The latest beta software program for the Grandstream GXV3140 IP Multimedia Phone efficiently integrates a Skype client instantly into the desktop cell phone, including another communication channel for voice and video calls to an already feature-packed device. However, the mobile phone and its options suffered unsurprising instability due to its beta firmware, although this instability did not reach the expected places.
With rivals in mobile devices constantly packing more and more features into what was once simply a phone, desk phone makers have built their products in an effort to improve current communication practices. Others, similar to Alcatel Lucent and its My IC Telephone platform, have further emulated the smartphone industry, creating an open software enhancement framework intended to stimulate the development of third-party ISVs.
Grandstream Networks has taken the main route, as evidenced by the 2009 introduction of the GXV3140. The GXV3140 was packed with options increasingly extended to SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) desk phones: support for three simultaneous SIP extensions and plenty of audio codecs, dual 10/100 Ethernet ports (with Power over Ethernet support) , a full duplex speaker, a 4.3-inch TFT (thin film transistor) LCD screen, an OpenVPN buyer, and 18 operation keys with 5 additional programmable softkeys.
However, to that regular rate, Grandstream added some novel twists: Web-ready consumer purposes for social media (Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo / MSN / Google Instant Messaging); media sharing (photos from Yahoo Flickr, web radio, and Last.FM for music); a built-in calendar that syncs with Google Calendar; and a web browser and an RSS reader.
Nonetheless, with its built-in 1.3 megapixel camera and video camera and a free video conferencing community preconfigured between similar phones, the GXV3140 was already an interesting and reasonably priced desktop solution at just $ 249.
This year, Grandstream is expanding the phone further, adding a Skype shopper app via a new beta firmware package. I tested beta software variations 1.0.6.5 and 1.0.6.6 on the GXV3140 and found that I was able to simply log into my Skype account to sync my Skype contact lists and presence status. I found Skype voice and video calls easy to locate and receive. However, the high quality of the call was adequate at best. The video received, specifically, was below expectations, clouded by an overwhelming shade of blue. Against this, the video sent seemed comparatively sharp and color correct, given the relatively limited capabilities of the GSX3140’s built-in camera.
However, I experienced many hiccups during the time I used the other functions of the phone. While bugs and glitches are to be expected with the beta code, I was surprised that the issues were exhibited in the current features compared to the new Skype app. Using Beta 1.0.6.5, I found that the GSX3140 crashed in dozens of cases when displaying video, video content, either from a feed connected to the machine through the onboard SD slot or downloaded from the RSS feed engine.
The GXV3140 supports three SIP extensions, with the main line automatically registered as an extension on Grandstream’s free IPVideoTalk voice and video chat network (comprised of other GXV3140 models). I easily registered a second line on my Trixbox Asterisk server. Switching between lines was simple, using the Line / Account choice launch key, although with Firmware 1.0.6.6 I sometimes found that I could not reconnect to an ongoing SIP name if I briefly switched to a second extension for one more call.
RSS feeds worked very well to include CNN information sources, as well as weather, stock quotes, horoscopes, and a quote of the day. Users can also enter their own feeds in the RSS reader.
Device configuration will be done through the phone’s front panel and LCD screen or through the embedded network server method. Typing can be tedious using the input panel (frankly not possible if the software’s passwords use special characters), but users can connect an external keyboard or mouse to the cell phone using the included USB port in an effort to make input easier. information or navigation.
The GXV3140 also comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack, as well as RCA video and audio outputs for connecting with external devices such as headphones or a television.
