By Sharla Sikes

Betcha never thought of some of these. VoIP-News came up with this great list of other uses, showing VoIP’s flexibility. Here’s a few I like:

Education. Teachers have used VoIP as aids in the classroom, from talking to students overseas to accessing study aids and tutoring. If the VoIP system offers a recording service, teachers can record a lecture or study session, allowing far-flung students to participate or follow along.

Dating. Facebook, eHarmony and other dating sites offer click-to-call features, and some VoIP services including Skype have a search feature.  Combine voice service with video and instant messenger, and the social possibilities are endless. Safety is boosted too, since anyone giving off bad vibes can easily be blocked.

Evade scams. It’s even possible to use VoIP to shut down telemarketers and other unwanted callers.

Chat on the sly. Maybe not recommended for everyone, but it is possible to install a VoIP service on your work computer that allows you to make outgoing calls without tripping the company call log. I hope you have an understanding supervisor …

Podcasts. Use VoIP recording services to save phone calls for later use, including online radio program, video blogs, and even recorded study sessions.

Alternate numbers. Use your VoIP service to have an inexpensive dedicated line for home businesses, hobbies, family members or anyone else who needs to get in touch with you.

Gaming. You can mesh Xbox Live games with VoIP for faster, more interactive gaming.

Working from home. From conference calls in your PJs, inexpensive overseas conversations, freelancing work, multitasking  and many more applications, VoIP makes telecommuting and starting your own business much more affordable and convenient for many. Add-ons like Unyte allow you to share files and collaborate with coworkers. Recorded calls can cover your backside with employees, partners, vendors and clients.   Work side-by-side with colleagues even if you’re miles apart.

Spy. No, we’re not condoning it, but it is possible to keep an eye on friends, employees and lovers using a Webcam and Skype. You might catch an employee stealing or a significant other cheating. Though if you are suspicious enough to rig this setup, I recommend an open, face-to-face chat first.

Bluetooth. Yes, you too can be constantly wired in to your communications system!

Go mobile. We’ve talked about all the options for using VoIP on your cell phone, and some of them even work.

Plan your life. Pamela, billed as a call management tool, can store birthday reminders, VideoMail, Skype publishing, auto chat reply, a translation editor, offline recording, time scheduling and email forwarding of voice mails. Wakeup calls are also available.

Rock out. Last.fm Ltd. lets Skype callers listen to commercial-free radio with recommendation and music messaging, or download MP3s .

Related Content

Subscribe to the post comments feeds or Leave a trackback