magicJack
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 USB device which holds both the software necessary to place internet-based telephone calls via a customer-supplied high-speed internet connection, and electronics (technically known as a SLIC, or 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.
The privately-held firm is positioned as a competitor to Vonage and Skype. In May, 2008, Telephony published an update on the company, [1] and The Wall Street Journal columnist Herb Greenberg has traced the firm's sometimes controversial principal. [2]
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 exclusively with the company's captive landline supplier and CLEC (Competitive Local Exchange Carrier), YMAX.
Awards
In January 2008, PC Magazine reviewed magicJack and named it as an Editors' Choice.[3]
Criticism
According to the company's terms of service, a customer satisfaction guarantee is offered for the device and service for the first 30 days. The device and service have no warranty beyond that period.[4]
The device has come under criticism for bundled advertisements and its EULA which forces the user to resolve all legal issues with the company through arbitration in Palm Beach, Florida.[5] 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,[6] although the firm has responded to customer service complaints.[7]
In May, 2008, Telephony published an interview and update on the company.[8] In July, 2008, Laptop Magazine described Borislow's response to apparent customer service complaints.[9]
Possible spyware
There are concerns that the device may be a form of spyware. Magicjack EULA: "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".[10]
External links
References
- ^ MagicJack Attacks
- ^ [1] Wall Street Journal MarketWatch, Dan Borislow Rides Again]
- ^ YMax magicJack. Jan, 2008. PC Magazine
- ^ "Magic Jack Terms of Service". YMAX. Retrieved 2008-11-06.
- ^ http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/04/14/magicjacks-eula-says.html
- ^ Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida Website, Company Profile
- ^ Laptop Magazine, magicJack Inventor Responds to Customer Service Complaints
- ^ MagicJack attacks
- ^ Laptop Magazine, magicJack Inventor Responds to Customer Service Complaints
- ^ Gadgets boingboing.net, MagicJack's EULA says it will spy on you and force you into arbitration
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