"Expressions of interest" for Beta Testing / Trial of GSM software Project developed by myself and a friend

Hello Everyone,

There has been much talk about this. I also want to give everyone a clear picture of it.. with out giving tooo much away, very hard :-( . So I have setup a FAQ and a page with more info. This project is the "next generation" for myself and my site. If you are selected as a Beta tester, all I can offer in return is a full version at the end, and you name will appear in the credit of "beta testers". Please don't underestimate this project... as I think EVERYONE will be surprised.. even me.. and I know the software!

Project Outline

I'm looking for "expressions of interest" from NON-COMMERCIAL , PERSONAL USE ONLY people (It is ok if you work for any GSM network in AU. But you MUST let me know if you do, You must also NOT use it at work / Commercial applications. The software is GSM related, but you don't need to know anything about the tech side of things.

Also would like to hear from interested people if the software was to support Nokia phones with a data cable. ( not sure if via IR is possible ) There is allot of work involved. But if the interest is there. Then it should be possible to make a Nokia version of the software.

What you will need :-

1 X VOXSON VX2700 or VX2720 (Vox Blue). Can be bought as a pre-paid pack from AU post and are NOT SIM locked. About $170 ?? or around that with a Voda Pre-Paid pack included. I have also setup special pricing through Nick L at Voxson and myself (Tim Merrell).  $155 inc GST, Include Phone pack and FREE data cable :-). Refer to my VodaFone NEWS file for more info. It is the ONLY GSM phone designed in AU.. so well worth a look :-)

1 X Data cable to go with it. This cable can be bought from VOXSON. (if you already have the phone)

1 X PC or MAC (or laptop / power book / note book of one)

PC: 486 DX 33 with 4 MB ram. 1MB HDD space. 16XXX UART COM chip preferred. Will run on a 386 DX 33/25, But you will need a 16550 or better UART / Serial chip on the COM port (you can always try and see). Will run from a DOS floppy (No hard drive needed. Handy if you run UNIX or a NON- DOS based Operating system on you hard drive), or in a DOS box in WIN 9X, NT 4 or like operating system.

MAC: Virtual PC 6 (will be testing older versions of Virtual PC starting from V3.0, Alpha testing has been done with V6.) with a USB to Serial adaptor (more info on brand of adaptor as used with Alpha testing).

1 X Software upgrade of your phone. If you already have a phone with older software you will have to upgrade it for my software to work. This is very easy and can be done by myself at Voxson. See the FAQ below for more info :-)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q. I would like to buy the phone on special pricing, but not be part of the project. Is this ok?

A. Yes. No worries there :-)

Q. I already have a VOXSON VX2700 or VX2720 AND /  OR a data cable. What do I need to become part of the project?

A. 2 things, 1 a Data cable (this can be bought from Voxson. 2. A software upgrade on the phone, This can be done by myself at Voxson. You may have to pay postage of the phone to Voxson. I think Voxson pays the return postage. OR if you live in the Brisbane area. Just drop in :-) Address on Voxson web page

Q. Do I have to know anything about GSM to be involved in the project?

A. No. The project was designed so that anyone could be involved ! :-)

Q. The project is voluntary? You not trying to make me buy anything?

A. Yes. This is a Free/Voluntary project. It will help my self and my page (and then inturn every one who is a VodaFone user) If i can get as much interest as possible. But i DO NOT expect people to go out and buy the phone if they don't want to :-)

Q. What will happen to the software after the Beta Trial?

A. It is hoped it will be released as Shareware. And will be freely useable.

Q. Are other phones supported?

A. No.. unfortunately the Voxson VX27XX are the only models supported. I hope to add more support for more phone in the future, But this is allot of work and my friend that is helping me does such a great job at programming. I think anything is possible! :-) (we already have more thing in the pipe line)

Q. Are you getting payed in anyway to do this project (In any way from anyone kickback ect..)?

A. No.. it is all for free. When you add up the time, effort and felid testing spent on it so far (by me and my friend). It has already cost us both heaps :-)

Q. I see that you say "not for commercial use"? Will it still be non-commercial after the beat trial?

A. It will be available for commercial use after the trial. More info will follow after the trial :-)

(c) Tim Merrell  2003.     http://www.mrvfone.com.au

AG 103R