Yesterday, Apple announced that they updated the smartphone’s SDK to enable VoIP over the 3G network. This news may have been overshadowed by the simultaneous release of the Apple iPad, but yesterday’s VoIP update should not go unnoticed, especially given its buildup over the past half a year of debate. PhoneArena.com correctly commented, “While January 27th might be known as the day that Apple announced the iPad, for iPhone users, it might be better known as the day that Apple removed the restrictions that prevented them from making VoIP calls over 3G on their handset.” The iPad may revolutionize the entire computer industry, but the lifting of Apple’s ban on VoIp revolutionizes the way that iphone users place and receive calls every day.
Arlo Gilbert, CEO of iCall, stated,
“I applaud Apple’s decision to allow iCall to extend its functionality beyond Wi-Fi and onto the 3G networks. This heralds a new era for VoIP applications on mobile platforms, especially for iCall and our free calling model. I hope that now more developers will begin using our VoIP as a platform to integrate VoIP into their applications.”
Up until yesterday, Apple has claimed that they were investigating the quality issues of VoIP apps over 3G. But reviews on the call quality of iCall seem quite positive. 9to5Mac and ZDNet ask if Skype and others will join in soon. So, what inspired Apple to make this move?
To watch an iCall video, click here.
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