Voice, VoxOx also employs a personal assistant. The brothers Hertz showed eWEEK how to do this from one simple management interface, which lets users can easily set up call answers, screens and call routing based on individual preferences -- for each contact in a user's VoxOx network.