Skype - It'll go dark as of May 5th; Replacements?

cavok

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You don't get it. The app will only work if you buy the MJ. It is a bonus and will only work if you have a registered MJ..............So either buy the MJ or forget the whole app idea..............And a word of caution about the app. Some crooks appear to be registering MJ's and selling apps for $15 a month or so and paying $4 a month. SCAM..............
That's not what I'm reading now. Maybe they've upgraded things since you bought it?

  • The magic App is a software-only option—think of it like Skype or WhatsApp. You download it for free from the App Store, log in with your magicJack account, and it uses your iPhone’s internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to make and receive calls. No USB dongles, no hardware, no laptop involvement at all.
  • Unlike the magicJack GO, which is a physical device you plug into your laptop or router, the magicApp doesn’t rely on any external gear. Your iPhone is the whole setup.
 

SKY

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That's not what I'm reading now. Maybe they've upgraded things since you bought it?

  • The magic App is a software-only option—think of it like Skype or WhatsApp. You download it for free from the App Store, log in with your magicJack account, and it uses your iPhone’s internet connection (Wi-Fi or cellular data) to make and receive calls. No USB dongles, no hardware, no laptop involvement at all.
  • Unlike the magicJack GO, which is a physical device you plug into your laptop or router, the magicApp doesn’t rely on any external gear. Your iPhone is the whole setup.
Yes, but it will NOT work if you are not a registered and paid MJ user. Doubt it get it and see how you do. You need to purchase the MJ..............And if it does work you will be getting robbed for $15 a month. They pay $4. I posted that earlier. It is a scam.........Let me know the details of this "offer".........Remember MJ is less than $4 a month, what is the price on this?......
 

cavok

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Yes, but it will NOT work if you are not a registered and paid MJ user. Doubt it get it and see how you do. You need to purchase the MJ..............And if it does work you will be getting robbed for $15 a month. They pay $4. I posted that earlier. It is a scam.........Let me know the details of this "offer".........Remember MJ is less than $4 a month, what is the price on this?......
It's the same app you're talking about. It's $9.99 for 3 months or $39.95 per year. You create the account of your phone after downloading the app or you can go to the MagicJack website and create the account first. How am I getting robbed for $15/mo.?
 

SKY

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OK I did some digging and it looks like it could be a new offer. They will charge you a monthly rate for your Iphone only. How much they don't say. Unless the rate is less than $4 a month it is a waste. As the MJ does that and way more. Renewals now are $30 a month on a 5 year plan. I suspect this is a money grab, as you will pay more for less. But try it if you want.....
 

Jan

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Santo Domingo Este
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It's not difficult. Just buy the little magic jack box thingy. Purchase from the website and pay for a years service. It's a just a small square thing. Plug it into a computer. Plug a phone into the other end or use a headphone or speaker on the computer. Go to the website and register, pick a phone number. Download the app to your phone. Log in to your account and there you go. They send an email when you need to renew yearly or longer if you wish. Don't make it so difficult. I've been using it for probably 10 years or longer. I did have to get a new little box thingy once because it went bad.
 

cavok

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OK I did some digging and it looks like it could be a new offer. They will charge you a monthly rate for your Iphone only. How much they don't say. Unless the rate is less than $4 a month it is a waste. As the MJ does that and way more. Renewals now are $30 a month on a 5 year plan. I suspect this is a money grab, as you will pay more for less. But try it if you want.....
A money grab from Magic Jack? The rate I'm seeing and posted above is less than $4/mo. I'm downloading the MJ app. What more does the MJ thingamajig do?
 

SKY

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A money grab from Magic Jack? The rate I'm seeing and posted above is less than $4/mo. I'm downloading the MJ app. What more does the MJ thingamajig do?
When you finish downloading see if it will actually work without a registered MJ. If it does it means you ONLY have cell service for that price. If that is good for you keep it. But you might be surprised with add on prices.. Try it.........As for more. A landline speaker phone can't be plugged in. You will just get cell service.
 
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cavok

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When you finish downloading see if it will actually work without a registered MJ. If it does it means you ONLY have cell service for that price. If that is good for you keep it. But you might be surprised with add on prices.. Try it.........As for more. A landline speaker phone can't be plugged in. You will just get cell service.
I just called MagicJack customer service. The iPhone app is a standalone service. No thingamagiggy device is needed to be connected to your laptop. Price is $3.99/mo. You cannot transfer your old number but you can pick your area code.
 
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aarhus

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I just called MagicJack customer service. The iPhone app is a standalone service. No thingamagiggy device is needed to be connected to your laptop. Price is $3.99/mo. You cannot transfer your old number but you can pick your area code.
This makes me consider MagicJ again. Also looking at TextNow and Google Voice. Makes sense that it is just an App now. Skype was just an App.
 

cavok

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This makes me consider MagicJ again. Also looking at TextNow and Google Voice. Makes sense that it is just an App now. Skype was just an App.
Google Voice requires you to have a US phone number first(maybe other country number, also). TextNow didn't seem to have the option of contacts being able to call me, which is important for me. MJ still best fits my needs.
 
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SKY

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I just called MagicJack customer service. The iPhone app is a standalone service. No thingamagiggy device is needed to be connected to your laptop. Price is $3.99/mo. You cannot transfer your old number but you can pick your area code.
Before you jump know the difference. You are getting JUST the cell service. Nothing else for $48 a month. Regular MJ also gets the same Cell service . You also can connect to a landline or speaker phone, Laptop, Desktop, and bring the device with you anywhere in the World and do what I just said. And you pay LESS money. Current renewals cost $150 for 5 years or $2.50 a month....Also when my cell rings in my house so does my speakerphone. And I can talk on either or both at the same time..............Basically without the actual MJ you are very limited..........Your service targets Iphone users that are very limited in knowledge compared to most Android users..........
 

cavok

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Before you jump know the difference. You are getting JUST the cell service. Nothing else for $48 a month. Regular MJ also gets the same Cell service . You also can connect to a landline or speaker phone, Laptop, Desktop, and bring the device with you anywhere in the World and do what I just said. And you pay LESS money. Current renewals cost $150 for 5 years or $2.50 a month....Also when my cell rings in my house so does my speakerphone. And I can talk on either or both at the same time..............Basically without the actual MJ you are very limited..........Your service targets Iphone users that are very limited in knowledge compared to most Android users..........
From what I was told, you get pretty much the same capability. I can call any number in the US for $3.99/mo - not $48(?). I'm not limited to calling people with an iPhone. I can call any landline or cellphone I want.
 

JLSawmam

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Google Voice requires you to have a US phone number first(maybe other country number, also). TextNow didn't seem to have the option of contacts being able to call me, which is important for me. MJ still best fits my needs.
I use TextNow and I have received calls back from my bank on it.
 
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SKY

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From what I was told, you get pretty much the same capability. I can call any number in the US for $3.99/mo - not $48(?). I'm not limited to calling people with an iPhone. I can call any landline or cellphone I want.
Read my post again slowly. You are stuck with only ONE way to call and receive at a higher price. No landline, no laptop, no desktop, and you can't bring the MJ anywhere else because you don't have one. Only service on ONE device...........And you pay more long run...........It is really easier to set it up and get all you pay for and actually have the device to move around........
 

aarhus

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Google Voice requires you to have a US phone number first(maybe other country number, also). TextNow didn't seem to have the option of contacts being able to call me, which is important for me. MJ still best fits my needs.
Really with TextNow you can't receive calls. I will look that up. I am chatting with Grok 3 about it.
 

aarhus

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Google Voice requires you to have a US phone number first(maybe other country number, also). TextNow didn't seem to have the option of contacts being able to call me, which is important for me. MJ still best fits my needs.
Really with TextNow you can't receive calls. I will look that up. I am chatting with Grok 3 about it
 

cavok

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Read my post again slowly. You are stuck with only ONE way to call and receive at a higher price. No landline, no laptop, no desktop, and you can't bring the MJ anywhere else because you don't have one. Only service on ONE device...........And you pay more long run...........It is really easier to set it up and get all you pay for and actually have the device to move around........
Yes, I can save $1.50/mo if I spend $50 to buy the device. What's the advantages of having both my laptop and my iPhone to make calls? I can take my iPhone anywhere and as long as I have internet, I can make a call(?).