The interface essentially replicates the iPhone ‘Phone’ user interface. It simply uses your cellphone number, and the contacts in your address book to determine whom amongst your friends have Viber. Ease of use and excellent call quality were major plus points as were the fact that the app was free, there were no hidden costs and it required no searching for contacts etc. I did not see much need in another app that essentially did what Skype does but, tried it out nonetheless. When I initially heard about this app, I was skeptical.

Viber is a iPhone app that was launched late last year and allows the user to utilise VOIP to make ‘free’ calls to other friends who have the app installed. Returning to the initial question posed, I tested out Viber this week.

Personally, the Facebook video chat option is more likely to ensure that my Facebook chat feature remains ‘offline’. In the wake of the big tech news story this week ( Skype powered video chat on Facebook), one has to ask is VOIP still relevant?Unfortunately, regardless of the bandwidth price wars that are finally showing clear indications of border skirmishes, us as South Africans still pay too much for bandwidth which means that you better ensure you have a comprehensive data plan before you start “œSkyping“ on Facebook whilst tending to your lost sheep on Farmville.

Viber review iphone