Gizmo5

Freeware

Current Version: 4.0.0.269 (September 25, 2009)

Note: Gizmo5 has been acquired by Google and software is temporarily unavailable. Read more.

Similar to Skype (but based upon the comparatively open SIPphone protocol), Gizmo5 uses your Internet connection (broadband or dial-up) to make free calls to other computers. Inexpensive add-ons called "Call In" and "Call Out" enable you to talk to people on any mobile telephone or land line. Features include:

• Sound effects - Add Sound Effects to your calls. Open the Dialpad at the bottom of Gizmo Project window and press the emoticon button during a call. You can choose other sounds (or upload your own) from the options menu.
• Check call quality - Click for the Call Quality Assitant to see bandwidth quality.
• Pick online status. Green: Available, Red: Away/Do not disturb, Orange: Idle, Blue: On the phone, Grey: Invisible/Offline
• Online status. Gives the current status of all your contacts.
• Click Map It to view map of call locations. Get a detailed map of the location of each call.
• Instant Messaging (IM) - Chat instantly with your contacts.
• Person being called receives call subject. Let them know immediately the purpose of your call.
• You can record any call on your Gizmo Project phone with the click of a button. The call record button is in the active call window, next to the mute and hold buttons.
• Type in Gizmo name or number here to make a call. Gizmo to Gizmo call always free. You can also call any traditional phone using Call Out.

Version 4.0.0.269 - the first release in over two (!) years - adds/changes the following:

• Numerous bug fixes.