Wizzl launches beta version and reveals future plans
VOORSCHOTEN, The Netherlands, Nov. 28 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ --
Wizzl has officially launched the beta version of the first all-in-one virtual telephone during Gameplay 07, the biggest game event in the Benelux. CEO Jaap Korevaar gave an insight into the functionality of the application and revealed future plans of the company. In the week between the pre-announcement and the launch, users from over 100 countries have already downloaded Wizzl and more importantly, are actually using it.
"With this launch, Wizzl not only creates a breakthrough in communication and entertainment but also brings internet telephony to a level where user safety and privacy can be secured," says Jaap Korevaar, CEO at Wizzl. "Our proprietary technology enables direct peer-to-peer connection rather than using several peers (i.e. devices from other and unknown users) in between -- like Skype does. Wizzl provides safe and stable connections and that also goes for the mobile application that Wizzl will introduce mid 2008. Korevaar continues: "It is about time that the telecom industry passes their savings -- achieved by switching their users to internet telephony -- through to their customers. That is what Wizzl is all about. After all, why would you pay twice for calling via internet when you already have a paid internet connection?"
Wizzl's all-in-one virtual telephone is free communication software which enables users ('Wizzlers') to phone and video-call one another via the internet for free. For calls to landline and mobile phones across the world, Wizzl has to charge you little money as long as telecom operators are still in the loop. However, Wizzl allows its users to call a large part of the way via internet and therefore can offer cheap rates from just 1.5 Eurocents per minute. This new virtual phone also gives Wizzlers free and direct access to live TV, internet radio and the most popular web-games around. Their own music, videos and photos are also within direct reach.
Wizzl's virtual phone shows the design of a stylish mobile and is resident on the user's desktop. The functions and features are easy to understand and are accessible within a few mouse clicks. Images and streams are displayed in the virtual phone's screen. All you need is a computer with broadband connection, speakers and a microphone (or headset) to use Wizzl.
Television and radio content are a mouse click away when using Wizzl. Users have free and direct access to TV- and radio channels from all over the world in just two seconds, without having to look for the website of a station or having to use multiple software applications. Wizzl envisions private initiatives who use Wizzl as a platform for their own TV or radio station without having to open a website or financing expensive distribution.
Millions of internet users daily enjoy playing web-games. Varying from puzzles to race-games, Wizzlers can access their favourite game out of a list containing numerous games in just three mouse clicks. Wizzl negotiates with license holders of web-games and will in the near future expand its offerings with exclusive and non exclusive games.
The Wizzl beta version has the following distinguishing features:
-- Free internet calls -- Phone calls between Wizzlers are free and
you always have a clear connection with Wizzl.
-- Free video-calls -- It is simple to add an image to a call, with a
web-cam. With Wizzl, one press of a button is sufficient.
-- Cheap WizzlOut calls -- Voice calls to both local and international
landlines and mobile phones from 1.5 Eurocents per minute. Plus
Wizzl offers access to over 70 destinations which are not available
with other internet telephony software.
-- One-to-one or group chat -- Wizzlers can send text messages to
other Wizzlers quickly and easily without having to register with a
password.
-- Unlimited file transfer -- Send holiday photos, music files or an
important report directly and safely to other Wizzlers.
-- Whiteboard -- While phoning, chatting or camming, visualize what you
mean and work together on a sketch or demonstrate your newest design.
-- Watching live TV -- Hundreds of channels are available and simple to
find in the list, with categories such as local channels, from the
entire world of news channels.
-- Listening to internet radio -- Radio channels from all over world are
available in handy categories, from Jazz to Rock.
-- Playing web-games -- Web-games are incredibly popular across the
world. In one quick movement, a Wizzler can choose from games such as
Sudoku or Mahjong.
-- Direct access to personal media -- Wizzlers can use the virtual
telephone to directly access and enjoy their personal music, photos
and videos with the press of one button.
The technology
Wizzl works with different technology to existing internet telephony services such as Skype. Unlike Skype, Wizzl does not require your device to be part of the communication chain during telephone conversations between other Wizzlers.
"Wizzl is years ahead," says Jaap Korevaar. "The promise of internet making communication better, cheaper and more fun finally becomes reality with the introduction of our all-in-one virtual phone. Not only is Wizzl based on superior technology, it also allows Wizzlers to communicate from different devices using one account and one number." Jaap Korevaar continues: "Launching Wizzl beta for PC is just the first step in an important trend. I foresee a huge breakthrough as soon as Wizzl for mobile is available and that will not be long. Other devices will follow. Being downloaded and used in over 100 countries within the first week clearly shows that Wizzl comes at the right time. I gladly invite anyone who wants to become part of the future today to try Wizzl now and help us improve so that internet communication really becomes easier, cheaper and more fun."
In spring 2008, Wizzl will launch its mobile application which was developed alongside the PC application. From then on Wizzlers will always have their contacts and media at their fingertips and can Wizzl absolutely free, wherever they are, and whatever their device, using one account, one number.
The beta version of Wizzl's all-in-one virtual phone for PC can be downloaded from http://www.wizzl.com for free. First time users get up to 10 minutes of free calls to landlines and cell phones worldwide. Calls and video calls between Wizzlers are free.
About Wizzl
Wizzl is a Dutch initiative of some enthusiastic software developers and passionate entrepreneurs who are proudly launching their new, Netherlands-based online communication provider following three years of hard work. Wizzl is the first all-in-one virtual phone that allows you to talk, chat, cam, listen to internet radio, watch online TV and play games all at the same time and totally free of charge. And this is only the beginning. Wizzl is located at the House of Vision at Rouwkooplaan 5, 2251 AP Voorschoten, The Netherlands. More information about Wizzl, including digital press material, is available at http://www.wizzl.com/press .
