S60Tips.com

It’s almost one year since I reviewed VoIP applications for S60. Recently, that "old" posting got a lot of hits because of a link from Symbian Guru (thanks to dotsisx). Since there have been a few changes in the last one year, I would like to revisit that posting.

 

Gizmo

Gizmo is one of the most popular SIP applications. It is available on many different platforms, including Windows, Max, Linux, and now S60. There is a Java application for S60 available at Gizmo5.com. However I do NOT recommend it. I would recommend the native Gizmo application. You can download it from Nokia Beta Labs -> so it is still in beta phase.

Visit Nokia Beta Labs to download Gizmo for S60

 

 

Truphone

Truphone used to be my favourite VoIP application. It is integrated seamlessly with the Contacts application. As you can see from the screenshot below, I can just select Options | Internet call in the Contacts application.

One feature that I like from Truphone is the ability to switch between networks automatically. For example, when you are at home, it connects to your home’s WiFi network; when you are at the office, it connects to your office’s WiFi network; when you are somewhere else, it connects to your 3G network.

Visit Truphone Web site and register and download the application

 

 

EQO

EQO uses different approach than other applications. It uses cellular network to route VoIP call. In other words, you make a normal cellular network to EQO server, which then performs direct your call via VoIP network. It might be beneficial in some cases. For example, you don’t have WiFi network and don’t want to pay an expensive data call.

Another nice feature from EQO is that it supports many Instang Messaging networks, including MSN, Yahoo and Google Talk.

Visit EQO Web site and register and download the application

 

Skype

Skype was the pioneer in VoIP application. It is remain one of the most popular VoIP applications. It is available on several different platforms; recently it adds S60 to the supported platform. Since it is pretty new and still in beta phase, there are still some bugs.

Point your mobile browser to http://www.skype.com/m to download Skype for S60

 

 

 

 

fring

fring was probably the first S60 application that offers a "true" VoIP call. Before that, there were some VoIP services that uses GSM network, such as EQO.

Just like Truphone, fring allows you to specify access points group. It means it will switch the network automatically depending on where you are.

One thing to note that fring does not have its own network to do VoIP call. It uses other network, such as Skype, Gizmo and some other SIP providers. It also supports many IM networks (see screenshot below).

Visit fring Web site to register and download the application

 

 

Yeigo

Thanks to archimides who has left a comment on my previous posting about Yeigo. I haven’t really used it heavily, but it looks like a nice application and easy to use.

Point your mobile browser to http://www.yeigo.com/downloads to download Yeigo

 

 

Others

Besides all the applications above, there are also some Java applications, such as Nimbuzz and Talkonaut. There might be some other applications that I haven’t covered yet. There are simply too many VoIP applications these days. I am not sure whether all of them will make money. IMO, many of them will just disappear in the next couple of years. There will be only a few of them that will survive.

Recommendation

• If you are looking for VoIP application that is integrated with Contacts application, use Gizmo or Truphone.
• If you are looking for VoIP application that supports Instant Messaging, use fring or EQO.
• If you don’t have WiFi-enabled phone or have no unlimited data plan, use EQO.

Bonus Link

• Looking for A VoIP Application For Your S60 (Symbian-Guru.com)