At the launch of the iPhone 4, Steve Jobs gave a short demonstration of the FaceTime function right on the stage where the device saw the spotlight "for the first time". Then Steve claimed that these calls can only be made through the WiFi network because it requires a minimum connection to work properly. Now all these statements are dethroned by the acceptance in the AppStore of the Tango application that allows initiating/receiving video calls even when you are only connected to the 3G network of the telephone operator. This is one of the strongest proofs that Apple is changing its way of accepting applications in the AppStore and I for one am happy because now far fewer people will have to jailbreak to initiate a video call via 3G.
Here are the functions of the Tango application:
- Free video calling to your friends and family around the world, wherever you are;
- Call between iPhone and other smartphones on 3G and Wi-Fi;
- Populates Tango Contacts automatically from existing phone contact list;
- Invite friends and others by e-mail or text;
- Switch cameras and swap screens to show what is around you;
- Move between video to audio and back to video;
- Simple and easy to use;
- Create an account in less than five seconds - New profile not required.
application Tango it's 100% free, but unfortunately it only works with phones that have this application installed, so you can't initiate a call from it and the other person will receive it normally as if someone were calling. It's a limitation that can be overlooked considering that you don't need to jailbreak to make a video call via 3G.
