www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfqINqaWugo

Every now and then, a new gadget comes on the market. Dr. Z is always on the lookout for them, especially as to how they do video communication.

Now we have a new device while technically not a smartphone, it can do video. It is the Apple iPod Touch. [...] link ]]>

Every now and then, a new gadget comes on the market. Dr. Z is always on the lookout for them, especially as to how they do video communication.

Now we have a new device while technically not a smartphone, it can do video. It is the Apple iPod Touch. It works just like the Apple iPhone 4, except that it cannot use a 3G phone network. If you have wifi coverage, the iPod Touch can function almost like a phone (you cannot dial using phone numbers, but you can do FaceTime for video communication using wifi.) The iPod Touch uses the same software for apps as the iPhone 4.

With the new version of iOS (the operating system that runs the iPod Touch and the iPhone 4), you can connect with other FaceTime users by their email addresses. Remember, it works with other FaceTime devices--meaning just Apple devices such as the iPod Touch and the iPhone 4--it will NOT work with other videophones such as the Z-series (Z-150, Z-340, Z-Ojo and the Z4, or the VP-200.)

Be aware that there are 4 models of the iPod--Shuffle, Nano, Classic and the Touch. Only the iPod Touch has video communication capability and be sure you are looking at the new version of the iPod Touch which has a front-facing camera. The old version of iPod Touch does not have a front-facing camera. Without a front-facing camera, you would not be able to do video communication.

The iPod Touch comes in 3 models, priced from $229 to $399, depending on how much memory you want. The amount of memory does not change the function of the iPod Touch, it just allows you to hold more videos, more music. For more info, go to the Apple website using this link.

(NOTE: The video has a small error--the iPhone 4 does not support 4G, only 3G.)

We are really getting independence in communication with all those devices coming on the market of late.

These are exciting times for video communication!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=i401jE09GZw

Every now and then, a new gadget comes on the market. Dr. Z is always on the lookout for them, especially as to how they do video communication.

Now we have a new smartphone with a front-facing camera--the Samsung Epic, sold by Sprint. The Epic has many of the [...] link ]]>

Every now and then, a new gadget comes on the market. Dr. Z is always on the lookout for them, especially as to how they do video communication.

Now we have a new smartphone with a front-facing camera--the Samsung Epic, sold by Sprint. The Epic has many of the similar features as the HTC EVO, previously made available by Sprint. The key difference between the Epic and the EVO and the iPhone 4 is that the Samsung Epic has a sliding keyboard. The keyboard is a tactile (raised keys) keyboard just like the Blackberry. When you need to use the keyboard to send an email, you just slid the keyboard out and type your message. At other times, you can use the touchscreen to do other things. At this time, it is the only touchscreen, with a tactile keyboard that also has a front-facing camera.

ZVRS is now developing an app called the “Mobile Z4″ for the Samsung Epic. It will be ready in the fall. Dr. Z does not yet have details on this app and will make them available as soon as he becomes aware of them.

For a video on the “Mobile Z4″, click this link.

For more information on the Samsung Epic on the Sprint website, click this link.

For more reviews on the Samsung Epic, click the following links:
CNET Review
Digital Trends Review
Wirefly Review

There is a trade show in Berlin next week. More smartphones or tablets may be announced with a front-facing camera. Dr. Z will keep you all posted,.

These are exciting times for video communication!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

While this looks nice, it does have its limitations, like with the release of any new product, the first version rarely includes everything we want [...] link ]]> Recently, Sprint released its EVO smartphone. Like the Apple iPhone 4, it has a front-facing camera which means one can do a video conversation with this device.

While this looks nice, it does have its limitations, like with the release of any new product, the first version rarely includes everything we want in a new product. It usually has limited functions for 2 reasons—first they need to be sure it works and secondly, they want to be able to make improvements to the product in the future.

Right now, the EVO, in order to do video conversations, must use the software (or the app) that is available for it. There are two apps that can be used for video conversations. They are “Qik” and “Fring” which can be downloaded. They will only work with another EVO. It will not work with a Mac, or a Z-phone or a VP-200 yet.

Also, unlike the Apple iPhone, it will work with either a wifi connection or a 3G/4G connection. You will need to pay an additional $10 charge per month to bwe able to use the premium data plan which has no caps. The iPhone 4 can only work with a wifi connection.

But, the concept of being able to do a video conversation “on the go” is nice! It will not be long before we will be able to do video relay calls using a mobile or smartphone. Right now, the closest thing we have to a mobile phone is a Z4 on a netbook or a laptop. This will allow you to experience a mobile calling environment. Dr. Z has used it extensively in his travels and it works greatly and Dr. Z looks forward to the day when we can have a video conversation on a mobile phone with a cellular connection. This will be the day when we have full functional equivalency!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

While this looks nice, it does have its limitations, like with the release of any new product, the first version rarely [...] link ]]> This week, Apple is releasing its iPhone 4 to the public. Like the Sprint EVO, it has a front-facing camera which means one can do a video conversation with this device.

While this looks nice, it does have its limitations, like with the release of any new product, the first version rarely includes everything we want in a new product. It usually has limited functions for 2 reasons—first they need to be sure it works and secondly, they want to be able to make improvements to the product in the future.

Right now, the iPhone4, in order to do video conversations, must use the software (or the app) that comes with it. The app is called “FaceTime”. It will only work with another iPhone 4. It will not work with a Mac, or a Z-phone or a VP-200 yet.

Also, it will work only with a wifi connection. It will not work with a cellular connection such as CDMA, EDGE, 3G or 4G. That means you can only use it when you are near a wifi hotspot.

But, the concept of being able to do a video conversation “on the go” is nice! It will not be long before we will be able to do video relay calls using a mobile or smartphone. Right now, the closest thing we have to a mobile phone is a Z4 on a netbook or a laptop. This will allow you to experience a mobile calling environment. Dr. Z has used it extensively in his travels and it works greatly and Dr. Z looks forward to the day when we can have a video conversation on a mobile phone with a cellular connection. This will be the day when we have full functional equivalency!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

This is to give you an insight into how one deals with all kinds of wifi connections and wired connections while traveling on the road.

The Z4 is a [...] link ]]> Dr. Z has crisscrossed the country the past few weeks and he did this last November and December conducting town hall meetings.

This is to give you an insight into how one deals with all kinds of wifi connections and wired connections while traveling on the road.

The Z4 is a blessing–Dr. Z uses it often to make relay calls and calls his wife every day to check on her while he travels. He has never experienced the freedom to communicate he has had in the past and to be able to talk with his wife and see her everyday on the road is a life changing event, indeed.

But–the wired and wifi world is not perfect–here are some patterns for you to consider. First of all, in a perfect world, with a good connection, a video call works beautifully.

The truth of the matter is that wifi or wired connections on the road do not always give you the necessary bandwidth to experience high quality video communication.

Some airports are better than others. Some hotels are better than others. Some hotels within the same chain vary greatly in quality. What Dr. Z has noticed that in many hotels, the internet connection is much worse at night when everyone else in the hotel uses internet and shares the single line that comes into the hotel.

The same is true with the mifi (3G/4G) or Sprint Overdrive. Sometimes a 3G signal works very well, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes a 4G connection works fantastically, sometimes it doesn’t. Do not blame it on your computer or the z4–blame it on the poor quality of internet connections.

Some McDonald’s or Starbucks have better wifi connections than others. Dr. Z has had better experience with Barnes and Noble–they seem to have the best connections anywhere.

The bottom line is–if you find your connection not too good–move to another place–move closer to the lobby in the hotel, move to another McDonald’s or Starbucks.

Most of the time, the connection is good for browsing on the internet–but when it comes to making a video call–it varies greatly from one place to another.

Dr. Z is confident that over time, we will continue to experience better internet connections. Remember, hearing people do have problems with their cell phones. Some places do not give you a good connection, others do….its the same with a video call.

But Dr. Z loves his Z4 to death–its the best invention since sliced bread (or the wheel.)

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

It is not necessary for point to point calls (deaf/hard of hearing to deaf/hard of hearing). This is what gives the FCC indigestion. All point to point calls using videophones are free. You should give your deaf [...] link ]]> Dr. Z gets this question all the time at town hall meetings and other events.

It is not necessary for point to point calls (deaf/hard of hearing to deaf/hard of hearing). This is what gives the FCC indigestion. All point to point calls using videophones are free. You should give your deaf and hard of hearing friends who use videophones a local number, not a 800/866 number.

For hearing people and others who live in the same local area as you, it is not necessary to use 800/866 numbers. Most local numbers are “free”, built in the monthly bill. Give them your local numbers. That will make them realize you live in the area.

The only case where you could give out 800/866 numbers is when you have hearing people calling you from out of town. This is really the only reason for 800/866 numbers. Also if you own a business, many customers like to call on 800/866 numbers.

Also, 800/866 are the same as 877 and 888 numbers.

Remember:

point-to-point–800/866 numbers are not necessary–a local number is best.
hearing callers in the same local area–800/866 numbers are not necessary–a local number is best.
hearing callers out of area or if you own a business–800/866 numbers can be useful

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Dr. Z had an [...] link ]]> The FCC is a public agency. Like all public agencies, they have a wide range of things to deal with. Their website-www.fcc.gov is a very comprehensive website. But to try to navigate through their website to get to the heart of VRS information requires some patience and effort.

Dr. Z had an idea–he put together 5 links that will make it easy for you to go to the right places in the FCC website and will give you most of the information related to VRS. The links are on this web page, to your left–”FCC Information on TRS/VRS.” The links below cover the following areas:

- TRS/VRS Headlines – lists all the orders and announcements
- What You Need to Know about TRS/VRS – lists all the information the FCC publishes regarding TRS and VRS, including vlogs
- Filings for Proceeding 03-123 – Lists all the comments/complaints filed by everyone related to TRS/VRS
- Filings for Proceeding 10-51 – Lists all the comments/complaints filed by everyone related to TRS/VRS
- Filing a Complaint/Comment for TRS/VRS – Brings up a form for anyone to file a comment or complaint regarding TRS/VRS

Dr. Z hopes you will find this information useful.

Dr. Z (and the FCC) cares about your communication access.

What is a webcam? A webcam is a “web camera.” It is a camera used to communicate via video (like a dedicated videophone).

First things first—you always [...] link ]]> Especially with software based applications such as the Z4, people have come to us asking which webcam they should use for their laptop or desktop.

What is a webcam? A webcam is a “web camera.” It is a camera used to communicate via video (like a dedicated videophone).

First things first—you always pay for what you get.

Second–Most laptops and netbooks today have built-in webcams-which means you do not have to buy a separate webcam.

Third-If you have a desktop, you need to buy a webcam from any of the providers usually at Best Buy or WalMart–the top 3 major providers of webcams are Creative, Microsoft and Logitech. They come in all forms and shapes and in different price ranges. Usually the recommendation is not to buy a cheap webcam, a mid priced-$35 and up would be Dr. Z’s recommendation. Most webcams can be returned (check your store’s return policy) if you feel the quality is not what you expect. The higher priced webcams tend to have better quality.

If you have a MacBook (Mac laptop) or an iMac, they all come with built in webcams which provide really good quality. If you have a desktop Mac (Mac Pro), you can add an Apple Cinema Display which also has a built-in webcam. The Apple webcams are called iSight. Some of the older Apple models do not have a built-in webcam so check first.

For the PC world, you have to check first as to whether the display (or monitor) has a built-in webcam. If it doesn’t, you would have to buy a webcam off the shelf. Most of the newer models with built-in webcams offer good quality for video communication.

The Z4 will locate the webcam automatically. If you have 2 webcams, you will need to select one using the Z4 configuration button under “video.”

The advantage of a laptop or netbook is its portability–you can carry it anywhere and use wifi or mifi to be able to communicate from wherever you want.

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

We often forget or neglect to do one important thing–backing up all of this in case something breaks or crashes.

What Dr. Z does for himself–he keeps everything [...] link ]]> We all have address books, calendars, checkbooks and all kids of important information that we carry around or save on our computers or videophones.

We often forget or neglect to do one important thing–backing up all of this in case something breaks or crashes.

What Dr. Z does for himself–he keeps everything online–on the web (or the “cloud” for all his key information, protected by passwords, of course.

Why does Dr. Z do this? He has been in the technology field for over 40 years and has been witness to many stories of disasters, lost information all those years.

Some videophones such as the VP-200 keep your information on the videophone–in cases where the videophone crashes or whatever–while waiting for the vendor to replace the videophone–where is the contact list–where is the address book? It is temporarily in a “black hole” while waiting for it to be replaced. And you won’t have access to it while waiting for it to be repaired or replaced.

Is there a solutiuon?

Of course–”My Contacts” offered by ZVRS on their website-www.zvrs.com

“My Contacts”, after you set up your profile, allows you to keep your contact list and phone numbers in a safe place. It is always on the web, so it won’t be lost. When you visit your friends and you need a phone number–just go to the web and pull up “My Contacts.”

When you have one of the Z-Phones (Z-150, Z-340, Z-Ojo and Z4), the contacts are automatically loaded down to the Z-Phones.

Peace of mind, guaranteed!

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.

Disclosure: Dr. Z is a contractor working with CSDVRS on several projects.

The answer is simple–when you buy something at the store, you pick the product that meets your needs and expectations.

When it comes to VRS, there are several things one needs to look at before deciding which company meets his or her needs.

First [...] link ]]> Ask Dr. Z-Which VRS company should I choose?

The answer is simple–when you buy something at the store, you pick the product that meets your needs and expectations.

When it comes to VRS, there are several things one needs to look at before deciding which company meets his or her needs.

First of all is quality of the interpreters–what is the quality of the interpreters interpreting the call.  Do they understand you with out asking you to repeat?  Are they certified? Do they try to relate to you or have a “flat” face?  It is usually very important to be able to relate to the interpreter to make calls productive.

Second of all is the quality and range of the videophone equipment–does the videophone have a clear connection?  Does it connect without going through a black screen? Do you have several videophones to choose from? Do any of the videophones meet your needs, rather than being stuck with one, that you have to change your behavior in making calls?  You should dictate the need, and select the videophone that matches your need.

Third of all is customer service–if you need questions answered, is there someone at the videophone or VRS company in customer service available to answer your questions?  Is there a representative from  the VRS company available to answer your questions and support you with your concerns?

If you feel your VRS provider is not meeting your needs, you can always change providers through something called porting.  Porting allows you to move your number from your old videophone to a new videophone and VRS provider that best meets your needs.  For more information on porting, you can click this link

Remember–you are the customer–you decide what is best for your needs, not the videophone or VRS company deciding for you..

Dr. Z cares about your communication access.