Truphone + Skype = True VOIP On The iPhone

I have to admit I was a more than a bit shocked when Apple let Trufone’s app onto the iPhone. I mean, who ever thought a (1) true voip app, (2) with excellent voice quality, (3) that let’s voice calls that aren’t routed through AT&T, would be allowed while (4) Apple and AT&T’s exclusive deal was still in place?

But there it was. Moreover, it works great.

In the weeks since its release Truephone has seen almost weekly updates. It now works with the iPod Touch, offers some great packages and more. But that’s just the beginning.

Beginning January 12 Truphone will introduce Skype calling and IM to its iPhone and iPod Touch application.

For someone like me who, for under $5 a month has unlimited SkypeOut calling, this is nothing short of amazing.

I’ll be speaking with Truphone CEO Geraldine Wilson late tomorrow afternoon and will have a post on the interview, as well as a sneak peak of the new functionality tomorrow night.

For details on Truphone visit the site HERE.

The full press release after the break…

TRUPHONE INTRODUCES SKYPE CALLING AND INSTANT MESSAGING TO iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH APPLICATIONS

London and San Francisco–Jan. 6, 2009—Truphone today debuted the ability to make and receive Skype™ calls and instant messaging (IM) to the entire Skype user base from its iPhone™  and iPod touch™ applications. The service is scheduled to be available to all customers during the week of Jan. 12.

The introduction was made at "ShowStoppers @ Macworld 2009" and will be showcased at the Truphone stand (#3228) at Macworld for the remainder of the week.

This represents one more step toward making Truphone the open "all-in-one conversations hub" for iPhone and iPod touch users.
Truphone customers on both Apple devices can now reach their Skype friends via their Skype IDs. This further expands the universe of people with whom Truphone customers can stay in touch.

Separately, Truphone also announced today the availability of well-known instant-messaging services using the Truphone application on the iPod touch™ and the iPhone™.

"The introduction of Skype calling and instant messaging represents yet another breakthrough for Truphone," said Geraldine Wilson,Truphone CEO. "What this means for Truphone’s customers is that they can now call or message all their Skype friends using their iPhone or iPod touch. This allows iPhone and iPod touch users to have a choice in how they stay in touch with friends and colleagues around the world—all within the one application."

Truphone-to-Skype communications are free over the Internet, and iPhone users can also place and receive Skype calls and messages when not in a Wi-Fi-accessible location for the cost of a local call*, using the Truphone Anywhere feature.