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{{short description|VoIP product, Telecom company}}
{{refimprove}}
{{About|the VoIP product|3=magicJack (WPS)}}
{{lowercase}}
{{lowercase title}}
'''magicJack''' is a computer [[peripheral]] that, in combination with [[telephony]] service from the related [[YMAX Corporation]], provides internet-based telephone service to the [[United States]] and [[Canada]]. The firm's primary product is a [[Universal serial bus|USB device]] which holds both the [[software]] necessary to place internet-based telephone calls via a customer-supplied [[Broadband Internet access|high-speed internet connection]], and electronics (technically known as a SLIC, or [[SLIC|Subscriber Line Interface]]) which permit conventional [[landline]] telephones to be plugged directly into same device. The products and the claims are promoted through television [[infomercials]] and a website.
{{Infobox company
| name = magicJack
| logo = File:MagicJack (logo).png
| logo_size = 140px
| logo_alt =
| logo_caption =
| logo_padding =
| image = File:MagicJack device gen1.jpg
| image_size =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = First Generation magicJack device
| native_name =
| native_name_lang = <!-- Use ISO 639-1 code, e.g. "fr" for French. For multiple names in different languages, use {{lang|[code]|[name]}}. -->
| former_name =
| type =
| industry =
| founded = {{start date and age|2007}}
| founders = [[Dan Borislow]] and Donald Burns
| hq_location =
| hq_location_city =
| hq_location_country =
| area_served = <!-- or: | areas_served = -->
| key_people =
| products =
| brands =
| services =
| website = [http://www.magicjack.com Official website]
}}


'''MagicJack''', stylized as '''magicJack''', is a service that allows people in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] to make phone calls over the Internet. This type of phone service is called [[Voice over Internet Protocol|Internet-based telephone service (VoIP)]].
The privately-held firm is positioned as a competitor to [[Vonage]] and [[Skype]]. In May, 2008, Telephony published an update on the company, <ref>[http://telephonyonline.com/voip/news/magicjack-attacks-0502/ MagicJack Attacks]</ref> and The Wall Street Journal columnist [[Herb Greenberg]] has traced the firm's sometimes controversial principal. <ref>
[http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/dan-borislow-rides-again/story.aspx?guid=%7BEDB80568-2C18-4CC7-A23A-C5D00DCF707B%7D]
Wall Street Journal MarketWatch, ''Dan Borislow Rides Again'']</ref>


Originally, MagicJack required a computer to work. Users connected a small device to their computer, and with an internet connection, they could make calls. In 2011, MagicJack introduced a new model called MagicJack Plus that does not need a computer, though users still need an Internet connection.
The respective companies websites attribute the invention of magicJack to and the founding of YMAX by [[Dan Borislow]], who has numerous patent claims pending on [[voice-over-IP]] (VoIP)-related technology.


The MagicJack device works with a specific phone service provider, YMAX Corporation, which also offers local phone services. [[Voicemail]] is saved on MagicJack's servers and can be accessed directly by phone or received via [[email]] with audio files. Users can also download updates for the MagicJack device from third-party software providers.
The magicJack device works exclusively with the company's captive landline supplier and CLEC ([[Competitive Local Exchange Carrier]]), YMAX.


==Awards==
==History==
[[Dan Borislow]] invented MagicJack in 2007 and, along with Donald Burns, invested $25 million to start the company. Borislow applied for patents with the U.S. government for the product.<ref>{{cite web |first=Herb|last=Greenberg|url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/telco-veteran-borislow-targets-vonage-skype-with-cheaper-service|title=Going after Vonage, Skype|date=March 7, 2007 |website=[[MarketWatch]] |access-date=October 5, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://seekingalpha.com/article/762681-magicjack-vocaltec-communications-ceo-discusses-q2-2012-results-earnings-call-transcript|title=magicJack VocalTec Communications' CEO Discusses Q2 2012 Results|website=Seekingalpha.com|access-date=August 22, 2012}}</ref>
In January 2008, ''PC Magazine'' reviewed magicJack and named it as an Editors' Choice.<ref>[http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2250246,00.asp YMax magicJack]. Jan, 2008. PC Magazine</ref>


The first MagicJack product, released in 2007, was a [[USB|USB device]] that allowed users to make phone calls over the Internet. It included both the necessary software and hardware to connect traditional [[landline]] telephones to a high-speed Internet connection.<ref>{{cite news|first=Ted|last=Kritsonis |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/magicjack-casts-fair-spell/article672309/|title=MagicJack casts fair spell|date=March 12, 2008 |newspaper=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=October 5, 2010}}</ref>
==Criticisms==


In September 2011, MagicJack introduced a new model called MagicJack Plus. This version eliminated the need for a computer after the initial setup, connecting directly to a [[modem]] or [[Router (computing)|router]] via an [[Ethernet]] port. It also featured a standard phone jack and an AC power adapter for easy connection.<ref>{{cite news |first=Roy |last=Furchgott |title=Skype Now Wants Your Landline |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 1, 2011 |url=http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/01/skype-now-wants-your-landline/}}</ref>
===Privacy issues===


The company promotes its products through TV [[Infomercial|infomercials]] and its website, where Dan Borislow is credited with inventing MagicJack and founding YMAX. Borislow holds several pending patents related to [[Voice over IP|VoIP]] technology.
According to the company's [[Software license agreement|EULA]] (End User Licence Agreement):


In July 2010, YMAX, the creator of MagicJack, merged with [[VocalTec]] to form MagicJack VocalTec Ltd, which is based in [[Netanya]], [[Israel]], and is listed on [[Nasdaq]] under the ticker symbol CALL.<ref>[http://www.ymaxcorp.com/news_pressRelease-2010-07-16.html "VocalTec and YMAX/magicJack Announce Merger"] YMAX. 16 Jul 2010. Last accessed 13 May 2011.</ref>
:"You also understand and agree that use of the magicJack device and Software will include advertisements and that these advertisements are necessary for the magicJack device to work ... Our computers may analyze the phone numbers you call in order to improve the relevance of the ads"


==Reviews==
This raises privacy issues with the product.<ref name="Beschizza">
In January 2008, [[PCMag|''PC Magazine'']] reviewed MagicJack<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rist |first=Oliver |date=January 17, 2008 |title=YMax magicJack |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2250244,00.asp |access-date=2009-03-31 |publisher=PC Magazine}}</ref> and rated it as "Very Good," awarding it their Editors' Choice accolade. However, after receiving numerous complaints about the device's customer support, PC Magazine reassessed MagicJack in February 2009<ref name="pcmag2">{{Cite journal |last=Morejon |first=Mario |date=February 2009 |title=YMax magicJack (Winter 2009) |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2340423,00.asp |journal=[[PC Magazine]]}}</ref> and downgraded its rating to "Good," criticizing the company's technical support as "severely lacking."<ref name="pcmag">{{Cite journal |last=Costa |first=Dan |date=February 2009 |title=The Complicated Case of MagicJack |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2340417,00.asp |journal=[[PC Magazine]]}}</ref> MagicJack provides support primarily through web-based chat.
{{cite web
| last =Beschizza
| first =Rob
| coauthor =
| title =MagicJack's EULA says it will spy on you and force you into arbitration
| publisher =''gadgets.boingboing.net''
| date = 2008-4-14
| url =http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/04/14/magicjacks-eula-says.html
| accessdate =2008-12-23}}</ref>


''[[Consumer Reports]]'' gave MagicJack a positive review in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |last=Mandle |first=Nick |date=6 January 2010 |title=Magic Jack: A great deal with a few limitations |url=http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2010/01/magic-jack-a-great-deal-with-a-few-limitations/index.htm |access-date=10 December 2010 |website=Consumerreports.org}}</ref>
===Other===


In 2016, TheVoIPHub published a detailed review of MagicJack, covering every device the company had released up to that point. That same year, CNET described MagicJack as a "trade-off between price and reliability."<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 February 2021 |title=MagicJack Review: Home Phone Service for 2024 (2021 Update) |url=https://www.thevoiphub.com/residential/reviews/magicjack/ |access-date=2016-09-02 |website=Thevoiphub.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The MagicJack Go is a trade-off between price and reliability |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4SPBubsW8Fg |access-date=30 May 2022 |via=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>
According to the company's terms of service, a customer satisfaction guarantee is offered for the device and service for the first 30 days only and no warranty exists beyond that period.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.magicjack.com/tos/|title=Magic Jack Terms of Service|publisher=YMAX |accessdate=2008-11-06}}</ref>


By 2019, MagicJack's ratings had declined significantly. Voip Review rated it 1.6 stars, down from 3 stars in 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2009 |title=magicJack - 293 Reviews &#124; voipreview.org |url=https://www.voipreview.org/reviews/magicjack |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=VoipReview.org}}</ref> Additionally, as of November 2019, Consumer Affairs rated MagicJack at just 1 star.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Top 42 magicJack Reviews |url=https://www.consumeraffairs.com/cell_phones/magicjack.html |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=Consumeraffairs.com}}</ref>
The device has come under criticism for bundled advertisements and its [[Software license agreement|EULA]] which forces the user to resolve all legal issues with the company through arbitration in [[Palm Beach, Florida]].<ref>http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/04/14/magicjacks-eula-says.html</ref> The [[Better Business Bureau]] of Southeast Florida gives the company a failing grade for its handling of [[customer service]] issues, mostly related to difficulties customers have experienced attempting to return the product for a refund during the first 30 days,<ref>[http://www.bbbsoutheastflorida.org/BBBWeb/Forms/Business/CompanyReportPage_Expository.aspx?CompanyID=92003333 Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida Website, ''Company Profile'']</ref> although the firm has responded to customer service complaints.<ref name="blog.laptopmag.com">[http://blog.laptopmag.com/tag/magicjack, Laptop Magazine, ''magicJack Inventor Responds to Customer Service Complaints'']</ref>


==Features==
In May, 2008, Telephony published an interview and update on the company.<ref>[http://telephonyonline.com/voip/news/magicjack-attacks-0502/ MagicJack attacks<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In July, 2008, Laptop Magazine described Borislow's response to apparent customer service complaints.<ref name="blog.laptopmag.com"/>
===Local number portability===
In September 2011, MagicJack introduced local number portability, allowing customers to keep their existing phone numbers when switching to their service. To maintain a "ported-in" number, there is an annual fee. Additionally, if customers wish to transfer their number from MagicJack to another service provider, the company charges a fee for this transfer. However, not all area codes in the U.S. are available for this service.<ref name="mjfaq">{{cite web |title=MagicJack |url=http://www.magicjack.com/}}</ref>


=== Calling pay services ===
==External links==
According to MagicJack's [[end-user license agreement]]:
*[http://www.magicjack.com magicJack Web site]
*[http://www.ymaxcorp.com YMAX Corporation Web site]
*[http://www.sjlabs.com/ SJLabs, a VoIP subsidiary of YMAX Corporation]
*[http://uninstallmagicjack.com/ unofficial uninstallation instructions]


<blockquote>3.b Outgoing Calls:
== References ==
"Once you have registered your MagicJack device you have agreed to these Terms of Service. You may now elect to choose the feature allowing you to make free outgoing calls over the Internet. You can make free calls to other MagicJack device users located anywhere in the world, and to subscribers on traditional telephone networks or wireless networks in the United States. You will not have the ability to call any number that would require the addition of any charges to your phone bill, such as 900 or 976 numbers or any other 'fee per call' type service."<ref name="mjtos">{{cite web|url=http://www.thevoiphub.com/magicjack/information/terms-of-service/|title=Terms of Service and Software License Agreement for magicJack, LP and YMAX Communications Corporation and VocalTec Communications Corp.|website=Thevoiphub.com|access-date=10 December 2010}}</ref></blockquote>
{{reflist}}


=== Not all calls in North America are free ===
[[Category:Voice over IP]]
A separate prepaid minutes purchase is required for calls to conference lines, platforms, calling cards, certain non-ILEC area calls, [[area code 867]] (Northern Canada), and most of [[Alaska]].


According to MagicJack's end-user license agreement:

<blockquote>4. What Is Free and What is Not:
"We may require prepaid purchase and/or we may charge you for calls to conference lines, platforms, and certain non-ILEC area calls, or any call wherein we incur a cost from another carrier. We may provide for a fee, premium prepaid services, which may be powered by YMAX Communications Corp. (YMAX) and may include some inbound, international, conference, platform, and outbound calls that receive a recording and certain calls to non-ILEC areas, and the rates for those services will be governed by listed price lists or tariffs. International calling purchases expire six months after purchase. MagicJack, YMAX Communications Corp. (YMAX), and/or Vocal Tec may make available to you, for an additional fee, enhanced versions of the MagicJack and/or MagicJack Plus device or MagicJack APP Software (Upgraded Software) that provide new features and functions."<ref name="mjtos"/></blockquote>

=== Uninstallation ===
Initially, MagicJack lacked a formal uninstallation method in both its software and documentation, which led to frustration among users.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2010-01-18 |title=Unraveling The Inner Workings Of magicJack (Winter, 2010) |url=https://www.telecominformer.com/2010/01/18/unraveling-the-inner-workings-of-magicjack-winter-2010/ |access-date=2021-12-08 |website=Telecominformer.com |language=en-US}}</ref> In response to these issues, the company introduced an uninstaller for the [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] version of MagicJack starting in 2010. This uninstaller can now be accessed through the "Add/Remove Programs" option in the [[Control Panel (Windows)|Windows Control Panel]].

==Lawsuits==
In March 2009, MagicJack sued [[Boing Boing]] for defamation over the blog's criticism of MagicJack's [[terms of service]].<ref name="dailytech">{{cite web |last=Mic |first=Jason |date=24 February 2010 |title=MagicJack Loses Junk Suit Against Site that Revealed it Spied on Users |url=http://www.dailytech.com/MagicJack+Loses+Junk+Suit+Against+Site+that+Revealed+it+Spied+on+Users/article17767.htm |access-date=10 December 2010 |publisher=DailyTech}}</ref> The blog had claimed that the terms allowed MagicJack to monitor user calls for targeted advertising and required users to forfeit their right to sue in court.<ref>{{cite web |last=Beschizza |first=Rob |date=14 April 2008 |title=MagicJack's EULA says it will spy on you and force you into arbitration |url=http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/04/14/magicjacks-eula-says.html |access-date=10 December 2010 |publisher=Boing Boing}}</ref> The lawsuit was dismissed as a strategic lawsuit against public participation ([[Strategic lawsuit against public participation|SLAPP]]), and MagicJack was ordered to pay Boing Boing's legal fees of $50,000.

In April 2012, MagicJack filed a patent infringement lawsuit against netTalk. However, the federal court dismissed the case with prejudice, including all claims and counterclaims.<ref>{{cite news |last=Elmore |first=Charles |date=September 21, 2012 |title=Competitor claims magicJack is infringing on patent |url=http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/business/competitor-claims-magicjack-is-infringing-on-paten/nSKn7/ |website=Palmbeachpost.com}}</ref>

On September 21, 2012, netTalk sued MagicJack VocalTec, MagicJack Holdings (formerly YMAX Holdings), and Daniel Borislow in the Southern District of Florida, alleging patent infringement. NetTalk sought $200 million in damages. MagicJack requested a reexamination of netTalk's patent, which was granted, and the lawsuit was paused. In December 2013, the Patent Office indicated it would issue a reexamination certificate for netTalk's patent. NetTalk then sought to restart the lawsuit in January 2014, but MagicJack announced the dismissal of the case on February 4, 2014.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=magicJack Announces Dismissal of Class Action Lawsuit |date=4 February 2014 |url=https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2014/02/04/607341/13047/en/magicJack-Announces-Dismissal-of-Class-Action-Lawsuit.html |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=GlobeNewswire.com}}</ref>

On February 27, 2014, netTalk received the reexamination certificate, affirming the validity of its patent claims with minor amendments.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 May 2014 |title=Net Talk.com, Inc. (NTLK) 10-K filed 5/8/2014 |url=http://yahoo.brand.edgar-online.com/displayfilinginfo.aspx?FilingID=9972247-48024-54274&type=sect&TabIndex=2&companyid=729033&ppu=%252fdefault.aspx%253fcik%253d1383825 |access-date=14 May 2014 |publisher=Edgar Online}}</ref>

On April 2, 2014, Daniel Borislow and Technochat sued MagicJack VocalTec and YMAX for defamation and fraudulent inducement.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 April 2014 |title=Daniel Borislow and Technochat Inc. v. MagicJack Vocaltec Ltd and YMAX Corp |url=https://www.scribd.com/doc/224231927/DANIEL-BORISLOW-and-TECHNOCHAT-INC-v-MAGICJACK-VOCALTEC-LTD-and-YMAX-CORP |access-date=14 May 2014 |publisher=Scribd}}</ref> The case was settled out of court in December 2014 following Borislow's death.<ref>{{cite web |date=25 January 2015 |title=MagicJack inventor's death leaves pile of lawsuits |url=http://www.mypalmbeachpost.com/news/business/magicjack-inventors-death-leaves-pile-of-lawsuits/njtJy/ |access-date=15 September 2016}}</ref>

On August 31, 2017, Finkelstein & Krinsk, LLP filed a class action lawsuit against MagicJack, claiming that MagicJack shareholders were deprived of fair proxy materials and voting rights related to the company's April 19, 2017 and July 31, 2017 proxy solicitations.<ref>{{Cite press release |title=Finkelstein & Krinsk, LLP Announces Class Action Lawsuit Against MAGICJACK and its Board of Directors |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/finkelstein--krinsk-llp-announces-class-action-lawsuit-against-magicjack-and-its-board-of-directors-300512713.html |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=Prnewswire.com}}</ref>

On July 12, 2018, Ramon Martinez and Moses Lopez sued MagicJack over allegations of robocalls made using a predictive dialer without human intervention.<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 July 2018 |title=MagicJack Hit with Consumers' Robocall Class Action in FL |url=https://www.classaction.org/news/magicjack-hit-with-consumers-robocall-class-action-in-fl |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=Classaction.org}}</ref>

On July 25, 2018, Galilee Acquisition filed a lawsuit against MagicJack, alleging that the company provided misleading information about the fair market value of Broadsmart telecommunications.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 July 2018 |title=LAWSUIT: MagicJack Suitor Sues Company, Says It Lied About Earnings |url=https://bocanewsnow.com/2018/07/25/lawsuit-magicjack-suitor-sues-company-says-it-lied-about-earnings/ |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=BocaNewsNow.com}}</ref> The court dismissed the lawsuit, finding that the claims were derivative and that the plaintiff had not made a proper demand on MagicJack or demonstrated that such a demand would be futile.<ref>{{cite web |title=IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE ELEVENTH CIRCUIT No. 18-15303 : Robert Freedman v. MagicJack |url=https://media.ca11.uscourts.gov/opinions/pub/files/201815303.pdf |access-date=30 May 2022 |website=Media.ca11.uscourts.gov}}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Voice over IP]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikibooks|MagicJack}}
* [https://www.magicjack.com Official website]
* [http://www.ymaxcorp.com YMAX Corporation Web site]


{{United States telephone companies}}
{{telecom-stub}}
{{Telecommunications}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Magicjack}}
[[es:MagicJack]]
[[Category:VoIP hardware]]
[[Category:Products introduced in 2007]]

Latest revision as of 15:22, 12 December 2024

This article is about the VoIP product. For other uses, see magicJack (WPS).
magicJack
Founded2007; 18 years ago (2007)
FoundersDan Borislow and Donald Burns
WebsiteOfficial website

MagicJack, stylized as magicJack, is a service that allows people in the United States and Canada to make phone calls over the Internet. This type of phone service is called Internet-based telephone service (VoIP).

Originally, MagicJack required a computer to work. Users connected a small device to their computer, and with an internet connection, they could make calls. In 2011, MagicJack introduced a new model called MagicJack Plus that does not need a computer, though users still need an Internet connection.

The MagicJack device works with a specific phone service provider, YMAX Corporation, which also offers local phone services. Voicemail is saved on MagicJack's servers and can be accessed directly by phone or received via email with audio files. Users can also download updates for the MagicJack device from third-party software providers.

History

[edit]

Dan Borislow invented MagicJack in 2007 and, along with Donald Burns, invested $25 million to start the company. Borislow applied for patents with the U.S. government for the product.[1][2]

The first MagicJack product, released in 2007, was a USB device that allowed users to make phone calls over the Internet. It included both the necessary software and hardware to connect traditional landline telephones to a high-speed Internet connection.[3]

In September 2011, MagicJack introduced a new model called MagicJack Plus. This version eliminated the need for a computer after the initial setup, connecting directly to a modem or router via an Ethernet port. It also featured a standard phone jack and an AC power adapter for easy connection.[4]

The company promotes its products through TV infomercials and its website, where Dan Borislow is credited with inventing MagicJack and founding YMAX. Borislow holds several pending patents related to VoIP technology.

In July 2010, YMAX, the creator of MagicJack, merged with VocalTec to form MagicJack VocalTec Ltd, which is based in Netanya, Israel, and is listed on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol CALL.[5]

Reviews

[edit]

In January 2008, PC Magazine reviewed MagicJack[6] and rated it as "Very Good," awarding it their Editors' Choice accolade. However, after receiving numerous complaints about the device's customer support, PC Magazine reassessed MagicJack in February 2009[7] and downgraded its rating to "Good," criticizing the company's technical support as "severely lacking."[8] MagicJack provides support primarily through web-based chat.

Consumer Reports gave MagicJack a positive review in 2010.[9]

In 2016, TheVoIPHub published a detailed review of MagicJack, covering every device the company had released up to that point. That same year, CNET described MagicJack as a "trade-off between price and reliability."[10][11]

By 2019, MagicJack's ratings had declined significantly. Voip Review rated it 1.6 stars, down from 3 stars in 2014.[12] Additionally, as of November 2019, Consumer Affairs rated MagicJack at just 1 star.[13]

Features

[edit]

Local number portability

[edit]

In September 2011, MagicJack introduced local number portability, allowing customers to keep their existing phone numbers when switching to their service. To maintain a "ported-in" number, there is an annual fee. Additionally, if customers wish to transfer their number from MagicJack to another service provider, the company charges a fee for this transfer. However, not all area codes in the U.S. are available for this service.[14]

Calling pay services

[edit]

According to MagicJack's end-user license agreement:

3.b Outgoing Calls: "Once you have registered your MagicJack device you have agreed to these Terms of Service. You may now elect to choose the feature allowing you to make free outgoing calls over the Internet. You can make free calls to other MagicJack device users located anywhere in the world, and to subscribers on traditional telephone networks or wireless networks in the United States. You will not have the ability to call any number that would require the addition of any charges to your phone bill, such as 900 or 976 numbers or any other 'fee per call' type service."[15]

Not all calls in North America are free

[edit]

A separate prepaid minutes purchase is required for calls to conference lines, platforms, calling cards, certain non-ILEC area calls, area code 867 (Northern Canada), and most of Alaska.

According to MagicJack's end-user license agreement:

4. What Is Free and What is Not: "We may require prepaid purchase and/or we may charge you for calls to conference lines, platforms, and certain non-ILEC area calls, or any call wherein we incur a cost from another carrier. We may provide for a fee, premium prepaid services, which may be powered by YMAX Communications Corp. (YMAX) and may include some inbound, international, conference, platform, and outbound calls that receive a recording and certain calls to non-ILEC areas, and the rates for those services will be governed by listed price lists or tariffs. International calling purchases expire six months after purchase. MagicJack, YMAX Communications Corp. (YMAX), and/or Vocal Tec may make available to you, for an additional fee, enhanced versions of the MagicJack and/or MagicJack Plus device or MagicJack APP Software (Upgraded Software) that provide new features and functions."[15]

Uninstallation

[edit]

Initially, MagicJack lacked a formal uninstallation method in both its software and documentation, which led to frustration among users.[16] In response to these issues, the company introduced an uninstaller for the Windows version of MagicJack starting in 2010. This uninstaller can now be accessed through the "Add/Remove Programs" option in the Windows Control Panel.

Lawsuits

[edit]

In March 2009, MagicJack sued Boing Boing for defamation over the blog's criticism of MagicJack's terms of service.[17] The blog had claimed that the terms allowed MagicJack to monitor user calls for targeted advertising and required users to forfeit their right to sue in court.[18] The lawsuit was dismissed as a strategic lawsuit against public participation (SLAPP), and MagicJack was ordered to pay Boing Boing's legal fees of $50,000.

In April 2012, MagicJack filed a patent infringement lawsuit against netTalk. However, the federal court dismissed the case with prejudice, including all claims and counterclaims.[19]

On September 21, 2012, netTalk sued MagicJack VocalTec, MagicJack Holdings (formerly YMAX Holdings), and Daniel Borislow in the Southern District of Florida, alleging patent infringement. NetTalk sought $200 million in damages. MagicJack requested a reexamination of netTalk's patent, which was granted, and the lawsuit was paused. In December 2013, the Patent Office indicated it would issue a reexamination certificate for netTalk's patent. NetTalk then sought to restart the lawsuit in January 2014, but MagicJack announced the dismissal of the case on February 4, 2014.[20]

On February 27, 2014, netTalk received the reexamination certificate, affirming the validity of its patent claims with minor amendments.[21]

On April 2, 2014, Daniel Borislow and Technochat sued MagicJack VocalTec and YMAX for defamation and fraudulent inducement.[22] The case was settled out of court in December 2014 following Borislow's death.[23]

On August 31, 2017, Finkelstein & Krinsk, LLP filed a class action lawsuit against MagicJack, claiming that MagicJack shareholders were deprived of fair proxy materials and voting rights related to the company's April 19, 2017 and July 31, 2017 proxy solicitations.[24]

On July 12, 2018, Ramon Martinez and Moses Lopez sued MagicJack over allegations of robocalls made using a predictive dialer without human intervention.[25]

On July 25, 2018, Galilee Acquisition filed a lawsuit against MagicJack, alleging that the company provided misleading information about the fair market value of Broadsmart telecommunications.[26] The court dismissed the lawsuit, finding that the claims were derivative and that the plaintiff had not made a proper demand on MagicJack or demonstrated that such a demand would be futile.[27]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Greenberg, Herb (March 7, 2007). "Going after Vonage, Skype". MarketWatch. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
  2. ^ "magicJack VocalTec Communications' CEO Discusses Q2 2012 Results". Seekingalpha.com. Retrieved August 22, 2012.
  3. ^ Kritsonis, Ted (March 12, 2008). "MagicJack casts fair spell". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved October 5, 2010.
  4. ^ Furchgott, Roy (September 1, 2011). "Skype Now Wants Your Landline". The New York Times.
  5. ^ "VocalTec and YMAX/magicJack Announce Merger" YMAX. 16 Jul 2010. Last accessed 13 May 2011.
  6. ^ Rist, Oliver (January 17, 2008). "YMax magicJack". PC Magazine. Retrieved 2009-03-31.
  7. ^ Morejon, Mario (February 2009). "YMax magicJack (Winter 2009)". PC Magazine.
  8. ^ Costa, Dan (February 2009). "The Complicated Case of MagicJack". PC Magazine.
  9. ^ Mandle, Nick (6 January 2010). "Magic Jack: A great deal with a few limitations". Consumerreports.org. Retrieved 10 December 2010.
  10. ^ "MagicJack Review: Home Phone Service for 2024 (2021 Update)". Thevoiphub.com. 16 February 2021. Retrieved 2016-09-02.
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