| VoIP client software adds roaming, Yahoo and AIM messaging |
Feb. 06, 2008
 Fring has updated its mobile VoIP software for Windows Mobile 5 and 6 devices. Fring version 3.3 now adds instant messaging (IM) capabilities for Yahoo and AIM, as well as software that eases roaming between wireless internet service providers, according to the company.
Like previous versions of Fring, the new release is a VoIP client that allows users of WiFi-equipped Windows Mobile devices, or phones with 3G data plans, to make free or low-cost calls to other users with compatible software. In addition to Fring, such software is available from FWD, iSkoot, Skype, Gizmo, and Raketu. Generic clients supporting Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) services are also supported.
While calls between VoIP users are free, charges are necessary when calls are made to or from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). Hence, some of the companies mentioned above make their revenue from providing this connection through services -- Skype's SkypeOut and SkypeIn, for example. However, Fring, which hasn't disclosed its revenue model, neither charges for its software nor runs any "in" or "out" gateways of its own. Nor does it offer VoIP routers, or other infrastructure. Instead, it operates on a "bring your own network" basis, it says.
Fring operates on Windows Mobile (left) and Symbian (right) devices
New features
Fring previously interoperated with Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, and MSN Messenger IM services, and version 3.3 of the software now claims compatibility with AIM and Yahoo Messenger. Touting the cost advantages of IM over SMS, Fring adds that its software shows all IM buddies on an integrated contact list, regardless of service.
In addition, says the company, users can activate a "fringME!" web feature, making themselves contactable from any PC via their own web pages, blogs, E-Mail signatures, or Myspace pages. Those with GPS-enabled handsets can choose whether to have their real-time location displayed via a pop-up GoogleMap, Fring says.
Fring now also supports the Wireless Internet Service Provider roaming (WISPr) protocol, intended to standardize public WiFi providers' billing and authorization procedures. The software recognizes and connects to any WISPr-compliant network a user has logged into before, according to the company.
Finally, version 3.3 of Fring includes a new file transfer feature that allows users to swap music tracks, pictures, video clips, and other files between each other directly over the air, without using email or other connections. Unfortunately, file transfer is only available on the Symbian version of the product, and will be added to the Windows Mobile edition at a later date, according to the company.
Availability
Fring runs on Windows Mobile 5 or 6 smartphones, or WiFi-equipped PDAs, and is available from the company's website, here.
Related stories: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
news feed