I’m sure my fellow iPad owners have been there. You’re sitting on the couch chatting with someone on FaceTime and think, “Why the heck can’t I video chat with more than one person?” Well now you can give it a shot.
Fring on Monday released the first iPad app to offer four-way video chat, and it’s completely free. It works for the iPhone and iPod touch as well, and works over Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G. Those devices will also offer group chat features. That said, we’d recommend sticking to the iPad and using it over Wi-Fi because you’ll want screen real estate and a strong connection for those video streams.
Fring currently offers apps for iOS, Android, and Nokia devices. It’s possible Fring’s app was released today because Skype will reportedly release its own iPad app on Tuesday.
Speaking from personal experience, I’ve always had technical troubles with Fring on iOS and Android. Oftentimes, video calls simply wouldn’t connect, and if they did work, the connection always needed to be incredibly fast to have a chance at clear images. I will certainly give this new version a shot, but I’m not going to hold my breath for a great experience.
Last month, the Israel-based Fring raised a reported $10 million in a Series C round of financing, which brings their funding to more than $30 million. Investors include North Bridge Venture Capital, Pitango Venture Capital, and Veritas Venture Partners.
Fring’s retro-style promo video for the new group app is below:
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