Review: Fring Video Calls on iPhone 1st Gen.

Few weeks back, Fring made an exciting announcement of their ability to let iPhone users get 1-way video conference via SKYPE. I had been all too busy for the past month to do any test on it. I finally was able to spend some time with this feature and here is my feedback on using Fring Video on iPhone:

Fring installation and registration on iPhone is pretty easy; the login process is much better than back in the hay days when I was trying to use my Nokia N95-3 to make 3G network test calls. You basically choose a username, password and provide a valid email address and off you go. The app is smart enough to save the login and password so you don't have to re-login each time you use the app. The next step is to login to your Skype account within Fring. Fring also offers the bridge to login to other IM/VOIP services, check out their website for all the details.

After setting up, my first couple of video test calls using a MacBook Pro did not work, I would only get audio portion of the communication; on my MacBook Pro, the video button was grayed out and can't be gauged (LED off). Then magically, on the 3rd try, it just worked; I was able to see the videos coming through and audio pretty clearly. Speaking of audio, I did find a small bug where pressing the speaker icon did not toggle between headset and speaker output... not sure this is a common bug or just from this particular first generation "pwnd" iPhone. I plugged in a stereo headphones w/ mic and worked pretty good, in fact, this is probably how I'd recommend using if you are on the road. I placed several test calls afterwards, some went through while others got a bit choppy (it would delay the video transmission upwards of 1 minute or sometimes just not engage; at times calls would also be refused even though it was accepted). The buggy conditions are not consistent to be reproduced. Through my own surmise, I am guessing it may have something to do with having to go through Skype via Fring server? Although this is an unverified thought. While this mobile experience hasn't been perfected, I must award some much deserved credit to the folks at Fring for once again, pushing their technology envelope to bring this to your iPhone.

The concept of having video conference on the call WITHOUT having to pay a hefty fee to telecom operator is a sexy thought. Think about your next business trip and as you are waiting at an airport lounge or coffee shop and see your loved ones via WiFi network on your smartphone (of course, if it supports transmission via 3G network is even sexier). Currently Fring supports video conference on iPhone and Symbian S60 (2-ways!); its just a matter of time before Android gets picked up and I'm sure this puts pressure at Skype or even Google Talk to start supporting this feature in native form. Very cool indeed!

fringAPI Opens up fring to Developers

Just got word this morning that my favorite mobile IM application "fring" is opening up its API to mobile developers to build add-ons as part of the fring catalog which will be made available within the fring application this summer time (end of July 08). Currently, this platform is only available to Symbian S60 9.2 but will be available for other platforms later!

fring Releases Updates for Symbian and Windows Mobile

The nice folks at fring, one of the coolest VOIP/IM solution for smartphones, contacted me this morning regarding to a couple of software updates for Symbian S60 3rd edition and Windows Mobile phones. They've basically addressed a number of bugs and made some improvement in this release.

fring for Symbian (ver. 3.35) fixed a few bugs including better call quality, enable speakerphone for symbian 9.2 and allows file transfer amongst Skype and Yahoo buddies. For more information, click here.

fring for Windows Mobile (ver. 3.24) adds auto roam between 3G and WiFi along with manual WiFi settings adjustment and 8 language support (including English, French, Spanish, German, Chinese, simplified Chinese, Italian and Russian). It also supports fringME widget for webpage based interaction from your buddies. For more information, click here.

I've tried to update my phone this afternoon but haven't been successful, not sure if their server is being exhausted by all the requests; hopefully I can get this updated shortly to provide some more feedback!

Update: I just finished downloading the latest .SIS file for Symbian 9.2. It detected an older version 3.30 and replaced it with 3.35 successfully. It is much improved over 3.30, with the fring ID auto populated as my number and easily logged me in. Haven't done drastic test over this but am happy with everything so far. Stay tuned!

fring VOIP/IM Hands On Review

I had an opportunity to take a field test for the fring IM/VOIP application on my Nokia N95 today. It proved itself useful in a situation where I needed my phone to step up beyond its basic capability and live up to its name as a smartphone. For the past couple of weeks, my wife and daughter have been visiting relatives in Asia. Giving that we have a 12-hour time difference, I usually communicate with them in the morning (8~10AM GMT -5 = 8~10PM GMT +7). I rushed out of the house this morning and drove from Manhattan to Jersey to do some research in a Barnes and Nobles. As soon as I got to the Lincoln tunnel, I realized I had not gotten a chance to sign on via Skype or Google Talk this morning to arrange for picking up my wife and daughter who’s coming back tomorrow night. This would be my last chance to speak with her because in 4 hours (which will be 4AM their time), they will be off to the airport and they are about to go to sleep soon.

I brought a small Lenovo X61 with me, but 1). I don’t like to sign on unknown wireless network for security reasons and 2). I don’t think there is even an unencrypted network available for me to use anyways. I remembered recently installing fring application so I figured I’d give its VOIP functionality a true test today. As soon as I signed on fring over AT&T’s 3.5G MediaNet, I saw my family on Google Talk. After a few messages via IM (which is painfully slow thanks to N95’s standard 12-key pad), I got an incoming VOIP call from my wife. The application has a unique ring tone which makes my phone sound like a normal incoming call to anyone standing nearby. After accepting the call, I proceeded to carry on a conversation. The call in the beginning was a bit choppy. I think fring requires 10-15 seconds to establish a solid connection. I noticed during certain times when there is a boost in connection, the sound quality is as clear as a land line. Occasionally you’ll notice the sound breaking up and you can never be certain if your voice to the recipient is clear or not… I just assume when I hear the incoming sound become choppy, my message to them would be as well. I placed a second test call to Taipei with my grandmother, and in this round the call was a bit more choppy to the point where it can’t be continued.

Overall, I am pleased with the outcome of my experience using fring as a VOIP software on my phone. It got the job done and allowed me to communicate with my loved ones when I am on the go. However, I would not recommend relying on this solution as a replacement to your desktop VOIP solution just because of its uncertainty (at least not over a data network). I was lucky enough to be able to connect via 3.5G data with full bars/signal; which may be the reason why the overall call quality is acceptable (at times). I would imagine if this call is performed over EDGE network, outcome would differ. I would love to hear your feedback, especially if you’ve experienced this call via EDGE or Verizon/Sprint’s blazing fast EV-DO connection.

Pros: Amazing portable solution which will get you the VOIP needed over data network. Its applications like this that will bring a revolution to the smartphone industry. The solutions is marvelous since it uses your handset just like a phone that is intended to be. While I was chatting on it, people just assumed I am taking a regular cellular phone call. VOIP over your unlimited data package means FREE long distance calls!!!

Cons: User name is limited to the one you used to register on fring at installation, there are no advanced settings on phone to change it (so people will recognize you). In the beginning the app was making all sorts of beeping and alarm sounds which is quite loud (a little embarrassing in public places); again, there are no settings to adjust beeping volume. One time my call was ended, turns out my phone screensaver kicked in which disrupted the data connection; not sure if this is a software flaw or my phone’s flaw and I can’t find a place to adjust this setting.

Fring VOIP IM Application on Nokia N95 Symbian

I have wanted an IM application on my N95-3 for quite a while and I should have done my research before leaving for my visit to Asia (would have come in handy). Regardless, a little research on Google landed me to a product called "fring." fring is a VOIP and Chat program which enables you to log into a variety of existing IMs (Google Talk, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo, MSN, SKYPE etc). The most amazing thing is not only does it support VOIP on top of regular IM/Chat, it does it over WiFi and Data (3G or EDGE). This program is currently available for Symbian S60, Windows Mobile 5 & 6 and UIQ handsets.

Installing fring is simple. You can go to their website and fill out your phone number to receive an SMS text link or simply point a supported smartphone to their website where it will prompt for a download. I installed the 700+KB application to my phone's memory after installation. Its amazing how advance mobile applications have become; I love the fact that most applications can be installed stand-alone over the handset today. This application does require you to register an account name and password over the handset; with four required fields filled out and submited, I was on my way to connect to my IM of choice.

So far, I've only signed into Google Talk and used it at its bare minimum (instant message). I've yet to test its VOIP function via Data network or WiFi. The operation thus far has been flawless and simple to use. I am thrilled to see that most of the popular IM applications are supported in a one stop shop. Stayed tuned for more updates once I get a chance to test its VOIP using Google Talk and Skype.