Snap!VRS Gets Snappy

November 20, 2007

SnapVRS logoJust got an email from Snap!VRS announcing some upcoming new technology innovations. You may remember Snap!VRS because of its totally-uber-cool Ojo videophones. Looks like Snap! wants to stay on the leading edge of the videophone field — and not just because of its Ojo videophone. Some snippets from its email (and yes, I plagarize shamelessly here):

  • Ojo videophoneWireless — New flexible options to make VRS calls with Ojo from just about anywhere through the use of Wi-Fi wireless access points and WiMAX technologies.
  • Mobility — New Home Plug technology allows Ojo users to place VRS calls virtually anywhere within the home by using the home electrical system.
  • Portability — New compact travel Ojo.
  • Enhanced Video Mail — New feature that permits VRS providers or anyone calling an Ojo using an older VP to leave a video message which can be retrieved directly from Ojo.
  • Home and Office Program —New program to provide an additional Ojo for use by working professionals to accommodate the need to place VRS calls from home or the office.
  • Friends and Family Program — Hearing friends and family members of Snap!VRS customers may purchase an interoperable version of Ojo capable of communicating with other VPs that use older technology.
  • Use Ojo to Make Videos — Use Ojo to record personal video episodes called Ojosodes (Ojo + episodes = Ojosodes) that can be posted to an online social community.
  • and much more.

Sorenson Adds Call-Waiting

August 10, 2007

You’re having fun vp’ing (videophone-ing) with your best buddy who lives across the country, and you talk for hours and hours. Then you hang up and find out that other friends (or, heaven forbid, your mother!) had been trying to vp you with important news. Hearing folks has had it easy for many years; with call-waiting, they can hear a beep on their phone when someone else’s trying to call. We deafies hasn’t had something similar.

Sorenson logoUntil now. Sorenson recently announced that they’ve added call-waiting functionality for users of its VP-200 videophones.

Now, for those lucky VP-200 users, when another call comes in while they’re talking with someone, a visual notification will appear on the television screen. The user can then put the first caller on hold and talk with the new caller before returning to the first caller.

Mean Girls movieAh, the freedom to be like one of those Mean Girls, constantly switching back and fro between callers and playing games with each other! I’m positively salivating at the prospect. Too bad I’ve still got a VP-100 videophone … Hey, Sorenson, can I have a VP-200 soon? Pretty please?

 (Last edit on 12/03/07: added Deaf Link)

Here’s an alphabetical list of companies or organizations that provide Video Remote Interpeting (VRI) services for a fee. I’m certain I have left out numerous companies — kindly leave a comment and I’ll make edits accordingly.

(Partial credits to e-Michigan Deaf and Hard of Hearing People, West Virginia University’s Job Accommodation Network, and, of course, Google.)