Androids, iPhones get VOIP app

A voice over Internet protocol (VOIP) application called Viber has been rolled out to iPhones and Google Android smartphones, reports iHotdesk.

Viber is a cross-platform instant messaging service which enables users to make free voice calls and send text messages via 3G, EDGE or WiFi connection.

A version of the app is also being developed for BlackBerry devices and is expected to be made public soon.

According to Lifehacker, the Viber app doesn't have any advertising. It also doesn't require users to register or create an account before using the service. It provides free international calling and the ability to use WiFi to make calls.

Viber's success with its iPhone app generates around 11 million user-minutes per month, according to the company in a CMS Wire report.

However, the company expects its Android subscriber numbers to rocket, now that the app is available to all Android users, whose numbers run in the hundreds of millions.

Similar to Whatsapp, iPhone and Android users are able to call or text each other, and this is expected to make the app more popular as users' Viber-equipped contact list expands.

Hardware Zone speculates that this could change mobile operators' business model, as all users will need in the future is a mobile data plan from their telco to call or send text messages to their friends.