MagicJack facts for kids
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First Generation magicJack device
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| Founded | 2007 |
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| Founders | Dan Borislow and Donald Burns |
MagicJack (often written as magicJack) is a company that provides phone service using the internet. This type of service is called VoIP. MagicJack offers phone services across the United States and Canada.
The original magicJack device was a small tool you plugged into your computer. It worked with a company called YMAX to let you make calls over the internet. In 2011, magicJack introduced a new version called MagicJack Plus. This newer device did not need a computer. However, you still needed an internet connection to use it.
MagicJack stores your Voicemail messages on its own computers. You can listen to them by calling your magicJack number. You can also get them sent to your email as audio files.
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How MagicJack Started
Dan Borislow created the magicJack product in 2007. He applied for patents for his invention. Dan Borislow and Donald Burns invested $25 million to start the company.
The first magicJack product came out in 2007. It was a small USB device. This device had special software inside. This software allowed you to make phone calls using your high-speed internet connection. It also had parts that let you plug a regular home phone directly into the device.
In September 2011, the company launched MagicJack Plus. This version was easier to use. After setting it up online, you no longer needed a computer. The device connects right to your internet modem or router. It has a standard phone jack for your phone. It also plugs into a regular electrical outlet for power.
MagicJack products are advertised on TV and online. Dan Borislow is known as the inventor of magicJack. He also founded YMAX, the company that provides the phone lines for magicJack. In July 2010, YMAX joined with another company called VocalTec. Together, they formed MagicJack VocalTec Ltd. This company is based in Netanya, Israel.
What People Think About MagicJack
Over the years, many groups have reviewed magicJack. Here is what some of them said:
- In January 2008, PC Magazine reviewed magicJack. They gave it a "Very Good" rating. They even gave it their Editors' Choice award.
- In February 2009, PC Magazine reviewed magicJack again. This was because many people complained about customer support. They lowered their rating to "Good." They said the company's technical help was "severely lacking." MagicJack offers support through online chat.
- In 2010, Consumer Reports gave magicJack a positive review.
- In 2016, a website called TheVoIPHub published a detailed review. It included information on all magicJack devices released.
- Also in 2016, CNET said that using magicJack meant you had to choose between a low price and reliable service.
- By 2019, Voip Review showed magicJack with a 1.6-star rating. This was lower than its 3-star rating in 2014.
- As of November 2019, Consumer Affairs gave magicJack a 1-star rating.
MagicJack Features
Keeping Your Phone Number
In September 2011, magicJack started offering a new feature. You could now keep your old phone number when switching to magicJack. This is called "local number portability." There is a yearly fee to keep your old number. If you want to move your number away from magicJack later, there is also a fee. Not all phone numbers in the U.S. can be moved to magicJack.
Uninstalling the Software
When magicJack first came out, it was hard to remove its software from a computer. This made many users unhappy. Since 2010, the Windows version of the software has an uninstaller. You can find it in the "Add/Remove Programs" section of the Windows Control Panel.
See also
