Line2 Application Lives up to Expectations

By Stefanie Mosca, TMCnet Web Editor

Last week, after writing an article on the updated Line2 (News - Alert) application, I felt compelled to try out the app for myself to see what all the fuss was about. After downloading Line2 Version 3.0, and using it for a couple days, I was pleasantly surprised with the results.

Not only is Line2 3.0 effective in transforming an iPod Touch or iPad into a full feature mobile device, it is also easy to set up and use, which makes using it that much more effortless. The only catch is that you need to have a WiFi (News - Alert) connection in order to turn your device into a mobile phone. However, most users with an iPod Touch or iPad need WiFi to utilize all the options it offers regardless.

After you download the application from iTunes, it prompts you to either get a new phone number or use an existing number if you already have a Toktumi (News - Alert) account. It then generates a number based on the state and area code you wish to be associated with your phone.

From there, you are provided with all the options of a full –feature cell phone such as a contact book, recent call logs and SMS text messaging. While in an outgoing or incoming call, you are allowed to make changes with options such as speakerphone or to add, hold, mute or transfer the call.

You are also given the option to select one of your own existing numbers to forward calls to in the event that your iPod is off or you are in an area where there is no WiFi connection, ensuring that you never miss a call or message.

Now I was skeptical at first, as to how using the Line2 app would be more beneficial than having a full-feature cell phone. With all the mobile options made available today, it is hard to believe that an application could compare. However, since it is available for a multimedia touch-screen phone like the iPhone (News - Alert), it isn’t missing anything that a regular cell phone contract offers. And you are still able to access the Internet, a huge selling-point for cell phones today, since the iPod offers that anyway.

The app is available for $9.95 a month complete with unlimited SMS text messaging or for $14.95 including business PBX features. In my opinion, if you already have an iPod Touch or iPad, why wouldn’t you switch over from a wireless carrier network to the Line2 app? It offers everything a carrier network does for a cell phone at a fraction of the cost as opposed to a monthly contract.

Most Smartphone’s today whether you are biased to the Blackberry, iPhone, or Android (News - Alert), all require that you add an additional multimedia package ranging from $15-$30 a month regardless, so you really can’t go wrong with the Line2 app.

I can’t help but wonder if applications such as Line2 are the future of mobile carriers. I look forward to seeing how other companies attempt to duplicate Line2 or if the concept will even be picked up at all. Check out the video below to see how easy it is to use Line2 3.0 on your iPod touch.

(source: http://voip-phone-service.tmcnet.com/topics/mobility/articles/109691-line2-application-lives-up-expectations.htm)