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Nintendo DS To Allow Free VoIP Calls
sm4kxd writes "Gamespot is reporting that the Nintendo DS will use "built-in wireless 802.11b networking capabilities to offer voice-over-IP chat--in effect, allowing gamers to use the DS to make free phone calls at wireless network hotspots." There's also mention of a headset, so you won't look ridiculous while doing so." The article doesn't have much more information, but the "in effect" seems important; this may only allow unit-to-unit conversations, not VoIP calls to the regular telephone network.
Maybe they might use some standard to do it so you can make calls to any compliant device (including pstn via services)? But then again this is Nintendo, I don't imagine it's very likely!
Never underestimate the dark side of the Source
I think it's there to allow voice chat when playing against other people wirelessly, ala X-Box Live. I don't see what else it could be used for. Nice that the support is there. I'd like to see what else companies come up with for a way to use it, I certanly can't think of anything.
Now all that said, I fully expect some company to release a piece of software for the DS to let you use it as a phone. I just don't think it will be built in, or that the software will be released by the big N.
Comment forecast: Bits of genius surrounded by a sea of mediocrity.
With Nintendo's current "only about games" attitude, I highly doubt the DS will be able to be used as a WiFi VoIP phone out of the box. However, that does sound like some killer product that some 3rd party will/could come out with.
This certainly could be used in conjunction with network play to be able to trash talk to anyone you're playing though :) "omg u hax tetris!"
I'm sure that if this actually works, Asscroft will make them add wiretapping capabilities. And if the telecom monopolies have their way, Universal Service Fees as well. And then it's just an overhyped telephone. We can't have people making things that are too revolutionary, now can we?
>> not subject to regulatory agencies That will likely change within the next few years. The situation is analogous to taxation of online purchases. Sooner or later, it will reach a threshold so that governments would start considering legislation to somehow collect taxes or regulate that sector somewhat. According to an eweek article, some states are already moving in that direction.
I'm getting tired of this 'featuritis' where both Sony and Nintendo are adding features like mad. I just want new portable system to play games, play games wirelessly, and play games over IP via Gameboy Live or PS Live.
God, Keep it Simple Stupid. If you wanna shock the game crowd.... Big one here... Give them eye candy, not a new phone.
I have to wonder just how much of a killer app it is, though.
The idea of being able to play another person wirelessly is a good one, obviously, but outside of young adults, are there really that many opportunities for the rest of us to use this feature all that often?
Your social group may be different from mine, but rarely do I find myself in situations where I have multiple friends around who want to play a game, but don't have a console or pc LAN involved.
Most of the times I'm using my GBA, it's when on a commute, where I'm not quite convinced I'd fell the need to play random strangers.
"built-in wireless 802.11b networking"
How long do you think it will take for people to start wardriving with one of these. Can you say Warboy?
If you consider the GBA a console, which it really is, the gba is the best selling console ever. Constant renovation and competition is what pushes this company. Nintendo started out making arcade games and after the mario brothers hit they kept that same character, in fact almost any game with him in it goes gold. With n-gage starting to appeal to the masses it's kinda common sense that nintendo would have to redesign in product to keep ahead. Nintendo is actually a great company and I'm glad that they are testing new and cool waters.