Use your iPod as an iPhone
Use your iPod as an iPhone
I try to keep a stiff upper lip about not having an iPhone. Just couldn't afford it — not with the $75 a month or so AT&T charges for service on top of the $199 upfront cost for the device. I could, however, afford the $229 iPod Touch — and got it as a gift, as it happened. It has most of the same goodies: a Web browser, e-mail, YouTube. And it stores way more music than the iPhone. (Ha!)
Plus, the other day I used it to call China.
Yup, a call around the world — on a device that doesn't have a phone. A handful of applications on Apple Inc.'s iTunes store will let you do this, as long as you're in a Wi-Fi hot spot.
My iPhone complex hasn't disappeared, but at least now I have a device that looks just like it, has no monthly service fees, and lets me make free or cheap phone calls.
The best part of these applications — which require the second-generation iPod Touch that came out last year — is that they are free to download, and calls to other people using the same app won't cost you anything. Two of the services I've tried, Truphone and Fring, will also let you make free calls to Google Talk users and type instant messages to friends online. Both automatically queue up a list of buddies from different services you might have, including Gmail chat, AIM and MSN Messenger, once you log in.
But it's Truphone's pay feature that puts it ahead of the others. TruPhone charges you to make calls to landlines or regular cell phones, but generally at better rates than most wireless carriers. And it's upfront about what you pay.
Your balance — which you can add to with a credit card, either on the device or on your computer browser — pops up with the dial screen. Calls in the U.S. are all 5 cents per minute (2 cents if you sign up to pay a $4 monthly fee).
Rates outside the U.S. vary wildly but you can check in the application before you dial. To call cell phones in China, for instance, is only 5 cents per minute, while France is 25 cents. Antarctica? A whopping $2.25.
You can make regular calls with Fring using a Skype account, but that's another layer to deal with.
The calls on these services sound pretty good, a little tinny but clearer than my regular cell phone connection. IPod Touch users will need Apple's $29 ear buds that have a tiny microphone on the back of the volume control along the cord.
The most serious drawback is the most obvious: While the iPhone uses AT&T's wireless network to provide Internet access anywhere, on the iPod Touch you'll need to stick to Wi-Fi hot spots. For rural or suburban dwellers who don't encounter lots of free Wi-Fi zones, that may very well mean limiting yourself to your house, or other places where there's a computer with the same Internet phone call capabilities anyway.
That means these apps probably won't replace your cell phone. But they can moderate your iPhone envy.
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- Posted on March 19, 2009
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That is amazing because I didn't know that. That is cool for the Ipod but I wish I had one so I could talk to my friends. The bad thing about the Ipod is that you have to be connected to WI FI to make phone calls.
They are the same thing just that an iPhone you have 3G and 4G and on the iPod you have to be around wi-fi to text on the iPod touch.
That is cool how they do that. How would they do that with no connection. Barley any people know that iPods can do that.
It is very interesting that the iPod Touch can do all of these things. It is sad it only runs on wifi but if apple ads 3 or 4G, it will basically be another iPhone. Luckily now that the iPod has a camera for FaceTime it has a built in speaker and you do not need the headphones. Even though they are an option. I don't agree with adding 3G to the iPod. I can do all that i need for free from wifi hot spots for free.
Comment
I personally have done this to my ipod touch. I went through all the trouble with figuring out with what types of applications i have to use in order to make my ipod touch into a phone. the thing is that you need Wi-Fi connection in order use your ipod touch to call and text people. Now, Virgin Mobile has released there new product that allows there customers too have Internet connection on there ipod touch from anywhere. Virgin Mobile has made a product that's a case for the ipod touch. The case is a Internet receiver, just like a regular phone. with the monthly cost of $20 a month, you could have Internet from your ipod touch where ever!
Summary
Some people could afford to buy an Iphone and pay the 100 monthly bill, and there are others that are not able to have this luxury. Since apple came out with there new Apple Ipod touch, people around the world are figuring out ways too use the apple ipod as an iphone. Since the apple ipod touch has W-Fi capability, people around the world have been making applications too use the ipod touch as an iphone. There are thousands of apps that allow you too call and send texts to anybody across the world. With a wi-fi network, Ipod touch, and earphones that has a mic, you can have an iphone for the fraction of the price of an iphone.
My brother got a new ipod and he doesn't know how to use it...I also have a ipod and it is purple.....I like the color purple........I use it to take pictures and to use the Internet......so that is why i like to have a ipod touch..... :)
i have an ipod because i use it as a phone and my is pink and i call my friends take pictuers and i chatt with my friends and i take a picture of my puppy!!!!!
But what if you have the second generation. I don't think it has a microphone. Also it can't make calls without being on the Internet the last time I checked. But I wish i had the newest ipod touch because it can take pictures like a phone and it has a microphone. I want to know how to do this
first of all, you could buy a earphones that has a mic for about $30. when you have the earphone mic, the only thing you need is Wi-Fi connection and the application for texting and calling. After you get all these things, then you can set up an account on the application, and use your ipod touch as and iphone.