OrganIP: Call Your Friends without Knowing Their Phone Numbers
Today at the DEMOfall 09 conference, Digitrad announced a new consumer voice service called OrganIP. Although the odd name conjures up ideas of a medical or musical application, we think that perhaps it's supposed to be a play on the word "organize." (Well...maybe.) Names aside, what this new application does is intriguing. It connects you with your social networking friends via your mobile phone or web browser, allowing you to place calls even if you don't know your friend's phone number. In addition, you can use the app to send voicemails or even voice-to-text messages and all you need to know is a person's name.
For now, the application only works with your Facebook friends, Gmail contacts/Gtalk, and the .tel domains, but they're working on adding additional networks including LinkedIn, Windows Live Hotmail, and Twitter, all of which should become available in about a month or so.
Using OrganIP
When you launch the application on the web, you're presented with a search box where you can type in the contact's name who you want to reach. Assuming you're connected to them on one of the supported networks, you'll then be presented with their profile name next to an icon representing which social network they were found on. To place a call, you just click on one of the three options provided: you can either call directly, send them a voicemail, or send a voice-to-text message.
If you're placing a call directly, it doesn't immediately ring the recipient's phone. Instead, they're alerted via a message in Gtalk or Facebook chat, if available, or via the OrganIP website. They can then choose to answer the call, send the call to voicemail, or have the voicemail transcribed into text and sent to them.
If you're worried about all of a sudden getting a deluge of call requests from online buddies, don't be. The options available for each contact are a direct reflection of how you've configured your profile and privacy settings on the social networks in question. For example, if you don't list your phone number in your Gmail profile, no one can call you directly, it will always go to voicemail. For Facebook and Gtalk, only those friends who are allowed to chat with you can send a URL via the chat interface to invite you to a phone call.
Unfortunately for the company, the actual demo of their technology didn't go so well on stage. The first attempt at placing a call didn't go through so it appears they may have some kinks to work out before they officially launch. However, they did give it a shot a second time and the call went through as promised. It's hard to say whether it was network issues causing the problems or the OrganIP software itself.
Partnership with OpenDNS
Through a partnership with the free DNS resource OpenDNS, any users typing in a telephone number in the address bar will be connected to OrganIP service and provided with shortcuts allowing them to make a call or send a voicemail. For a small startup, that's really hitting the ground running, as OpenDNS currently boasts about 15 million+ users.
Mobile Application and Future Plans
In addition to the web interface which works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, OrganIP is also launching an Android application which delivers the same functionality to smartphones running Google's mobile OS. The company is working on versions for iPhone, Palm Pre, Blackberry, Symbian, and Windows Mobile, too, which will be made available in the coming months.
For now, OrganIP is a free application, but starting next year, the company plans to charge via a subscription service plan for a reasonable monthly fee which will hover somewhere around $5 per month. The service will be a "freemium" offering, keeping some aspects free while other features will only be available to paying customers. However, all calls made over Wi-Fi networks will remain free always.
OrganIP will be launched into an open beta on October 19, 2009. You can sign up to join at www.organip.com.
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Very cool technology! Although I would be kind of wary of people on Twitter who I don't know calling me.
Good product, but that is definitely the risk with using real word in a new product, it imposes images or connotation without you intending to do so. Sometimes its best to just invent a new word using real word parts. This sounds too much like organic or organ which is not the intent.
Live DEMO
http://www.facebook.com/micha.benoliel?ref=name
Live 6mm DEMO http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3c-GsUryyQ
#caitlin It is only the name of the technology for the moment using several patents. We wanted originally something close to organic and with IP as "initiation protocol". Close to "organic" because the technology could be embedded in any OS or hardware. It is a mix of context aware and unified communications. We will definitely think more about the name for consumers when we open the servie. Thanks !
If OrganIP's current website is any indication, they can expect QA problems and exclusionary UI issues – not a good start. Using colored and widely unreadable fonts for 100% communication of important information (confirmation of data input)? Antagonizingly unprofessional.
Sounds very cool. I would like to try it, not sure how to implement it.
Sounds Good. It can move social media applications one step closer! But I am worried about spam callers!.. :)
This is a nice idea, sounds a bit like Google Voice. I wonder when G-Talk will incorporate GV..
Is that land-line call or VoIP call ?
Because if it'll be land line calls, what would differ it from simply having an always up-to-date address book application for the phone instead ?
@Lois OrganIP connect seamlessly the 2 parties on VoIP or PSTN interconnect, it doesn't have any importance. The aim is for you to connect the person you wish to call independently from the format of the call or the device.
OrganIP not only looks into your network but also looks onto the .tel domain directory and soon other open directories and provides info you will never find in your addressbook.
@Jim Googlevoice is not adding any innovation within the voice market except from offering free phone numbers. We work to enable communications between people without the need of a phone number. OrganIP allows you to place a voice call without any phone number. The person's name becomes the first identifier.
#A Mitchell OrganIP was presented as a proof of concept first and the interface was not supposed to be open to subscriptions. Now that people really embrace the disruption we are providing, a new interface will soon be released. We invite to you tell your friends to subscribe as the first to register will be offered to be part of the private trial. They will also benefit from a lot of free offers to help us built the beta release.
#Christina The first release will be for mobile phones and Android platform. You will just need to download the application.
@Kash Spam callers are easily avoided,
OrganIP only uses public info that the called party accepted to publish as public onto their social profile or .tel domain. We also encourage all our users to register their own .tel domain to manage all privacy issues using their private profiles and the friending system. Book your name before it's gone on http://yes.tel
Fantastic technology, just as the Internet and .com was a new emerging technology so is this.
Dialing someones name is a natural way to communicate, and this is the future.
Also calling charges will be minimal since you are using a VOIP connection. You will only need unlimited internet to call the world for a few dollars per month.
This will reduce your monthly bill, enable you connect globally anywhere, anytime.