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Get VoIP on your iPhone

techcrunch.com — While most iPhone users are stuck with an iBrick this morning as Apple ’ servers can’t complete the last step of the upgrade process, those of us smart enough to take the unofficial upgrade route 24 hours ago are happily trying out new App Store Apps. This morning I turned my iPhone into a VoIP phone by installing the new Truphone iPhone app.

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  • Branchex, on 07/12/2008, -2/+12You think a guy at TechCrunch would have a better option for recording a demo video then a cell phone camera and qik, even on the road.
  • burchie2, on 07/12/2008, -1/+31The funny thing is that Apple or AT&T probably don't even give a *****, because you're already locked into a two year agreement, and it just cuts down on service usage for them.
    • cyrax83, on 07/12/2008, -20/+2Did you even read the article ? you can't actually make voip calls on the 3g data stream, it only works through wifi, which makes the whole thing far less exciting.
    • burchie2, on 07/12/2008, -0/+22...thus cutting down on the amount of data sent through AT&T's network, exactly what I stated previously.
    • bovox, on 07/12/2008, -1/+10Actually, I think they do. Why buy the $99 iPhone plan with more minutes when you can get the $59 one using this VoIP technology.
    • kelchm, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1Do you realize how much sense that statement doesn't make?
    • Mizzike, on 07/12/2008, -0/+3You know what would be interesting to see is a cellphone company take a radically different direction: charge something like $40/mo for DATA ONLY and eliminate the voice plans all together. The company might have to invest in ensuring its infrastructure could handle the load, but at the end of the day we could all be using voip, have fast data access while on the call, eliminate overage charges, and have a cellphone company that would be the darling of the industry. I would think that the $40/mo price point would be so appealing--combined with the crazy features that voip offers--that people would be compelled to switch. Especially if the phones offered are as cool/functional as the iPhone, instinct, etc.

      What do you all think? Is there a company that already does this?
      • grassiness, on 07/13/2008, -0/+1Well thats where the road ends, as far as we can look today.
  • kenvsryu, on 07/12/2008, -2/+4I'll stick with Fring.
    • dkla, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1Yes Fring is great, but it only works with jailbroken 1.4 iphones so far. Will there be a 2.0 version coming soon? I hope so...
  • diggerhater, on 07/12/2008, -2/+19"Most iPhone users"? Really? I don't think so.
    • grouchyman, on 07/12/2008, -1/+5Seriously... Article dugg down for sounding like a douche.
  • wastedfluid, on 07/12/2008, -11/+2Too bad Blackberrys have done this forever. Sigh.
    • bovox, on 07/12/2008, -1/+15Too bad the UI, user experience and ease-of-use on Blackberries look like they were designed by monkeys.
  • yokel, on 07/12/2008, -0/+21I am waiting for skype on the iphone, to jump ship and get an iphone.
    • zimsters, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1http://s4iphone.com
      skype is already on the iphone...
      • ramsinks.com, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1Not sure what the point is of that.. That app uses your normal minutes anyways for a call back...

        ?
    • pyrates, on 07/12/2008, -0/+2Get Fring, although they only have a version that is for 1.1.4. Hopefully they have one that is for 2.0 soon but for jail broken phones so that I'm not limited to only using it on wifi.
  • bcardarella, on 07/12/2008, -0/+5This is what I'm hoping will be a big feature of the Android based phones. It would be nice if they were sold with just 3G connectivity then you establish your voice and texting over the internet.
  • pumpedvideo, on 07/12/2008, -1/+1I have never use VOIP on Iphone before. If i got out of my wifi coverage will it automatically turn to 3G mode without me knowing it?
    • avanor, on 07/12/2008, -2/+0yes.
    • bovox, on 07/12/2008, -0/+3You can't use VoIP in 3G mode. However for data it will switch automatically.
    • piwy, on 07/12/2008, -0/+6No, VOIP apps are not allowed to use the cell network on the iPhone.
  • danjal, on 07/12/2008, -2/+9guys.. this is much better than that.. it does all skype, msn, yahoo.. ect..

    http://www.fring.com/download/iphone/
    • r3zonance, on 07/12/2008, -0/+10On a jailbroken phone, sod that.

      Too much hassle to downgrade, wipe and then restore all my current content.
      • sirmasterboy, on 07/13/2008, -0/+1first of all iTunes has a backup option so you can backup all your data and restore it after a firmware upgrade/downgrade with no extra work. Also just wait till next week when the 2.0 jailbreak is out.
  • avanor, on 07/12/2008, -8/+1I asked AT&T if you use your minutes when you make or receive calls while connected to wifi and they said no.

    So your plan becomes unlimited when on wifi =D
    • emt1451, on 07/13/2008, -0/+1i guess there is such thing as a dumb question
  • baramunchies, on 07/12/2008, -4/+1 Skype for iPhone / iPod Touch by a german company: http://twurl.nl/6gme2i
    • dkla, on 07/12/2008, -1/+1It only works with jailbroken 1.4 iphones so far. Will there be a 2.0 version coming soon? I hope so...
  • ronsta, on 07/12/2008, -9/+6iphone fanboys: please ask yourself WHY the ability to make voice calls over 3G is disabled. this stifles creativity and innovation. think about the possibilities for apps:

    1) nextel-like iphone walkie talkie feature
    2) making int'l calls for free from anywhere where you are on a 3G network; this would be the next logical step for a cell phone and eliminate the need for landlines (and all VOIP residential lines) completely!
    3) skype videoconferencing -- imagine being able to use the touch screen's full functionality to pan the other person's camera and look around the room / zoom in. how useful of an application would this be for businesses, where you often want to see everyone "around the table" at the remote site?

    so many ideas here.

    so why is it not enabled? and will google push for android to have this?

    don't get me wrong, i think the iphone is great. this is simply what happens to the leader of creativity (Apple); they are pushed to do things that would make their products even more useful.

    that said, i will probably get an iphone if the data plans come down just a bit. i can't afford it just yet.
    • r3zonance, on 07/12/2008, -0/+3No. 2 is the reason it won't be allowed over the 3G network. They can charge you way more for an international call on cell network at the moment.

      "so why is it not enabled? and will google push for android to have this? "

      Android can have it all they like, but if the carriers block the functionality (which they will) then it may as well not exist.
      • EtherGnat, on 07/12/2008, -0/+2It's much harder to block things when you don't have control of the apps. Verizon's famous for blocking things, but Skype over 3G works fine on my i760.
    • ronsta, on 07/12/2008, -0/+3i got buried 4 times for posing questions. was it because it could be misinterpreted as negative PR ?
  • bcherup, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1iCall.com , its umm FREE.
    • dkla, on 07/12/2008, -0/+4iCall is cool, but it only works on Windows machines. No Mac, no iPhone.

      Oh well... :(
  • Jrr6415sun, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1I'm trying to use this on an iphone with wifi but canceled cellphone service and I keep getting an error connecting to Truphone message. Anyone else get this? I am able to use the wifi,safari and other programs just fine (although AIM isn't able to connect either)
    • orph3us, on 07/13/2008, -0/+1It's possible truphone uses a callback through regular pots (plain old telephone service) .. you could always downgrade to 1.4, jailbreak, and install fring. or wait one or two weeks, jailbreak 2.0, install fring (use skype, i dont think it has to dial anywhere)
  • dizilbdog, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1Yeah this program is meh. I 'd rather see Icall come around where when someone calls it switches to Wifi so I don't use my minutes.
  • Myztry, on 07/12/2008, -0/+4"VoIP applications aren’t allowed to use the cell/data connection"
    That's rather anti-competitive. We'll have to lodge a complaint with the ACCC (http://www.accc.gov.au) over that compliance issue, and get it fixed. They like taking on big companies because they have both the power and the ego.
    • cgreentx, on 07/12/2008, -0/+2LOL.. Good luck with that. Apple has complete control over their SDK and the phone can only run signed apps from the store. If you don't agree to the terms of the SDK you can't publish your apps. You caan always jailbreak the phone and run what you want, but that's not a realistic option for the masses.
      • r3zonance, on 07/12/2008, -2/+1And besides your network provider could still choose to charge you for cell network VOIP traffic, as it'd be covered somewhere in the acceptable usage policy.
      • Myztry, on 07/13/2008, -0/+1The ACCC is a government body. It administers laws and regulations in regards to regulated industries and competetion.
        Whether Apple controls the SDK or whether it is in the best Interest of Apple (and it's shareholders) to be anti-competeitive is irrelevant to that role.
        Government bodies (such as the ACCC) can not only issue fines but take measures such deresgistering companies in Australia, make their non-complying products illegal to sell in Australia, etc.
        Much the same as Microsoft getting fined Billions by the EU for anti-competetive behaviour.
        Now, as for whether the ACCC would chose such an action is entirely up to it's staff. But it's something that companies who are selling into other jurisdictions need to keep in mind.
        Not all countries have corruption auction houses (SEE:Lobbying centres)...
    • r3zonance, on 07/12/2008, -2/+1""VoIP applications aren’t allowed to use the cell/data connection"
      That's rather anti-competitive"

      No, it's called protecting the interests of the company. A company only exists to make profit. If it took a real nosedive the shareholders would be suing left and right.
      • ramsinks.com, on 07/13/2008, -0/+2So.. "Unlimited data" means "we tell you want you can do with your data?"

        hm....
  • RubberSaul, on 07/12/2008, -0/+7A possible workaround for solving the issue of incoming cellular calls terminating the application:
    Enable airplane mode but leave wifi activated before making a call. The 2.0 software allows you to do that.

    Would that work? I don't have the app yet, but it seems like that should work for the time being.
    • cplusplus, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1I was thinking the same thing. The app should have an option to automatically do this for you. And turn off airplane mode when you end your VOIP call.
  • sdipaola, on 07/12/2008, -3/+0It's locked.
    it old hardware ( look at the camera,bluetooth, ...)
    and
    "VoIP applications aren’t allowed to use the cell/data connection"

    why are any lemmings using this thing no less waiting in line.

    I'll just wait for an open source or android solution ( I guess I might consider a cheap unlocked iphone1 since I tend to use the wifi more than most ( so 3g is less of an appeal). at least as I travel I can get my own gsm cards ( they sell them in vending machines in europe).
    • r3zonance, on 07/12/2008, -2/+1"it old hardware ( look at the camera,bluetooth, ...)"

      Yeah but the other 90% of the hardware is brand spanking new. Thing positive thoughts, idiot.

      "VoIP applications aren’t allowed to use the cell/data connection"

      I don't any cell carrier would even allow this. They'd just charge you the data got onto the cell network because their terms of service allow them to.
    • SwK386, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1The Check out TruPhones Nokia Solution its actually really cool and allows you to make calls over the GSM network
  • megamod, on 07/12/2008, -1/+1is there a free alternative? i sorry, i a iphone n00b
  • marcoionox, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1Direct link to app:
    http://www.truphone.com/iphone/
  • footbag01, on 07/12/2008, -2/+5The charge $.03 to $.30 a minute. What's the point?
    • chroko, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1Because the cheapest AT&T calling plan charges $0.16 per "anytime" minute?

      ($69.99 / 450 minutes = $0.16 per minute.)

      So if you use more than your 450 minutes per month, instead of upgrading to the next AT&T plan, you could see if it makes sense to make much cheaper calls over VOIP instead.

      Granted, it isn't going to be the best option for *everyone*, but it could be useful for some people.
      • footbag01, on 07/12/2008, -1/+1VOIP should be free or else it's worthless. There are free options, we don't need another option if it's pay.
  • rexprime, on 07/12/2008, -1/+1why?
  • Mockylock, on 07/12/2008, -1/+1Or smartphone, who's been doing it for a while.
  • havokdu, on 07/12/2008, -0/+2If you are into VoIP and homebrew you could also try SvSIP for Nintendo DS
    It's a free SIP Phone client that uses WIFI, support touchscreen dialing and most SIP servers like voipbuster and worls great.
    Make sure you read the instructions before using it.

    http://svsip.free.fr/
  • bcherup, on 07/12/2008, -2/+0i call is coming out for the iPHONE, hence the i
  • SwK386, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1TruPhone is actually a cool company... and they support more then just the iPhone... Their Nokia App is way more advanced the the iPhone app. And they also support OpenSource Software. And I see people complaining about the per minute charges... Face it people Phone Calls arent free... I dont care if you have an $19 unlimited plan for ${VOIP_PROVIDER} thats not a sustainable business model...
  • Cockdiesel, on 07/12/2008, -1/+1can companies stop making posts like this. If it was free that would make since. I'm already paying to use my iphone as a phone.
  • footbag01, on 07/12/2008, -2/+2Beware!!! $.30 a minute to call your friends cell phone. Ripoff alert!!!
    • SwK386, on 07/12/2008, -0/+1Think before you speak... .30/minute to call a CellPhone in the Europe isnt that bad... unlike here in the United States where the called party on a cell phone pays for (or uses their minutes) on the call, the calling party always pays in most of Europe... so everyone has Free Incoming Minutes...

      Its the same way in Australia and New Zealand also... Friend of mine lives in Wellington and if I call him at work on cell TMobile Cell it costs like 0.10/minute. if I call his Cell from my TMobile Cell it costs nearly $1.00 per minute... so 0.30 is much cheaper...
  • hakujin, on 07/13/2008, -1/+1Wow... VoIP on an iPhone... that's REVOLUTIONARY. Ohhh... wait... http://www.skype.com/download/skype/windowsmobile/
  • tnoy, on 07/13/2008, -1/+1I've been using a VoIP client on a WM phone for international calls for about a year now, AT&T only tacks it onto my data charges.. which is unlimited, so I've never been charged extra for it.

    The only thing that would try to stop a VoIP client on the iPhone is Apple.
  • alexanderstraub, on 07/13/2008, -0/+1guys truphone has to offer lots more than only voip on the iphone, it also works on the N and E Series of Nokia, it lets you do SMS over WiFi, call forwarding from truphone number to any Sim you have in your phone, Google Talk to truphone, facebook to truphone all FREE - truphone to truphone calling all FREE, truphone Anywhere for calls outside of WiFi coverage, and best the CALL quality beats anything and everything out in the market place. The app is build for mobile, just for mobile and takes care of all the stuff you need. None of these PC rip of peer to peer, IM apps which do a very very bad job in Voice mode. Finally an app you take a long to save real real money. Face it most calls are made when we are in WiFi and calls made while we travel are very very expensive. Incoming and outgoing, I am not leaving my house without truphone on my cell. Truphone is AWESOME
  • doipod, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1Using VoIP is against o2's iPhone terms and conditions, as part of their 'Excessive Data Usage' policy.
  • 12340987, on 07/14/2008, -0/+1RIPOFF

    Fring+Gtalke or skype is FREE
  •  

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