MagicJack, the USB-based VoIP service from telco vet Dan Borislow, intrigued us from the moment we first read about it in a column by Herb Greenberg. In search of more details, we were finally able to track down Borislow Monday for a brief demo and some inside info, in advance of the product’s “formal” intro either later this month or early next.
Some quick tidbits: The company’s business plan revolves not so much around the USB gizmo but instead around a robust nationwide network that Borislow says is also a certified CLEC; the company has interconnect agreements with all the larger carriers, meaning it’s not about to be shut down like some other value-cost calling operations; and as part of its initial marketing push, MagicJack plans to give away a free phone number (of which it says it has millions) to the first wave of customers who plop down $29.95 or $39.95, a price that includes a full year of unlimited calling to the U.S., Canada and parts of Europe.
If we mess up on any details here, we will blame the noisy atmosphere, since our “interview” took place amidst wayward forklifts and booth-building crews during the exhibit-floor setup day at Spring 2007 VON in San Jose. While it’s possible that we are the willing victims in a measured slow-leak marketing campaign, any operation that claims to have spent two years building a nationwide network of Internet gateways (with 31 session border controllers, a number Borislow is quite proud of), and has spent the exhaustive and expensive time certifying itself as a competitive local exchange carrier isn’t some Web 2.0 play.
The consumer side of MagicJack goes like this: Users will plug the USB end of the ‘jack’ into their Internet-connected computer, and will plug a phone into the other end of the device. The device then boots a softphone onto the screen (in 28 seconds, in our impromptu test); you then can pick up the phone and start dialing. The MagicJack will cost $39.99 for a jack with a memory chip (for the softphone), or $29.99 for one without memory (you can alternatively download the client and keep it on your PC). Yearly subscriptions thereafter will cost $19.99, Borislow has said.
The business side of MagicJack, as best as we can tell, comes from the subscription plans as well as interconnect fees paid to MagicJack’s CLEC partner company (apparently called YMax Communications Corp.) whenever a MagicJack phone number is called. More details — such as additional features embedded into the product, like voicemail, conference calling, and a direct-to-Google search link — will be revealed at the “official” announcement, whenver that is. (At the current leak rate, Borislow might not have much left to tell, other than “some big marketing plan” that he kept to himself Monday.)
Borislow, who claims to have provided most of MagicJack’s $17 million in funding from his own pockets, thinks there is a huge market for value-priced VoIP-based telephony, even though others like Vonage and Skype are revenue-challenged right now. “There’s a lot of people with fixed costs of $700 a year for phone service who may now be able to buy a case of beer a week instead,” Borislow said, putting a thirsty twist on MagicJack’s purported savings. College students or teens who already have laptops and Internet connectivity are also target customers, he said.
On the networking side, Borislow is quick to diagram the MagicJack/YMax advantage, which he says comes from building a network that covers “80 percent of the U.S. population” with its gateways and SBCs. By connecting most of a call’s distance over the Internet between its own gear, Borislow says MagicJack will have far superior call quality to other VoIP providers (or even PSTN calls routed over IP) , who must traverse multiple equipment types and transports that can introduce latency and degrade calls.
(Look for MagicJack in the SJ Labs booth at VON, since MagicJack acquired the softphone-technology firm as part of its inception.)
6 trackbacks so far
6:16 AM PT
[...] post by Paul Kapustka and software by Elliott [...]
8:49 AM PT
MagicJack should connect directly to the internet…
It’s interesting how many positive comments the MagicJack got days after the argument in the comment section of Paul’s former article about it. Seems that the MagicJack’s fans found their way to GigaOM. Are they really that enthusiastic?…
2:21 PM PT
VoIP USB Device MagicJack Being Showcased at Spring VON…
…
12:12 PM PT
[...] Musicman, propaganda can make crap look good or quality stuff look bad. Who wrote what you heard. I would consider the source either way. Maybe check Consumer Reports. Found a lot of customer comments, they could work for a competetor or could be Magic Jack PR people: The Magic behind MagicJack - GigaOM [...]
7:47 AM PT
[...] magic jack work with Mobile broadband? … Does magic jack work with sattlite service Thanks don …http://gigaom.com/2007/03/20/the-magic-behind-magicjack/Gadget Guy: Magic Jack - WISCThere is with a product called the magic Jack. the device, which [...]
2:00 AM PT
[...] the Nintendo DS, Sony PSP or iPod Touch. Dan Borislow claims the marketing blitz for his SIP-based magicJack puts him on track to sell 500,000 of the devices by the end of this month. Yet the displacement of [...]
570 comments so far
8:16 AM PT
I’d have to question the business plan a little bit. The telecom graveyard is filled with the bones of CLECs that built a business plan around interconnection fees. That kind of business plan requires a serious imbalance in calling patterns - significantly more inbound than outbound - but if the selling hook for MagicJack is “unlimited calling for $20/year”, there’s likely to be more outbound than inbound calling.
2:20 PM PT
I tried out the magicjack and it worked fine until I logged into my laptop the next morning all my settings were wiped out and my keyboard is not working properly.
Bummed out.
10:24 PM PT
I’m interested in MagicJack for my phone service but would like more comments from those who already have experience with it - give me the pluses and minuses, if any.
1:00 PM PT
I have 10 unopened magicjacks in my possession and I have one out of the package as well. I had to try the service and it was great. The connection is clear and it doesn’t cost anything at all for the first year and only 19.99 after that. I was trying to sell them but I have no idea of how to go about it. Any advice?
9:15 PM PT
Frank, Were you able to make international calls?
7:42 AM PT
I’m trying to buy one, but I can’t seem to get any response from the company. If anyone has one they would like to sell (Frank maybe?) or can tell me how to get one, I’m interested. You can reach me at skyjet at esp.net. Thanks.
9:17 PM PT
There are many more comments on the other gigaOM entry on magicjack, (link) .
there is also a forum now on their official site, (link)
I got one just today (wait, after midnight, so yesterday). I gotta say I’m very pleased on the whole. Some complaints and not totally smooth but what do you expect when you’re customer #58 in a brand new company?
6:59 PM PT
Hi -Up-Timers. Magic Jack Is New Check Out SeattleRaps Reveiew And Blog For Magic Jackish’ New Aplications And uses. Making Money With Magic Jack @ a PAYPHONE? Right - US Calls $5 for 10 minutes to the US. Oversea’s Money Maker With Magic Jack’?
3:45 PM PT
I got my magicjack and its awsome and works grrrr—eat !!!! and told my home phone company to go to h-ll . and save me 65.00 a month.
1:17 AM PT
I just got mine and it is Fantastic that is a understatment. I cannot remember something that i have been so excited with in years.
It works great clear and i have spent hours on it with no trouble at all.
It works as good as my regular phone and free voicemail,call Waiting + it can send calls to other phones. 5.5 Cents a Day WOW.
3:00 PM PT
does the magic jack work when your online???
9:48 PM PT
Q: I would like to know it the phone # ls local to your area or just a random # from any part of the US, do You get to choose your area code
2:45 PM PT
I am interested in the magicjack however the downside is that I dont leave my computer on all the time. Is there a USB to Ethernet adapter for this? Or some sort of linux driver?
Also, when the magicjack is plugged in, do I have to dial from the softphone or can I dial from the POTS handset?
5:57 AM PT
Frank,
Can you let me know if you still have that unopened jack. Can you send me the price to wvirginian at hotmail.com? Also, can you let me know if you are able to make international calls, with that jack?
3:06 PM PT
I was just on the chat forum on MagicJack’s website and learned some information.
Power10: when your computer is off, calls go to voicemail, or you use their “follow me” feature and forward your calls to another phone number (cell, office, etc). Also, once a phone is plugged into the magicJack, you can dial from the softphone OR the actual phone.
Gnldl: From what I gathered on the chat forum and their website, you can choose from one of the available area codes (since only a handful are available at this time - found the area codes under one of the faq questions on (link) ). The moderator on the forum said that you can later change the number to your area code when it becomes available. Further, they said that you can change your number once for free.
I was informed that you can make international calls - Canada and Puerto Rico for free, as you do any long distance call within the US. Don’t quote me on this, but I read that you can call to others who have magicJack in any other country, for now, and they will expand international access as they grow. I’m sure someone may have more details on international calling.
5:26 PM PT
I couldnt’ find the area codes on the faq…
Also I notice they call for XP or vista… I guess it doesnt’ work on win2k?
John
9:27 AM PT
PostPosted: Tue Jul 17, 2007 2:33 pm Post subject: Reply with quote
Hi JML,
try to get an invite to GrandCentral.com and you can forward that number to magicjack for free
Denver, Detroit, Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Memphis, Nashville, and Seattle
(link)
Regards
Admin
9:00 AM PT
Anybody know when MagicJack will be available for Apple computers with Mac operating systems?
4:36 AM PT
I finally got my magic jsck to work and it
is great!
Us frugal pennie pinchers are in PHONE HEAVEN.
Every friend that has come over has ordered one.
You must realize that you must plug it in and register 1st after that no problem.
I would suggest if you have a real old computer and are having problems dont send it back untill you try this. Go to a friends or someone you know with a newer computer and register the phone and get it activated(it dosent matter what computer you use,excepy MAC),then the main important part is over and you can use it on any ancient computer,it is automatically on once you plug in the JACK.
SO my recommendation with the MAGIC JACK device is
get one and enjoy…
“stickin it to the man!”
5:00 AM PT
Hey Frank, send me an email to diseasepedia at gmail dot com if you are still interested in selling off a couple of your magicjacks!
5:35 PM PT
you could just go to magicjack.com everyone to buy yours. you dont have to buy it from frank. they sell on there for 40 dollars for the first year license and 20 after that. the service is real good to me. i dont have any dropped calls and line is clear. there are others that say they have problems though and i think it has to be the computer that causes them. i dont know for sure if it would work perfect for everyone but for 40 bucks there isn’t much room for any let down anyway. i think everyone should go for it because its definitely worth every penny it cost plus much more. i see this company growing in the future and i think that many features will come down the road. it is only in beta right now and still looks promising. i glanced at the registry for the magicjack device and see lots of other options. this lets me know that there are plans to do things in the future.
12:27 PM PT
Will MagicJack work when your computer is in standby mode or hibernate mode?
6:49 AM PT
I have a magic jack and since last week there’s a problem with incoming calls. I have it wired to the whole house. Does anyone else have similar issues?
8:31 AM PT
I got my MagicJack Aug. 16 and it works great! Set up in a few minutes and made outgoing calls and received incoming as well. Computer can be on hibernate and calls still come through and will go to voicemail if you do not answer. I am very pleased with the service, especially after SunRocket and Teleblend!
8:08 PM PT
Can you make calls to
Europe and can you keep your own number?
5:04 PM PT
It would not be possible for them to come through in hibernation mode, beacuse the computer is completely off in hibernation mode. Standby may be possible - depending on which level of standby the computer is in.
For instance, if your power settings have simply turned your monitor off, then surely the calls would come through.
5:06 PM PT
Magic: Problems with incoming calls when it’s wired to the whole house could be a problem with your house wiring or you may have too many phones hooked up. Also, you must disconnect the regular phone company’s input line from your house wiring. If you have too many phones, you can test this by unplugging most of them. There are “ring voltage” amplifiers out there also - that would solve the too many phone issue - but I have not used them.
10:35 AM PT
Magic Jack works great as an alternative number. It does take up a lot of memory on your computer. Most of the times the calls are clear. But I have noticed if you talk more than 10 minutes call quality gets bad. It is worth if for $40 bucks. Sound quality is as good as my packet 8 !
9:38 AM PT
Has anyone figured out how to use this with a security system? We had Vonage and were able to connect our security system with no problem. Will this work the same way?
3:20 PM PT
do the another party need also have magicjack on his/her side to make a call or he/she just receive the call in the regular phone kitchen home?
6:27 AM PT
I have used MagicJack for 1 month. I am about 1 week away from cancelling my AT&T home service and use MagicJack exclusively.
To answer some questions:
- No, the other party does NOT have to MagicJack. I can call ANY phone number in the US.
Security System Compatable, it works like any other analog phone line. My security system sees MagicJack fine.
I have talked for 2 hours at a time on conference calls with no change in quality. Callers tell me that voice quality is great.
My experience is that it WILL NOT power all phones in your house. Instead I bought a set of 4 cordless phones, plugged the base into the MagicJack and use those exclusively.
Your computer must be ON - not in hibernation or standby. There is an app that runs on your PC.
They have a MAC version in the works.
They have many new Area Codes that will be avail by the end of Sept per their website.
Hope that answers some questions! Your mileage may vary but it is the only phone I’m using now for home and work (work from home) and it has been near flawless. The only time I have issues is when I’m downloading a huge file - I need to enable QOS on my router which should fix that problem.
4:39 AM PT
I just bought my MagicJack and have yet to use it. I haven’t used a landline phone in so long, the only one I had lying around is an old corded thing. I hear a very faint dialtone but can’t hear anything well enough to actually place a call. After reading Chris’ comment I’m wondering if it’s just a matter of not enough power being sent to the phone. I’m hoping buying a cordless phone with it’s own power supply will fix this problem. Anyone else have this problem with corded phones?
2:32 PM PT
Got my first Magicjack and am very pleased.
Placed an order for ten more,inquired about a
resellers program,asked them to contact me for
our UPS Shippers number and credit card info.
Response-Nyet, Nada, Niente, Zero.
What gives with these people.
Hayden
9:11 AM PT
can the magic jack work in africa in a country like botswana, or what is the plan for africa where i think we need call cost cutting
4:54 PM PT
My Magicjack still works when my screen is
sleeping,i am running Vista windows on my HP computer.
You can also have 1 Magicjack unit hooked up per-computer with the same high speed Internet line for all computers.
So basically I have the option of having 2 magicjack phone numbers in my home!
My daughter has a computer in her room so she has her own separate line and number.
I have a computer in my room which I have my Magicjack connected to now.
It is one bill I don’t mind paying.
also the customer service(email link) returns email questions in very timely matter if not that day the next.
Buying a Magicjack is a very cost effective
way to go when you are talking about Voip phone service.
7:52 AM PT
Can anyone know does it work in NYC area.
I have 5 phones located all over the house.
Do I need multiple units for each phone
How does the connection works
Thanks
4:09 PM PT
Hello All
Just a note to see if anybody else is having this problem with the Magicjack.
I found that when this device is plugged in that no sound comes from the computer at all
when not using the phone,Like playing music files or video No sound at all. But when I unplug the device all works just fine.So whats going on? Any ideas. Ken
4:12 PM PT
I just got my magic jack today. I found that when the computer is not logged on, I get not dail tone. But I read other comments that when the computer is in hibernation the phone still works. What do I need to do?
9:08 PM PT
I got a magicjack but when I plugged it in the computer with Windows 98, it is asking for drivers.
I do not have driver disk with me.
Can I download drivers for this computer from somewhere?
3:13 AM PT
I live in Pakistan and My sister & daughter live in the US. How can this device be helpful for us?
7:37 AM PT
Do any one of you had problems with the delivery? I payed for a priority service which I couldn’t track a t all and after soem days it appeared delivery in Melville!!! it is a huge area in NY, and I can not make a rqst in USPS being the cnee, it have to be the sender… but MagicJack is not answering to me, and I am afraid I’ll lost the time and the money!
11:46 AM PT
I bought a Magic Jack and it doesn’t do what it claimed. I can call out but nobody can call me, it uses some trick to use a number that’s not in service to call out but cannot receive calls. My review is at:
(link)
It’s a scam.
Thump
2:48 PM PT
I regret my thoughts, Magic Jack is not a scam and I just got a call on it from their representatime and it works fine. It just can’t be accessed from my AT&T Callvantage account. It’s working fine and is as advertised. Unbelievable good deal.
Thump
5:40 AM PT
I’d like to help everyone with questions and problems with their MJ.
Here are some generic suggestions:
Go to menu and switch to headset from telephone if you are using a headset. Make sure you choose the headset you are using other wise you will get no sounds from MJ and your other sound systems will work fine.
I have used MJ from the US and Europe. It works fine but you do need adequate uploading speed to have a conversation that doesn’t break up and you do need a fair amount of memory. MJ, like Skype will suck processiing power and ram from your system and you can watch your meter if you know how to do that. The more processing speed the better the quality of the service.
Make sure you do both an upgrade for Vista, on their website, if you have Vista.
Make sure you do a full uptimization, available either on their website under customer service or when it pops up on the panel next to the keyboard on the soft phone.
Major problem I have had with friends has been with the audio level setting in the menu. If you don’t have it set right, it will not work. And if you are using Softphone, you will need to go into the menu, as far as I know, each time to switch to menu.
I hope this helps.
1:04 PM PT
will Magic Jack work with Mobile broadband?
9:29 PM PT
Liaqat
Email me, I have a solution for you.
titan08043 at yahoo dot com
11:28 PM PT
when you make calls.. do you get a bill or anything to see who and where you called at anytime?
11:42 AM PT
I purchased a magic jack, and had been happy with it for 1 month. then it had a problem and was asking me for registration info. Email and password. I answered, and it kept saying not correct, serial number is not associated with login. Well, try and get any kind of support. Sales Chat, yes. Sales gave me a dead url address. Seems like support is useless.
10:35 PM PT
I have read all the positives and negatives regarding the MagicJack. I noticed the positives out weighed the negatives and I am very interested in buying one or two. However, I went to the MJ website but it’s not available (under Maintenance)for anything. can anyone tell me where I can find MJ to purchase online or at an electronics store in my area?
Thanks in advance!
JRAS
10:37 AM PT
Mary
we were upgrading servers and you should be good to go as of yesterday.
Jule
The Sie is available to take orders and has been.If you need any help,please email Dan.Borislow@magicjack.com
7:43 PM PT
I have the MJ for 2 month now and love it….
5:03 PM PT
I want to purchase MJ but have questions if anyone can answer.
1) I have a desktop that I want to load and use MJ on, but also have a work laptop that I bring home and also want to use MJ on the laptop when the desktop internet connection is into my laptop. Will I still get calls coming into my laptop and will I still be able to call out? Or will I have to purchase 2 MJ’s?
2) Also when online, will I be able to receive or make calls without getting kicked off my sessions?
Thanks for any help.
10:26 AM PT
I live in Spain and I call my friends in the States frequently with excellent voice quality. If anybody in Europe or Asia wants to purchase MJ let me know, I’ve still have some units left with me. Contact me at cat 96 dog at yahoo dot com.
3:53 PM PT
This sounds great, however since I have sbc yahoo as a isp, which requires me to have a phone line, I would like to know how that works. If I cancel my phone doesn’t that cancel my inernet service
8:09 PM PT
My question is if I purchase and use Magic Jack will I still be able to use my fax from my computer? I use the windows fax program that is loaded on my system, so if it does work with this program how? And, what about stand alone fax machines, how would that work?
I would also have to cancel my internet service since it is with my current phone company, any suggestions for really good ones?
12:15 PM PT
i have vonnage now can i keep my # or do they give me a new one
8:05 PM PT
Hello All
I have a below problem as stated by Ken McFerrin on October 22nd, 2007 at 4:09 pm
can anybody else is having this problem with the Magicjack and provide me the solution.
I found that when this device is plugged in that no sound comes from the computer at all
when not using the phone,Like playing music files or video No sound at all. But when I unplug the device all works just fine.So whats going on? Any ideas.
Also MJ works good when i use the head phones to make the calls, but if i try to make a call using the landphone, net connection goes down. I am unable to recieve the calls on landphone.
Can any one provide me the solution for the above problems.
Thanks,
Vinod
Also i am not able to recieve any call.
10:47 AM PT
Ok, I’m very pleased to have read all the positive feedbacks and review for this MagicJack.
Though we also have to consider the privacy and how secured the calls when using this product.
Skype claims that all calls made on their VOIP are all encrypted and just wondering if MJ does the same to protect privacy of their subscriders.
Can anyone give me an insight on this issue.
7:16 AM PT
Does Magic Jack work with sattlite service
Thanks don
7:26 PM PT
You can have my magic jack back.
Only worked one day. I need another phone line, but I will keep my sunrocket/teleblend one for now. Can anyone tell me how to contact magicjack or has an 800 number?
Their website just takes me in circles.
I have had Magic Jack for about a month, and have it only worked for two days. When I try to access it, my screen goes completely black 4 or 5 times. KIND OF SCARY I finally had to unplug it, it was interfering with sound, everything on my dell computer.
Trying to get through to support is IMPOSSIBLE.
Thanks, Try it out before you buy, it may not work for you….
If anyone can help, I would appreciate it…..
4:45 AM PT
I cannot get the MagicJack to work with my PC. I get an error message about proxy registration. I need more detail on setting the device up. initially it asked for my email which I gave it and it asked for my ID and a password. I made one up. Should I have used an existing password. What is the phone number they talk about. I want to use this from Australia in a week so I need to get this set up.
I also want to use this with my Mac laptop. I have virtual PC on it with Windows XP. Will this work?
Lyman
1:41 AM PT
I got the Magic Jack for Dish Network because I didn’t have a land line.
It works great & Dish Network credited me $5.99
1:47 AM PT
I don’t have to pay for wireless internet because i get it free from next door.
I just plug in my laptop USB port work great.
11:06 AM PT
friend sent me a MagicJack. In less than two minutes I was making all my phone calls for $40 for the first year and then $20 for the next! That’s right – not $20 a month but $20 a year! I’m saving big $$$$ – eat your heart out Vonage! I’ve had no problems, sound is just fine.
It is with great delight that I’m kicking AT&T and Vonage to the curb and wearing paid-for-with-the-savings pricey Monolo Blahnik shoes to do it.
9:50 AM PT
I own 2 MagicJack’s and they work GREAT! I am telling everyone I can about this technology. Who needs AT&T’s crazy prices? NOT ME!!
7:25 AM PT
Can someone provide a list of avialable area codes.
Is there a 513 area code?
ricland
4:25 PM PT
How can I make or pre paid international calls to the Philippines cell phone? And how is this done>
7:56 PM PT
I just ordered my magic jack today. Does anyone know the minimum Internet bandwidth someone needs to have for magic jack to function properly?
10:15 AM PT
I have three magic jacks. ONe for home and my two small companies. They all work great. If you are downloading a lot of data then there will be problems. But for 40/year you cannot beat that. It gets better service than packet8. So I will be cancelling the packet 8 number. It does not matter anyways I use grandcentral and so no problem with changing my number.! Go tell vonage, packet8 and all the others they lost customers.!! HAH
8:53 AM PT
i ‘ve had mine for 2 weeks ,took with me to japan,with my laptop had high speed in hotel,took housephone plugged into MJ and into my USB and started dialing clients in US ,UNBELIEVEABLE !! clear as a bell unlimited free calls to US,there’s no gamble here ! a WINNER
6:59 AM PT
Just bought and it is great. Running on Vista on laptop. Plan on using overseas to call U.S. Don’t want to pack a phone in luggage, CAN’T IT BE USED WITHOUT A PHONE PLUGGED IN?
10:59 PM PT
I live in a rural area and I have satellite high-speed internet through the new service called Wild Blue. This is the only choice I have for my
area other than slow dial up. Will Majic Jack work with services like Wild Blue and Hughes Net? Also , will calls come through when I am on line? I would also like to know the bandwidth stength required to be
sure M.J. will work before I order one. Please help. My e-mail is
judylongg@aol.com
1:09 AM PT
Worst voice quality. Can not communicate. No phone number to call for tech support.
Melike Myers
12:54 PM PT
I need to knwo if anyone has a customer service number to magicJack? I am having a problem with them shipping me 2 of thses and chargers me for 2 also….. my e mail is joel002@carolina.rr.com sure hopesomeone can help me here…..
10:39 PM PT
I received MagicJack a few days ago. I received it in just 3 days after my website order.I first tried it on my Windows 2000(SP4)upgraded computer since I was reading comments that it worked but in reality it doesn’t work.
I tried it on two computers with Windows 2000 (SP4)upgrade and still was not successful.
You get a dial tone on your phone and a blue light on the device but the plug n play feature won’t work.
If it worked on windows 2000 it would be great.
I went over to my XP computer and plugged it in the USB port it worked in a matter of a couple minutes very easy. It was much better than I expected. I dialed a few numbers and spoke to my friends in the local area and across the country and the sound quality is excellent using my uniden cordless phone.
Looking through all these reviews above is very confusing and the only way you will find out is “to go order it” and find out for yourself how it performs. This is really an excellent product regardless of all the negative comments you read above.
The requirements are you need Microsoft XP or Vista. Apple/Mac will be supported soon. High speed internet,DSL,Cable,Wirless,Wi-Fi,WiMax or FIOS.
6:16 AM PT
why are there so many different prices. TV ad says $19.95, On line ad says free for first year. Then there’s the $29.95 or $39.95, is that for the device itself. All confusing. Also it sounds too good to be true, for one reason, I will still need my AT&T phone service to get on the internet, where am I saving. Too, I have a very inexpensive mobile phone which gives me access all over the country and Canada and Puerto Rico for FREE. Why do I need MagicJack? That is a real question NOT a rhetorical one. Please respond to my queries and confusion.
Thank You. John
8:20 AM PT
Dan BORISLOW, if you are reading this:
I am happy with my service. HOWEVER, I can no longer access my voice mail from my phone. Every time I try to log in from the phone connected to the magicjack I am told “login incorrect”. It worked fine when first created my greetings. WHO DO I CALL or E-mail to get support?
I NEED TO ACCESS MY VM, DAN. HELP ME.
Thanks
1:53 PM PT
The website shows you exactly what price you pay for the first year. It also tells you what to pay for the next year when your first year expires.
You don’t need much instruction to install since it just a plug n play (No CD ROM installation disk required).
Just plug it in your XP computer USB port and connect the other side to your cordless phone or a regular phone.
That’s all you need to do and then follow the screen prompts what information you need to enter about yourself.
11:20 AM PT
Reading through all the comments on this web site I am puzzled as to how this product can be praised by one individual and cussed by the next. Is it that difficult to get the MagicJack up and running or are a lot of folks just technically challenged? Also it appears that once you buy the product you are on your own since no one seems to be able to contact the company for any tech support or maybe they don’t even have a tech support department ???? Seems like a lot of people are getting out on a limb that is hanging on by a thread, as soon as something goes wrong you’re out of luck.
5:36 PM PT
I forgot to mention what type of phone I use with MagicJack.
I use the Uniden TRU 9360 (Digital) 5.8 GHZ phone works great on a Vonage phone and with MagicJack. It also has a headphone jack for the hearing impaired.
Most of the Uniden TRU series are great both in clarity and reception!
11:58 AM PT
This is VERY IMPORTANT to those who are currently having trouble with MJ’s installation or make sure read the following before ordering one for yourself.
Aside from you will get some troubles if you have WinMX or MusicMatch/Yahoo Music Jukebox installed on your PC, you will also definetely will have trouble if you have Nero installed on your system.
They don’t really tell this to people and none on their website you will find this info unless you already ordered one and start having trouble and chat with one of their tech support.
I was told by one of their tech support that MJ does NOT does not work well some if not all of any burning and anti-virus programs and they currently have no workaround this problem other than uninstalling these programs so watch out if you rely on these programs on a daily basis.
Also emailed Mr. Dan Borislow regarding these problem and was told by him that this is because of a hardware issue rather than software issue that they are releasing a new MJ hardware type in the near future which will resolves MJ’s conflicts with the said programs but you have to pork out more money to replace the one that you’re currently own now, so might want to wait until til then. He also said that they MIGHT offer a small discount to current MJ owners to replace and upgrade to a new MJ hardware.
But with all the things said, current MJ does really works well, I love it but I have to give up my Nero burning program which I use once in a while, I just install it again whenever I have to. I never use any anti-virus program at all so no problem there.
Hope this post help others who are currently having trouble without having to wait to get a hold of MJ’s tech support.
2:57 AM PT
I have Verizon DSL for my ISP. It seems to me that this Magic Jack technology will not work for me. Any comments on this?
8:37 AM PT
I get a kick outta all these people who can’t get the MagicJack to work! Just got one for Christmas and installed without a hitch, been calling all my family for a few hours…and for FREE? All the people who post here that have technical issues must be very, very challenged!
Before I registered to website to check it out…there is a Tech Chat Room and a link to send emails to the inventor directly! Whattya mean there is no customer or technology support?
Merry Christmas to all and have a Magical New Year!
1:05 PM PT
It doesn’t matter what DSL company you use. Its nothing hard to install MJ.
If you are trying to make MJ work with Windows 2000 then your out of luck. You need Windows XP or Vista installed.
After you installed MJ and get a buzz in the phone line or static while your talking to the other person on the other side then you most likely are using a cheap analog phone. Go spend your money on a digital phone and the problem goes away or go test it with other known working phones in your house that don’t have that kind of problem.
Some of the hearing aid compatible phones just won’t work with MJ.
8:01 PM PT
how do i returned my MJ for a refund? i want out of this nightmare.
8:11 PM PT
Can you use MJ to call all the Hawaiian Islands and visa versa?
Thank you!
Cm
8:41 AM PT
Hi,
Can anyone tell me the customer service email / phone or any other contact , becuase i had some questions. i have already bought the magic jack
10:13 AM PT
I have had my MJ for a few months now. I waited patiently to get a local number - and I love it! The only problem I ever had was in trying to install it on an old laptop that was running Windows2000. It won’t run on 2000. But if you have a decent computer and have XP running it is wonderful. I highly recommend it. I have cable modem and once we got MJ installed I just plugged in our old Uniden phones - with extensions - and it works great. Landline is gone! Kc
2:41 PM PT
I am using a small Notebook with Magic Jack its a Asus Eee PC Notebook. Loaded it with windows XP and works fine with MJ.
Using this computer so I can leave it on 24 hours a day without burning too much power.
May try hooking up a bluetooth dongle and cell phone bluetooth ear piece when I travel.
(link)
10:32 AM PT
I received my magicJack 30 days ago, and have used it for personal and business calls. The consensus feedback is that the call quality is better than my local Comcast service. It works pretty well on my wireless LAN, but incredibly well on my Verizon FiOS connection. The only shortcoming is that 3-way calls have to be incoming. But for $1.5/month, I’ll get over that limitation. I hope they sells thousands of the device and service to solidify the company’s position. Buy one - I can’t imagine you’ll be sorry.
10:42 PM PT
I ordered one of these thing on Dec 13th. Haven’t gotten it yet, and when I go to check the order, it says “pending billing”. Have no idea how to contact them.
Am not happy so far.
9:11 PM PT
Has anyone experienced repeated errors stating that MJ “cannot find the server make sure you have a working internet connection”?
I’m trying to set up MJ for my elderly Dad on Comcast cable and it started the install up to the point of asking for email and password when it said it showed the error it could not find a server to connect to. It’s done this over and over again. I tried rebooting the MJ unit, switching USB ports, rebooting the PC, rebooting the cable modem and router, there is no firewall or anti-virus protection running, no media burn apps and no music apps to conflict with it, etc. The Live Chat reps at MagicJack knew of no conflict issues with customers who use Comcast highspeed cable.. So-I don’t know where to go from here. Really
appreciate anyone’s coments. Thanks.
9:19 PM PT
I ordered Magic Jack on the website and it arrived in just 3 days. I live on the west coast and it came from florida.
It took me 3 minutes to install on my XP computer and it was up and running with no problems at all. I use a digital cordless phone and its crystal clear.
It works just fine and I haven’t had anyone selling me things on the phone since I have been connected for last 3 weeks.
ATT lost my business completely 3 weeks ago and its a great feeling not having those phone solicitor’s calling me day and night for past few years.
4:10 PM PT
Received my magicJack as an Xmas gift and I was thrilled with the install and demo provided by family member. Worked great for 24 hours and then every challenge that one could think of happened (as a number of you have spoken to in this BLOG). Only found this site this evening, and I must say I have found it a great resource of experience and also humour in reading all the notes captured here. I am now equipped to answer the bulk of them that seem to repeat themselves with recent problematic installs. I even performed trouble-shooting and resolution with family member today since he only now encountering what I did days ago.
For the benefit of the other readers who have challenges, please read the scenarios noted below and the resolutions - they might prove useful to you too.
As for the other commentaries above, you don’t need a phone connected to your magicJack in order to use the application. Change the configuration to Headset and simply use your laptop’s microphone and speakers if you don’t have a headset (we tested it today and it works fine). For the magicFIX … the link via the softphone doesn’t appear to function properly, so go directly to the magicFIX option on the Web site and use it instead. And, if NUMLOCKS is on, you can use the keypad on your computer versus the softphone (and/or on the hard phone).
I would suggest that individuals employ common sense - if you have multiple windows open of active applications, they are going to pull memory and power and … I too have encountered Virtual Memory messages. So simply close all the excess windows (stop some applications via Task Manager) or reboot and focus on opening the basics along with magicJack. I have Norton Internet Security installed and operating with AV and I am able to use the magicJack application, together with MS Office Outlook. Be mindful of the opening too many Internet browser windows when actively using magicJack as it puts a strain on the connectivity/streaming.
If you haven’t already logged onto my.magicJack.com site, I would encourage you to to so. Some of you have indicated that you don’t understand the correlation between the E-mail address that you provided and the password (?) during the setup process. Yes … provide a valid E-mail address and NO! DO NOT PROVIDE PASSWORD that you use during your login to your E-mail application. Instead, provide a “unique” password as you are in essence creating an new ID/account on the magicJack database. Once logged into this my.magicJack.com database, you will be able to set up the Voice Mail parameters and password (yes another one to replace the default 1234) etc.
For those of you who don’t want your magicJack device, I’d be more than happy to receive them for distribution to Women and Children shelters here in Canada (example: Herizon House) so that their clients have a means to make calls out and remain anonymous. You can reach me at (jbug_morrison@yahoo.com if you have interest in donating magicJacks for this purpose.
Thank you Dan for creating such a unique device that can also be used in business continuity applications like during crisis management/response to connect families and friends (when normal phone services are down). With forward thinking like that, I would give anything to work as part of your visionary team in promoting this dynamic product. Happy New Year! June
Scenario #1: magicJack worked for 24 hours and then failed - Softphone Doesn’t Load Completely
1. Marketing/Info Panel Missing (previously spoke of an Important Upgrade but nothing happened)
2. Client’s US Phone Number doesn’t appear (shows 000-000-0000 and other info)
3. Registration Pop-Up Incomplete and Disappears Quickly
Resolution #1: Perform Vista Upgrade
Strange as it sounds, laptop is an XP, yet the magicJack itself requires upgraded code. Perform the Upgrade, and softphone loads completely, displays the client’s US phone number and is functional for in and out calls.
Scenario #2: Voice Over IP is broken in speech clarity
Resolution #2: Turn on/off the communication company’s modem (dial up/high speed) and it resolved 85%. Review and upgrade from High Speed Light to true High Speed (via the telecom/IP provider) and/or install my new modem (larger buffer and more stability).
Scenario #3: MS Outlook Plug-In doesn’t appear in Task Bar after performing the magicJack task
Resolution #3: Vendor at magicJack.com is aware of a problem that some downloads work as expected and some don’t - they are still working on a solution re: the missing Task Bar and/or fast-key functionality (Alt+L) for sharing the Contacts database and speed-dialing via magicJack (check back later with the online Tech Chat guys).
As a side note, I’ve registered for the Subscription/Newsletter from Dan (http://magicjack.wordpress.com/) and hope to hear when Canadian phone numbers will be assigned. Another BLOG via this site. Wonder when the following site will be up for input, etc.: link)
4:49 PM PT
OH YES … forgot to mention, once you perform the Vista Upgrade and then reboot your modem and Windows XP PC/laptop … you may well find that the SOUND CHALLENGES go away (as they did for my PC). Now when on magicJack sites (Canadian: (link) or the United States one: magicJack.com) the videos play now and sound is evident. Strange but true … cheers! JSM
5:21 PM PT
NOTE TO Auxair … you need to perform the VISTA Upgrade … I had the same initial error messages as you report and then messages changed, etc. The VISTA Upgrade does not modify your XP Workstation (I was assured by TECH-CHAT) - it modifies files contained on the “smart drive” = magicJack, which are needed to get beyond the “strange” error messages that you are encountering. Open MYCOMPUTER and review the FOLDER/FILE structure for date stamps on the varied files before you begin the VISTA Upgrade (perform a screen-print via ALT+PrtSc and insert the image into a new HTML E-mail note and save as evidence of before tasks). Then re-check the status of the folders/files on your magicJack drive(s) and perform another screen-print to validate against previous status. This will confirm that the VISTA UPGRADE was applied against the smart-key device. And if you worry about something going wrong, then before you process the VISTA Upgrade - copy the complete folder/file structure onto a CD or your PC’s hard-drive as a backup measure. Hope this info helps you out!
5:41 PM PT
FOR ALL WHO ARE ASKING ABOUT SUPPORT E-MAIL ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER:
Check out: (link) site
Ensure that you login with your magicJack ID (your E-mail address) and provide your unique “for magicJack database only” password. Then contact the Technical crew via the TECH CHAT link. If you are trying to contact them outside of their published business/support hours, exit the application as it remains active and loops back with another message.
Once you have a Tech member online with you, state your need for help and ask him/her to contact you via a land-line or cell if your magicJack line is not functional. They assisted me with checking the sound and connectivity hence I received one of their support phone numbers in the process. Notice in earlier dialogues in this forum database that Dan’s E-mail is noted … happy reading .. it is about half way down in the COMMENTS LIST. Or simply ask the Tech member for a support E-mail address. The other way to get one, is register your concerns in the BLOG for (link) as their support staff do reply within 48 hours. Night!
2:02 AM PT
Is there a record available online or that you recieve in the mail of calls made and recieved?? Thank you for a response.
6:58 AM PT
I’ve had the Magic Jack since last week. What a piece of junk. I have a new computer with Vista. The jack messes with my keyboard and when I can place a call, clarity is perfect on my end, but the people on the other end complain.
There is no customer service. No tech support. I think this is nothing more than some guy who invented a device that is supposed to work, but he has no infrastructure behind it to support customers. STAY AWAY FROM THIS PRODUCT. Absolute junk with a terrible company behind it.
6:59 AM PT
CANADIAN MAGICJACK WEB SITE:
Correction … it is (link)
8:59 AM PT
Most of the problems setting up MJ are very common. conflicting programs,too many windows open,no sound,poor connection,trying to run it on windows 2000,using dial up service, etc…
They should set up a Forum right at MagicJacks website so people can read and try to resolve it on their own instead of looking at several websites.
Like a block diagram layout on how to resolve th