If you read here often, you've seen me say some pretty favorable things about TalkPlus. Now I'm going to tell you that I, because of my particular combinations of carriers and telephones am not able to take part in the early beta trial. That's right, I can't test it to tell you how awesome this is firsthand. All I can really do is pay attention to what they offer up and share the word. For now. You can believe I'm on top of what's changing with TalkPlus and will be a live user as soon as the stars align with carriers and phones.

In the meantime, here's a press release coming out today that's of particular interest to west coasters.

TALKPLUS INVITES WEST COAST MOBILE USERS TO PARTICIPATE IN A SNEAK PEEK BETA PROGRAM
Get a Preview of a New Era in Mobile Services

San Mateo, Calif. (Nov. 14, 2006)—TalkPlus, the provider of advanced Voice 2.0 services over mobile networks, invites West Coast mobile subscribers using Cingular, T-Mobile and Sprint to participate in the TalkPlus Sneak Peek, a public beta program for the company’s first mobile service offering, the TalkPlus Number.

The TalkPlus Number: Two Numbers, One Mobile Phone
With a TalkPlus Number, a mobile phone user can now have a second number for placing and receiving calls on their mobile phone. This provides a more advanced level of control and an additional layer of privacy and separation between their personal and business lives. The number can be used as a “second line” for business, dating, classified ads, online auctions, social groups, or for a second residence. TalkPlus works like your current mobile phone number, with the ability to make or receive calls from anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Less than 3 minutes to activate a TalkPlus Number
A TalkPlus Number can be quickly activated on a mobile phone, typically in less than three minutes. Adding a new TalkPlus Number doesn’t require any new hardware or changes to a subscriber’s existing carrier plan, even for prepaid customers. Unlike other new phone services, TalkPlus doesn’t require a computer to initiate calls, others to download software or register to receive calls, or a complicated call set-up.

TalkPlus beta participants will also benefit from:

• Advanced voicemail: each TalkPlus Number comes with a separate voicemail box that can be managed via the mobile phone or via the web. In addition, users can play voicemails out-of-order or forward voicemails to email.
• Call screening: filters include: Do-Not-Disturb, White Lists, and Black Lists.
• Online Contact Center: an online account center, where you can manage your contacts, call screens, and account details.

Sneak Peek begins November 14th
TalkPlus is making this revolutionary technology available to West Coast mobile users, in a limited beta, starting on Tuesday, November 14th. Beta participants will be able to get a TalkPlus Number within California or a selection of other major US cities. Mobile users can sign up by visiting www.talkplus.com . All beta participants will get a FREE 30 day trial which includes 250 domestic minutes of TalkPlus service. Participants who successfully complete the beta program will receive one additional month of free service (not including any overage charges). Beta program participation is only available for a limited time and on a limited basis.

About TalkPlus
TalkPlus provides advanced Voice 2.0 services over mobile networks. TalkPlus subscribers benefit from increased flexibility, privacy, and control over their mobile experience, all at affordable prices. Mobile carriers partnering with TalkPlus can offer features to their customers without extensive infrastructure updates. TalkPlus is a privately held company based in San Mateo, Calif. and is backed by Menlo Ventures LLC. The company was founded in February 2004.

To learn more, please visit www.talkplus.com .