07/08/96 INTERNET PHONING THAT REALLY RINGS TRUE

INTERNET PHONING THAT REALLY RINGS TRUE

THANKS TO THE EXPLOSION OF the Internet, it might be time to rename the PC the ``personal communicator.'' Not only is a PC hooked up to the Internet an easy way to send E-mail around the world, it seems that every week, new products arrive that improve a computer's ability to handle voice calling as well. One of the latest is from Kingston Technology Corp. in Fountain Valley, Calif.
Kingston has a new add-in sound card called NetVoice that connects any IBM-compatible computer to a standard telephone. This is a big switch from most Internet- phoning schemes, which depend on software that essentially turns a desktop PC into a speakerphone. Unfortunately, that forces callers to communicate through the PC's tinny mike and speakers. NetVoice produces better clarity and privacy because it allows the caller to use an ordinary phone. What's more, NetVoice is ``full duplex,'' which means that Net calls will no longer be like CB-radio chats in which only one person can speak at a time.
Like other Internet-calling setups, NetVoice will work with any Internet service provider and requires both caller and answerer to be connected to the Net. Pricing isn't set yet, but Kingston says the NetVoice card and software should be available to PC manufacturers this fall.
EDITED BY PAUL M. ENG