Viber - Free Calls

Most of us have heard about Skype; however, how of many you knew about Viber? This application, currently meant only for iPhone, is developed by Viber Media Inc. to allow free calls through WiFi and 3G networks.

What makes this so different from other VoIP applications is that, it has the capabilitiy to run through your iPhone Contacts and add them to Viber list, should anyone from your Contact list is also using Viber. In other words, it automatically shows you who else in your Contacts are using Viber and you can call them using Viber for free (unlike Skype, you need to tell your contacts to log on to the application).

(read more about Viber...)

Personal Experience

I knew about Viber at an early stage, but I did not pay much attention to it. I told myself, it's just another iPhone VoIP application, there's nothing special. It was only until last week when I met up with a good friend of mine, who currently works in the IT industry, introduced me to install Viber.

He used it frequently on both work and home. At work, he is able to talk to his clients without worrying about Telco costs. Moreover, some of his clients are also able to make free calls as well, something that is a win-win situation for both parties.

I did not hesitate to try it on the spot (installing it within 30 seconds from 3G download). Immediately, I was talking to him over Viber!

Call Quality

The quality was acceptable - basedon industry telco standard. But if I have to mention 3G netowork as factor, I think it has exceeded my expectation. Of course, it (voice quality) has to depend on the strength of the 3G network at the areas that both you and your contacted party are located. The stronger the 3G network strength, the better the experience.

Noice reduction is good. I feel that Viber did a great job in noise cancellation. Though there is minimal background noise, the conversation is acceptably good.

Active Background Apps

Surprisingly, Viber remains active at the background, even after exiting from the application. In other words, you don't always have to be facing Viber application, if you are waiting to receive incoming calls.

There are 3 ways to an inbound alert - firstly, an audible ring (for some reason it didn't work well for me), secondly, vibration alert, and thirdly, badge message. I am quite happy with the vibration and badge message alert. Well, for what it's costing me, I have no complaints. Should there be any missed calls, I just only need to return the call.

Advice

Whilst this is good for long distance (as long as you're connected to the Internet) and long hours of calling, my advice is to avoid using this if you need ot make urgent or important calls, e.g. business conferencing, or emergency.

Business is still business; don't lose your client at the expense of poor customer satisfaction.

Otherwise, it's always good for everyone who loves (or needs) to hog on the phone for hours.

Installation Guide

As Viber is currently meant for iPhones (Andriod and Windows Mobile are in the process of development), users will need to use iTunes to install the application. Moreover, it is FREE to download from the App Store.