Gadgets: Free calls to American from almost anywhere

Updated: December 23, 2008 - 10:33 PM

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FREE CALLS TO AMERICA FROM ALMOST ANYWHERE

Free • callingamerica.com

CallingAmerica.com is a ad-supported Web service that lets you make phone calls to any number in the United States from any computer with a Web browser and a broadband connection. The service, which began Thursday, requires you to view a short ad before you place the call. The audio is played through the browser, and the site uses your computer's microphone to transmit what you say. Unregistered users can make calls of up to two minutes; registration -- which is free -- gives you unlimited calls of up to 15 minutes. While it's not as versatile as other Internet calling services like Skype or Vonage, it is enough to make a few quick calls while on the road without racking up long-distance charges. The service works domestically and all over the world.

ø A WORTHY SMARTPHONE FROM DOWN UNDER

$230 • kogan.com.au

The number of iPhone owners is growing by the minute. But if you really want a phone no one has seen yet, it may be time to look Down Under. The Agora Android phone, from the Australian tech company Kogan, comes with a 2.5-inch touch screen, qwerty keyboard, 3G, GPS, a 2-megapixel camera and Wi-Fi. Because the phone uses Google's new Android operating system, it also comes preloaded with Gmail and Google Search, Calendar, Maps and Talk. And the unlocked phone's quad-band GSM/HSPDA capability lets you choose between AT&T and T-Mobile here in the United States. The Agora also offers a microSD expansion slot for storage and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.

NEW YORK TIMES