Viber for iPhone could give Skype a challenge
Viber is a new free VoIP app for the iPhone. It allows you to talk using the AT&T data network, rather than the cellular network. I kept looking for a catch, but there isn't one. Works on WiFi and 3G. Check. You don't need to create a friends list. Check. Alerts you to incoming calls without the app being open. Check. No ads. Check.
International and domestic calls between 2 Viber equipped iPhones are free. You aren't burning your voice plan minutes, and soon there will be an Android version. Of course, if you have a metered data plan, you may have to watch out to make sure you don't exceed the limit, but many long-time iPhone users are still hanging on to their unlimited data contracts.
In my tests, voice audio quality is terrific. It makes you realize how bad the AT&T wireless voice audio quality really is. Registration for Viber is completely pain free: you give Viber your phone number, and then they text you with an access code. You enter the access code into the app, and then you are on your way.
The Viber interface looks just like the built-in iPhone dialer. You can see your regular contact list; the difference is that friends who are on Viber are marked so you know who you can call for free. You can even call out to non-Viber equipped phones, but you'll use your regular minutes.
I'm not really sure how this app made it by Apple and AT&T. Apple has complained about apps that duplicate built in functionality, or mimic the iPhone GUI. This does both. On the other hand, Google Voice finally made it onto the iPhone, and I guess competition may be persuading Apple to lighten up.
I tried both domestic and international calls. Everything worked, but one call dropped when the caller moved into an area of bad 3G reception. There really aren't any negatives to this app. It's free, it works, and it doesn't require the app to be running to be useful. Of course here in the US, calls to other AT&T phones aren't charged anyway on most voice plans, but when Viber shows up on Android and other handsets it's going to make a small dent in the communications universe. Remember that if you are overseas you could be getting high charges for just using data. Be sure you know what your data plan says before using this app from outside the US.
I'd suggest that you don't walk, but run to the app store and download Viber. The developers say they are working on iPod touch and iPad versions. You can install the app on an iPad now, but you get a warning that it won''t work. I don't know how the developers expect to make a business with this app. I'm guessing additional services and features will cost money, but as of now I don't see any downsides to Viber. It's easier to use than Skype, and unlike Skype it alerts you to incoming calls without requiring the app to be running. Viber also lets you know if you missed a call. The app requires iOS3.0 or greater. Here's a video showing how Viber works.
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Viber is a new free VoIP app for the iPhone. It allows you to talk using the AT&T data network, rather than the cellular network. I...
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Hi,
I'm excited to announce that Viber 1.1 has just been released.
This new version focuses on the addition of small new features, and mainly - bug fixes.
For release notes and the full fix list, I invite you to visit Viber's AppStore page and download Viber 1.1
In addition, I would like to draw your attention to our major updates in our Privacy Policy. We changed confusing clauses and made them much clearer, in accordance to users' feedback.
We would like to thank you for that feedback in the past 2 months, that allowed us to improve and better our service noticeably.
If you have any questions, don't hesistate to ask.
Thank you,
Viber Media.
Hey everyone,
This is the Viber Team.
As we promised, I am now excited to announce that we have a new solution for the SMS-code problem!
If you still did not get the SMS (text message) with the activation code of Viber, please check out the following link that explains how to fix it:
http://support.viber.com/entries/360078-what-should-i-do-if-i-don-t-receive-my-sms-access-code
Please let us know if this really helped you activate and use Viber.
we wish you Happy New Year!
the Viber Team.
Hi everyone,
I have 2 good news :)
First - A NEW VERSION OF VIBER IS AVAILABLE!
the main, important things that were fixed are:
- fixed: call screen disappears during call
- fixed: crash during startup
- fixed: voice engine audio interrupt issues (e.g. incoming GSM call)
get your new Viber version with all the latest fixes, and see the full list of fixes at: http://itunes.apple.com/app/viber-free-phone-calls/id382617920?mt=8
Second - there is now a special Viber Newsletter for Android users.
If you have an Android, and can't wait until Viber could work with your phone, please register to our Newsletter, and get all the latest updates to your email: http://eepurl.com/bW1Ln
Feel free to reply to me with any question you have,
Viber Team.
For those who don't have an iPhone, check out this demo of Viber here online: http://bit.ly/ViberDemo
You click on boxes just like how you would touch the iPhone screen to use the app.
Hi everyone,
Thank you for all your feedback and comments regarding Viber.
As for some of the questions raised here:
- We are currently working on Viber intergration for Android and Blackberry. once this happens, you will be able to call your friends between different providers (in the USA).
- About people who had trouble receiving the text message with the Activation Code - please see our related post in our Support Forums: http://support.viber.com/entries/345272-what-should-i-do-if-i-don-t-receive-the-access-code
of course, we would love to assist you with any other questions/suggestions you might have about Viber through our Forums: support.viber.com
Of course, international calls, within any country and between different countries, are available between anyone who has Viber and a WIFI connection - for free.
December 08 2010 at 4:51 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyUnlimited India Calling
No per minute charges, simply Unlimited Calling to India at Monthly Flat Fee
http://callmyworld.blogspot.com/2010/12/unlimited-india-calling.html
hi, how do install Viber if i dnt own a iphone? thk u
December 06 2010 at 12:00 AM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyHi!
You already have a similar app called Tango - http://www.tango.me
that has the advantage of having iOS and Android versions...
for me the big issue with those two apps is the addressbook access they need to function...
Why couldn't that be an option for the user?
Hmmm so you can only call Iphone users? how many people in India have Iphone. I think http://www.callarc.com solution is better = call from anyphone to anyone around the world for free
December 05 2010 at 12:05 PM Report abuse Permalink rate up rate down ReplyDuh ! Of course there's no catch... unless you consider your privacy (and even more, all your contacts' privacy !) to be worth more than some "free" calls.
I strongly recommend against using such apps when you do not have explicit permission to share or give away data of all the people in your phonebook - they might not sue you, but you do not deserve their trust if you do that.
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