There’s a new option when it comes to data-based phone calls and it’s called the Vonage Mobile For Facebook app. While Vonage has been available on the iPhone platform for some time, the latest app from the VoIP service integrates with your existing Facebook network, making for cheap and easy communication.
Vonage Mobile for Facebook is a free download that requires you to connect via Facebook and allow Vonage access to your profile. Once you’ve set the necessary permissions (you’ll want to enable push notifications) you’ll see a list of your Facebook contacts who are currently using the app too. The service is available on both iPhone and Android, which broadens the circle of friends who could be potential users. I like that the app doesn’t require you to set up a new network of friends, create another username or require you to know a bunch of phone numbers. (I can hardly remember my own.) Although the calling function requires both parties to have the Vonage app, regular Facebook chat is integrated and you can message those contacts like you would through any other Facebook chat portal.
Vonage Mobile for Facebook works over both 3G and Wi-Fi, and I found the sound quality to be adequate over each. If you don’t currently have the app running, you’ll receive a push notification that someone is calling you. I did find the lack of multitasking support to be a disappointment, though.
With my personal aversion to talking on the telephone and most of my friends living in the U.S., I have little use for a VoIP like Vonage Mobile for Facebook, however, because the app doesn’t require minutes and supports both 3G and Wi-Fi connections. If you can get international friends on board, you’ll likely find it a worthy download.
