As a frequent international traveler I depend on various Apps to make low cost calls both back to the states and to other countries. We've all heard of Skype and while I use Skype like many of you I also have a separate company reimbursed VoIP line through Vonage. I have a separate Vonage "Sofphone" line with its own number and it allows me to make calls via my computer. The beauty of this line is that it uses the SIP protocol. This means that it's compatible with just about any standard SIP client including the various iPhone Apps out there. At first I was using an App called WeePhone and while WeePhone works, it was very basic and lacking in some features that the higher end Apps had.
Acrobtis Softphone is my New Favorite VoIP SIP Client
This App already had more features than WeePhone. However, in their latest update they added support for iOS 4's multitasking, which means that the App can run in the background during a call while you use other Apps in the foreground. So in that respect it works just like the native iPhone Phone App. As many of you know I'm a sucker for a great UI (user interface) and Softphone is beautiful to look at. The App allows you to customize the colors and just has a more overall polished look to it over the last App I was using. I also like the fact that they have built-in presets for the most popular SIP based VoIP services and that makes setting up your account a breeze. Usually all it takes is to choose the service you're using and enter your user name and password and the App configures all the settings for you. I also really like the icon based Quick Dial (Favorites) feature. You add your most frequently called contacts to this screen and you just tap their photo to make the call. You can also configure the App with multiple SIP accounts if you need to. Probably the biggest reason I use this App over Skype is a simple one, Softphone supports bluetooth headsets. Other than that I also find the audio quality to be better too. Just like the native Phone App it works with my Jawbone ICON headset. So I can use it for handsfree calls.
It works over both 3G and WiFi and it's not limited to the iPhone. This App also runs great on an iPod touch or iPad. That's right you can use any iDevice as a phone! I've made calls from my iPad because it was already in my hands and the iPhone was across the room. Now before you rush off and buy this App I must remind you that it will be of no use to you unless you have a VoIP service that uses the SIP protocol. There is a list of providers right in the App and you can pick one of those if you don't already have one and get setup. International rates will vary, but they will be pennies compared to what your cellular carrier will charge you.
What about receiving calls? Although Softphone runs in the background in iOS 4 while you're on a call, iOS 4 doesn't allow any of these apps to sit idle in the background waiting for a call. Therefore if a call is received the App can only notify you via Push notifications. Depending on your VoIP carrier and the Push settings, this will either work for you or it won't. I didn't spend a lot of time in this area simply because I forward my Vonage line to my Google Voice number for my incoming calls.
You can get Acrobits Softphone here from the 
Softphone
Acrobtis Softphone is a VoIP App that uses the SIP protocol to allow you to make cheap international calls via WiFi or 3G
- Acrobits
- Get on App Store
- $7.99
All info was collected on 26th July, 2010 when the app was reviewed.
About Terry White
Terry is the co-author of The Best Selling "The iPhone Book" 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th editions. He has been active in the industry for over 25 years and is the founder and president of MacGroup-Detroit, Inc., Michigan's largest Macintosh Users Group, host of the Adobe Creative Suite Podcast and a technology writer - Terry White Tech Blog.
Terry, What did you do about your yellow pictures with your iphone? I am having the same problem.
Ultimately I got it replaced at the Apple Store by taking in a small lighting kit and testing the replacements first. However, I’ve since determined some good and bad serial numbers by talking with others that have the same issue. This way if you go in for a replacement you can at least have the Apple rep check the serial number of the replacement before opening the box (if they’re willing to do that for you.)
My New Replacement:
http://terrywhite.com/fixediP4.jpg
iPhone 4 Serial Number Ranges (first 5 digits)
Good Camera (proper white balance)
86027
85029
85028 <-my working replacement
85023
84028
Bad Camera (yellow/orange tint)
88026
88024
88023
87026
87024
87023
87021
86022
83026
82027
82026
82025
In Dispute (some say good, some say bad)
86028
Other camera problems:
Halos, blue spots, or other discoloration issues
(ie. like this shot: http://www.flickr.com/photos/52186195@N08/with/4801257808/ )
85028
85027
84028
Thanks Terry you are the bomb. My first iphone 4 was AWESOME with video and pictures. But it dropped calls like they were hot. So they replaced it with the one I have now which the reception is good but has a bad camera. It actually is one of the serial numbers you have listed under good. I really don’t know what to do as I have 5 days left on my 30 days with ATT to reverse my contract. They had to order this one it took 5 days to come. It came in a plastic box like it was refurbished? Disappointed in apple this time. Think I’ll just return it and wait till they get it right. My 3g is still good. Thanks for being our tech guy to go to!
Terry, I got this app based upon your review however it needs my Vonage SIP credentials…so I called Vonage and got the SIP number but they said there is not password for it which I also need for it work. What am I supposed to do now?
Only Vonage can provide you with a password to your Vonage Softphone account. You’ll have to get it from them.
Thanks