By Charles West, TMCnet Web Editor

8x8 (News - Alert), a provider of innovative business communications and managed hosting solutions, today announced the release of a new mobile app for the Android market that enables 8x8 Virtual Office subscribers to use its Android-powered Smartphone as an extension of its business phone service.

The new 8x8 Virtual Office mobile Android app features includes:

-          Unlimited inbound and outbound domestic calling over WiFi (News - Alert) or 3G networks

-          Elimination of international roaming minutes through the use WiFi hotspots for international calls

-          Built-in multitasking support and background operation 

-          Extension dialing, call transfers and 3-way calling

-          Direct dial from call logs, contacts and corporate directory

-          Access to Virtual Office voicemail, auto attendant and conference bridge services

-          Outbound caller ID displays Virtual Office business phone number rather than user’s personal mobile phone number

Discussing the company’s new offering, Bryan Martin (News - Alert) chairman and CEO of 8x8 said, “The enablement of these Smartphone devices to behave like physical extensions within a company’s business phone system and reduce telecom expenses through Wi-Fi calling further illustrates the unique advantages of IP-based communications and offers yet another compelling reason for businesses of all sizes to switch to VoIP solutions.”

With the 8x8 Virtual Office mobile Android app and previously released iPhone (News - Alert), iPod Touch and iPad apps, business users can maintain consistently reliable and professional communications with customers, co-workers and colleagues from virtually anywhere, whether in the office using an IP desk phone or on the road with a Smartphone.

The 8x8 Virtual Office Mobile Android app is available as a free download from the Android Marketplace and can be used in conjunction with existing Virtual Office service plans at no additional charge.