Using the Bud Phone

Now that I've had time try out the Bud Phone, a virtual phone that lets you make and receive free phone calls via a computer (see related blog from yesterday for full details,) here are a few things you should note about the service:

Don't Register with a Number That Requires an Extension: When registering, don't use a business phone number, or any number that requires an extension. Why? To verify your account, the system will place an automated call to you, requesting that you input a three-digit verification number that has been sent to your e-mail address. Naturally, if you use an office number, the automated system won't be able to dial that extension to get directly to you. And your receptionist will likely be left scratching her head at the weird call she just got from "bud phone?" Given this, it's also important to use a phone number that's accessible to you right now; in other words, don't sign up from work, and use your home phone number to register.

Can't Dial Extensions, Use Automated Services: The service's disdain for extensions doesn't end there. Once a call is connected, the virtual dialpad is essentially rendered useless. This means you can't dial an extension number. Although most systems will eventually put you through to a switchboard or reception if no command is inputted, there's another drawback to this: you can't pay your bills through telephone banking, or call the service department and dial "1" for English, "2" for technical support, and so forth. Bummer. The Bud Phone will, however, recognize when you click virtual keys to navigate through its own voicemail menu.

Application Must be Running for Calls to Come Through: Note that calls will only be received if your computer is on and the Bud Phone application is running (and of course you're connected to high-speed Internet). This means if the app is closed, you can't collect voicemail either; the caller simply gets dead air. However, there is a way around that. (See next point.)

Calls Can be Forwarded to a Cell, Landline: A call forwarding feature called Follow Me lets you link your Bud Phone account with a cell phone, landline, or office phone. If someone calls the special number and you reject the call, or the app isn't running, the call will route to the alternate number you've provided. If you don't pick up there either, the caller will be routed back to the Bud Phone voice mail service, and you can pick up the message once you're back at the PC. In terms of timing, you can select for how many seconds you'd like the line to ring before picking up the call. The voicemail message is a standard "the person you have reached is not available..." and it doesn't appear as though there's a way to personalize it. Why would I want to have calls from a PC-based number routed to my cell? For one, it's an easy way to collect voice messages, know they're there, but not have to pay for cellular voice mail service. Of course the limitation is that you can't check these voice messages until you are online with the PC. It's also a nice way to keep in touch with overseas friends and family; if you see an incoming or missed call, you'll know they're trying to reach you, and know you'll have an audio message to look forward to once you get home. Sure, there are so many other ways to connect. But sometimes hearing someone's voice, especially when they're thousands of miles away, makes a world of difference.

Free Calls Can Only be Made to Specific Canadian Cities: Note that free outgoing calls can only be made to numbers in specific cities in Canada (the entire list is here http://budphone.ca//cityListing). But incoming calls can be received from anywhere in the world. Consequently, the best way to handle overseas communication might be a quick e-mail or SMS that says "hey, I'm online now. Call me." Then proceed with a 100% free conversation.

No iPad Support: Unfortunately, the Bud Phone requires a Windows or Mac operating system. Since the iPad runs on the iPhone OS, it can be assumed that the Bud Phone would not work on the unit. That's a shame, since the iPad would make for a great mobile phone; and it would also add to the ongoing jokes about the iPad being "just an oversized iPhone."

Other Personalization Features: To further personalize the experience, you can do things like set speed dials, blacklist unwanted callers, and even select a desired ring tone. Get this: the ringtone can come from your own music collection! Pretty neat. You can also add a contact list of others who are using the same service, and even chat with them online through the Bud Phone interface. An entire call history can also be viewed.

Bottom line: The Bud Phone isn't the most sophisticated VoIP calling technology out there. But it's free. And it does work.