Fring VoIP Client Hits App Store

Author Gordon Kelly
Published 7th Oct 2008
Fring VoIP Client Hits App Store
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It's not quite the unbridled version that appeared on jailbroken iPhones some time back, but VoIP software Fring is here at last in an official capacity that even ever-picky Apple can stomach...

For the uninitiated (though you have no excuse to be at this stage) Fring in its purest form is akin to mobile Skype with knobs on. It offers free calling to other Fring users, the ability to call standard land line and cellular numbers using SIP or SkypeOut and incorporates a nifty instant messaging client which is compatible with Skype, MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, Twitter, Yahoo! and AIM - basically everything.


So what do we get in the App Store-d version? Sadly not quite the full package. For example, while all call functionality is in there, calls can only be made over WiFi - yep this is a deal to protect the networks. Furthermore, and this is something of a killer for the IM client (and in fact any IM client until Apple's much delayed and deadline missing Push service takes off), it cannot run in the background so you will only be logged on while you are using the app. Check your email, you're disconnected, look up a number: disconnected, etc.

That said, Fring will work on both the iPhone and new iPod touch (when using earphones with an integrated mic) and it is a slick piece of software. Some early bugs have been reported in v1.0 (notably registering email addresses with full stops in them before the @ symbol) but these will no doubt be sorted out quick sharp. Furthermore once the Push service does launch, Fring - and apps like it - will really come into their own.

Perhaps best of all however is Fring is free, so you've nothing to lose by checking it out...

Link:
Fring Announcement (with video)

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Latest 4 of 8 Comments

Have your say: Leave a comment below about this article.

Comment Orinj said on 7th October 2008

It's not just 3rd party applications. I don't believe any applications on the iPhone/iPod Touch truly multi-task properly in the background. The Safari web browser, as go... more

Comment Darfuria said on 7th October 2008

Just grabbed this one - not a bad little app. Shame it doesn't connect to Windows Live though. I hate seeing all of the names my contacts have entered. I'd rather it disp... more

Comment Midnight-Alchemist said on 8th October 2008

Fring is great, it runs in the background on my Nokia e51 and works superbly, including for Skype Out calls. Unfortunately, Apple iPhone doesnt allow it to run in teh background, w... more

Comment limweiseng said on 10th October 2008

Currently as released, the mic is capable because the hole-plug on the Touch has 3 spacers, instead of 2 spacers with the 1st gen iPod Touch.
Still one need to get Apple ear... more

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