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Skype: Dude, where's my 3G VoIP?
It's been nearly a week now since Apple lifted the restrictions against using VoIP over 3G to place calls on the iPhone. Within hours of the withdrawal of restrictions, iCall [iTunes Link] and fring [iTunes Link] both updated their backend to allow users to place calls over a 3G connection. In neither case was it even necessary to download an updated version of the app from the App Store; both iCall and fring basically just "flipped a switch" behind the scenes that allowed VoIP over 3G. After almost a week, neither app has been pulled from the App Store, so it seems VoIP over 3G is here to stay. What about Skype? Skype is apparently "awaiting clarification" from Apple. They want to make sure the updated terms of the iPhone OS 3.2 SDK also apply to the 3.12 SDK before they submit an update. This caution from Skype is somewhat puzzling considering at least two other apps have been merrily humming along with VoIP over 3G enabled for almost a week without any punitive measures taken against them; fring even allows users to place VoIP calls over 3G through a Skype account. We contacted Skype three days ago to get some clarification of our own, but they haven't got back to us. Here's the thing, Skype guys: if the state raises the speed limit on your local highway to 70 mph, changes all the signs, and stops pulling people over when they drive faster than 60, it's a pretty safe bet that you can drive 70 mph now. How much more clarification do you need? In the immortal words of Alan Shepard, "Why don't you fix your little problem and light this candle?"
iPhone SDK updated: VoIP over 3G now permitted
It's been a long time coming, but the last hurdle is gone -- Apple has lifted the restrictions against 3G VoiP calls from the iPhone Software Development Kit. The implications of this are pretty huge. Not only does this mean that VoIP apps like Skype [iTunes Link] can now be easily updated to allow VoIP access over 3G on the iPhone, it also means that the 3G-enabled versions of the new iPad should be able to take full advantage of VoIP over 3G as well. The iPad does come with a microphone and a speaker, so while you won't be able to hold the device up to your ear like a phone (although it would be pretty funny to watch you try), calls over Skype or another VoIP program should theoretically be just as clear on the iPad as they are on the iPhone's tiny speaker. This has the potential to really shake up the wireless industry, especially in the U.S. -- with pay-as-you-go 3G on the iPad costing no more than $30 a month, the iPad suddenly seems like a very attractive alternative to the iPhone with its far more expensive (and contractually obligated) carrier plans. iCall [iTunes Link] has already been updated with VoIP over 3G enabled, and with all restrictions now lifted, it seems like it's only a matter of time before Skype and other VoIP apps follow. [Via Gizmodo] UPDATE: Fring announces the availability of their iPhone app, now with 3G calling and video.
Apple lifts VoIP over cellular restrictions in new iPhone SDK
Great news for the VoIP world: iCall, the maker of the iCall VoIP iPhone app that can catch a GSM call and flip it over to WiFi, has issued a press release saying that the new iPhone SDK allows for VoIP over 3G cellular connections. Previously such calls had to be made over WiFi, since AT&T's network (or someone well acquainted with AT&T's network) didn't think it was man enough to take the VoIP traffic. Interestingly, iCall says its 3G-friendly VoIP app is available now, and is the first and only such app in the App Store -- which seems like some pretty quick turnaround on everyone's part, but apparently the 3G restriction wasn't anything to do with the software itself, but instead a server-side block. We just tested this out and it totally works, and while we'll be looking for more verification that the ban has indeed been lifted, it sounds like it's time for some cheaply connected international parties in the streets.
iCall VOIP for iPhone
We covered a number of iPhone VOIP applications, but iCall looks particularly impressive. As you can see in the above video, it allows you to seamlessly transfer a regular inbound cell phone calls to VOIP. This means you can save your minutes any time your iPhone is connected via wifi. As of right now calls are free in the US and Canada, and there is an iCall Pro account that lets you make international calls for a fee. Unfortunately, the iCall application is only available for Windows at the moment but they're promising a Mac version soon. Nonetheless, it's clearly the iPhone application that's most exciting and the company is apparently part of the iPhone Developer Program.Thanks, Ryan!
iCall enables seamless GSM to WiFi switching on iPhone
VoIP has been ushered onto the iPhone in quite a few incarnations, but we'd wager than none of 'em are as useful as iCall. Said application is currently in beta form, though a release isn't quite ready for the public at large. Put simply, it enables iPhones to switch from GSM to WiFi (when WiFi is nearby, of course) on-the-fly in order to save cell minutes and bypass the hassle of manually changing over. Interested? We thought you'd be -- hop on past the break to see a demonstrative video of the app in action, and keep a close eye on the read link for a sure-to-surface-soon download.
Too many Mac rumors
Managing all the information in all these damned Apple rumors that everyone is so insistent upon proliferating is no small task, but we know that there exists a vast amount of people hungry for any WWDC 2006 launch information they can get (and an equal amount lying in wait to say we're merely Apple fanboys). While we know how much you'd love for us to report on these as we go, we'll give you the short list, and invite you to leave rumors for us to add in comments. Bon appetit! A chap named Brian sent us another iPhone picture, this time it's called the iCall. The story goes: it was supposedly found by an insider on the floor in a storage room at the Moscone. Hey stranger things have happened (then again, remember the iHome?). MacRumors says we'll have Xeon Xserves, the Mac Pro, and new 1:1000 contrast ratio Studio Displays with iSight and Apple Remote support, Core 2 Duo mobile MacBook Pros, and loads of new stuff for Leopard. Scoble says Apple is "readying a dizzying amount of new products," but not much else. FirstAdopter thinks the Mac Pros will run Xeons, run from $1,800 - $3,200 in base configs, and have pretty much all the usual options. Ars Technica seems to think roughly the same, and pontificated on it for a few thousand words. Going back a little, Macworld reported that Blu-ray drive support may (or may not) make its way into Steve's presentation. Apple joins Kronos, therefore must be developing iPhone. Sure, take it to the bank. iPhone software found in iPod updater. Hurrah! Oh, wait, it still doesn't mean anything (yet). Someone posted an oh-so-bad iChat Mobile video on YouTube. In case you missed it, that was the iPhone rumor du jour last night. Thanks, Steve. Apple Insider is insisting MacBook Pros are going to go Merom (Core 2 Duo). Yeah, and why not? Just about every other laptop manufacturer already has, and they'd be downright foolish not to launch the MeromBooks at WWDC.
