iPod touch becomes a functional phone

Oct 6, 2008 06:43 GMT  ·  By

The moment many have been waiting for is finally here. fring, a WiFi-based VoIP app enabling even owners of an iPod touch to place calls and talk using Apple's new headset with a built-in mic, has been approved by Apple, and can now be acquired from the iTunes App Store. The application is free to download and use, while feedback is greatly appreciated.

Last week, a poster on fring's community website claimed to have spotted an announcement on the developer's iPhone page saying that fring was “available on the iPhone App Store making it easy for anyone to use fring on the original iPhone, iPhone 3G or iPod touch.” We had our doubts about this, and while the iTunes App Store description differs, it turned out to be true.

fring's mobile internet service & community allows you to talk, chat & interact with other fringsters & all of your online buddies (fring, Skype, MSN, GoogleTalk, AIM, Yahoo, Twitter, ICQ) using your iPhone's internet capability. Enjoy voice calls (VoIP) over WiFi and stay connected with your online world with instant messaging from anywhere using fring's multiple connections (3G, WiFi, GPRS, Edge). You can even check-out each other's availability in real-time, with fring's cool dynamic contact list display.

fring & 3G iPhone—it's fringing freedom!

So what can fring do for you? Well, as an iPod touch owner, you now own a great communications device as well. Not only does fring allow you to call all your friends, but it also lets you chat through instant messages, using the app's built-in IM client. Check out the screens below.

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Credits: iTunes App Store

Feature highlights include VoIP calls over WiFi, instant messaging, integrated dynamic contact list with real-time contact availability, SIP integration and multiple connection types.

fring is compatible with iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPod touch. While the app was only available for jailbroken devices before, all you need now is OS 2.0 (or newer) for your respective device. Download here and enjoy! Don't forget, you'll also need Apple's special mic-enabled headset to use with the touch. iPhone is good to go as it is.

Video demonstration