Voxbone’s Call Origination Services Certified to Work With I6NET VXI* IVVR 3G Video Telephony Solutions

BRUSSELS, Belgium and MADRID, Spain – Sept. 21, 2009 – Voxbone, a leading provider of international VoIP origination services and DID (direct inward dialed) numbers, and I6NET, a global software vendor for interactive voice and video software platforms, today announced completion of interoperability testing between their offerings.  The successful teaming of the partners’ services and platform opens up the potential for wireless carriers to bring mobile video services to market quickly.

The success of their test proved that calls from 3G mobile phones to Voxbone DIDs can retrieve and play chosen video content through I6NET’s voice and video browser, using a wireless voice channel. The teamed technology does not require the caller to have a data plan, or to download any software.

In the application tested, a caller using a 3G phone was able to view the live video of any of four remote surveillance cameras. This required a call to a Voxbone DID number, forwarded over IP to an IVR (interactive voice response) application running on I6NET’s VXI*’s voice and video browser. The application requested and received the touch tones that enabled the caller to select and control one of the four cameras.

I6NET’s VXI* then streamed video from the selected source back to the mobile phone. To make this possible, Voxbone had to ensure that the video signal would remain uncompressed, using a 64-kbps channel from its IP backbone up to the PSTN and 3G partners.

The video-to-mobile technology works with typical 3G-compatible phones, such as the Motorola A1000, Nokia E65 and N70, Blackberry Storm 9500 and Sony Ericsson z610i. It currently operates in the United Kingdom, Belgium, France and Spain; Voxbone plans to add other countries in early 2010.

Video Streaming Through a Wireless Voice Channel

“The integration of Voxbone and  I6NET offerings shows that common telephone numbers can now be used to watch videos transmitted from anywhere in the world through a local call,” said Rod Ullens, Voxbone CEO. “The delivery of video services is an emerging area of growth for Voxbone.”

In teaming with Voxbone, I6NET has gained access to local numbers from several countries through one IP interconnection, instead of needing separate interconnects, via traditional, TDM PRI channels, to separate carriers. This aggregated IP interconnection opens new horizons for automated and remote video applications.

“The completion of interoperability testing with Voxbone is another great step in the progress of 3G video telephony, and in the success of a new generation of carrier-grade service providers,” said Iván Sixto, CEO and business development director at I6NET. “It allows service providers to bring video services to market smoothly and quickly while eliminating high capital requirements for TDM infrastructure.”

I6NET’s VXI* product is an IP Multimedia Subsystem communication service implemented in software, allowing network providers to unify voice and video traffic within a single network. VXI* is provided with an unlimited perpetual license, on-site training, and technical support and upgrades.

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About Voxbone

Headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, Voxbone provides worldwide local and toll-free phone numbers over its own private intercontinental VoIP network. The all-IP architecture of the Voxbone core network enables customers to rapidly deploy new communications services with local presence while reducing costs. It delivers high-quality call origination from 48 countries and 4,000 cities, as well as “iNum” numbers that enable billing as local calls when dialed through participating carriers anywhere in the world. Through its number inventory, network, self-administered provisioning and comprehensive SIP adherence, Voxbone’s global infrastructure enables its customers to expand to international markets quickly and efficiently. Founded in 2002 and privately held, Voxbone is the only carrier licensed in all 27 countries of the European Union.
For more information, visit www.voxbone.com.

About I6NET

I6NET Solutions and Technologies Limited is a pan European company based in Madrid, Spain, and specializing in the development of new applications and advanced communication solutions. Its innovative VoiceXML browser and applications technology enables the creation of interactive voice and video IP/3G services to access multi-lingual and dynamic contents.
For more information, visit www.I6NET.com.

Thanks again to Christoph K. for this new article about 3G Telephony Technology

3G systems were designed with the notion of enabling a single global standard to fulfil the needs of anywhere and anytime communication (Etoh). Compared to 2G (Second generation mobile networks, services and technologies) systems, 3G systems focus more on multimedia communication such as video conferencing and multimedia streaming. ITU (International Telecommunication Union) defined IMT-2000 as a global standard for 3G wireless communications and, within this framework, 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) developed UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) as one of today’s 3G systems. W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) is the main 3G air interface for UMTS (Holma and Toskala) implementing various person-to-person, circuit-switched services such as video telephony.

The high-level UMTS network architecture from 3GPP-R5 is described in documents from its Technical Specification Group in the figure below (Etoh).

As shown in the figure above, the UMTS core network primarily consists of a CS (Circuit-Switched) and PS (Packet-Switched) domain. Typically, the PS domain is used for end-to-end packet data applications, such as mobile Internet browsing and e-mail. On the other hand, the CS domain is intended for real-time and conversational services, such as voice and video conferencing. Circuit-switched connections are most efficient for constant, continuous data streaming by definition (Etoh). In addition to the CS and PS domains, 3GPP-R5 also specifies the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem).

Using the PS domain, IMS is projected to provide IP multimedia services that also satisfy real-time requirements, including those that were previously possible only in the CS domain. In this thesis, I will discuss Mobile Games over 3G Video Calling based on 3G video telephony in the CS domain (see figure above, highlighted in dark green).

By Christoph Köpernick
Check out: Interactive Voice & Video Response (IVVR, Video IVR) Blog

Source: http://www.ivvr.de/3g-mobile-phone-standards-and-technology.html

This demo shows IP Convergence is not a buzzword… Thanks to Luis C. from Celudan for  this crazy video demo using many telecom building blocks over an 3G data connection. The VXI* VoiceXML browser for Asterisk is managing the main video service and mixing all protocols, medias all interacting thru SIP, Flash Streaming, RTSP, direct video mp4,… The videocall is launched from a Samsung Omnia mobile phone (3G data connected to Internet) with just a simple Skyfire mobile browser executing a web video telephony service where the web flash ZMS softphone take a videocall… then a new world of IP communications convergence over 3G starts here… to access to any phone, operator, IP cams, any videoportals, any interactive communication, phone calls, softphones… etc

Video demo (Youtube):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVwRi-6GxDw

List of components:

• Omnia 3G mobile phone (Windows mobile 6)
• Skyfire the free mobile browser including Flash 10
• ZMS mediaserver 2.0 with VXI* connector
• VXI* 4.1 VoiceXML browser
• Video 3G/SIP Xtras addon
• Asterisk 1.4/1.6 the Open Source PBX
• 3G Builder, Celudan Rapid Application Dev. Server
• IP Cameras, PTZ, Audio In/Out
• Youtube, Google maps… or any web contents…

Some screenshots:

Other posts:

• Skyfire a free web browser for mobiles phones including Flash 10
• I6NET and Innosystems announce interoperability between Zingaya – Flashphone and VXI* VoiceXML browser for Asterisk
• I6NET and CELUDAN partner to provide 3G Builder for VXI* over Asterisk platforms

3G videocall’s advantages:

• No 3G data contrat required (you don’t need Internet plan for your mobile phone)
• No previous software  application/ SMS instalation required
• No specific mobile phone setup and configuration, just make a videocall!
• Video streaming optimized for Mobile Wireless Communication
• Real-time bidirectional  mode always available
• Works with all 3G mobile phones (videocall enabled, most of them are today)
• Works with all 3G UMTS wireless operators
• Works in roadming mode thru another 3G UMTS operator worldwide

Current supported IP Cameras’ vendors:

• iCantek
• Mobotix
• Vivotek
• D-link

Video demos (Youtube):

• IP Cameras  video service (EN)
• IP Cameras with audio in/out video service (EN)

Thanks to Christoph K. for this clear and expert post about 3G videocalling

3G video telephony generally operates over a single 64 kbit/s connection where both parties need to share the available bandwidth. Effectively, the application then is left with 60 kbit/s, or less that are dedicated for both media types, since H.245 call control messages reduce the gross bandwidth. In 3G-324M systems, the bandwidth is allocated dynamically; however, generally said, every party has 50% of the bandwidth available for sending audio and video signals. In a typical unidirectional scenario, 12.2 kbit/s are allocated for the speech codec, and a bitrate of 43-48 kbit/s is allowed for the video data (Sang-Bong, Tae-Jung and Jae-Won).

By employing rate control methods in the media encoders, the network can dynamically change these bitrates depending on network conditions and application demand. When two parties communicate simultaneously, the bitrates for the speech and video codec can be reduced in the encoders of both parties, keeping the overall bitrate below 64 kbit/s. For instance, when just one party shows speech activity, the speech bitrate for the other party can be reduced to a minimum where only comfort noise is generated on the receiver side (Holma and Toskala); AMR (Adaptive Multi-Rate) can perform these bitrate changes every 20ms. For video, the encoder can reduce the average bitrate by either reducing the frame rate or simply dropping frames during transmission. To increase the overall frame rate on the receiver side, the decoder can employ H.263 temporal scalability.

In 3G video telephony, the audio and video signals are bidirectionally streamed over dedicated circuit-switched W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) paths. Streaming describes media is continuously being received or sent and played back on a terminal. Non-conversational one-way audio or video streaming requires a transport delay variation of below 2s (3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project)). In contrast, two-way video telephony introduces even higher real-time requirements with an end-to-end, one-way delay of below 150-400ms  (3GPP) to maintain a smooth conversation. The overall one-way delay in W-CDMA networks  is already approximately 100ms, and it should be noted that in addition to the transmission time, media generation time is required when delivering IVVR (Interactive Voice & Video Response) services. Due to these tight delay requirements, there is no time for retransmission when transmission errors are detected. Retransmission would reduce bit errors and consequently improve video quality, but it would also add undesired delays when resending PDUs. Therefore, to avoid retransmission, H.223 and the media codecs are working hand-in-hand to detect errors, accomplish resynchronisation, and perform error concealment.

Speech Recognition with dynamic grammars are very easy to manage with VXI* VoiceXML browser for Asterisk, this demo shows how easy it is to code a simple VoiceXML script to develop a small video interactive portal for 3G wireless networks. This video service is coded with only one XML script and manage both TTS and ASR. The Speech Engine technologies available for our VXI* VoiceXML browser are ready to work in hand free mode.

Of course, possibilities of this kind of services over VXI* are endless…
We let you imagine the next generation of speech recognition self-services with 3G real-time videocalling …

The only one script VoiceXML source code of this demo is:

<?xml version="1.0"?>
<vxml version="2.0" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2001/vxml" xml:lang="en-US">
<property value="15s" name= "termtimeout" />
<property value="dtmf voice" name= "inputmodes" />
<form id = "service">
<field name="country">
<audio src="video/service.3gp"/>
<option dtmf="1" value="france">France</option>
<option dtmf="2" value="spain">Spain</option>
<option dtmf="3" value="italy">Italy</option>
<option dtmf="4" value="united_kingdom">United Kingdom</option>
<option value="united_kingdom">England</option>
<option dtmf="5" value="united_states_of_america">United States of America</option>
<option value="united_states_of_america">U.S.A</option>
<option dtmf="6" value="japan">Japan</option>
<option dtmf="7" value="china">China</option>
<option dtmf="8" value="germany">Germany</option>
<option dtmf="9" value="south_of_corea">South of corea</option>
<catch event="maxspeechtimeout">
<prompt>max speech timeout</prompt>
<clear namelist="jours"/>
<reprompt/>
</catch>
</field>
<field name="purge">
<audio expr="'video/'+country+'.3gp'"/>
<property name="timeout" value="500ms" />
<option value="#" dtmf="#"></option>
<option value="#">stop</option>
<catch event="nomatch noinput">
<assign name="purge" expr="1"/>
</catch>
</field>
<block name="clear">
<goto next="#service"/>
</block>
</form>
</vxml>

Download the VXML file here:

Madrid/Sevilla – Spain, April 27th, 2009 – I6NET provider of 3G/IP IVR / IVVR VoiceXML communications components and Orizom / VisualCentury an innovative company that provide advanced image recognition and multimedia products, have chosen to create together new value added mobile services.

The Feelterz software from Orizom / VisualCentury is a high performance Image Recognition engine that allows to find and link products with information in a matter of seconds. Using this software with an interactive video VoiceXML service allows to manage new possibilities of business. An example of a 3G videocall service powered by VXI* and Feelterz is a tourism monuments or places information phone number to provide text, voice or video information about different city’s places. You just make a simple videocall with your 3G mobile phone and this video self-service will recognize automatically the monument in front of you, accessing in few seconds to a text/voice/video interactive content during the call.

Iván Sixto, CEO of I6NET, says: “We are very please to work with Orizom with their Video & Image Recognition because our both technologies provide a very easy way to solve complex situations. Feelterz provide smart behavior to a 3G videocall service for tourism, marketing or any other endless business cases”.

The VXI* VoiceXML browser gives the ability to rapidly develop and deploy innovative voice and video applications via IP, PSTN, and 3G-324M networks. VXI* is fully compliant with the W3C’s VoiceXML 2.0+ specification and is integrated with automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech software to enable advanced voice and video solutions, and real-time video calling applications.

About Orizom

Orizom is a spanish company in the information and communications technologies sector. Orizom provides the means to send high-impact video, audio, text, image or Web content to plasma screens or other viewing devices in private broadcasting circuits. Latest Image Recognition products allows you to recognize and link your products to the internet with only one snapshot.

Orizom | Musgo, 15 41089-Montequinto (Sevilla) – Spain
info @ orizom . com | www.orizom.com

About I6NET

I6NET Solutions and Technologies Limited is a pan European company specializing in the development of new applications and advanced communication solutions. Its innovative VoiceXML browser and applications technology enables the creation of interactive voice and video IP/3G services to access multi-lingual and dynamic contents.

I6NET | calle Magallanes 13 – 28015 Madrid – Spain
info @ i6net . com | www.i6net.com

Thank you to all who attended the 2009 3G Connectivity conference!

Last Friday, was a  fantastic Spring’s day at Brussels to talk with experts about 3G video telephony and security. Over the course of the next few days, participants will receive PDF presentations of all the keynotes from speakers. Interoperability for 3G wireless network was shown in this conference, partners companies will make soon new announcements about it. Stay tuned at www.3gconnectivity.com  and our website / blog.

Thank you to Guy Romanus from iWatel for the organization as well  all our sponsors whose generous support made this event possible:

• iWatel International Wave and Telecommunications
• i6net Solutions and Tecnologies
• Seris Security
• ACIC, Intelligent Vision Systems
• Voxbone, The Inbound Operator

France – Spain, April 20th, 2009 – I6NET provider of 3G/IP IVR / IVVR VoiceXML communications components and 3G FACTORY™, the innovative french company that leads 3G video applications market, have successfully integrated their solution.

The VXI* VoiceXML browser gives the ability to rapidly develop and deploy innovative voice and video applications via IP, PSTN, and 3G-324M networks. VXI* is fully compliant with the W3C’s VoiceXML 2.0+ specification and is integrated with automatic speech recognition and text-to-speech software to enable advanced voice and video solutions, and real-time video calling applications.

The 3G FACTORY VISIODIOTEL™ service, which made it possible to launch interactive video services such as friendship sites, information portals, video blogs, image transmission sites, distance voting, tourist information services, etc. now comes complete with solutions for automatic payment, such as Credit Cards, SMS+, Scratch Card, etc.

After two successful years, “The VISIODIOTEL™ Service integrates new functionalities – which make convergence possible with the world of Mobile Internet and especially the Internet itself – with our solutions, putting THE VIDEO CALL at the heart of WEB 2 and mobile convergence, so we can bring our clients and web users solutions capable of generating immediate revenue,” comments Dante Tota, founder of 3G FACTORY™.

Iván Sixto, CEO of I6NET, says: “3G FACTORY™ is a company who understands very well business around videocall services and has a large experience providing innovative applications for 3G networks. Working with the 3G FACTORY™’‘s professional team provide to I6NET an high value added partner support for our IVVR platforms that increase our business development”

About 3G FACTORY™

3G FACTORY™ is dedicated to the development, installation and use of multimedia services accessible on VIDEO CALL. With a secure utilization center and large capacity, 3G FACTORY™ offers a complete solution to client editors, media companies, and content producers in Europe.

3G FACTORY™ | 55 avenue Galline – 69100 Villeurbanne – France
dtota @ 3g-factory . com | www.3g-factory.com

About I6NET

I6NET Solutions and Technologies Limited is a pan European company specializing in the development of new applications and advanced communication solutions. Its innovative VoiceXML browser and applications technology enables the creation of interactive voice and video IP/3G services to access multi-lingual and dynamic contents.

I6NET | calle Magallanes 13 – 28015 Madrid – Spain
info @ i6net . com | www.i6net.com

Join us at 3G Connectivity conference, Videocalling & Security Services Evolution

3G Connectivity | Brussels (Belgium), April 24 2009

With the global rollout of high bandwidth 3G networks, and value added video telephony services rapidly taking centre stage, it will become critical to have a reliable video delivery platform in place to support the complex video transmission to enable processes across different types of networks (Wireless Mobile & IP). 

This event is an excellent opportunity to introduce the latest advance platforms and toolkit sharing technical complexities of mobile video. It offers you a leg-up to produce compelling and profitable applications enabling the deloyment of new video-based services.

Event objectives:

• Encourage innovation within the 3G communications
• Facilitate business between local and foreign businesses
• Help local companies to import and export visions, concepts, technologies…
• Present innovative visions, trends, forecasts from of 3G technology
• Facilitate and create agreements and partnerships
• Contribute to the education of a broader public

More information and register at: www.3gconnectivity.com