Softphones are small telephone gadgets that can be placed in a hand, under the chin, or between the fingers. They can either be bought as a ready-made gadget or customized to suit your requirements. The distinguishing characteristic of a softphone is that it is user-friendly. In other words, the user does not have to learn a new telephone system. Rather, the phone is tailored to his own needs and specifications.
A softphone works on the principal of the GSM (General Packet Radio Service) technology. It transmits digital audio data from the transmitter to the receiver. These softphones can be used both for communication and receiving calls. Generally, they consist of a base station with a microphone or speaker and a handset with a touch-pad or a keypad. The base station is connected to a wider area network via the network cable, while the handset is connected to the local telephone network through the network adapter.
Most softphones come with a variety of special features such as video conferencing calling and voice mail. In addition, some come with a miniature speaker so that the user can hear the calls better. The user can also adjust the volume of the speaker accordingly. Some models come with two cameras, which can be used for video conferencing.
Currently, there are a number of different manufacturers producing softphones. Most reputable companies manufacture them with quality products. These manufacturers include Nokia, Sharp Corporation, Panasonic, and Samsung. The most popular models by these manufacturers are the Flip, Cliq, Spice, Nuwave, and Jabra softphones.
A softphone is multifunctional. You can make and receive calls as well as dial up or even broadband calls at the same time. This makes it convenient to carry both telephone and voice equipment around with you. You can easily bring a softphone with you when you go out partying, going on a picnic, or taking a road trip. You can also use the microphone built into the softphone to hear conversations you have with your friends or loved ones.
Softphones generally come with a touch-tone feature which is activated through pressing a button. Some models also come equipped with a night vision feature. It is usually possible to turn off the softphones sound through software or by setting the telephone handset’s “tone” to an off-white noise level. Some softphones also have a built-in receiver which allows the user to connect the unit to a personal computer or laptop.
An important advantage of a softphone is that it can be used to make a secure phone call. Parents can place an anonymous call on the unit to remind their children to stay away from trouble. Business owners can use the unit as an extra phone to increase employee productivity. Students may use the softphone to make private calls for academic reasons. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using a softphone.
There are several disadvantages to using softphones, however. If the signal is weak or nonexistent in a room where the softphone is placed, the unit will not function. Also, if there is no phone line connected to the softphone, the user will not be able to receive any incoming calls. Additionally, softphones are not able to pick up reception for cell phones and other communication devices. Most major cell phone carriers do not support softphones.
With modern technology, many new softphone models are available. Many of the newer models are equipped with voice recorders that allow the user to record a message and then play it back during a telephone conversation. Preferring to record a message and then rewind the conversation is a common practice among many users. In some cases, the recorded message is then emailed directly to the intended recipient.
Some softphones come equipped with call conferencing capabilities. This feature allows multiple users to communicate through the softphones by dialing into the same number. A toll free number is usually provided to facilitate the communication. Softphones that are used for business purposes often have features such as video and audio conference calling capabilities. These types of softphones are frequently used by businesses that participate in large conference calls.
The availability of softphones makes using an ordinary cell phone much more enjoyable. In addition, knowing that a softphone can be used as an ordinary phone makes purchasing a softphone much more feasible. Knowing what is a softphone and how does it work will make your life much easier!
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