Fring update approved for iPhone, does video calling with front cam over 3G

We weren't exactly sure whether Apple was going to approve third-party video calling apps using the front camera on the iPhone 4, but good news: the answer is "yes." Fring just slid in a new version of its longstanding iPhone app today featuring support for video calling, which is pretty awesome in and of itself -- but the real news is that it works just fine over 3G, as you can see in our quick test above between Chicago and London. This opens the door for services that could have potentially broader implications than FaceTime itself, since Apple's service is limited to WiFi and currently only works between iPhone 4s. Just make sure you're wearing clothes when you call, alright?

[monsoonx Posted Jul 8th 2010 10:02PM]

HEY NOT SURE If any one checked to see if this works on NONE MICRO CELL 3g cause....cause on the cell it would be unlimited but on normal 3g not sure if that would work.....?

[Christopher02 Posted Jul 8th 2010 10:06PM]

Just tested this out with a video skype call to my dad's PC.

The quality is nowhere near as high or is it as easy to use as FaceTime. I'd say its about on par with the quality of the Qik call my friend demonstrated on his EVO.

Still... KICK ASS.

[r121 Posted Jul 8th 2010 10:13PM]

may I hold the phone in the wrong way while using Fring?

[Christopher02 Posted Jul 8th 2010 10:20PM]

@r121
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaoWKTS37qo

[missjenniferthen Posted Jul 8th 2010 10:23PM]

You can video chat with ppl that own a evo I already tried with a friend of mines that owns a evo.

[andrewfezz Posted Jul 8th 2010 10:35PM]

Too bad the quality is crap.

[Matt da Brat Posted Jul 8th 2010 11:01PM]

@andrewfezz lackluster quality that can be used anywhere or good quality that can only be used in very limited areas... hmmm

[jamexman Posted Jul 8th 2010 11:10PM]

Ha, not happening with 100k upload cap

[Doctorchriis Posted Jul 8th 2010 11:15PM]

Look at the quality of that iphone 4 video! Its magical !!! True 1080 HD!

[That guy 2 Posted Jul 9th 2010 10:31AM]

@Doctorchriis Was that sarcasm? Cause it's bad, but it doesn't matter, I will be able to use this on my new iPod touch hopefully! (as In hopefully it will have front cam)

[nino313 Posted Jul 8th 2010 11:19PM]

Video call to my friends evo works perfectly fine. Unlimited data on my iPhone 4 FTW

[Rune Posted Jul 8th 2010 11:22PM]

an old model of Sony Ericsson K800i can do video calling without any third party applications....and nobody seems to care about it.

few hours ago.....iphone 4 made a 3G call via fring.....

and people is going crazy talking about it.....

Yes....life is just isn't fair.....

[42 Posted Jul 9th 2010 12:05AM]

Brilliant move Apple! Distract people/the media from your hardware issues while at the same time applying pressure to AT&T and their sucky network with both a revamp of the signal display and now allowing an app that does video calling over 3G. I'm sure it was AT&T that frowned on FaceTime working over 3G - but there must have been a loophole somewhere that allowed them to let Fring do it...otherwise NONE of it makes sense.

I think the Apple/AT&T relationship is getting closer to it's end...finally.

[That guy 2 Posted Jul 9th 2010 10:24AM]

@42 "yea, there would be advantages to being on multiple networks. {end convo}" -Steve jobs

[Admin67 Posted Jul 9th 2010 1:02AM]

Nice to have this app for ip4 and frankly surprising considering Apple's control of apps. But this is truly entry level video chat IMO - choppy, blurry and just barely acceptable. Apple's Facetime, though tremendously limited by the fact it can only be used over WiFi, is far better in that it is fully integrated into the phone and the video is very smooth and clear. Nonetheless, glad to have the option of Fring as a filler app until Skype (video) or Facetime become available on ip4 over 3G. I'm curious if anyone can comment on Fring over Sprints 4G network vs. Facetime? Does the 4G result in any clarity / framerate benefit?

[Brt312 Posted Jul 9th 2010 1:43AM]

I knew it was a good idea to keep my unlimited plan!!!

[GdgtGrrrl Posted Jul 9th 2010 1:51AM]

Tried it moments ago between Evo and Iphone4 using both wifi and 3g. Of course, much better on Wifi...better resolution. Admittedly until Fring gives Evo users the option to switch to rear camera, they will definitely need great lighting. The iphone 4 off top had a better resolution with front facing camera, as if it auto brightened or focused. Impressed but not surprised.

Doe anyone know if this works on the 3gs with OS4?

[That guy 2 Posted Jul 9th 2010 10:26AM]

@GdgtGrrrl No because it doesn't have a front camera, and I don't think it would let you use the rear camera

[ujolenin Posted Jul 9th 2010 3:10AM]

hm.. when was it the first time I've tried video call over 3g here in Europe? five years ago.. and that was also the last time.. It's great for amusing your friends, but meaningless in real life

[annoynimous Posted Jul 9th 2010 3:47AM]

i had a front facing camera with free video calls every month, 5 years ago, I still have free video calls today but I can't be bothered using it, so why now?????

[jrolls Posted Jul 9th 2010 7:06AM]

if facetime was an appstore app this would be its biggest competitor

[fredphoesh Posted Jul 9th 2010 7:20AM]

ANDROID??????

[MartyCota Posted Jul 9th 2010 9:18AM]

Still can only talk to people with an iPhone 4 essentially though. EVO on Sprint allows you to talk to just about anyone who has Skype, which can be downloaded on just about any platform!

[That guy 2 Posted Jul 9th 2010 10:30AM]

@MartyCota Um no? You can talk to anyone with skype, not fring, fring is just the mobile app that does video calls on ip4 and evo, I honestly have no idea how this essentially means only ip4 calling? Chances are you won't be calling ip4's with it, more likely people on their computers, and about an equal chance on evo, it depends on how many of your friends have evos or ip4's

[winter123 Posted Jul 9th 2010 11:44AM]

Too bad there's no AT&T 3g in 80% of the country.

[delizazam Posted Jul 9th 2010 12:22PM]

Why are you advertising Stupid useless apps like this. IT DOES NOT EVEN SUPPORT BLUETOOTH

[commander5 Posted Jul 9th 2010 1:26PM]

I dont see skype anywhere...

[cfischer83 Posted Jul 9th 2010 5:22PM]

Skype has mysteriously disappeared. I tried this last night Skype iPhone 4 to Mac webcam, and it worked wonderfully, however Skype is no longer available as an option on my app (even though I didn't update it).

I'm really curious! Is this Fring, Skype, or Apple that's responsible?