Vonage has just lowered the barrier to free VOiP calls from your mobile device. By simply downloading an app to your Android or iOS device (which includes iPhone and iPod Touch with iPad support on the way), you can have a voice conversation with any of your Facebook friends, worldwide.
The Vonage Mobile application for Facebook comes from one of the leading providers of high-quality voice and messaging services over broadband networks. After installing the app, a single touch of your screen lets you call up any of your FB friends for free. The service works over Wi-Fi and 3G /4G networks in most countries.
“The Vonage Mobile app for Facebook is a tangible example of our commitment to deliver extraordinary value and a better communications experience for individuals and their social networks, across broadband-enabled devices, around the world,” said Marc Lefar, Chief Executive Officer of Vonage Holdings Corp. “This is just the start. In the future we will expand on this service to include a wide range of integrated voice and messaging services that change the way people communicate.”
There is no need to remember cryptic usernames or phone numbers. The app just taps into your existing Facebook network and displays your friend list. Just touch to talk. Their profile pic is displayed when dialing or calling so that you can identify them. To get started:
- Downloads the app from the iTunes Store, Android Market, the Vonage fan page on Facebook or vonage.com/talkfree.
- Enter your Facebook ID and password into the app (one time only).
- Your Facebook contacts are automatically loaded and are grouped by friends who can be called for free and friends available for instant messaging on Facebook. A Vonage logo will appear next to the names of friends who have downloaded the app.
- Invite additional Facebook friends to get the app so that you can call them.
- Touch a friend’s name from the Call Free list to make a free call anywhere in the world; no need to be online.
- Your phone rings for incoming calls, even if the application is closed.
Given the size and popularity of Facebook and the proliferation of Android and iPhones, this is a pretty big announcement. Not only from the standpoint of being able to make free calls over your data connection, but it opens up many new possibilities. You may not have a problem chatting with someone you know on Facebook, but you also may not be ready to give them your phone number. Phone numbers are also kind of a pain. This eliminates the need for them, letting you call people simply based on their identity. The application is cross-platform, which is always a good thing.
There aren’t many people using the app yet, so go download it and tell us what you think in the comments.