FriendCaller

FriendCaller /ˈfreɪndkaʊəlr/ is a video and voice over Internet protocol developed by C2Call GmbH based in Werl, Germany.[1] Its proprietary Voice-Over-Internet technology was originally created by Michael Knecht and Martin Feuerhahn.[2] The first prototype was developed by Actai Networks GmbH in 2007; the technology was then transferred to C2Call GmbH[3] in 2008.[4] Later on, FriendCaller was launched in 2009[5] as a website and as an iOS app.[6] FriendCaller establishes peer-to-peer connectivity[7] and allow users to communicate one-to-one or in groups via video chat, voice over IP, instant messaging, texts/SMS, or phone calls.[8]

FriendCaller
FriendCaller WebPhone 1.8.12 running on Windows 7
Developer(s)C2Call GmbH
Initial releaseAugust 2008 (2008-08)
Written inJava
TypeVoice over IP, instant messaging, videoconferencing
LicenseProprietary
Websitefriendcaller.com

Calls to other FriendCaller users within FriendCaller are free of charge, while calls and SMS to phone numbers and mobile numbers within the PSTN network are charged via debit-based user account system. FriendCaller also has mobile features like multi-point video conferencing with up to 7 participants who are displayed simultaneously in one live stream.[9] Unlike most VoIP services, FriendCaller operates in any desktop browser without prerequisite software installation[10] and works cross platform.[11] The browser-based capabilities are Java-based[12] and is hosted completely on Amazon's cloud.[13]

Features

FriendCaller apps for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, and Facebook offers instant connectivity and shows cross-compatibility with all the popular Internet browsers.[14] Calls and text messages for FriendCaller-to-FriendCaller users are at no cost,[15] though for international calls to landlines and mobile phones, the calling rates cost as much as few cents per minute.[16]

7-Way Cross-Platform Group Video Chat

FriendCaller on Microsoft Windows (2000, XP, Vista, 7), Mac OS X and Linux offer free Group Video Chat[17] feature. FriendCaller introduced Conference calling and Group Text Messaging to its different platforms back in January 2012[18] and now supports Seven-way LIVE, real Cross-platform Group Video Calling and Group Messaging between 27 participants (7 Video participants and 20 Audio members),[19][20] on iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android, and its popular Web Phone.[21][22]

In January 2013, FriendCaller launched FriendCaller HD for Android™ Tablets and the iPad™.[23]

Personal US Phone Number

The users get a personal US phone number,[24] which can be used as a second line to receive and dial International Calls worldwide.[25]

Global Text Messaging / SMS

The clients can send SMS / text message to any mobile number across the world.[26] Messages sent to phone numbers can be set to appear as coming from the sender's mobile number.

Caller ID

The users can set their Caller ID, set-up verification involves sending a text message / SMS to a selected mobile phone number, or the device receives a Voice message via IVR where the Pin code is read out to them.[27] The verification allows the user to send texts without anonymity.

The unique CallMe-Link,[28] allow others to make instant calls to FriendCaller users within their Internet browsers. The link can be embedded into emails, shared via social networks and can be sent as an instant message by copying the HTML or BBCode. Users can also integrate as a badge in Outlook Signature. To start the conversation with FriendCaller users, non-FriendCaller users only have to click this link.[29]

Rich Media Messaging

FriendCaller brings Rich Mobile Communication experience for FriendCaller desktop, mobile platforms and tablet models.[30] The complete communication suite of Rich messaging[31] allow the users of Android, iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch to record or send media from the phone gallery. These consists of pictures, videos, animations, links, location information, calendar entries, etc.

History

C2Call was founded in 2008[4] by now CEO Martin Feuerhahn and now CTO Michael Knecht with the purpose of developing mobile internet solutions for various mobile network operators and internet media organizations.[32][33] In 2009, the collaboration resulted in the launch of FriendCaller.[34]

FriendCaller's early success has given C2Call a raise of $2 million in series[35][36] - A funding from Original Skype investor Bill Draper of Draper Investment Company[37] High-Tech Grunderfonds and Klaus Wecken, co-founder of KHK Software (now taken over by Sage Group).

Versions

iOS

FriendCaller Video Chat[38] (formerly known as FriendCaller Pro) is compatible with any iOS 4.0 or later device and supports iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad (1st, 2nd and 3rd generations).[39] Latest version, 5.5.4, provides multi-lingual support and possesses cross-platform Group Video Calling feature.[40][41]

For older iOS 3 devices, another version, named FriendCaller[42] is also available.

Both versions can be downloaded from iTunes App Store Free of charge.[43]

Android

The latest version for Android, 3.1.10, FriendCaller IM & Video Chat, supports more than 1000 Android devices,[44] with Android OS 1.6 or up. Users can download current version for free from Google Play,[45] Amazon App store and other leading Android App market places.

References
  1. "C2Call". C2Call. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  2. "Press Release: C2Call was founded by Martin Feuerhahn and Michael Knecht". tmcnet.com. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  3. "C2Call - New Browser Based Java VoIP". tmcnet.com. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  4. "Press Release:C2Call founded in 2008". Gigaom.com. 18 September 2010. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  5. "FriendCaller Launch". Techcrunch. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  6. "FriendCaller Products". friendcaller.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  7. "Peer-to-Peer Voice and Video Calls". friendcaller.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  8. "FriendCaller Distinctive Features". tmcnet.com. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  9. Collier, Suzanne. "Press Release: Introduction of 7-Way Group Video Calling From C2Call". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  10. "Browser-based and does not require software installation". About.com. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  11. "Multi Platform VoIP Solution". tech2.in.com. Archived from the original on 29 April 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  12. Collier, Suzanne. "Press Release: C2Call's FriendCaller Introduces Java-based Hassle-Free Video conferencing". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  13. "Amazon Cloud". FriendCaller Blogs. Archived from the original on 27 April 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2012.
  14. "FriendCaller Available Platforms". Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  15. "Unlimited Free Calls". Free Calling Hub. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  16. "Call costs by FriendCaller". friendcaller.com. Archived from the original on 30 July 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  17. Collier, Suzanne. "Press Release: FriendCaller introduces Cross-Platform Multi Party Group Video Calling". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  18. Collier, Suzanne. "Press Release: C2Call Adds Conference Calling and Group Messaging to FriendCaller". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  19. "Seven Friends LIVE in a Group Video Call". Techzone360. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  20. "Press Release: Seven Friends LIVE in a Group Video Call". Marketwire. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  21. "7-Way Mobile Video Chat with 20 more Audio Participants". Tech Crunch. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  22. Collier, Suzanne. "Press Release: Introduction of 7-Way Group Video Calling From C2Call". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  23. Collier, Suzanne. "Press Release: FriendCaller introduces Cross-Platform Multi Party Group Video Calling". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  24. "Personal U.S Phone number". Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  25. "Personal US Phone Number". Archived from the original on 27 January 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  26. "Faster than Traditional SMS". FriendCaller Blogs. Archived from the original on 19 July 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
  27. "Cellphone verification via IVR". FriendCaller Blogs. Archived from the original on 11 July 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2012.
  28. "CallMe-Link". Zdnet. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
  29. "Usage of CallMe-Link". FriendCaller Blogs. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 27 April 2012.
  30. "FriendCaller Gets Enhanced Rich Messaging capabilities". friendcaller.com. Archived from the original on 25 August 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  31. Collier, Suzanne. "C2Call's FriendCaller Becomes the First Application to Support the Complete Next-Generation Social Communication Experience". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 11 September 2012.
  32. "Press Release:The idea of Mobile Internet Solution". wiwo.de. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  33. "Press Release:FriendCaller - free browser-based Internet phone solution". Techcrunch. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  34. "FriendCaller founded in 2009". Draper. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  35. HA, Anthony. "Press Release:C2Call raises $2Million". The New York Times. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  36. "C2Call Draper Funding". Draper Investment Company Blog. 21 November 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  37. "Draper Investment Company". Draper Investment Company. Archived from the original on 9 February 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2012.
  38. "FriendCaller Video Chat". itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
  39. "FriendCaller supports iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad". FriendCaller.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
  40. "FriendCaller Video Chat Version". itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
  41. Collier, Suzanne. "Press Release: C2Call adds Group Video Calling to FriendCaller Pro". Marketwire.com. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
  42. "FriendCaller". itunes.apple.com. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
  43. "FriendCaller Video Chat Download". Vinics. Retrieved 1 May 2012.
  44. "FriendCaller Supports 1022 Android Devices". FriendCaller Blogs. Archived from the original on 8 March 2012. Retrieved 27 March 2012.
  45. "Google Play". Retrieved 1 May 2012.
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