The iPad debuted this week end, and there is already a way to turn it into a phone and make free and cheap phone calls worldwide with it. Truphone was the first to launch an application for the iPhone, so it is more or less something of the like that is launched for the iPad. The main difference would lie in the display - there is a considerable increase in display area, and Truphone's iPad app seemingly wants to make the most of it.
What's in it for the communicator? Same song. Wireless VoIP calls through Wi-Fi and 3G, integrated IM contacts, including those on AIM, Google Talk and MSN, and presence information. The VoIP calls cost starts at 5 cents per minute, which is very cheap compared to traditional phone rates, but higher compared to the cheapest VoIP rates around. You can download the application from there.
Image: Apple's iPad © apple.com
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One thing that I’d be looking forward to on a device like this would be the implementation of a camera for VoIP video calls.
Your wait is almost over… I seen an HP SLATE on youtube that look very impressive. It has 2 camera, 3MP on the back and a VGA on the front for video conference call. I will wait for it to release and probably buy 1. I don’t like the iPad because it doesn’t support Flash which many website still use it…
Hi Thomas, thanks for the tip. I’d seen some other similar devices to the iPad that are definitely targeting the weaknesses of the iPad; though there is just something about the unified build of Apple products that just makes them a pleasure to use (even with the hefty price tags).