VPAD+ Coming Out Soon
September 19, 2008
Viable will soon be releasing the next generation of the VPAD videophone! It’ll have the following enhancements:
- Bluetooth technology (good for a headphone for voice carryover)
- Built-in WiFi capability (so that means you don’t need a WiFi “stick”)
- Dual USB ports (good for adding keyboard, mouse, headphone, etc)
- Improved touchscreen function
- 10-digit number dialing (which resolves a long-standing complaint of mine that it was impossible to call a VPAD except with another VPAD)
- Browser support for WiFi log-ins (hmm, wonder if we’ll eventually be able to use the VPAD as a separate Internet browser?)
- A re-designed user interface
- Acoustic echo cancellation
- Improved camera function
- Continued upgrades automatically sent to the customer’s VPAD+
Viable states in its press release that it has listened to and incorporated feedback from many customers and testers into the new VPAD+. Also according to Viable, the VPAD+ is expected to be available for sale only from Viable for an introductionary price of $99. Nope, not free, but that means I’ll be able to buy one for my hearing mother. Customers would need to register for a “Viable Number” — a ten-digit number — and schedule home installation. (Hmm, I wonder if I can still buy one for my mom anyway …)
I don’t know about you, but I’m impressed with Viable’s ability to design and release videophones into the market at a faster rate than the MVP. Even if the first VPAD design may have come with a variety of problems, that hasn’t deterred Viable from addressing these problems and releasing a new design.
EDIT: Some additional information, thanks to commentators and Viable customer service:
- The old VPAD’s firmware will continue to be upgraded, but the touch-screen won’t be improved much because the hardware is different from that being used in the new VPAD+.
- The VPAD+ uses a better battery, runs for 2-2.5 hours, and will have the Viable logo on it. It’s still external, though, and user would still have to shut down the VPAD+ in order to swap cords. The battery will also be sold separately (but at least the wifi is built-in this time).
September 19, 2008 at 10:15 am
I wonder about the old vpad. Can it be upgraded or download with the Improved touchscreen function? I know it cannot upgrade with WiFi “stick”!
September 19, 2008 at 10:19 am
That’s a good question! Will Viable continue to push firmware upgrades to the old VPAD? Let me see if I can find out from customer service …
September 19, 2008 at 10:51 am
Got a response from customer service – yes, the “old” VPADs from last spring will continue to be upgraded. I don’t know if the touchscreen and wifi capabilities will be upgraded as part of this, tho.
September 19, 2008 at 10:55 am
peachlady, you are right it cant upgrade with wifi. Use ethernet cable for once a time when you get a new upgrade information from Viable.
Please contact customer support. help@viablevrs.tv on your VP or click “help” on your Viable Vision Software.
And AIM: viablehelp
They will help you upgrade the VPAD through the steps.
September 19, 2008 at 10:55 am
old Vpad is not upgradeable. Touchscreen function is entirely new hardware… old vpad had “cheap” touchscreen. So they opted for cheap one in the beginning… it is a big mistake on their part so they had to use more expensive one which is more sensitive to the touch.
Really looking forward to new VPAD+, I probably will buy it this time. Good thing that I waited.
September 19, 2008 at 10:57 am
What about the battery? Is it now built in?
September 19, 2008 at 11:00 am
Thanks, Hedy and Tech Guy! Very useful info. I was wondering about the battery too. I hope it’ll be built in as well, and if not, would it work with the battery I already bought for the “classic” VPAD? Would I still have to disconnect the power to the VPAD+ (thus turning it off) in order to plug in the power cord?
September 19, 2008 at 11:13 am
Thanks to customer service, I got yet more information about the battery. It uses a better battery, runs for 2-2.5 hours, and will have the Viable logo on it. It’s still external, though, and user would still have to shut down the VPAD+ in order to swap cords. The battery will also be sold separately (but at least the wifi is built-in this time).
September 19, 2008 at 11:28 am
Hey Hedy, I was able to upgrade my VPAD’s firmware via WiFi. It did take me a couple tries, though, but I was still able to do that. Maybe it’s more reliable / smoother if it’s done via Ethernet …
September 19, 2008 at 6:15 pm
Great. Please check http://www.mataexpo.com
Viable is one of major sponsors there. They will release it there. Big time!
Thanks
Adam
September 19, 2008 at 7:45 pm
I hope Battery life is about 4 to 6 hours. It can beat out to HoVRS MVP or equally to. Possibly satified Viable’s feeling :)
September 20, 2008 at 2:11 am
Built in browser support for wi-fi is a huge key.
USB ports are important if you want to add a G3 usb stick.
I don’t care about battery power…who the hell talks on VP for more than 2 hours anyway?
September 20, 2008 at 1:27 pm
Anon…
What about traveling on the long road or go to the national park? How to access in the park? Please double-thinking about battery life in the near future?
September 24, 2008 at 12:10 am
Hi Guys,
I have old VPAD, I don’t like AnyGate XM-152 from Korean, AnyGate bought chip from Relink RT-73 Chipset that I found list
compatibility hardware, I bought Linksys WUSB54GC work Viable VPAD!!!
you can buy any Linksys, D-Link, must chipset RT-73 becuase VPAD program is Linux
Website
http://www.aircrack-ng.org/doku.php?id=compatibility_drivers&s=ipw3945
down page see “USB” list and chipset RT-73
Good Luck
DeafCoolMan
October 10, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Hello,
My friend work viable and told me found fix for old vpad touchscreen. now pad work same vpad+ . they will release in one or two weeks. finally only problem with vpad is touchscreen now fixed!
October 15, 2008 at 1:05 pm
My vpad touchscreen not working.
Vpad updated today and work perfect!
i think fix is out already
November 8, 2008 at 9:40 pm
I want to know how do i get it for information so can order it . Thank you
November 9, 2008 at 7:55 pm
FCC force vrs to give real phone number. Viable soon release theirs and then you will be able to buy one.
August 10, 2009 at 6:07 pm
i would like to know where i can buy vpad+ and i would order one for myself as im from canada bc thanks tara