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Video calling over 3G comes to Iphone 4
COMMUNICATIONS OUTFIT Fring has managed to pull off an impressive coup by getting past Apple's App Store censors and publishing an application that outdoes one of Apple's own.
Fring's latest version supports video calling, much like the Facetime feature that Apple CEO Steve Jobs demonstrated at the launch of the Iphone 4. However, unlike Apple's application, Fring allows users to hold video conversations over 3G networks.
At the Iphone 4 launch, Jobs ended his demonstration by saying that the software would only work over WiFi networks, requiring a bit more work before it could be used while connected to 3G networks. It was unclear whether Jobs was referring to mobile operators' 3G networks, the Iphone itself or its software.
It seems that extra work has been done courtesy of Fring's developers. The application supports video calling much like Facetime over both WiFi and 3G networks. It allows video calling between Fring and other session initiation protocol (SIP) users. Reportedly it also works over Skype.
Apple usually clamps down on those applications that it believes can encroach on the limited functionality of its own products. After all, it's not particularly good for Jobs and his minions to be upstaged by a bunch of likely lads who have created something that offers more functionality than a multi-billion dollar technology fashion house.
Though Fring does support video over 3G, it's more than likely Jobs does have a point when it comes to usability of video conversations over crowded 3G networks. After reports that US Iphone 4 users can get less than a tenth of the Iphone 4's theoretical 3G bandwidth and with mobile operators imposing stingy data quotas, fanbois who want face-to-face conversations might, perish the thought, actually have to go out into the real world.
One wonders how long it will take before Apple realises that the Fring team has created a more desirable alternative and pull the free application off the App Store.
In the meantime, Iphone 4 users who haven't been burnt and are able to get reception can rub Steve Jobs' nose in it by taking advantage of Fring's app. µ
Tags: Apple
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The reason that video call is not able over 3G network due to reasons of cost and speed is not acceptable. First of all there are users who are willing to connect to their family by seing them.
I am a frequent traveller and work outstations, i need the video call to see my kids and wife. I think getting close to family is must more valuable.
Apple should seriously enable video call using 3G. Without this, i am holding on to Nokia.
Another "top rated" app on the way? Might want to check your Itunes account bill, though.
Blocking video calls over 3G *does* make sense to a point, in the default product. There's a big difference between deploying FaceTime to ALL iphone users, whereas Fring will only be deployed to those who want it. That will be a subset of the population of users, so less of an impact on the network.
Apple won't be blocking these products, as what else would the front camera be used for? If they didn't want people to use it, they wouldn't have published the API.
"It was unclear whether Jobs was referring to mobile operators' 3G networks, the Iphone itself or its software."
Of course it's operators blocking video calls. It says that in the name right? Video CALL, you're calling someone over their network, but it's data traffic, so the can't bill you shitloads of money for it.