Truphone Now Enables an iPod touch to Call Any Mobile or Landline: Still No SIM, No Contract and Very Little Money
LONDON–Dec. 15, 2008—Starting today, people using Truphone’s free application for the iPod touch can make phone calls to any mobile or landline in the world, using Wi-Fi hotspots and the Internet.
When in a Wi-Fi hotspot, Truphone enables an iPod touch to behave in the same way as a typical mobile phone. Wi-Fi hotspots are commonplace in offices, schools, campuses, at home, and even across entire town and city centres.
Truphone calls to landlines and mobiles cost from just UK£0.03/US$0.06* per minute (U.K. to China or U.S., for example), and the service is available from more than 200 countries–helping people to significantly reduce the cost of holiday calls to friends and family.
*Rates as of Dec. 15, 2008.
**Microphone adaptor accessory currently available at Apple stores.
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About Truphone
The first true mobile internet network operator, Truphone allows users of Wi-Fi-enabled mobile phones to make and receive regular telephone calls, and to send and receive SMS (text) messages, using only a Wi-Fi connection and the Internet. It has users in 149 countries.
Truphone is the trading name of Software Cellular Network (SCN). SCN is privately owned, funded by both venture capital investment and angel investors.
Notes to editors
1. Truphone for iPod touch is downloadable, free, from the App Store in the same way as other applications.
2. Once installed, and with the addition of microphone adaptor (Truphone microphone adaptor available soon)**, make free calls from a Wi-Fi hotspot - no matter where you are in the world–from as little as £0.03/$0.06* per minute. See www.truphone.com/pricing for full pricing information.
3. Calls to other iPod touch owners, to another Truphone user and to users of the Google Talk™ instant messaging service are free.
4. 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.
5. Truphone launched an initial version of Truphone for iPod touch on Dec. 4 (announcement).
Screenshots: Truphone for iPod touch
Requirements
• A second generation iPod touch (i.e., current model);
• A free download of Truphone for iPod touch;
• A headset and microphone like those for the iPhone. These may be bought at high street electronics retailers or from an Apple Store
Making a Truphone call on an iPod touch—This couldn’t be simpler: Truphone displays a virtual keypad for dialling the number.
Apple and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the United States and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. Google Talk is a trademark of Google Inc. Google Talk is not a telephony service and cannot be used for emergency dialling. Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Truphone is a trademark of Software Cellular Network Ltd. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.
It would be great to be able to have this app at my disposal when I'm out in the field doing repairs. I'm going to check into it more.
JOHN
Posted by: Denver PC Guy | February 13, 2009 at 12:51 PM
Having just got an iPhone on the cheapest O2 contract available it works out as follows:
18 month contract at £35 per month (£630)
Subsidised purchase of 8GB iPhone at £100
Total cost of an 8GB iPhone for 18 months before I've even made a call - £730
Cost of a high end 32GB iPod touch - £262. Equivalent 8GB version - £160.
Saving a whopping £570 over 18 months - that's why people don't get an iPhone!
I love the service but will be getting my girlfriend an iPod for Valentine's Day.
Posted by: Matt | February 12, 2009 at 10:31 AM
I agree with the above comment - Why not get an iPhone. A year ago if you had a tight budget and didnt want to be commited to a mobile plan then perhaps you might consider this. But now given that you can pretty much get the iphone for free with O2 (obviously with a monthly fee) the monthly cost over a year only just rises above the cost of an iPod Touch with headset accessory, but you get a whole lot more for your money i.e. an actual phone that works anywhere and doesnt require a WiFi connection! But you still can't deny that Truphone is a great option for VOIP calls.
Posted by: Martin iPhone Wizz | February 12, 2009 at 03:55 AM
I think an iPhone is a better option for the public but for those who have tight budget in terms of gadgets and techological consumption, an iTouch is a definite alternative.
And with Truphone, there simply is little difference between an iTouch and an iPhone. The good thing with truphone is that a person can simply call ANYONE in the world. And with the vast users of iPod touch around the world, the free instant messaging and calls to co-ipod users is definitely a big hit. I just hope that the initial call cost would not increase in the coming months.
Ipod downloads
Posted by: Sparks | February 04, 2009 at 06:31 AM
This is cool, but why don't they just get an iphone?
Posted by: Marvin Lee | January 14, 2009 at 05:55 AM