The mass adoption of Apple’s (News - Alert) iPad over the past few years has demonstrated demand for the easy and convenient access to mobile computing. And while many a user will still keep their iPhone (News - Alert) to ensure they can seamlessly communicate with the world, there are others who are finding they can enjoy the same connectivity with the iPad.
In fact, according to this Phones Review piece, the iPad can become VoIP ready rather easily. New technologies and innovations in this space have extended the capabilities of the iPad. In fact, all the user needs to do is download an app directly to their device and the iPad is then immediately outfitted with VoIP capability.
Given this easy access, why would users want to use VoIP on their tablet device? Especially for the individual that still has a cell phone, what is the advantage for the user? If you take a closer look at VoIP as a technology feature, with its extensive features, cost efficiency, extensive flexibility and so much more, the better question may be why users haven’t turned a tablet into a VoIP device already.
Using the iPad for voice communications introduces a whole new set of challenges, however. And, if it means switching service providers, the consumer may not be excited to do so. Fortunately, users generally don’t have to make that switch as the mobile VoIP app will make use of the data connection already enabled on the device. If Wi-Fi is the only connection, the app will use the Hot Spot to enable connectivity. In doing so, the only cost to the user is the standard cost they already pay for access to the Internet.
Some VoIP-enabling apps will only leverage Wi-Fi to allow for the completion of calls. In such a case, the user is more restricted as Wi-Fi connections are not always available. To allow for greater options and flexibility, the user will do well to look for apps that offer greater accessibility and will run on 3G, 4G and/or Wi-Fi. This ensures the iPad user can make use of VoIP capability regardless of the networks that may be in reach of the device.
One example is the iCall (News - Alert), which is a free app that demands only that the device be iOS 4.1 or higher. There are a number of free functions and features on this app, including Facebook, iCall users, Yahoo!, AOL, Windows Live, Google (News - Alert), voicemail, and so much more. For extensive capabilities, pricing options are available that still lend considerable value in terms of communications, especially when compared with the traditional method of connecting across the miles.
Once VoIP is in place, VoIP monitoring is important to know how the solution is used and what charges may pop up as a result. Tone Software (News - Alert) offers VoIP monitoring solutions to help promote the efficient use of VoIP, especially for the business user in the field. After all, mobility is important, but not at the cost of poor quality connections or putting the network or the user at risk.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson