MAGICBEANS™ - More Magic For Your Jack™ - The Original

[az2008]

My source is open to you and everyone.

I missed your original post that you released a pop-up blocker, auto-answer tool. It looks really good. What is "caller-id hide?"

BTW: Is this post the most recent version of your tool? http://www.phoneservicesupport.com/post37240.html#37240

Mark

[laserjobs]

vdot, why not produce a free version of your application. You could hijack the ad window in magicJack and serve you own ads to make a little extra spending money.

[az2008]

vdot, why not produce a free version of your application. You could hijack the ad window in magicJack and serve you own ads to make a little extra spending money.

My concern is: if people start doing things like that which are against Dan's business interests he'll lock down the softphone .

Right now it's trivial to interact with the softphone from another process. The softphone's UI controls are largely exposed. That means messages can be sent to them from another process and the softphone will treat it like actual user input (mouse hover, click, etc.).

That's why it's hard to believe someone would charge money for a softphone front end. This is trivial stuff. It doesn't even need advanced programming knowledge. Just a high-level *scripting* tool like AutoIT.

Dan could change the softphone to resist interaction like that. It could still be interacted with by simulating user input (moving the mouse, sending the click). But, that would eliminate 99% of the benefit these front ends provide today. For example, such restricted access would cause focus to be lost from whatever you're doing on the desktop just so the front-end could answer the phone.

I hope nobody does what you suggested. The softphone allows for a lot of flexibility (to ignore, block calls, etc.). We could lose that if people abuse it.

Mark

[vdot]

vdot, why not produce a free version of your application. You could hijack the ad window in magicJack and serve you own ads to make a little extra spending money.

I'd like to be able to do that (ie: free version), for say, some in this forum, and I may,
but I will have to think of a secure scheme to be able to do that first,
then code it into the software. I don't want "free" versions floating
around the internet for all. Then none, including the regular consumer,
would buy a paid copy. The ad window idea is good, but I am thinking
of even removing the "No Ads" feature from this software, as much as I
and others like it, because of the sole reason that MJ won't like it. MJ,
like me, despite what some may say, has a legitimate and good/working
business plan. Part of that is to generate revenue now and/or in the
future (to remain in business) through their ads. Though it is easy to
defeat the ugly things, or usurp them with my own, I *want* MJ to
#1 - stay in business, selling them cheap, to millions of customers
#2 - not be upset with my software being on the market
#3 - actually help MJ sales by giving the user features they want, but MJ
isn't able to / doesn't want to bother with. Their business isn't so
much in the user interface, just like HP isn't into operating systems.
Hopefully Dan will see that I want his success, for my success...
And my success, in turn, helps his success, as it draws customers
that he may not otherwise have.

This scheme benefits *everyone* including you, me and this forum.
So I don't want to bite the hand... It would be the same thing as
taxing the wealthy out of existence. We would *all* soon be in a bad
way, even the politicians. Maybe I shouldn't have gone there
But you get the idea. So I'll probably delete or modify the noAds
setting, and I *will* (have been) try to think of a way I can release
a free version without it being available through me alone (ie: not
propagate wildly on its own). I *do* have some ideas.

[spencer]

I have returned my MJ which was still in trial period. Enough time wasted on it.

I use GV now. for true free calls both in and out.

[richardtaur]

I have returned my MJ which was still in trial period. Enough time wasted on it.

I use GV now. for true free calls both in and out.

What is GV? Is it google voice?

[spencer]

I have returned my MJ which was still in trial period. Enough time wasted on it.

I use GV now. for true free calls both in and out.

What is GV? Is it google voice?

Yes

[mel2000]

I use GV now. for true free calls both in and out.

According to the website, Goodle Voice does not yet exist for the general population. Why do so many here refer to it as a general VOIP solution?

[srvctek]

because alot do have it now, its due to be released to everyone very soon

[vdot]

I have returned my MJ which was still in trial period. Enough time wasted on it.

I use GV now. for true free calls both in and out.

GV is fine. I use a combination of 2 MJs and GV. GV doesn't replace
the usefulness of a magicJack® on many fronts, and I'm trying to fill in
the gaps for magicJack® on some of the advantages GV does have
over it. That's what MagicBeans® is all about. For example, the
Incoming Call-Blocking ability that was one of GV's strong advantages
can now be accomplished, in some ways *better* with an MJ and
MagicBeans®. MagicBeans® also can help with some of the
difficulties the MJ has in operation, but in this vein, I plan on adding
many more features in a future (soon) release.

I'm aiming to release MagicBeans® for sale by early July...with luck,
by the 4th of July...

[vdot]

OOPs...see next post.
(I'm not trying to inflate my post count, honest!...
though it *did* just happen to get me over the hump
from "Apprentice" to being a "MagicJack User"....woooooohooo!!!!!!!)

[vdot]

I am planning to hold back on any more feature additions for a
week or three, while I enhance the installer & program with some
more mundane additions (auto-updates, ability to allow for free
copies while maintaining copy-protection [I said I had an idea ],
and enhancements for 3rd party sales).

If, during this time, your copy expires, or you have issues, or you have
ideas for features/enhancements, or you find bugs: Please feel free
to contact me by Phone (preferred), Email (next preferred) or PM.
If you find a bug, I'll try to fix it during this time, unless it's too big,
in which case, I'll *have* to fix it during this time

Thanks for your interest and ongoing support!

[vdot]

Update on the V1.0 Release date:

I've pushed the "release by" date of the first commercial version
back to July 31st, not due to any program issues, but just because
other things seem to be intruding on my time, and I'm currently not
getting the programming time in to get it done sooner.

My desire is to get it out ASAP, but I want it to have certain core
features before it's release. The intent is that it will be ready before
the 31st, but officially that's the target for now...

Beta testers: thanks, and keep your good suggestions coming.

-vdot

[richardtaur]

Oh!

[vdot]

Oh!

Hey, Richard, would you like to test?

[yechi7]

vdot,

I'm looking for a way to deactivate MJ's voicemail, so I can give my home phone answering machine a chance to pick up. MJ picks up at 4 rings & my phone answering machine can only be set to 2, 4, 6, or 8 rings. I can't set my home phone answering machine to 3 rings to pick up before MJ. The only solution would be to deactivate MJ's voicemail or to have a feature that would set MJ's pickup at higher than 4 rings. Any ideas or features of your program that would help?

David

[vdot]

vdot,

I'm looking for a way to deactivate MJ's voicemail, so I can give my home phone answering machine a chance to pick up. MJ picks up at 4 rings & my phone answering machine can only be set to 2, 4, 6, or 8 rings. I can't set my home phone answering machine to 3 rings to pick up before MJ. The only solution would be to deactivate MJ's voicemail or to have a feature that would set MJ's pickup at higher than 4 rings. Any ideas or features of your program that would help?

David

Hi David,
Unfortunately, the voicemail system is in MJ's NOC...at their site, and
the vm pickup seems to be at their equipment. I have not found an easy
way in which I could increase their timing, but then again, I haven't
spent a lot of effort on it. It *may* be possible, in fact, it probably is;
but I don't currently have time to look into it. MagicBeans® can currently
lower the ring duration, but not increase it. It *is* a feature I hope
to add in the future (if I can). My initial approaches, which I had
previously considered experimenting on, by their nature, would have a
definite attainable ring-duration limit imposed upon them; perhaps adding
a ring or two, three probably on the outside.

BTW, "the future" is not that defined in the "twilight zone," as may be
expected in this venue...

-vdot

PS- Thanks for the suggestion!

[yechi7]

MagicBeans® can currently lower the ring duration, but not increase
it. It *is* a feature I plan to add in the future (if I can).

-vdot

PS- Thanks for the suggestion!

To me, that's my most needed feature. Either increase the ring duration or add an option to disable / deactivate MJ's voicemail & you will have me & many, many more customers!


David

[vdot]

To me, that's my most needed feature. Either increase the ring duration or add an option to disable / deactivate MJ's voicemail & you will have me & many, many more customers!


David

Well, it would be nice, and I *will* work on it. You would be surprised the
many, many "most needed" features that people request. It seems, for
each possible feature, there are those who want just that one. Really!
For example, DND (Do Not Disturb), to me personally, is low, low, low
on the list of things I want, but when MJ dropped it, *everyone* seems
to have "only ever used" that one feature. Anyway, I'm definitely not
belittling your request, as I would like that feature a lot, too (ie: to
increase ring duration beyond 4 rings). I'm only laughing about that
I get that a lot, for each and almost every feature.

The de-activating voicemail is probably not possible, at least, I don't
have a clue at this point how it could be attempted. It's entirely in MJ's
hands. The extending ring duration is possible...I have a few ideas...
But, again, it will probably have to wait until the next release (after this),
or the one after that, perhaps. However, I *have* decided that I will
release the software, and offer all future updates for free. So there
will be no need to wait until "your" most needed feature arrives, as it
will get here soon enough, and it will be free when it does.

I understand that ring duration is a biggee, so it is "up there" on
the to-do list.

Thanks again for your input,

-vdot

[sabresfan]

It looks like a great application if it does everything you say I would gladly buy this for use with MJ. Good luck

[vdot]

It looks like a great application if it does everything you say I would gladly buy this for use with MJ. Good luck

@Sabresfan:
You're welcome to beta test it. Just email or PM me your
hardware info (CPU/Memory/Model), OS Version & Service Pack,
the email address you'll use for registration, and your name.

I'll then send you the info for downloading and beta testing.
Thanks!

[vdot]

To me, that's my most needed feature. Either increase the ring duration or add an option to disable / deactivate MJ's voicemail & you will have me & many, many more customers!


David

I've been thinking of this some more, and I think you're right about its
importance to a lot of people. I've about decided to elevate this to the
#2 feature addition (behind one other surprise) that I plan to add to the
next release (and the first release is not even out yet, Geez! )

Of course, this pre-supposes my experiments will work, too

[Simon]

Personally i think what your doing seems to be some pretty nice additions and badly needed ones for MJ. i saw several jack asses mocking your work, and for what it is worth, after visiting with you that your sincere, and for those with your gripes and BS-grow up. Also if you need any versions of OS, I have them all, and will gladly share with you. Talk to you soon. Aaron

[vdot]

Personally i think what your doing seems to be some pretty nice additions and badly needed ones for MJ. i saw several jack asses mocking your work, and for what it is worth, after visiting with you that your sincere, and for those with your gripes and BS-grow up. Also if you need any versions of OS, I have them all, and will gladly share with you. Talk to you soon. Aaron

Thanks, Aaron, I have all the OS's...just no hardware capacity to handle
them right now.

[vdot]

I had an email from a very helpful beta tester, which might be of help to
other testers. Here it is:

> I just installed the new version - nice new interface
>
> Beta Feedback: The new install deleted my existing caller id blocked
> #'s. No big deal on my end, but I know most upgrades / new-version
> installs are able to keep existing settings...
>
>
> Thanks!
> Mark

Ooops...forgot to warn you and others about that. Since MB doesn't yet have auto-update
capabilities, it doesn't save or transfer all settings/files (yet). But you can save the CallBlock filters
in the future by going to the install directory and copying the file "CID_FILTER.txt" to,
say, your desktop. After the MB re-install, copy it from your desktop back over the one in your
[new] install directory. Do this *before* starting MB, Or *if not before*, then move the desktop
file to replace the install directory's [new] file as above, then make a small
change (eg: duplicate a line) to the file via the MB Control Panel, and save the file.
Then go back in and immediately undo the small change, (eg: delete the duplicate) and save,
for the *correct* file to take effect.

Thanks
-vdot

[Mike Shinoda]

would i be able to test?

Thanks in advance.

[vdot]

would i be able to test?

Thanks in advance.

Sorry for the delay, Mike.

Sure, you are welcome to beta test!

PM me with the following info -

Computer that you'll test with's:
OS Version and Service Pack
CPU Speed & Memory Size
Make & Model

Also the email address you'll use for registration.

I'll forward you the info you need for testing...

Thanks.

[joevv]

David check out this thread


http://www.phoneservicesupport.com/disa ... t7044.html

vdot,

I'm looking for a way to deactivate MJ's voicemail, so I can give my home phone answering machine a chance to pick up. MJ picks up at 4 rings & my phone answering machine can only be set to 2, 4, 6, or 8 rings. I can't set my home phone answering machine to 3 rings to pick up before MJ. The only solution would be to deactivate MJ's voicemail or to have a feature that would set MJ's pickup at higher than 4 rings. Any ideas or features of your program that would help?

David

[joevv]

[vdot]

you can foward calls directly and autorespond using the MJ softphone. No need for magicjacks portal or any special program.

Exactly! I saw the thread, and had responded to you (within it) with interest.
You've got it (much of it anyway). But some is still not understood [hint].
However, you're thread enlightened me on one important thing that I
wasn't aware of before, so I thank you *mucho*!!! I'm not going to let
you know what it was, but I appreciate your work, and acknowledge your
help on a piece of understanding of MJ that I had passed over when I had
'passed that way before.' Had you not made your discovery, I would not
have understood MJ's workings as well as I now do.

In any case, operations are a lot easier with MagicBean's interface.
Plus MagicBeans can limit the rings to 1-4 ("normal"), or
3, 6, 9, 12, 15 & infinite (extended) ring duration control.
If "normal" there are no extra call log entries. If "extended," then
MagicBeans also handles the removal of all the extra call log entries.
In addition, MagicBeans does a lot more than call forwarding and
ring duration control; and in the future, it will do even more things that MJ
does not have in it's design capacities.

Thanks for your work in this discovery. I was going to re-visit in this
area, but I figured I was going to have to end up modifying ring duration
through network comms manipulation. This is much easier.

Good job, man!

[VoipDude]

vdot:

Thanks for the time you have put into this software, and for continually updating it with features.

I have been beta testing, and the only frustration is the need to register again when the software expires to continue using it.

Hopefully you will enable the faithful on this forum to receive a free licensed copy that never needs to be re-registered.

[vdot]

vdot:

Thanks for the time you have put into this software, and for continually updating it with features.

I have been beta testing, and the only frustration is the need to register again when the software expires to continue using it.

Hopefully you will enable the faithful on this forum to receive a free licensed copy that never needs to be re-registered.

Hi, VoipDude, I just replied to your PM. Thank You for the compliments, and your interest!
I didn't find in my testing records where you had sent me the info that
I request from beta testers (unless I know you by another name? ),
but then, I asked for that again in my PM reply. If you *did* receive
my beta-tester info "kit", in that info, I explain that during
the beta period, the software works on a 15-day trial basis, and
that you have to keep re-installing/registering because new changes
would likely be updated during that period anyway. Also the software has yet
to have auto-updates installed.

I *do* plan for those who actually beta test and give me feedback, to
give them free copies when the software goes commercial... So you're
welcome to join the "official" ranks of the beta testers, and please, get
me that info...
If you've been "unofficially" testing, you're a step ahead, and can probably
get me more feedback

BTW, if you hadn't contacted me before, you're not the only one...there are a lot of guys from a
different forum who have downloaded and installed the software, but have not
communicated with me, as wanting to beta. That's OK...I can see their
registrations, but unless they do it officially, and get me the info so I
can track and support issues, they won't get free copies. Also, I have the
ability to blacklist, to keep them from re-registering every 15 days (if I
bother to do that). But my desire is to get feedback and help in tracking
down issues, so I can get the software entirely stable for release.
I welcome you joining the beta testers, and in (hopefully) a short time,
the "15-day trial" will be done for these testers.

[tdave00]

Are you not concerned MJ is gonna sue your *#* off?

[vdot]

Are you not concerned MJ is gonna sue your *#* off?

No, I'm not.

Why would they? My supplying of features they don't provide only helps them
sell more MJs; and they don't need to do the support...I do. Not only
that, but there is nothing illegal with selling an app that
enhances another. I'm not modifying their software in any way.
If third-party enhancements to OEM software were illegal, then any
Microsoft Windows-based app would be illegal, since they all add
functionality to Windows. After-market car accessories would be illegal,
since they add functionality to the OEM car. Add-ons for any other
software apps would be illegal...same reasoning. There is no legal basis or
precedent which they could site to sue me. I don't replicate or incorporate
any of their technology into my product. We make no claims that
MagicBeans® is related in any way to the magicJack®, it's manufacturer or
any of the manufacturer's subsidiaries.

It wouldn't be business-smart for them, either, as MagicBeans® software does
nothing but increase the likelihood of draw for potential customers to buy their
product; since if those customers needed a feature that only MB
supplies, then MJ becomes a viable option for them. MB may also help
retain customers who otherwise would have dropped the MJ, had the
features that MB introduces not become easily obtainable.

When it is marketed, we intend to distinguish in a highly visible manner
that MagicBeans® and it's publisher are in NO WAY RELATED or
ASSOCIATED with "magicJack, LP," "SJ Labs, Inc.," "YMAX Corporation" or
any of their licensed trademarks, tradenames, service marks or patented
products.

I don't know, but I doubt that this site, or the other software & products developed
for use with the MJ are concerned about being sued either. It's a
free country still, isn't it? [OK, so maybe it's going the other way...
if it gets too Marxist, I'll just have to share the profits...is that good
enough? ] ...the glasses are for disguise...

[joevv]

[vdot]

Well I think when its marketed people are just going to take it apart piece by piece
to see how it works. Then since it only enchances other software and it has no functionality
on its own it will be forked, you know, hacked and you will make no money because it will
be available for free hence the name of this thread you are trying to develop software on.
magicJack Tips, Tricks, and Hacks. Bad business choice if you ask me but what do I know.

Joe

Well, Joe, that's fine, but though any program could be decompiled and
reverse engineered, if someone has the time to do that to a few
thousand lines of code, and hadn't gotten around to doing the things
with magicJack in two years, that MagicBeans does in about two months,
then let those so-called hackers have at it. I'm not worried. I'll be adding
features faster than they can read their machine code anyway.

Further, the majority of MJ users don't even know what the UnOfficial
MagicJack Forum is, and I won't be marketing primarily for those who do.

Anyway, when it comes to the VOIP business, as they say,
"who knows what tomorrow brings."

[joevv]

When do you think this tool will be finished Mark? Sounds very interesting.

Joe

[quote=
............ been working on a free tool containing most of the features you've mentioned (and a few more).

Mark

[vdot]

I have tested Magicbeans and it crashed my computer. This software is poorly written and uses up too much system resources because its constantly monitoring your keystrokes. Not worth 1 dollar in my opinion.

Joe

That's interesting, because to test it you must register MagicBeans®,
and joevv hasn't registered...ever.

Resource Hog? You be the judge:
MagicBeans® process running on my system right now* indicates
Memory usage = 2168K......(for reference magicJack = 23272K), and
CPU usage = 0%

*Click HERE for Larger View



Not a single beta tester has had their system crash, nor even reported
any serious bug (and thats what beta testing's about).

joevv hides behind an anonymous identity. My contact info is readily
available...even my location (via signature link). I give all my beta testers my phone
contact info, and have talked to many of them. Anyone on this forum
has my contact info where they can call me from my website.

So much for joevv's credibility. His free opinions aren't worth even that.

[joevv]

[vdot]

I don't lie. I did test magicbeans
http://www.doc.ic.ac.uk/~rbc/magicbeans ... -beta1.jar

Joe

My MagicBeans is not a java app. The MagicBeans referred to above is
"... a framework to support the use of plugin components in Java applications"
by a guy named "Chatley."


I guess I've been "punked?"

[ionstorm66]

I would like to help test your app.

[vdot]

STOP SUPPORTING DAN, IT'S TIME TO REVOLT . . .NOW!!!

1 - Post belongs in "RANTS" discussion
2 - Are you sure this isn't Dan's new ATA device?

[vdot]

I would like to help test your app.

Sure, check your PMs...

[vdot]

Just wanted to post something here, as I've been buried working on the
next release. It will have a lot of new code in it, and look a bit
different in places. It most visibly has beefed up ring duration controls.
I'll get it out by week's end for sure, and post on the "front page."
This release will be a good one to download and re-install. You might
want to save your CID Blocking file, and completely uninstall (without
saving settings), and then install the new one when I get it out.

Thanks to all those who have been supportive, and also those new
visitors who continue to express an interest in testing.

Cheers,

Dave V (vdot)

[vdot]

Thought I'd update for those getting new thread posts. I've uploaded
a big new release with many changes, visible and invisible...all working
to make the App better, more stout, and with continual interface improvements.

Info's on the first post of this thread. I hope you testers like it!

Now I can get some sleep, and then get up early, to help the new beta
requesters get started!

Cheers

-vdot

edit: Hey! I just became an 'expert' with this posting. Yipee!!!! ...

[chrisc510]

I've been a beta tester for a while now! MagicBeans® really is a great addition to my MagicJack.

I have tested every feature on it. I love the Call Block via ID the most! I get constant calls from evil telemarketers or offshore bots. Once I added the numbers to the Call Block list, I have enjoyed the SILENCE!

The ad block feature is very awesome as well! I don't have to look at any ad on the interface.

The ring duration is a fine addition because I can get to the phone without losing a call!

If I don't want to be disturbed by anyone, I set it so I don't have to disable MagicJack for it to go straight to voice mail.

Anyhow, there are more features, but I thought I would give a quick review of the ones I especially like!

Thanks Dave! I REALLY do love my MagicBeans® !!

Chris

[cod3]

Great improvements. I am trying it out in windows 7 now.

[turnerd10]

I would also like to try this but i wasn't sure how to get it.

[vdot]

I would also like to try this but i wasn't sure how to get it.

Sorry about that...I suppose I *should* put this on the first post.

To become a beta tester, you need a MJ & Windows. Also, you need to supply
some info, preferably in this format:

1 - Machine Info (CPU/Memory/Model # or Motherboard)
2 - OS Info (Windows version/build/service pack)
3 - The email address you'll use for registration (should be an address you plan to keep permanently)
4 - Your real name, and your phone number for easier support and if the need arises.

Once you email or PM this to me, I'll forward you the beta testing info & site to download from.
The beta software is limited to 15-days, but you can continue testing through the beta period
by re-downloading the latest version, uninstalling the older version (being sure to un-check
the "Retain Settings" checkbox), and then re-installing the new one.

Thanks for your interest!

-vdot

[vdot]

@chrisc510 - Thanks for your review!

@cod3 - How's the testing going? The 8/6 Release should fix any issues you
may have had with the version you installed...