Fring's two-way iPhone video calls (photos)

We got an inside look at two new features being developed for Fring for iPhone, including two-way video calls.

Jessica Dolcourt

Jessica Dolcourt is a passionate content strategist and veteran leader of CNET coverage. As Senior Director of Commerce & Content Operations, she leads a number of teams, including Commerce, How-To and Performance Optimization. Her CNET career began in 2006, testing desktop and mobile software for Download.com and CNET, including the first iPhone and Android apps and operating systems. She continued to review, report on and write a wide range of commentary and analysis on all things phones, with an emphasis on iPhone and Samsung. Jessica was one of the first people in the world to test, review and report on foldable phones and 5G wireless speeds. Jessica began leading CNET's How-To section for tips and FAQs in 2019, guiding coverage of topics ranging from personal finance to phones and home. She holds an MA with Distinction from the University of Warwick (UK).

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Jessica Dolcourt

March 24, 2010 3:03 p.m. PT

1 of 3 Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Two-way video

The current version of Fring's VoIP calling and chat app for iPhone supports video calls in a fashion--you can see a buddy's streaming Webcam, but they couldn't see you (review). As a result, conversations felt lopsided for those on the other end of the iPhone.

Fring is now working on an update that will use the iPhone's camera to broadcast video of yourself to others. Since there's no front-facing camera on the iPhone, we can foresee needing to set up a shot before docking the iPhone on a long call. Also, pointing the back of the phone at yourself means you're not actually looking at your caller. We'd like to order up a Fring-friendly Webcam accessory, please.

2 of 3 Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Social streaming

Like other social apps, Fring will be adding a feed (they call it a stream) that displays a chronological list of buddy activities, including Facebook, Twitter, chat activity, phone history, SMS, and Fring's own social network.

3 of 3 Screenshot by Jessica Dolcourt/CNET

Status updates

As part of the status stream, a future version of Fring for iPhone will integrate a status update window for Facebook, Twitter, and Fring's own social network.