Just last week, word broke about Messagenet Talk representing the first commercial mobile VoIP service. While Messagenet Talk comes in a variety of flavors covering the waterfront from iOS to Mac to straight PC, the Android version has quite a bit to offer potential users.
The Messagenet Talk app for Android is currently in beta, but in order to get the best experience possible out of the Android version, that particular beta is open to pretty much anyone who wants in. Just go out to Messagenet's Facebook page (the preceding link goes to the sign up page), put in a contact e-mail address and the mobile number of the device that will be installing the private beta, and then click the "Sign Up" button to get the process started.
When Messagenet is ready to put the whole thing into launch, it’ll send instructions to the e-mail address provided.
Those interested should take note that the Messagenet Talk app will require at least Android 2.2 to operate, though it will not require the use of a mobile browser that can support Web-based real time communications (WebRTC). With that minimum established, the chances of getting in should be very good. There's also plenty of reason to want to get involved with the Messagenet Talk app, as talk and text will be free between Messagenet Talk users, and also free for anyone using Messagenet talk to call a PC – even if that PC isn't using Messagenet Talk.
As for those who want to call or text outside that network, they will be able to do so for spectacularly low rates, even getting the first 20 minutes at no charge. Since the app can work with either Wi-Fi or 3G, there's plenty of versatility, and using Wi-Fi offers the added bonus of no roaming charges.
Users can even send and receive faxes, or use it as a kind of second local phone line for added value.
It's a clear competitor for Skype in the short term, as Messagenet bills itself specifically as being "simpler and faster than Skype," allowing contacts to be initiated by just sending a link. That's really looking to ratchet up the interoperability, making Messagenet a very compelling service.
Sure, when WebRTC comes into its fullest, and anyone will be able to make contact just from that Web browser, services like Messagenet Plus may not be quite as useful as they would be right now. But for the short term, Messagenet Plus is bringing a lot to the table.
The growth of WebRTC in general – backed by its own sheer versatility – is giving rise to plenty of exciting opportunities in the field. Whether using it to keep in touch with family and friends easily regardless of location, to keep in touch with the office under similar conditions, or using it as a full-blown collaboration tool, there's plenty of value in WebRTC, and plenty in Messagenet Talk.
Edited by
Braden Becker
