Described by Apple itself as the ‘funnest’ iPod ever, the iPod touch may now be the ‘useful-est,’ too — thanks to free software, Truphone for iPod touch, that effectively turns one into a mobile phone.
Not only is the software free, but calls made using Truphone’s application for the iPod Touch are also Free; just in time to save precious cash when making those Christmas calls to friends and family.
Once installed, and with the addition of microphone adaptor (Microphone adaptor accessory via: Apple Store U.S.), an iPod touch owner can make free calls – no matter where any are in the world – to other iPod touch owners, to customers of Truphone’s Internet telephony service, and to users of the Google Talk™ instant messaging service.
Truphone for iPod touch will soon offer the following features:
• Making and receiving calls to and from landlines (PSTN) at low cost (simply set yourself up with a Truphone account)
• Instant messaging to Skype and MSN (free)
• Calling to Skype users (free)
• Calling to MSN users (free)
• Check and set facilities for Twitter (free)
• Check and set facilities for Facebook (free)
The software uses the iPod touch’s Wi-Fi connection to carry calls over the internet to its destination. There is no monthly line rental, no subscription or other hidden charges.
Truphone for iPod touch is available (free) via Apple’s App Store here.
Truphone is also available for iPhone (free) via Apple’s App Store here.
Truphone on Apple iPhone:
Why Apple hasn’t come out with this for WiFi use only (no conflict with AT&T;) is crazy. Apple, buy them out asap…
I have been using TruPhone on my iPhone since it was released
works great, love it!!
This is great! I am wondering though how this does not duplicate a function already on the ipod/iphone. You know the “phone” feature. How did this get the “ok” when other apps didn’t.
Given the obvious need to connect via Wi-Fi, this hardly turns the iPod Touch into an iPhone. I lose my Wi-Fi connection before I even reach my apartment’s lobby. So perhaps it’s more accurate to say this software turns your iPod Touch into a land-line.
TruPhone is nice, but no amount of various IM protocol support will bring it anywhere near the intuitiveness and simplicity of an ordinary phone. You dial the number, it rings on the other side; somebody dials your number, your phone rings. No special applications to run, no special log-in, no extra usernames/passwords. You turn your phone on, it’s ready to make and receive calls.
This is the reason none of these Skype-type applications will ever achieve the popularity and ubiquity of the phone (which is over 130 years old!).
I use Truphone. It is very good.
I was one of those users who went to Europe the week after the original iPhone came out and came home to a $3200 bill from AT&T;. It wasn’t from wi-fi use, it was from roaming on a data network. Now iPhone software gives you the option of turning off roaming on a data network (and comes that way by default). Also, AT&T;now offers package data deals in Europe and many other places which made this year’s trip under $100 for data use.
I’m looking for Apple to come out with a VOIP option for use on iPhone and/or iPod Touch via wifi. Why else would they have come out with earbuds with a microphone for the iPod touch (that don’t even work on the iPhone)
I love and use Skype…why can’t they do this?
does anyone have a recommendation/link to a microphone accessory for the iPod touch that will work with this? Thanks!
@Alec
How much of the $3,200 did you have to pay AT&T;?
Yeah, what about Skype?
Once Apple initiates global satelite WIFI access, the iPod Touch will sell like there is no tomorrow. Oh wait Nationwide WIFI access is impossible. Oh well it was a nice dream for the moment.
So far not very good ratings on iTMS, and why in the heck can’t I get a microphone for my 1st Gen Touch? Give me a break. One of the reasons I got the Touch in the first place was to eventually be able to use Skype. There was a Microphone that used to work with first Gen. Touches before OS 2.x came out, but Apple seems to have disable that feature for those of us who took the time, trouble and expense to buy into the first Gen. There’s really no reason for Apple to disable the audio I/O capabilities on the first Gen. Touch – Bring it back fer crying out loud! And while we’re at this, how’s about an external keyboard for the iTouch – And don’t make it 2nd Gen. only!
Can i use this app to call cell phones?
Uhm, if you want to use your Skype account, just get FRING. It’s rated better than TruPhone.
I wish Apple would make an iPhone that had wifi built in and that you could use on a regular cell phone plan instead of the more expensive data plans.
Why did MDn take my comment off here regarding having the iphone on overseas and being charged a lot? What are they afraid of?
They also took my cooment when i asked” when my 2yr agreement ends and I don’t want service anymore, is there a way to make iphone work so i can still use wifi and truphone?
I have tried to download Truphone for the iPod Touch and it won’t allow me to do it. I couldn’t download it directly to the Touch nor would it allow me to install it from the downloaded app from my MacBook. It stated when I tried to install it directly from the App store, “Application Not Compatible This application can only be used on an iPhone.” This was despite the fact that the app was named, “Truphone for iPod Touch.”
Do you mean they read this wonderful service at Apple and have ‘shut down’ the iPod Touch option? Would make sense unfortunately… I would think that my use of my Touch as a phone would only make me MORE interested in making the jump to a iPhone… not less because it would only be usable where I might happen to have a wifi connection.
Anybody else encounter this or have suggestions?
Note that it’s generally about 6 cents per minute (in USA and Canada) for calls outside of Skype and Truphone. Their rates info is posted on the http://Truphone.com website.
I have a question in to my Callcentric provider to see what plans they have for iPod touch or iPhone support.