For the last couple of months, we’ve been coding, writing copy, designing, testing (and testing and testing – you get the picture) to get a likable site and service out. We like what we’ve done so far. Spokn is turning out to be very attractive – both on the outside and the inside. We’re scheduled to do a soft launch in a couple of days. The feedback we’ll receive from our friends will help us fix and improve things so we can do a full fledged launch next month.
This blog will serve to tell the tale.
Till next time!
Tags: long-distance, messaging, mobile, smartphones, spokn, telephony, voip
Wonderful job. Add more countries fast and get this operable in India and
china which is a huge market. thanks.
Thanks for the encouragement, Shankar!
By operable in India and China do you mean availability of phone numbers of those countries? The service can be used worldwide.
Vinod, what I want to know is wether spokn can be used extensively inside India and
china. I was of the belief that spokn is not legal in India. Thanx.
Shankar, we terminate our calls using completely legal means and with caller id propagation. For instance in India we use Airtel. But we are evaluating the recommendations of IB to DOT – we respect the government policy.
Hi Vinod, when are you launching full fledged spokn and when is the world going to hear about spokn ? thanks.
Hi Shankar, we will be making an announcement as soon as the election results are out.
Whz diff between truephone and spokn? can u plz explain?
Milind, please refer to this comment for more info.
Also, for any queries on using Spokn please write to support@spokn.org
Hi Vinod, There seems to be similar offerings like Truphone, gizmo5 etc. Then what makes spokn different and unique. we seem to have already competition. Tks.
Hi Vinod, I have been waiting for your response. Some more searching questions for you. You must have heard of Actionvoip. There offerings are much cheaper than spokn. I am eagerly looking forward to your early reply. Thanks and happy diwali.
Hi Shankar, The “Know More” page on the website should help you figure out the differences – there are quite a few. We will be putting out a competitive analysis graphic pretty soon. Competition keeps everyone on their toes – consumers can be certain that offerings from everyone will keep getting better.
Regarding call costs, what we have come to understand is that SOME people who use voip providers for just cheap calling have absolutely no loyalty. They will switch to whoever gives the lowest prices in the market. But the vast majority of users will pay a few cents more per minute because of a better experience and some other sticky features. We’re aiming for this user base with Spokn. In any case, the savings are considerable when compared with regular phone services.
Wishing you a Happy Diwali too.
Hi Vinod, thanks for your response. There are lot of clarifications I need to be able to use spokn. Obviously, it cant be done here. Can u give me a contact where I can do it. How long will it be before spokn can be used extensivly in India. Why is it that spokn number can be taken only in 8 countries. What about other 32 countries where you have set up access numbers. Thanks.
Hi Shankar, I noticed that you got in touch with support regarding the same. That’s the best contact point.
Hi Vinod,
Whats happening ? I am looking forward to your launch and also to a full web site with graphics. How is the product coming along ? tks.
Hi Vinod, Spokn is almost akin to google voice. Is spokn better ? tks.
Hi Vinod,
Spokn is absolutly akin to google voice. Is spokn better ? tks.
Hi Shankar, Like Google Voice, we’re also letting calls be initiated on the web and through our apps (like on the BlackBerry). We’re also letting subscribers take phone numbers but not restricted to the US. When a Google Voice user makes a phone call, he’s not using VoIP to connect to Google. Its a call over the regular phone network – so Google Voice depends on you having a regular phone connection. But that’s where the similarities stop. Spokn offers VMS, VoIP, an open network and worldwide availability.
All said and done, I completely understand the rationale behind Google Voice and it’s a great topic for a nice long post – there seem to be a lot of misconceptions about it – especially how it differs from existing Internet Telephony services like Spokn. We’re racing against time to get the new website up by next week – I hope you don’t mind waiting a few days for more info.
Hi Vinod,
As I understand 4th or 5th of this month is the launch, but I find thay the web site is still to be updated. Is there a delay or are you still on target. Thanks.
Hi Shankar, We’ve got a full launch next week. We’ll be rolling out the full website with graphics and videos before that. There will be a lot of content explaining everything. We’re also going to have new releases of the software that will have much better voice quality. Thanks for the patience and support.