foneBro says that they are challenging the global communications market with its newly released Software-Free/Virus-Free Visual/Talk Internet Website Window. I’m not sold.  I do like the fact that this service was originally developed to cure loneliness and isolation for children bedridden by cancer, foneBro allows users to see and hear their friends and family from around the world.  However it seems to have fewer features than Skype and it’s not free.

Their ‘Software-Free/ Virus-Free’ Visual Talk tool provides an Internet page where two people can turn-on their own Webcam to see and talk live to each other. The foneBro application requires no downloading. They’re saying that fonBro’s key differentiator is that unlike Skype, MSN, Yahoo, WebEx and other conferencing programs where mandatory software downloads to your computer must occur, foneBro doesn’t require users to download their application. Anyone with an Internet connection globally can use foneBro products.  Everyone who reads this blog knows that I’m always a fan of web based applications, however I’m thinking that foneBro might not have the domain expertise in the online communication business.  Because I can’t imagine that downloading Skype would be so bothersome to people that they would choose to pay $60 for a service they’ve never heard about.  What people will be drawn to is that their $60 initiation fee gets them a webcam, headset, etc.

foneBro offers all global businesses and Individuals the following:

A one-time $60 initiation and set-up fee gives you:

• A foneBro ‘See & Talk’ Suite for one-year; accessible through www.foneBro.com
• A 2nd ‘See & Talk’ Suite accessible through your website
• A free Webcam
• A free Headset

foneBro Milestones…

• foneBro donates technology application to the JP Kid’s Cancer Foundation (URL www.PleaseDonateToday.com) for 70,000 Cancer Kids and Young Adults
• Provided webcams to Mexican Orphanage for Virtual Classroom Schooling
• Realtor ‘Virtual Open House’ software is developed
• Website Window developed so Merchants can ‘See and Talk’ live to virtual shoppers
• Make-A-Wish Foundation, Orange County Chapter chooses foneBro for computer wishes

Below are the ways foneBro suggests that you can utilize the service, it just seems like these guys are a little late for the party:

• Eliminate International and Domestic phone bills
• Grandparents can now visit grandchildren without driving or flying
• Virtual Classroom for Universities
• Lower Corporate Travel Expenses by using foneBro Internationally
• Lower Gasoline Expenses using foneBro to visit friends across town
• Virtually show Automobiles or Real Estate to a demographically targeted market
• Virtual Senior Care Surveillance to monitor loved ones living alone is developed
• Security System for real-time monitoring of homes and businesses from any email
• Wireless Webcams for mechanical-eye sight and sound Surveillance in War Zones

foneBro also offers unlimited global viewing of any event to include lectures, events and concerts. foneBro began development of their products 24 months ago and has tested their system in 7 countries over 18 months eliminating thousand-dollar phone bills between South American countries. foneBro hit the market last week for public use on www.foneBro.com where the technology, webcam and headset can be subscribed for at no cost/free.