Alexa Reading Email is Webley, JFax Deja Vu

News flash. Alexa can now read your email to you, and reply too. For me, reading the story was like Deja Vu. No, not the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young LP by the same name, but a flashback to the 90s when I was first using services like JFax (now J2) and Webley (now CommuniKate) … Read more

Era of Hyper Growth Of Smartphones is Over

I was not at all surprised to read that the smartphone era has hit a slowdown. What's causing this are a few factors. First smartphones are increasing in price at the top end. When an iPhone is over $1000 it's becoming a status symbol as much as a communications appliance. Even rival Samsung is at … Read more

Special IT Expo Discount To VoIPWatch Readers

Are you planning on attending IT Expo's #SuperShow in Fort Lauderdale, January 30th to February 1? If you are, you can receive an immediate 10% discount off any registration level by simply using the code ANDY10. This year's event has gotten bigger, with more tracks, more speakers, more topics and more exhibitors. Ever since the … Read more

Oh Gee, 5G Is A Ways Away

Maybe it's me. Perhaps it's a sign of the times, but given how fragmented 5G is starting out in the USA I'm not exactly buying into the hype. Yes, it will be game changing, but that impact won't be beneficial until 5G networks are ubiquitous, the way LTE has almost become. For those on the … Read more

Google Fi Opening Up to iPhones and More

I've been a Google Fi user since the dawn of the service. I still use my original Pixel but over time added a few "data only" SIM's to the service. The more devices I add to Fi, the lower my overall mobile services bills have gotten. With the news that's leaking out, if true, finally … Read more

2017 Le Morette Bardolino Chiaretto and Classico

I love wines from Italy. And, I don't open them up enough. So when I had the opportunity to pull some bottles for Thanksgiving Weekend, I made the conscious decision to have some wines that didn't break the bank and would provide really nice enjoyment on the Friday after Thanksgiving.  With the help of a … Read more

Rose Is Not Just For Summer

I'm a big Rose fan and have been for many years and since the 2010 vitage always held a Rose day on Memorial Day gathering. The idea of #RoseAllDay is nothing new, and while summer is clearly over, the idea of Rose in the fall or winter shouldn't be taboo. Yessterday I popped two Chateau Sainte … Read more

2007 Chateau De Paraza

The first time I drank a bottle of Chateau de Paraza came shortly after it was found in a best buys under $10 list from Robert Parker in the 80s. I'm guessing that wine was from the 85 vintage and the wine was so good I bought a case and over the next ten years … Read more

Alexa Can Call Using Skype on Amazon Echo Devices

Deja Vu…Right after the Amazon Echo came out, I forsaw the device being the ultimate speakerphone. Back then I was an advisor to Los Angeles VoIP startup, Telzio, and I encouraged their founders to embrace the Amazon Echo and Alexa as a calling platform.  About a year later the company rolled it out, being the … Read more