Many already refer to the iPad as a huge iPhone that can’t make calls, but New York-based voice over IP phone system provider M5 Networks has a way to change that using an application. M5 is in the business of offering small to mid-size companies software that allows them to route calls through the cloud. This lets them make and receive calls from any Internet-connected device, including mobile devices and computers, with the calls appearing to go through their office line. They even offer the ability to start a call on one device and smoothly transition the call in progress to another device.
Just last month, M5 added the ability to make an receive calls on the iPad.M5 Chief Executive Dan Hoffman says this will give their clients more options for handling their phone calls. He also says that “the clearest reason (to take a call on an iPad) is the advantage of running this app on a Wi-Fi connection” and that the iPad has a better microphone.
One interesting scenario that Hoffman puts forward is in using the iPad as a conference phone. Even if there is no phone in the room, the iPad can connect to the Internet. This would allow an individual or group to jump on the conference call regardless of where they might be physically. All they need is a little WiFi.
The application is currently still in the testing phases. Once the iPad gets multitasking as the iPhone has, the possibilities for this M5 calling application become a little clearer. It could be used to view a presentation remotely, while talking to the presenter on a call. A team could collaborate in real-time on a shared document or maybe a Google Wave while discussing the changes on the phone. The possibilities are very interesting.
This is just another move towards blurring the line between phones and computers. The iPad is already in some weird space between your laptop and your cell phone, but giving it the ability to make calls causes even more overlap. At some point, we may have one device that does it all in one convenient and portable package.
