:: CHAT FOR FREEIf you've ever needed to call someone, yet have no idea how to get a hold of them, you'll understand the greatness of Vonage Mobile. In this modern day and age, the only way to get in touch with someone that isn't connected is by sending a Facebook message (because everyone has Facebook) and then praying that they check it, but often they don't.
Instead of this waiting game, the new Vonage Mobile app searches through your Facebook friends list and seeks out those who also have Vonage Mobile. There is no need to know any numbers, you just tap on the "Call Free" button and away you go! It would be kind of creepy if you were using the app to stalk ex-girlfriends and such, but the way you use the app is none of Vonage's, nor my, concern.
Vonage Mobile works over 3G and WiFi and supports phone calls and chat. It's also totally free... how nice.
[Source:CrunchGear]
The latest version of Fring, 3.2.0.5 (couldn't they just make it 4.0?) adds a few essential touches to make it the communications app for iPhone 4. Now, with the addition of the front facing camera, you can video chat with your buddies for free, as long as they use Fring or Skype, and are on WiFi or 3G. Also, with iOS4 and its multitasking capability, you can leave Fring running in the background so people can actually call you for free, even when you're not in the app. Instead of using it as a gimmick app, or even just a cheaper way to make calls, you can now completely do away with your extra ATT minutes and just use Fring. Too bad we can't just drop the call plan altogether...
Last but not least... well maybe it is least... is the new ability to merge all of your social network streams into one. Instead of having to search all over the place, you can check your Twitter, Facebook, call updates, and IM's in the same spot.
Go now, download the update or pick up Fring for free. Your phone bill will thank you.
Truphone is a leading VoIP provider that lets you talk for free to other Truphone users, as well as Skype and Google Talk users, over 3G or WiFi. Truphone also sends SMS messages for free and connects with most popular IM providers and Twitter to give you the ultimate platform for sending and receiving messages.
With so many online services out there that people use, it only makes sense to download the free Truphone app that connects to them all. Give it a whirl, especially if you are using iOS4 on an iPhone or iPod Touch.
When you sign up for an account with Line2, the company provides you with a phone number. You can then make and receive phone calls from the app. Line2 will use your 3G data plan to transmit data under normal circumstances, but if you’re within range of a WiFi network, the app will automatically switch to WiFi—even in mid-call. The app’s ability to use WiFi is great for if you’re trying to save on data, or for international travelers wary of the iPad's international 3G plan. As for “regular” phone features, Line2 also includes call waiting, conferencing for up to 20 people, and call transfer abilities.
The iPad might seem like an awkward phone, but its built-in speakers and microphone are fairly powerful. Set it on a coffee table, start up Line2, and you can have multiple people in the room chiming in during a conference call. As for using Line2 with the iPhone, well, avoiding racking up minutes usually pays off...and sometimes WiFi is just more reliable.
All this comes at a price, however; like any good service, Line2 has a price tag. In this case, it’s $14.95/month. If you’re looking for a WiFi/3G VoIP app for the iPad, however, the lack of competition makes that cost a good investment.
As you probably already know by now, last Wednesday Apple unveiled to the world its new "tablet computer" - the Apple iPad. Shortly after the event came to a close, like always, Apple issued registered developers of it's ADC network the next beta of the iPhone OS SDK. Version 3.2. Now among trivial changes, like this version of OS only being compatible with the iPad, one change has been uncovered which is slightly confusing.
If you're not familiar with VoIP or Voice Over Internet Protocol, the technology allows for telecommunication using the internet. Take a service like Skype, for example. It uses VoIP to connect its millions of users to other users around the world at very little, or no cost at all. Ever since the introduction of the iPhone SDK, Apple has stood by the fact that its partnering mobile networks, AT&T in the US and O2 in the UK, weren't so keen on the fact that developers could (if they wanted) use VoIP to circumvent monthly call plans. So, Apple being Apple and wanting to keep relations sweet put a restriction on the iPhone SDK stating that use of VoIP over a 3G data connection was prohibited.
Late Wednesday night though this all took a turn around - for the better, with the introduction of the iPhone OS 3.2 SDK Beta - as now, this SDK does support VoIP over the iPhone's 3G network. In fact, a few applications, such as iCall and Fring, are already supporting this new rule, ultimately saving you money on phone calling through local and international ad-supported calling. This all leaves me to ask myself one question .. What must AT&T, O2 and the other mobile networks selling iPhone call plans around the world, think of this move? Did they sanction it? Maybe they believe they're going to make so much of a killing off 3G pre-pay plans with the iPad this Spring, that they don't care about loss of revenue in regards to call plans on the iPhone?
:: Highly Recommended
