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Fring brings one-way video calling to the iPhone
Fring was the first to bring VoIP calls to the iPhone, and it looks like it's now finally done the same for video calling -- sort of. While it obviously can't do much to change the camera placement on the iPhone, the latest version of the app will at least let iPhone users (and iPod touch users, for that matter) see the person on the other end, and Fring says it'll add two-way video calling whenever "a front camera is placed on these." As with the company's app for Nokia devices, you'll also be able to make video calls to Skype users, but you'll have to make sure you're in the vicinity of a WiFi hotspot, as this one doesn't support calls on 3G. Head on past the break for a video. Update: As we've been reminded, while Fring did somewhat beat it to the punch by making an app available for jailbroken iPhones, Truphone was actually the first VoIP app to be demoed, and the first to be officially approved an authorized by Apple.
Fring adds Skype video support on S60, threatens to make front cams useful
Considering the proliferation of 3G, WiFi, in-home broadband, and front-facing cameras on phones, you'd think that there'd be far more obvious ways to bridge video calls between phones and PCs -- but alas, it's virtually impossible, particularly in the States where carriers have a complete aversion to the topic. Enter Fring -- one of the mobile industry's VoIP pioneers that has spread its love from Symbian to almost every smartphone platform worth mentioning over the years -- which is stepping out today with a new build for S60 handsets that offers video support through Skype. The way we see it, this is great news for a couple of reasons: one, Skype is one of the few videoconferencing systems with widespread traction, and two, this suddenly makes front-facing cams useful to a whole swath of Nokia users on networks (ahem, AT&T and T-Mobile) that don't offer video calling themselves. Whether we actually use it is another story altogether, but hey, it's cool to have it if we absolutely must see your beautiful face right now in stunning low fidelity. Follow the break for a video demo.
Fring brings VoIP to iPhone
We have all been waiting on an iPhone VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solution, since we heard that Apple would allow VoIP application access while connected to WiFi. Fring has finally made our dream a reality -- and it's a reality that's available today!Fring is a new, free iPhone application that integrates with Fring's network and allows access to the following IM/presence services: Fring Skype AIM Yahoo Twitter ICQ MSN In addition to simply chatting with buddies from the above services, you can place VoIP calls to other fring users, or using Skype/SkypeOut or another SIP provider (Gizmo, Vonage, etc.). We'll take a more in-depth look/review this weekend -- so be sure to stay tuned to TUAW. In a quick test, I was able to call Skype users from my iPhone and carry on a (slightly echo-y, but perfectly audible) conversation.You can download this application today by visiting the iTunes App Store. The application weighs in at 3.0 MB. You can also get more information about this service and the application on the Fring website.Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
iPhone gets VoIP and chat options thanks to Fring
Sure, the iPhone is cool looking, works out a lot, and is really good at math... but it can't do VoIP, can it? Well, yes it can -- and you can, thanks to a company called Fring and a piece of ingenious software (for jailbreakers only). Using the native app, it's now possible to place and receive calls via your WiFi connection, thus making AT&T CEOs cry like little babies. Besides doing Skype and the like, the app also lets you connect for chats via MSN Messenger, ICQ, GTalk, SIP, Twitter, AIM, and Yahoo!, which should make this an attractive package even if you don't want to harness the raw power of IP telephony. You can get the application for free by loading up Installer with the company's repo. Check the video after the break to see the magic happen.[Via Zatz Not Funny!]
'Fring' it up with mobile Skype and Google Talk
Yeah, we know there are tons o' official hacks to get Skype working on the Windows Mobile Symbian front, but there, umm, unofficial and choke many an underpowered Symbian device these days. So, if you're determined to bypass those costly voice minutes from the various mobile carrier networks and want to VoIP it up over that 3G data connection or with that zingy Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone, Fring may be for you. But, don't break out the virtual champagne just yet...Fring assuredly makes its money on a percentage basis from those svelte Skype interconnections it will provide. We're a little sure that Skype has made it officially hard to use its service from a mobile device so that it won't anger the mobile carriers, but Fring does not seem to care (nor should it.) Oh, you get access to Google Talk as well in addition to Skype calls. Bring it on, Fring.[Thanks to all for the Symbian correction]
