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View Full Version : Nintendo Gameboy DS will include Free Wireless VOIP Telephony

Admiral Ackbar
08-31-2004, 12:51 PM
From Gamespot:

"Analyst Boris Markovich in his weekly memo said 'the headset will allow gamers to use the DS as a phone handset enabling free phone calls over wireless network hotspots. We think that this will be a very compelling application of the handset...'"

Full News Item. (http://www.gamespot.com/news/2004/08/31/news_6106106.html)
WeaponX2099
08-31-2004, 12:54 PM
So i go to a borders, with a DS and make calls to japan for free. Yay!!!
zewone
08-31-2004, 12:54 PM
Sounds nice. I'm not sure how many times I'm at wireless network hotspots for this to sound to appealling though. Maybe when I go to Starbucks or something, but even then I'm sure its not free.
1SwtDeception
08-31-2004, 12:55 PM
wow thats pretty interesting.. more pluses i suppose to me getting the ds even more
Admiral Ackbar
08-31-2004, 01:00 PM
I think this'll be a novelty item really. Probably only 5% of owners could use it regularly... Like all you Cagers wandering New York City. But it would be a big plus for some people.
maxflight
08-31-2004, 01:09 PM
if one has a wireless network at home then they can call anyone free as well?
Admiral Ackbar
08-31-2004, 01:11 PM
if one has a wireless network at home then they can call anyone free as well?

I guess, but I really dunno how this would work practically. There might be restrictions on who you could call or other catches.
daphatty
08-31-2004, 01:16 PM
Hmmm... Nintendo DS = Nokia N-Gage on speed. Lame idea. Especially since HotSpot's cost money.
Javery
08-31-2004, 01:20 PM
I think this'll be a novelty item really. Probably only 5% of owners could use it regularly... Like all you Cagers wandering New York City. But it would be a big plus for some people.

Woohoo!! That's me! Sounds like a sweet idea...
eldad9
08-31-2004, 01:22 PM
Hmmm... Nintendo DS = Nokia N-Gage on speed. Lame idea. Especially since HotSpot's cost money.

Not all do, and yes, you could set one up at home.

It's an interesting application, but it's pointless to try and guess in advance how well it would work in practice.
epobirs
08-31-2004, 01:24 PM
Hmmm... Nintendo DS = Nokia N-Gage on speed. Lame idea. Especially since HotSpot's cost money.

Actually the number of free hotspots in the US substantially outnumbers the paid sites. Many businesses find it's well worth the minor investment in equipment to offer a hotspot as an enticement to hang out and drink more coffee and eat more snacks.

http://www.wififreespot.com/

I find it amusing that this site has an Earthlink banner ad since its founder Sky Dayton has made a failing attempt at aggregating commercial access to hotspots.
epobirs
08-31-2004, 01:27 PM
The big question here is how the back end is handled. I strongly doubt this is something Nintendo wants to run themselves, both for the cost and the looming regulatory issues.
epobirs
08-31-2004, 01:31 PM
Lacking a built-in microphone, the Sony PSP would require a USB headset to complete the hardware for this task but that is fairly trival. Expect Sony to also tout VOIP as a hype feature.
Quackzilla
09-03-2004, 01:07 AM
VOIP is a bandwidth whore, I doubt hosts (like Starbuck, airports, etc.) would want people using VOIP in their hotspots.
LinkinPrime
09-03-2004, 01:12 AM
Anyone think the DS, could possibly be another Virtual Boy?
KingDox
09-03-2004, 02:31 AM
Anyone think the DS, could possibly be another Virtual Boy?

I don't think so, First the VB wasn't portable, all the games came in Red, only a few decent games, no 3rd party support, wasn't backwards compatable and used batteries like crazy.

The DS has beaten all of those. Also what did a VB cost when it came out ? I got mine for 30 bucks on ebay, but I have no idea what they cost at launch. Anyone know ?
beerguy961
09-03-2004, 02:45 AM
The DS will use wireless B right? I wouldn't be able to use it at home for that purpose, since my wireless router only uses G. It would be nice to be able to use it for free in my house...
CaptainObviousXl
09-03-2004, 02:51 AM
Anyone think the DS, could possibly be another Virtual Boy?

I don't think so, First the VB wasn't portable, all the games came in Red, only a few decent games, no 3rd party support, wasn't backwards compatable and used batteries like crazy.

The DS has beaten all of those. Also what did a VB cost when it came out ? I got mine for 30 bucks on ebay, but I have no idea what they cost at launch. Anyone know ?
yea i bought it when it came out for $50
beerguy961
09-07-2004, 01:40 AM
Wireless G is backwards compatible with Wireless B electronics. Meaning technically I could make calls with my wireless network for free... Right?
sblymnlcrymnl
09-07-2004, 03:23 AM
Sounds great, though I'd never take advantage of it.