A free phone for your computer
Gizmo5 is one in a long line of VoIP applications that allows you to use your internet connection to make cheap phone calls.
If you're a Google Talk fan, like me, then the first good thing is that Gizmo5 and Google Talk are now connected. This means that Gizmo5 users can now send instant messages to Google Talk users but unfortunately, you can't call them although the developers promise that it's coming soon. To send Instant Messages, simply click on the IM icon next to your contacts name and you can instantly text other Gizmo5 users. One great feature of Gizmo5 is that you can perform free mobile phone and landline conference calling although you have to setup the system beforehand with the Gizmo5 FreeConferenceCall utility which can be tricky due to a few complicated configuration options. Another interesting feature is that Gizmo5 includes Asterisk PBX Support which means that you can now log into your virtual office with Asterisk PBX software. This basically means that you can receive calls and access your Gizmo5 phone wherever you are in the world. I also like the fact that it includes a free recorder which is something lacking in Skype.
Easy to use and integration with GTalk makes this a nice little app although it's calling rates need to be a lot more competitive before it can compete with Skype.
User reviews about Gizmo5
by Anonymous
Excellent program.
I had no problems with the Gizmo project, and no problems with the program either. I had a call-out number, and a call-in number as well. The number I wanted was available and I had no problems using it (even did a phone interview with that number).I never had to deal with customer service, but when getting phone numbers it almost certainly is dependent on the actual client phone company and on other users getting to a number before Gizmo5 could.The program is mostly usable but does have some quirks; it works as advertised otherwise.This company is now owned by Google and its capabilities are incorporated into Google Voice. More
by Anonymous
Probably one of the worst on-line experiences u'll have.
This was the worst on-line shopping experience I've ever had till date. I bought a $35 DID number with Gizmo5 through google checkout. There was a delay of almost 24h until the number finally show up on my gizmo account page and when it finally does, it doesn't work at all. There is no customer support number for gizmo5 or any direct email addresses - the only contact platform with the company is through an online form on the website. After contacted they tell me that they acquire this numbers from different vendors and were contacting the one in question to find out what the problem was. One day later i am told that the number was erroneously posted as available on the website but that they would offer me a replacement. I accepted their proposed number but after that I hear nothing else from them until 3 days later - in spite of my repeated attempts to contact the company - when they tell me that the replacement number is no longer available!!! They then offer me yet a different replacement number, this time from a completely different area code and far inferior to the one purchased initially - and on the condition of having to pay an additional 100% of what i had already originally paid. I have since been writhing to them demanding either an equivalent replacement number or a refund and have no answer at all. In the meanwhile the original number was taken out of my account page and no refund offered.
This people are a very bad joke, stay well back!!
Pros:
None
Cons:
No customer support;
No contact numbers or platforms with the company;
Selling non-existent products;
No refund;
No reply to customer complaints More