Android VoIP
I like to share innovative methods of communication through Smartphone. But before getting into it; let me introduce you to a groundbreaking technology called ‘VoIP’. Many of us know about this internet based digitized medium of communication; but if not, then let’s have a walk-through.
What is VoIP?
VoIP is acronym for (Voice over Internet Protocol) which works differently; contrasting the traditional telephone systems that we grew up with. But this futuristic communication system uses INTERNET PROTOCOLS (IP) packets over a packet-switch network. In simple words, this technology uses Internet as a medium of transmission.
The best part about VoIP is that, it’s not only versatile but attractively cheaper. Again; I really admire IP technology for playing a vital role in respect of extending the medium of communication which brings option of making Video calls, sending Text Messages and different types of file sharing support that wasn’t before but now we already making good use of it.
What is Android VoIP?
Well, so much on VoIP; now let’s have some incitement on Android. It is the fastest growing most successful Mobile Operation System. The latest stats of Android Marketing is something like, till 2013 total 900 million of Android devices are sold which happened to installed more than 48 billion of Apps from Google Play. The success matrix could be like; it’s a Google product, it went under good marketing, but what I think is that; the nature of being Open Source has attracted manufacturers and developers across the globe. This is reason why you getting range of Android devices, right from cheapest Micro-Max to high end HTC models.
About Android VoIP App
There’s no doubt that VoIP was widespread before Android existence, but we cannot deny that fact it was limited to co-operate world, not as many people was aware accept some exceptions like iPhone users, computer techie etc. Than Android launched, it kept on updating, struggling to provide all functions competing with iPhone, and now after Jelly Bean I feel like it’s a full fledged mobile OS. Now this Google’s mobile OS is more than good enough to provide effective VoIP experience.
Google Play has thousands of VoIP related Apps, each outperforming other in terms of features. Choosing the right App is very important because apart from other factors the most important one is usability. If you can make good use of an App, it will considered as usable. So, I am recommending you to choose App which are mostly used by your friends, colleagues and family. This way, in spite of installing multiple Apps you can manage most of your communication with fewer.
Top 5 Android VoIP Apps:
No matter what; I always considered Skype the best choice for Smartphone. I am a regular user and I must admit that it features extremely good voice quality. Being honest, never tried paid Skype because I managed to find majority of my contacts on Skype. So, Skype-to-Skype free VoIP calls is what I preferred at first place. If you want to make calls on cell phones or Land-line, it offers variant deals, special offers, monthly subscription and much more. Using Skype you can save lots of money compare to normal calls.
Oh, I forgot to mention that it supports Voice, Video and Text communication. Moreover; you can make voice and video conference calls, group chat via text, send files and so on.
The fact that I discovered about Viber is its popularity. I surprise to hear ‘Viber’ from those mobile phone users that are not even familiar with this propounding term ‘VoIP’. Lol, I know it’s funny but this is what I call usability. I found out that Viber is featured to allow cross platform communication such as: Android to Blackberry.
Technically, is includes all the necessary features but some exclusive ones are HD sound quality, adding up to 40 people on ground chat and good at push notification so that you won’t miss anything even if your phone is off.
Fring was my best Mobile VoIP App; I’m talking about those days when Nokia N Series was rocking and Symbian was like today’s Android. I used Fring on Wi-Fi and 2G networks, I was pretty thrilled to see the performance of Voice Calls on Fring over 2G (GSM) network. This Android App comes with very interesting visual and easily accessible options.
Furthermore; similar like any other App it offers Text, Voice and Video communication. Again! I just miss the best part: Unlike most of the Apps, Fring does not demand account creation (Signup). Besides; your contact number will be presumed as your username.
As the name suggest, the best feature of Nimbuzz is it’s a cross platform messenger. This App allows you to connect with your contacts from popular messengers and social networking sites such as Facebook, Yahoo Messenger and GTalk. Being available for all the smartphones has the benefit to find more contacts on Nimbuzz.
Nimbuzz is more in to IM, so it’s obvious that you’re messenger experience will be pleasant. Moreover, there are Group Chat, Chat Rooms, Free Push Notification, Offline Message and many more.
Tango is very useful in terms of platform support, because it is available for Android, Windows Phone, Windows PC OS and iOS. This platform versatility makes it compete Mobile VoIP App. You don’t have to worry about devices, here you have flexibility to maintain your communication irrespectively on whatever devices or platform you are using. For internet connection you can select your preferred networks like Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G or even 2G. Getting through Tango is very nice and easily. Like Fring; you are free from account creation headache, you will be recognized through your cell number.
If your internet plan is restricted, it is very useful for you to know that, this App will consume 2GB of your internet data and deliver 400 to 450 minutes of Video Calls. Well, with this data you can closely predict how much data your voice calls will consume.
Final Verdict on Android VoIP Apps
I have mentioned 5 Best Android VoIP Apps that are widely used. But if you want to make effective VoIP calls; at least go for mid-range Smartphone with active internet connection. I’m suggesting this because mobile technology is fast paced, Apps are getting updates very often, and every new features or modification requires more efficient hardware.