Internet calling: Cheap & best - mydigitalfc.com

Posted: 23 Apr 2012 09:16 AM PDT

Who doesn't love free calls? And if you're the owner of an Android, BlackBerry, iOS or even Symbian smartphone, such freebies could be yours for the taking. VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol) is the technology that allows phone calls using the internet rather than regular phone networks. And there are lots of free applications for it.

What's the catch, you ask? There are a few, but they are not insurmountable. Let's get them out of the way first.

One, "free" VoIP apps are only free insofar as you don't get charged phone call rates. They, however, do make use of your data connection (that is, your mobile internet, whether GPRS/EDGE or 3G). So if you're on a low-limit plan or using a pay-per-kb plan, you could end up with a hefty bill if you video-chat for hours. Some programmes are capable of using a wi-fi connection, where again data limits may apply. (Note that users on 2G networks will not be able to video-chat and may experience lags in audio-chats as well.)

Two, VoIP calls are only possible between users of the same service. For instance, you can only Skype-chat with someone if both you and they are on Skype. In VoIP telephony, you're not actually dialling anyone's phone number (though this might be possible with some services on payment)—you are effectively pinging another user.

Skype

Skype is almost a synonym for voice- and video-chatting on the net—plenty of us have been doing it for years, using our computers, webcams and mics to stay in touch with loved ones far away. But you can make free calls—voice-only or video—from your mobile as well (both mobile-to-mobile and mobile-to-computer). Skype is available for iOS, Android and Symbian, and works with either your phone's data connection or wi-fi. Check out Skype.org for details, or get it via your mobile's app store. While Skype may not be the best VoIP app out there, its popularity gives it a boost—it means there's a good chance the person you want to chat with is already on Skype.

Viber

Viber is another great application to make phone calls and send texts for free over your mobile data connection or wi-fi. Viber's USP is that it integrates with your phone's address book—which means you can "call" your contacts. No registration, no usernames required—your phone number is your Viber identity. Once installed, it needs to be activated with an access code, after which you can call or SMS anyone in your contact list who also has Viber installed. As of now, it is available for the iPhone and Android phones—with a BlackBerry version in the works—and is interoperable between these platforms. There is also partial support for the iPod touch and iPad. Get it from Viber.com.

Fring

Fring is neat little app for messaging and voice- and video-chatting over mobile devices. Make free video calls to contacts who are also Fring users, including group video calls (up to four people; but make sure your Internet connection is really good!). You can also send text messages to Fring contacts. It is available for the iPhone, Android phones and some Nokia phones over the Ovi Store. More on Fring.com.

And more...

There are dozens of other VoIP apps available—and even more if you are willing to pay—but Android users ought not to forget Google Talk, which comes preinstalled on Android phones, while iPhone users have FaceTime. Both have video-chatting capabilities, though they are not interoperable across platforms.

It all makes you think twice about having to pay for expensive calls, doesn't it?

Payal Dhar is a freelance technology writer

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Free Calls

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Internet calling: Cheap & best - mydigitalfc.com

Internet calling: Cheap & best - mydigitalfc.com

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