Skype, I tried to wait for you. I waited (and waited, and waited) for you to show up on the iPhone. Then I got my VOIP-lovin? heart swept away by Truphone. I was pretty pleased with this Skype alternative, but this recent news made my heart skip a beat.
The company just announced Skype-integration for iPhone and iPod Touch. So Truphone-to-Skype communications are free, and iPhone users without internet access can also use Truphone Anywhere to place and receive Skype calls and messages for the cost of a local call. (Roaming charges still apply when abroad though.) This is similar to Skype's just-announced lite version, except that it excludes iPhones.
The new app will rock out on January 12, at which time Truphoners will be able to make and get Skype calls or IM other Skype users. Truphone also added functionality for MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and Google Talk on the iPod Touch immediately, which iPhone users will also have come January 12.
If you?re a Fring or Nimbuzz fan, take note. This, plus Truphone's seamless integration of VOIP and GSM voice calls (and Twitter), may make you want to defect.