Free phone calls for beta testers

A new app that developers claim will rival Skype is moving into beta testing and the call is out for 30,000 individuals to take part.

Melbourne start-up Splora says that registered testers will be able to download the app for free and call anywhere in the world from their mobile phones at no cost for the month of June.

Once launched, the full voice and video app will offer free calls from app to app, with the option of a paid account to utilise unlimited calls to any fixed or mobile phone in the world.

Splora claims the app supersedes and replaces the traditional telephone exchange and old-fashioned on-premise PBX system. It will also allow for connection of the next generation of IoT.

The creator of the app, Terry Crews, said, “I set out to develop a Skype-type product with excellent call and video quality but with features that have never been created before. I guess you could say that Splora is like Skype on steroids.”

Splora has been developed using state-of-the-art technology and modern protocols. At its core is webRTC technology that allows communication directly between browsers. Once a call is established via a server, the two parties then communicate directly. This results in a more efficient use of bandwidth that delivers a better quality voice and video experience when compared to old technologies. The Splora network has worldwide coverage and operates on the Amazon AWS network.

Crews explained, “Our biggest challenge was building a global network. I am really excited that we have been able to remove all the expensive components and create the world’s first cloud-based telephone system. It automatically grows to meet demand! For too long telephone companies have duped consumers - this technology bypasses them. The global network has been built and now needs to be stress tested. What better way than 30,000 real people, making real phone calls all around the world - for free! This is a revolution in communications and could change the way we connect forever.”

To registered interest in beta testing, visit the Splora website.