Microsoft today announced it has acquired Teleo Inc., a provider of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) software and services that enable people to place phone calls from PCs to traditional phones while delivering this technology in unique ways through a variety of software and Web applications. Combining the technology and expertise of Teleo with Microsoft’s existing VoIP investments in MSN is expected to help advance efforts to connect people to the information and people that matter to them ultimately enhancing the integration of rich voice capabilities throughout MSN communication and information services, including MSN Messenger.
What is Teleo?
Founded in 2003, Teleo’s initial beta offering, also called Teleo, allowed customers to use their PC to make VoIP calls to cell phones, regular phone or PCs. Through its integration with Microsoft Outlook and Internet Explorer, the Teleo service also facilitated “click to call” dialling of any telephone number that appears on screen – such as within a Web site, search results or e-mail.
What has happened to the Teleo beta?
Teleo has discontinued its beta offer. If you were a Teleo beta customer and have questions relating to your account please click here
The technology is now generally available to begin having podcast dialogs. Telco, Skype, Google Talk, Yahoo, GizmoProject and StanaPhone all offer free VoIP via your computer, so I can now create an audio podcast and anyone can respond by leaving a voice message. The power of blogging is to enable a conversation via comments and trackbacks and now we can do this as we engage in audio dialogs.