Global IP Solutions announced the availability of video chat technology for iPhone developers to incorporate video conferencing/video chat into their mobile applications.

Global IP Solutions announces the availability of video chat technology for iPhone developers to incorporate video conferencing/video chat into their mobile applications.

With GIPS VideoEngine Mobile, iPhone developers can rapidly integrate high quality real-time video chat or multi-point video conferencing into iPhone applications that resolves the issues related to IP networks such as delay, jitter and echo.

As iPhone market share continues to grow rapidly with more than three billion application downloads in nearly 80 countries, application developers can rapidly build and deploy video chat applications that overcome typical mobile constraints such as packet loss, bandwidth constraints, background noise and lip synchronization.

8x8 announced that an update to its Virtual Office Mobile application which supports business voice services over 3G is now available in the Apple iTunes app store for iPhone and iPod Touch models.

It came out of nothing. Releasing a new version of iPhone SDK last week (along with the reveal of the iPad) Apple lifted 3G VoIP restrictions on the iPhone. Since then VoIP calls are not only available over Wi-Fi but also over cellular networks and more and more companies announces that their apps are now 3G friendly.

Apple is allowing iPhone owners to use Internet calling services over cellular networks. Several companies offering VoIP services said this week that Apple now allows their applications to work on the iPhone.

VoIP calling has been available on the iPhone, but only over Wi-Fi connections, which don't have the range of 3G cellular networks.

Apple's earlier decision to block a Google calling application triggered an inquiry by the Federal Communications Commission, which is investigating competition in the wireless industry.

Apple said at the time that it blocked Google Voice because the program duplicated some of the iPhone's features, and that it was still studying the application.

Two months after the FCC sent letters to Apple, Google, and AT&T - the iPhone's exclusive U.S. wireless carrier - AT&T said it had tweaked its technology to allow VoIP services on the iPhone to work over its 3G wireless network, even though the services challenge AT&T's core calling business.

AT&T also revealed that Apple wasn't allowed to enable any Internet calling applications that use AT&T's 3G network without AT&T's permission. Apple vowed to get VoIP applications into its App Store.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski on Thursday praised Apple's latest decision, calling it "an action that will create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and provide more choices for consumers."

Acrobits adds the ability to make calls over 3G or Edge networks to Acrobits Softphone, the leading SIP Softphone for the iPhone and iPod Touch. Users will now be able to use the softphone to make or receive calls even when no Wi-Fi connection is available. Combined with Acrobits’ recent addition of universal support for Push Notifications, this is great news for the ever-expanding world of VoIP.

Now that Acrobits Softphone works over 3G, SIP users with an iPhone have a truly portable softphone. You can now make calls with your VoIP account anywhere you have a 3G or Edge connection. And since Acrobits’ Push Notification service allows you to receive calls when the softphone is closed, you can receive calls anywhere you have a 3G or Edge connection as well. “We believe adding 3G capability puts Acrobits Softphone at the forefront of the integral mobile VoIP market,” says Acrobits.

Acrobits has consistently improved Acrobits Softphone to keep up with customer’s needs and the iPhone’s capabilities. They use this same dedication on their white label softphone clients. This has put them at the top of the iPhone VoIP market, and may eventually make them a name in the larger VoIP world.

fring on iPhone is now available over 3G networks. This announcement immediately follows iPhone’s long awaited decision to allow third party VoIP applications running over 3G networks onto its iPhone App Store.

fring iPhone applications enabling Voice and Video over Internet, have been available over WiFi internet connection since launching on the iPhone App Store back in April 2008. This announcement means iPhone fring users can now make free voice and video calls over 3G or Wi-Fi internet access, and, depending on their access and preferences at any given time, easily switching between the two to stay connected any time, anywhere.

In addition to enabling voice and video calls over the internet over 3G and Wi-Fi to other fring users, fring users can call their friends on Skype, GoogleTalk and MSN and all their friends on regular phone lines via Skype-Out and hundreds of popular SIP services.

fring is a mobile communication hub that lets users make free calls, video calls, live chat, update profiles, share files and talk with fring friends and friends from several Instant Messaging services like MSN, AIM, GoogleTalk and Skype, in addition to interacting with popular online social networks including Twitter, Facebook and more, all from one integrated fring contact list.

In addition to the iPhone/iPod touch, fring supports thousands of devices on multiple platforms including Symbian S60, Android, Windows Mobile, J2ME, Linux and Intel’s Moblin devices.

Truphone adds to the list of innovative ways users of its iPhone and iPod touch applications can make and receive free international calls through its partnership with Voxbone, provider of free +883 iNum numbers.

Through the partnership, customers can now make and receive free mobile VoIP calls via other iNum service providers, including Gizmo5, Jajah, Rebtel, and others.

Under agreement with Voxbone, Truphone assigns individual iNum freephone numbers to its users with iPhone and iPod touch devices when they sign up.

The service is in addition to the free calls Truphone customers can make to each other and to Skype and Google Talk users when both parties are connected to Wi-Fi; and instant messaging to Skype, Google Talk, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and AIM communities.

Customers who want to know what their iNum +883 numbers are simply need to email Truphone Customer Services on: .

In addition to Truphone, service providers such as Rebtel, Gizmo5 and others route calls directly to the Voxbone gateway and charge nothing to complete calls. However, traditional operators charge fees to route calls to iNum numbers. Truphone and Voxbone advise customers to verify the fees that apply when dialing iNum calls routed via traditional operators

8x8 announces the release of "8x8 Virtual Office Mobile," a WiFi-driven extension of the 8x8 Virtual Office VoIP business phone service customized for the Apple iPhone and iPod Touch.

Available as a free download in the App Store, "8x8 Virtual Office Mobile" enables subscribers to utilize their Virtual Office phone number and service remotely from within any WiFi zone. "Virtual Office Mobile" essentially converts an iPhone or iPod Touch to a Virtual Office extension, equipped with the features, functionality and built-in cost savings of the powerful 8x8 Virtual Office hosted PBX phone service, including unlimited inbound and outbound domestic calling as well as overseas calling at competitive 8x8 international rates. Inbound calls to the Virtual Office extension can be retrieved from either an 8x8 IP desktop phone, the 8x8 Virtual Office Pro unified communications portal or the iPhone/iPod Touch mobile handset. Outbound calls can be made directly through the mobile handset just as with any extension on the Virtual Office service. Users can also perform functions such as extension dialing, call transfers, 3-way calling, and voicemail notification and retrieval.

Acrobits, a Czech Republic-based mobile software development company, has just released their latest white label clients for the iPhone: PLFon, TeleSIP and sipcall.

This comes on the heels of their recent announcement to put renewed focus on creating white label softphones for the iPhone. These SIP VoIP providers are now on even footing with the VoIP giants that already have their own softphone applications on the iPhone.

Acrobits releases three new white label clients for the iPhone; PLFon, Telesip and Sipcall. This comes on the heels of their recent announcement to put renewed focus on creating white label softphones for the iPhone. These SIP VoIP providers are now on even footing with the VoIP giants that already have their own softphone applications on the iPhone.

The white label clients give the providers access to iPhone customers they might not reach otherwise. Though Acrobits Softphone is compatible with virtually any SIP provider, some customers are more likely to use a provider that has their own softphone. While techies love plaving with different softphones and comparing VoIP operators, your average VoIP user is going to do most of their calling through one provider. Having your own iPhone Softphone application brings you one step closer to convincing customers to give your service a try, rather than one of the other hundreds of VoIP operators that are out there.

Acrobits is already working on Softphone clients for other VoIP operators, including Gizmo5. “VoIP service is a highly competitive industry and VoIP usage on mobile devices, especially the iPhone, will play a large part in deciding who tomorrow’s leading VoIP providers are,” says Acrobits. As the VoIP market grows, Acrobits remains dedicated to providing both VoIP users and providers with the best Softphone on the iPhone.

vNow you can also make cheap calls and send text messages all over the world from your iPod Touch! Simply visit get.vopium.com from your iPod or download Vopium to your PC or Mac from iTunes.

Vopium is a free application installed on your iPod Touch (2nd generation) allowing you to turn it into a mobile phone. When your iPod is connected to WiFi, you can make calls and send text messages over the internet using your normal mobile number. You do not pay any charges to your mobile operator. You only pay Vopium's low international call rates. You can obviously also use your iPod to make national calls. Just remember that you need to acquire a Microphone adapter to make calls.

When people call or text you back, you will receive the call and text message on your regular mobile phone. Thereby you are sure to always receive the call and text, even when you are not connected to WiFi

Instant messaging, integrated with MSN, Skype, Gtalk, Yahoo, AIM, ICQ and Twitter, will be added soon! We are doing the final round of testing and are eager to share it with you guys.

Needless to say this new version obviously also works on your iPhone.

Acrobits announces a new focus on providing SIP VoIP providers with their own custom-made iPhone Softphone. Acrobits can quickly provide a VoIP provider with their own custom iPhone application, allowing their existing customers to make calls via the iPhone. It also opens the door to new subscribers that already have an iPhone.

Acrobits has taken it to the next step. “By designing custom Softphone applications for them, we have found a way for VoIP providers to increase their market share in the lucrative market that the iPhone created,” says Acrobits. Peoplefone may be one of the first, but it is certain that many other VoIP providers will be interested in having their own custom designed application for the iPhone and Acrobits is ready and able to make them and their customers happy.

Though they have a renewed dedication to creating white label versions of their popular Softphone, don’t think that Acrobits will be neglecting their flagship product. Future versions of Acrobits Softphone will add support for multiple calls, call forwarding, voicemail, and many other features that VoIP users crave. Both Acrobits Softphone users and users of their white label clients will benefit from these added features.

fring announces the first ever mobile video calls over Internet for the iPhone. These holidays, only iPhone and iPod touch users with fring can talk with and also see their family and friends on Skype or fring, from anywhere, for free, over Wi-Fi internet connection. This is the first video over internet service on the iPhone or iPod touch.

This video feature is embedded within the fring application that enables free voice calls from the iPhone and iPod Touch to other fring users, Skype and GTalk buddies as well as friends on regular phone lines via Skype-Out and hundreds of popular SIP services. fring users can live chat, update profiles, share files and talk with friends from several Instant Messaging services like MSN, AIM, GoogleTalk and Skype, in addition to interacting with popular online social networks like Twitter, all from one integrated fring contact list.

The new fring version with video calls support is currently available to users with iPhone/iPod touch OS 3.0 (only incoming video-stream available, due to the location of the camera) and selected Nokia Symbian S60 devices (2-way video streaming is available). In addition, fring supports thousands of handsets on multiple platforms including Symbian S60, Android, Windows Mobile, J2ME and Linux devices.

Just a week after fring brought world’s first video calls over IP to mobile, the company announced “the first ever” mobile video calls over internet for the iPhone.

fring video enables users to conduct video calls with other users as well as with Skype contacts over their device’s Wi-Fi or 3G internet connection, with support for mobile-to-mobile and mobile-to-desktop calls.

Rebtel lets iPhone owners make international calls to any phone, anywhere in the world for just pennies per minute without having to search for a Wi-Fi hot spot. Free calls are possible between the 53 countries where Rebtel is available.

Using the new Rebtel iPhone app is super easy and fast. Just open the app, select the phone number of an international friend from your usual iPhone address book or type in their number, tap the Call with Rebtel button, and Rebtel takes over from there to connect the call instantly.

The V Phone offers a key advantage that is sure to grab the attention of users of other mobile VoIP software. Rather than locking iPhone users into working with a single VoIP provider, it lets users choose between multiple providers of their choice for voice calling. The V Phone nullifies the single provider protocol and lets users choose the most cost-effective provider for each task, a capability that is unique among such programs. In addition, the V Phone app is the first ‘open and configurable’ app to also offer SMS messaging over IP.

The V Phone’s SMS features offers two standard VoIP provider networks, as well as an option for entering the user's own provider of choice. The app’s VoIP calling and text messaging options works with WiFi, allowing for convenient coverage without the need for a SIM card. Additionally, iPhone users can now make 3G/GPRS/HSDPA VoIP calls. With an intuitive, attractive graphical user interface and simple installation steps, the V Phone makes it easy for anyone to save money and start getting more out of their mobile or cell phones.

Matrix has released a video on You Tube demonstrating to iPhone users on how easy it is to configure and use the app.

Matrix has submitted the app to Apple for approval and believes it should be available in the App Store within 2 to 3 weeks.

After demonstrating how easy it was to eavesdrop and record VoIP calls made over an unsecured WiFi network on the iPhone using open source software called UCSniff, Sipera Systems, which offers real-time Unified Communications (UC) security, released the Sipera Secure Live Communications (SLiC) mobility solution.

The company claims Sipera SLiC is the industry’s first security solution enabling enterprises to “tame” the smartphone, permitting employees to use VoIP, UC, cloud telephony, and other low-cost and feature-rich communications applications on mobile devices with complete security and privacy.

Over the weekend, Sipera Systems demonstrated how easy it was to eavesdrop and record VoIP calls made over an unsecured WiFi network on the iPhone. Using open source software called UCSniff, the security team hacked into the iPhone's VoIP calls proving that without security software, mobile VoIP calls might not be ready for business clients. The software has actually been around for awhile, but it just recently added the ability to listen to calls as they take place rather than after the fact.

Of course, Sipera does have a vested interest in showing us how easy it is to hack mobile VoIP calls. Today the company announced their Sipera Secure Live Communications (SLiC) mobility solution which promises to provide enterprise-class communications privacy and security for VoIP and UC on smartphones. The solution even includes a smartcard card-authentication system before users can access enterprise applications. Sipera believes the solution will allow businesses to provide smartphone-based VoIP services for their employees--saving call-minutes and high costs associated with employee cellphone use.

Read more:
- check out this article on the hacking demo

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Speakeasy introduces EasyVoice Mobile for iPhone, published by JNSoftware LLC. EasyVoice Mobile brings the savings and flexibility of Speakeasy Hosted Voice (VoIP) to business customers using the iPhone, including free international calling to 22 countries and integration of Speakeasy's Remote Office functionality.

The EasyVoice mobile iPhone application is available for purchase only to Speakeasy business customers as an extension of Speakeasy's Hosted Voice service, and includes the following key features:

• Remote Office: Receive calls on your iPhone via your office number and make calls that appear to come from your desk phone
• Free international calling to 22 countries (with select rate plans)
• Integration with iPhone contacts
• Full call history for your business line, as if you're sitting at your desk
• One-click access to key office phone functionality
• Instant access to voicemail

Speakeasy Hosted Voice not only saves customers money over traditional phone services, but also helps them work smarter with advanced calling features. In addition to Remote Office, EasyVoice Mobile gives users more control of business calls made and received on an iPhone, including the ability to place calls on hold, set the do not disturb function and transfer calls to another number or voicemail.

After “evaluating customers’ expectations and use of the iPhone compared to dozens of others AT&T offers,” the operator has finally taken the steps necessary so that Apple can enable VoIP applications on iPhone to run on AT&T’s wireless network.

Previously, VoIP applications on iPhone were enabled only for Wi-Fi connectivity. At the same time, AT&T has offered a variety of other wireless devices that enable VoIP applications on 3G, 2G and Wi-Fi networks.

Vonage has launched Vonage Mobile, its first mobile calling application for smartphones. This free downloadable application provides seamless, low-cost international calling while on Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

It’s available for download on the iPhone, BlackBerry and iPod touch.

The app works with the existing mobile plans, what lets you keep your number, mobile device, existing contacts and mobile service provider.

Three investment banks have been fined hundreds of thousands of dollars for their poor communications to clients about circumstances surrounding the Vonage IPO in 2006. Citigroup, UBS AG, and Deutsche Bank AG will have to pay a total of $845,000 in fines and restitution assessed by The Financial Regulatory Authority (FINRA), according to a Reuters report.

The FINRA said the banks, which led the underwriting of Vonage's disastrous IPO, improperly outsourced communications with clients about the purchase of Vonage shares. An outside firm told bank clients that purchased Vonage shares that they had not, and in the interim before the banks could remedy the situation and inform the new Vonage shareholders of their buy, the shares tanked from their $17 initial valuation. FINRA ruled that the banks were liable for the money these individuals lost and fined them for their negligence; Citigroup must pay as much as $250,000 in restitution and $175,000 in fines; UBS must pay as much as $118,000 in restitution, and $150,000 in fines; and Deutsche Bank must pay as much as $52,000 in restitution and $100,000 in fines.

As the Reuter's article deftly notes, Vonage shares closed at $1.44 on Monday.

For more:
- see the Reuter's article hosted at The New York Times here 

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C2Call launches with FriendCaller 3 its iPhone OS 3.0 version of FriendCaller, the only iPhone app on iTunes that can establish a free Internet call with anyone on the Internet. This breaks with the convention of allowing free calls only between registered users of a service who had to have installed identical software first.

FriendCaller is an easy-to-use, browser based VoIP solution allowing users to make free calls from the website to anyone on the Internet, with no software installation for the “callee” or person being called. Additionally, the invited call participant is not even required to register. The peer-to-peer calls work with any browser on Windows, OS X and Linux, and now with FriendCaller 3 as an OS 3.0 app for the original iPhone, iPhone 3G, 3GS and the iPod touch (2nd Generation).

FriendCaller 3 defines a new, much more user-friendly and intuitive standard for VoIP apps on an iPhone. “The days when users first had to sign up, then download and install software and exchange user IDs prior to talking with each other are gone,” said Martin Feuerhahn, CEO of FriendCaller developer C2Call GmbH.

FriendCaller 3 users simply send the patent pending Callme links directly from their iPhone via email to anyone on the Internet, or place their personal Callme links on their social media profiles, i.e., FaceBook, Twitter, etc. A web-phone starts once the link is opened on any browser with no installation or registration requirements for the person receiving the call invitation. That person simply clicks and connects!

FriendCaller 3 makes great use out of a new iPhone OS 3.0 feature called “Push Notification.” With Push Notification, a FriendCaller user whose app is not open receives call notifications and instant messages (IM) on his or her iPhone screen which appear as a text message. By opening the notification, the app starts, and the user can call immediately if in WiFi, or text via IM in Edge/3G.

With OS 3.0, Apple also has also opened “In App Purchasing,” which makes paying for FriendCaller Call Credit even more user-friendly. FriendCaller calls are free, and only calls to phone numbers are charged by the minute. FriendCaller provides global coverage, with calls to most countries in North America and Europe cost only 2 cents per minute.

In App Purchasing will be available with the soon-to-be released advertisement-free FriendCaller 3 Pro version. Devices on OS 2.0 are still supported by the FriendCaller Instant VoIP app available on the iTunes App Store. Users can continue to keep and use their user ID and password for all FriendCaller app versions and the FriendCaller Website.

Vonage shares have been skyrocketing after reports surfaced about the company's plans for an Apple iPhone App, according to a Bloomberg report. Vonage has been on its largest three day stock rally since May 2006, according to Reuters, and the bundled plan the company announced last week just didn't warrant the gains for most analysts.

An approved iPhone app would be a boon for Vonage, which has been languishing with a huge debt load and high churn, unable to grow its subscriber base to reach profitability.  

A Barron's blog report, however, said Vonage's request with Apple has been delayed by technical issues, according to an interview with Apple spokeswoman Natalie Kerris. She confirmed that Vonage has submitted an iPhone application for review, however.

Apple's App store and its take on VoIP applications has been in the news all week, as the FCC probes Apple's rejection of Google's Google Voice app. Will Apple allow Vonage's app, which could pose a threat to wireless revenue for its iPhone partner AT&T?

AT&T, which maintains it had nothing to do with the Google Voice removal, said its agreement with Apple allows VoIP over WiFi, but prohibits applications that access the 3G cellular network for voice call transmission.

For more:
- see the Bloomberg report here
- see the Reuters report on Vonage's stock rally here
- see the Barron's blog on Apple's comment on Vonage's app here 

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AT&T had no part in the decision to remove Google's Google Voice iPhone application from the Apple iPhone App Store, according to a 16-page letter the telco sent to the FCC.

AT&T maintains that while it has an agreement with Apple to restrict voice applications that leverage wireless networks operated by AT&T, it retains no control or review privilege for any iPhone application and Apple alone acted to remove the application. In addition, AT&T said the agreement limiting VoIP applications did not extend to VoIP apps that leverage the iPhone's WiFi capabilities.

In the letter AT&T specifically mentions that part of the initial iPhone exclusivity contract required Apple to block VoIP calling functionality on the iPhone in order to protect AT&T's monthly service revenues. AT&T said in the letter that it would take a fresh look at allowing VoIP over its 3G data network as a result of the controversy regarding the Google Voice removal and subsequent FCC probing of its practices related to VoIP. 

For more:
- see the ZDNet.com article here 

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Pros and cons of Google Voice from around the Web
Google Voice app pulled from iPhone App Store

Not long after Apple removed the official Google Voice application and any other applications that use Google Voice functionality from its iPhone App Store, the Federal Communications Commission has asked both Apple and AT&T to clarify the reasons of the removal.

The companies just answered FCC and published their statements.

A bit surprisingly, Apple stated that the company has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it.

Google Voice has been all the rage lately, and this week was no exception. In addition to reports and analysis of Apple and AT&T's removal of the Google Voice app from the Apple iPhone App Store, there have been some interesting takes on the service in general.

Nerd Vittles has a really good primer on how to connect the Google Voice client to any Asterisk system, as well as reports on progress for a Python interface for Google Voice.

Basically, with a little tweaking you can use a Google Voice account for free U.S. calling and SMS from Asterisk phone systems by leveraging a DID with free inbound calling. Nerd Vittles provides an in-depth look at the benefits of this set-up, as well as all the code necessary to make it work.

VoIP opinion blog truvoipbuzz.com takes the opposite approach in an editorial about eight reasons why you should not use Google Voice as your primary phone number. The article lists limitations in carrier networks, spotty SMS reception, and overall reliability issues as evidence that Google Voice is not a good choice for your main line.

I'm impressed by Google voice's international rates, especially to mobile devices, but the voicemail transcription is really awful currently. I tested it several times and found about a 60 percent success rate, which left the messages largely indecipherable. I did not have problems, however, with excessive rings between connections, as some have noted. If you've got an account, what are your thoughts on Google Voice and its performance so far? 

For more:
- see the Nerd Vittles GVoice-Asterisk primer here
- see the truvoipbuzz.com article here 

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Voiceserve unveiled the Vippie Softphone Dialer for the iPhone and iPod products. Voipswitch customers now have the facility to expand their modules to include the iPhone, thus giving them more scope to expand and enhance their businesses. The Vippie Softphone for iPhone is specifically designed and can be incorporated in softswitch’s other than the Voipswitch Solution. The Voipswitch iPhone dialer has the same features as the very popular Voipswitch Symbian dialer.

Vippie Mobile dialer creates new revenue opportunities for service providers by extending services to private customers and multi-tier corporations. With the mobile dialer, service providers have the best of both worlds – voip efficiency combined with mobile phone connectivity. These translate into a competitive high-performance solution with a low cost of communication.

Apple and AT&T have found themselves in some hot regulatory water over the removal of Google's Google Voice application from the Apple iPhone App Store. The FCC wrote both the CE manufacturer and the nation's second-leading wireless carrier on Friday for clarification on the reason for the removal, citing potential anti-trust violations. Neither Apple nor AT&T commented on which company initiated the removal or the reasons behind it.

FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said in the two letters that his commission's duty to encourage competition in the wireless space for consumer interest compelled him to seek more information about the Google Voice application removal.

The FCC action could mean big things for other VoIP application makers, both in regards to the iPhone App Store, and others such as the BlackBerry App World and Palm's nascent application market for its Pre handset. Skype and Google, most notably, have pushed the FCC to mandate open access for applications on cell phone carrier networks, as TechCrunch's Erick Schonfeld notes. Schonfeld sees the FCC's interest as a sign that regulation may move toward creating "dump pipes," which is an exciting prospect for VoIP players, but one likely to meet fierce resistance from mobile carriers protecting their wireless revenues. 

For more:
- see the TechCrunch article via the Washington Post here
- see DigitalBeat's write up of VoIP applications for the Palm Pre here
- see Information Week's coverage of the FCC action here 

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INTERVIEW: In the last six months the likes of AT&T, Verizon and Korea Telecom have launched media phones as the market for connected entertainment products begins to grow.
But Oz Zimerman, corporate vice president of marketing for the DSP Group, told voip.biz-news that such devices must offer consumers something different - rather than trying to compete with the next generation of PCs.

Nimbuzz, the popular IM, voice and social networking aggregator, announced it has updated its iPhone app client and launched a Mac desktop client. Nimbuzz says it is very popular in Europe especially, and the company said 1 in 5 iPhone and iPod Touch users in the Netherlands and France have downloaded the Nimbuzz application.

In this update, Nimbuzz added IM VoIP support, file-sharing capabilities, push notifications and location sharing using the GPS capabilities. Nimbuzz also has had success winning contracts to have its application preloaded on mobile devices, inking deals with Toshiba and Indian firm Spice Mobiles. 

For more:
- see the TechCrunch article here 

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Nimbuzz launches new iPhone & iPod touch updates with a brand new desktop client for Apple Mac computers. Friends on Nimbuzz call and chat with each other for free. They access their favorite instant messaging and social networks with one login and from one location, using the internet or Wi-Fi. Today's announcement brings Nimbuzz' award-winning product to Mac desktops and laptops in addition to the iPhone, iPod touch and a wide range of other mobile handsets.

The first version of the Nimbuzz iPhone client has experienced remarkable growth; a quick look at current user statistics demonstrates iPhone users' love affair with Nimbuzz:

• In just 9 months since launch, Nimbuzz enjoys Top 10 ranking on all iTunes AppStores in Europe, Latin America & the Middle East, including regular No. 1 What's Hot positions in influential iPhone markets such as the UK
• Nimbuzz for iPhone & iPod touch has achieved massive penetration and popularity. For example, 1 in 5 iPhone users in France and in the Netherlands are using Nimbuzz
• Nimbuzz has witnessed an average 848% growth in downloads of its iPhone & iPod touch apps in key European markets since the iPhone OS 3.0 update
• Nimbuzz is one of just 5% of Apps to boast more than 100,000 active users, with an active user base of more than 41%

Today's launch of its comprehensive Apple suite, which underlines Nimbuzz' commitment to the Apple platform, builds on this early dominance. As a natural step in the evolution of Nimbuzz' platform-specific development and support strategy, the launch is designed to capture the enormous future growth potential of this platform.

The new Nimbuzz for Mac desktop client boasts a slick Mac look and feel and supports the widest range of instant messaging and social networks available from a single unified app for the Mac today, including Facebook, AIM, MySpace, Google Talk, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, ICQ and many more.

Nimbuzz for Mac is the only IM product to provide high-quality VoIP calling direct from the desktop among instant messaging buddies on Nimbuzz, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and Google Talk.

The iPhone and iPod touch app upgrade enable typical media-savvy iPhone users to share photos, music and videos with their contacts. Files are stored online, saving device memory and making them easily accessible from different access points. They can also be saved on the device, on demand and for free.

Nimbuzz also integrated Push Notification into the update, with home screen alerts of incoming calls or chats, effectively keeping users available to the rest of the world even though the app itself has been closed.

Adding to Nimbuzz's existing list of feature innovations, like landscape-mode chat for the iPhone and Dial-Up VoIP over 3G and 2G networks, is a brand new buddy list layout, featuring an intelligent display of avatars and presence information including which community a friend belongs to and if that person is currently online on a mobile phone or computer.

Last but not least, Location Sharing is now available on the iPhone application, allowing Nimbuzz buddies to share & retrieve their physical locations on a map, making it easier than ever to find each other.

Taridium announces the immediate availability of the ipbx iPhone interface for its award-winning enterprise PBX solution. With the ipbx mobile interface your employees always stay ahead of the game. Visual voicemail allows them to listen to their office voicemail directly from their iPhone, check their recent calls, call users back as if they were at their desk and even host telephone conferences. This does not only save money, but also allows access to the Taridium unified voicemail system, where a single mailbox serves VoIP phones, mobile phones and any other phone that supports conditional call diversion.

If required for compliance reasons, all calls passed through the mobile phone can be recorded and immediately reviewed on the phone. Users are presented with a familiar interface that seamlessly integrates their iPhones into the office telephone system.

The Taridium ipbx iPhone interface comes standard with all ipbx installs and with Taridium's ipbx eXpress software. The interface is compatible with Apple's iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3G S.

A new app is offering iPhone users a way of making Skype calls using 3G by turning outgoing calls into incoming ones.
Appropriately called Incoming, it connects to any landline or mobile phone over Edge, 3G, and WiFi - whereas the official Skype for iPhone app is limited to WiFi.

T-Mobile Germany is reconsidering its VoIP strategy as a rival carrier works on special VoIP plans.
The change of heart is in sharp contrast to T-Mobile's threat to cut off VoIP users - both physically and contractually - after Skype announced the release of its iPhone app in March.

Vopium has become the latest mobile VoIP provider to introduce an iPhone application.
The addition to its supported handsets comes as the company was named winner of this year's European Mobile VoIP Technology Innovation Award by Frost & Sullivan.

Stop me if you're heard this before two dozen or more times: Company starts mobile VoIP service to bypass expensive long-distance calls, using free downloadable client. Company introduces iPhone application. Do a find on "Company" and replace with "Vopium"

As a promotional incentive to get iPhone users to download the app from Apple's App store, Vopium is offering 30 minutes of free calls and 30 SMS text messages to "get started" says the press release, and then users drop into the usual and all-too-familiar world of pre-paying for credits, free call through WiFi when available, and redirecting calls along the cheapest routes via VoIP.

Net-net, we've been here before -- way too many times. Vopium joins a crowded room of mobile VoIP characters that includes established players like Skype for iPhone - with its 1 week/2 million downloads - and Truphone.  

For more:
- Vopium's press release in the evil .PDF format.

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Skype for Apple iPhone rolled out at CTIA - FierceVoIP

Skype reported Tuesday it has logged 2 million downloads for its Skype for iPhone application, a bit more than a week after the application was released at CTIA. To get such a number, downloads have had to occur at an average of two to three per second since the app first appeared.

It's a big number considering that around 4 million iPhones have sold between product launch and the end of 2008, but you could dilute it down a bit if you throw in however many million iPod Touch owners may have downloaded the app.

Regardless, 2 million downloads in a week is still a big number, no matter how you might want to divvy up the pie between the total number of iPhones and iPod Touches sold. It is also likely a number to grow larger and be freely bandied about during Skype's lobbying efforts at the FCC and the EU, as it fights restrictions and/or banning of the application by carriers.

For more:
- Review Skype's blog on hitting 2M downloads.
- Ars Technica estimates around 4 million iPhones sold between launch and end of 2008.  

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Skype for Apple iPhone rolls out Tuesday

As soon as Skype released its iPhone application,  problems emerged with using it with carriers both in Europe and the US.
In a USA Today article last week, a senior AT&T official, Jim Cicconi, suggested that the carrier, in cooperation with Apple, expects device vendors to block consumers' access to Skype's VoIP application that competes with AT&T's own voice service. "Skype is a competitor, just like Verizon or Sprint or T-Mobile,” he said.

Skype for iPhone, will be available on the Apple App Store beginning today. The app also adds Skype calling and instant messaging to any second generation iPod touch with a compatible headset and microphone.

?Skype software for the iPhone has been the number one request among our users. We are delighted to deliver on this request and put Skype into the pockets of millions of people around the world who are carrying iPhone and iPod touch devices,? said Scott Durchslag, Skype?s Chief Operating Officer. ?Skype for iPhone will open up new ways for more than 400 million Skype users to stay connected and take their Skype conversations with them. Skype for iPhone is an experience that offers the same simplicity, ease-of-use and quality our users have come to expect from Skype, combined with an elegance of design and richness so loved by Apple?s many customers worldwide.?

The application delivers core Skype capabilities including:

• Free Skype-to-Skype calls from any Wi-Fi zone to other Skype users worldwide
• Call landline or mobile phones at Skype?s great low rates from any Wi-Fi zone
• Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups via 3G, Wi-Fi, GPRS or EDGE (whichever is available)
• Receive calls to a personal online number on Skype
• See when Skype contacts are online/available to IM or talk

Skype for iPhone requires a Wi-Fi connection to make free Skype-to-Skype calls or low-cost Skype calls to mobiles and landlines. Users will not be charged by Skype for making and receiving Skype-to-Skype calls using an iPhone or iPod touch. Skype?s normal low rates apply if using Skype to call landlines or mobiles.

The app uses Wi-Fi, 3G, GPRS or EDGE (whichever is available) to sign into Skype, update a contact list, maintain and update presence and send/receive instant messages. Skype recommends an unlimited data usage plan for using Skype over a mobile data connection to avoid being charged by a wireless service provider for 3G, GPRS and EDGE mobile data usage.

Profile pictures of other users in a Skype Contacts list are also visible, making it easy to identify them. In addition, users can update their own Skype profile picture from within the Skype for iPhone app, either by choosing an existing image from a photo album on the device, or by using the camera on the iPhone to take a new photo.

The Skype application for the iPhone or iPod touch will be available for free from Apple?s App Store on both devices, or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

JAJAH, a mobile VoIP company based in Mountain View, Calif., announced the launch of new white-label VoIP services for Windows Mobile, BlackBerry and Symbian mobile operating systems Thursday at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. The solutions will enable VoIP calls over WiFi and cellular networks, and they are being pitched to carriers who can offer the services under their own brand.

JAJAH has already rolled out its platform for the iPod Touch and the iPhone, and the addition of these mobile operating systems dramatically expands the solution's potential reach. JAJAH is touting the white-label solutions as end-to-end applications that carriers can brand and launch with very little development expense.

"Every carrier faces pressure to develop new services to keep hold of their subscriber base," JAJAH CEO Trevor Healy said. "JAJAH gives carriers the ability to roll out these proven, simple to use services no matter which device their customers have, with almost zero time to market or development cost."

JAJAH's move to be compatible with all major mobile operating systems is a necessary market move for the company. The versatility of the client will make it all the more attractive to carriers seeking value-adds to their offerings. 

For more:
- see the JAJAH press release here 

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Gizmodo gives Jajah's iPod touch VoIP application a workout and gives it a preliminary thumbs up.

The new app enables both vanilla voice calling and sending/receiving of SMS text messages over WiFi.  The app will also work over an iPhone WiFi connection; but forget about 3G or EDGE.

Call quality is a "tad on the tinny side" says the reviewer, and there's a bit of lag as data passes through Jajah's servers. 

Gizmodo speculates that Jajah will cut a deal with mobile carriers on branded solutions offering flat rate VoIP services using Jajah's technology.

For more:
- Gizmodo does a hands on blog with the app.

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JAJAH announces a complete revamp of the iPod touch, turning the device into a fully functioning mobile phone for consumers. The new capability, available as a white label solution, enables carriers as well as non-carriers to launch the service under their own brand and provide their customers with the ability to make low-cost phone calls and send SMS text messages to any phone in the world from their iPod touch. To use the service, end users only require an iPod touch and a Wi-Fi connection, with no need for a SIM card or contract.

Move over, iPhone

The iPod touch is one of the most popular consumer devices in the world for music, entertainment, Web-browsing and now, making phone calls.

"Millions of people around the world already have an iPod touch in their pocket. With JAJAH's solution, any company can turn their customers' iPod touch into a fully functioning mobile phone," said Trevor Healy, CEO, JAJAH. "The device is particularly popular amongst students, who live in a world where Wi-Fi access is always available and, like everyone, they are looking to save costs, so this is a perfect solution."

JAJAH's next generation IP communications platform gives its partners everything they need to launch the service immediately. This includes the application itself, plus the entire suite of management services, from termination of the calls and quality control, right through to billing and processing payments in 200 countries around the world.

Given the economic downturn, consumers are seeking ways to make calls on any mobile device they own, as inexpensively as possible. "Offering a turnkey solution provides iPod touch users with added value," said Jon Arnold, principal analyst of J Arnold & Associates. "This is a prime example of how JAJAH's innovative platform helps carriers differentiate their services."

Connection made easy ...

Anyone with the latest version of the iPod touch will be able to download the service from the Apple App Store. With a microphone headset (available from Apple), users will immediately be able to make calls and send SMS messages from their device from any Wi-Fi network in the world. Calling costs will be up to 98 percent cheaper than existing rates on mobile networks, and in many cases could be free.

A platform for everyone (else)

JAJAH's plug-and-play IP platform is the only service that provides the full suite of services required to develop, deploy and monetize IP communication services anywhere in the world. The JAJAH platform is used by a number of the world's largest companies including Intel, Yahoo! and Comcast, and allows any company to offer value-added-services (VAS) to their customer base with no upfront payment or development work, saving millions for its customers and ensuring partners are prepared for the next generation of service provision.

JAJAH continues to develop innovative communications services. In the coming months the company will announce a range of new data communication services, applications and partnerships.

SHAPE Services released its cross-platform application IM+ for Skype in the App Store on iPhone. IM+ for Skype enables text chat and cost-effective calls to Skype contacts and to any phone numbers. Reliable callback technology is used for calls thus providing best phone call quality with no extra delays and latency typical for VoIP.

IM+ for Skype is available in App Store on iPhone under the Social Networking category.

IM+ for Skype is fully compatible with Skype calling plans such as Skype Unlimited or Skype Pro thus making possible significant savings on mobile communication including long distance calls.

Currently IM+ for Skype is also available for RIM BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Symbian, J2ME, Palm and Android smartphones.

i2Telecom has announced that its MyGlobalTalk service is now available for the Symbian S60 operating system.
The service has just been approved for inclusion on Android's Marketplace and has been submitted for approval on the iPhone App Store.

The options for VoIP calling on the iPhone are expected to continue expanding with both Skype and Truphone expected to join a growing list of VoIP apps for the Apple handset.
Truphone already provides an app for the iPhone which enables users to make low-priced international calls via the GSM network even when the smartphone is not connected to the Wi-Fi network.

As Skype rolled out its latest beta version for the Apple Macintosh family this week, Truphone was trumpeting its support for making Skype sessions through its service. Now, if Skype could only fix Mr. Jobs's hormonal problem. We don't think that will be the topic of Skype's press conference on Thursday at CES 2009, but we wouldn't bet against it, either.

The Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac has a number of new Skype features that currently aren't available on other operating systems yet, but will be later in the year. Skype Access provides a pay-per-minute Wi-Fi hotspot access service through Bongo Wireless and leverages billing using Skype credits. Current charges for Bongo WiFi access through SkypeAccess are at $0.19 per minute.

Screen sharing is another new feature; Skype Mac users can "share" the screen view with Skype for Windows and Skype for Linux users; reciprocity with the other operating systems is expected later in the year. 

Other new bells and whistles include improved chat management, a quick add feature, a mood message chat (Hmm, to be followed by the USB mood ring enhancement?),  larger profile pictures, and the ability to add notes to contacts.

Also grabbing headlines at the San Francisco MacWorld show, Truphone showed it can support Skype calling and IM on the iPhone and iPod touch from its apps. The service is scheduled to be available to all Truphone customers next week and enables Truphone customers using iApple devices to reach Skype users via Skype IDs; in a separate announcement, Truphone also announced it would support other IM services on the iApple devices.

For more:
- Skype's release on version 2.8 for the Mac
- Truphone blogs on its Skype support for the iPhone and iPod touch

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Truphone debutes the ability to make and receive Skype calls and instant messaging to the entire Skype user base from its iPhone and iPod touch applications. The service is scheduled to be available to all customers during the week of Jan. 12.

The introduction was made at ?ShowStoppers @ Macworld 2009? and will be showcased at the Truphone stand (#3228) at Macworld for the remainder of the week.

This represents one more step toward making Truphone the open ?all-in-one conversations hub? for iPhone and iPod touch users.

Truphone customers on both Apple devices can now reach their Skype friends via their Skype IDs. This further expands the universe of people with whom Truphone customers can stay in touch.

Separately, Truphone also announced today the availability of well-known instant-messaging services using the Truphone application on the iPod touch and the iPhone.

?The introduction of Skype calling and instant messaging represents yet another breakthrough for Truphone,? said Geraldine Wilson, Truphone CEO. ?What this means for Truphone?s customers is that they can now call or message all their Skype friends using their iPhone or iPod touch. This allows iPhone and iPod touch users to have a choice in how they stay in touch with friends and colleagues around the world?all within the one application.?

Truphone-to-Skype communications are free over the Internet, and iPhone users can also place and receive Skype calls and messages when not in a Wi-Fi-accessible location for the cost of a local call*, using the Truphone Anywhere feature.

Screenshots available at Truphone.

• Skype calling using Truphone for iPhone/Truphone for iPod touch
• Instant messaging using Truphone for iPhone/Truphone for iPod touch

The VoIP mobile software developer Truphone has launched a beta version of its iPhone app for RIM's BlackBerry 8801 and Curve devices.
While Truphone Anywhere for Blackberry only works on WiFi enabled BlackBerrys at the moment it will be rolled out for 3G at some point.

Smoothstone IP Communications has developed a mobile interface that allows corporate call centers to be controlled from anywhere in the world using the iPod and iPhone.
The company says Apple’s new support for corporate security standards allows it to provide a secure, enterprise solution for IT professionals to use when they are out the office environment.

FreedomVOICE unveiled its Newber Beta, the first location-aware business number, at CTIA in San Francisco today. Newber Beta is an application that resides in the iPhone as a fully functional second line and uses positioning technology to locate and seamlessly transfer calls to nearby landlines, even during an in-progress call. The commercial version of Newber will soon be available to iPhone users through the iTunes Applications store.

Newber Beta enables iPhone users to:

• Save money by avoiding the use of cell phone minutes
• Never miss or drop a call when in a ?dead zone?
• Conserve iPhone battery power

?Newber Beta is the first moveable number that utilizes iPhone?s own location awareness,? explained Eric Thomas, founder and CEO of FreedomVOICE. ?Just touch the keypad once or twice and Newber calls are automatically moved to the nearest landline. It?s that easy.?

By enabling the easy transfer of mobile calls to a desired landline, Newber Beta?s unique location-awareness corrects long standing flaws of more primitive moveable numbers.

?Other so-called moveable numbers need a computer or require clumsy commands to switch phones,? said Mr. Thomas. ?Since Newber Beta uses iPhone?s own GPS system to connect to nearby phones, it is the first moveable number that?s practical and convenient.?

Newber Beta delivers an independent number that can be assigned to any phone, sparing the caller the task of dialing multiple numbers for mobile, home, work, etc. Newber Beta also allows a person to take business calls on their private phone without giving out personal information.

A highly anticipated capability of the commercial release is ?Contact Finder.? A Newber user will be able to simply tap a name on the contact list and all of that contact?s numbers will be automatically dialed in sequence. Manually dialing one number after another will be a thing of the past.

?Plans are in the works to introduce Newber for other mobile smart phones,? said Mr. Thomas. ?Newber is making business calls simple again.?

A limited number of beta versions of Newber are currently available free to members of the media. To obtain the free beta version or to preregister for the commercial release, visit www.mynewber.com/getbeta. Videos can be found on www.mynewber.com or by searching for ?My Newber? on YouTube.