iPhone News Updated

Truphone app gives iPod Touch telephonic ability

Truphone app gives iPod Touch telephonic ability

While more financially accessible than its front-running iPhone stable mate, the cheaper iPod Touch alternative differs markedly insofar as it does not have telephonic functionality. However, that’s all about to change after the release of a third-party application capable of turning the handset into a virtual mobile phone.

Offered up as a freeware solution, the new Truphone application takes advantage of the iPod Touch’s onboard Wi-Fi connectivity to enable users to communicate with other iPod Touch owners and also those equipped with access to Google Talk messaging services.

Built on software already created for other mobile phone devices, the Truphone application most closely resembles the hugely popular Skype voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service. And, much like Skype, the developers of Truphone hope to extend the application’s reach by adding landline connections in the near future.

According to Truphone CEO Geraldine Wilson, the freeware application will introduce “a slew of new features” including the ability to send instant messages, call landline connections and speak with Skype users in a matter of weeks as opposed to months.

While fabulous in principle and addressing a core shortfall of the iPod Touch, the Truphone application isn’t without its own compromising drawbacks.

Specifically, those iPod Touch owners looking to enjoy the proffered telephonic features will need to first purchase a clip-on microphone for the handset, while reliable two-way communication is reliant on both parties being within range of a Wi-Fi network.

Not limited to just the iPod Touch, the VoIP-based Truphone application is also compatible with the standard iPhone and a variety of other smartphones, including the market-leading BlackBerry line.

Truphone has also said it intends to bring its virtual phone application to Google’s newly released Android operating system.

[Thanks: http://www.thetechherald.com]

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