Truphone is going beyond mobile by launching a desktop application that brings the same benefits the company’s mobile users can already enjoy to a computer near you.
VoIP telco Truphone have released a desktop app to allow pay-as-you-go VoIP calling from PCs, Macs and Linux. Truphone, In other words, using the Truphone application on your computer you can save on phone calls as well as chat with your buddies across instant messaging networks, now rebranded as “Tru”, have long been in the mobile VoIP business, first with Symbian phones, then expanding into iPhone (and iPad), BlackBerry and Android.
This is the first time that Tru have allowed users to access the network from outside the mobile domain. May be as part of this strategy to tackle the desktop and notebook VoIP market, the company has a new name – TRU. The lack of the “phone” part clearly reflects that it’s not just a mobile phone service anymore.
The free downloadable Tru app allows calling from the desktop via the same pay-as-you-go top-up system that they employ for mobile. It is also possible to associate local numbers with the desktop app, so that you can enjoy inbound calls with a country number that is convenient for your callers. Inbound numbers are paid for on a monthly basis (£2.99) so that you can receive calls via the internet, wherever you go online with your PC.
Truphone (that’s TRU now) seems like an ideal candidate to challenge Skype which started adopting closed policy. If you remember, Skype is no longer available to the Nimbuzz and Fring users, which is kinda sad to say the least. The question is whether TRU will play its cards right to get a decent share of the market.
You might like: