With Fring there’s no
need to pay for phone calls, video
calls or instant
messages. Discover how easy it is with our
helpful guide
to get you started
Summary: Make free calls
Fring enables users to call each other at no charge, send
free instant messages, and even make free video calls. It’s an
incredibly powerful service that has the potential to revolutionise the way we
communicate, and you can download your own copy from the Android Market. In this
tutorial we’ll explain how easy it is to set up a free Fring account, make
free
calls,
send images and make a video call. Before long you’ll be wondering if you
actually need those inclusive minutes and texts with your phone contact.
1 Accounts
The first
step is to grab a copy of Fring from the Market. Once it’s installed, open the
app and follow the on-screen steps to create a new account. If you already have
a Fring account, then the login button is located at the bottom of the screen.
2 Free calls
Once logged
in, you’ll see your contacts listed down the screen. Tap on one and you’ll see
an option to call it with the Cellular button. Don’t worry; it’s totally free
to make a call – the data used comes via your device’s internet connection,
over Wi-Fi or 3G.
3 Services
To send
instant messages, you’ll need to have a Fring, MSN, Google
Talk, ICQ, AIM or Yahoo contact on your list. To add a Fring contact, press the Menu key, tap ‘Add friends’, and search for a Fring contact.
4 Syncing
To sync
with an MSN, Google Talk, ICQ, AIM or Yahoo account, press the Menu key, choose
‘Add-ons’, then tap on a provider of choice. You’ll be asked to log in to the
account. When completed, all the contacts associated with that account will
appear in the contacts list.
5 Contacts
Once you’ve
completed the step above, tap on a contact with
a smiley face icon. You’ll see icons at the bottom of the screen for sending instant messages, calling them and making a video call. Tap the orange-coloured instant message button for now
6 Instant messages
Sending
messages works just like the Messages app on your smartphone. The chat takes
place in a threaded view, and it’s possible to send attachments and view the
contact’s current status. It’s a great way to save money if you’re on a limited
SMS messages plan.
7 Video calling 
Making a
video call is incredibly easy. Simply tap on a contact that
supports video calling, such as a Fring or MSN contact, and tap on the video call button.
The video chat begins automatically, with a large main window
for the contact and a preview window that displays your image in the
top-right corner.
8 Profile
You can add
a profile photo by tapping the small green contacts icon in the top-left corner
of the screen. It’s also possible to add mood text, and update your nickname,
phone number and email address from this window.
9 Dialler
To dial a
number by hand, press the Menu key at any time and tap on the Dialler button. You’ll need to enter
the international code for each country;
if you’re not sure what it is, tap on the flag
icon in the top-left corner and choose a
country from the pop-up window.
10 Settings
More
advanced settings are available by pressing the Menu key, then ‘More’,
then ‘Settings’. You can tell the app to open when the phone is turned on
by checking ‘Automatic startup’, display phone contacts within Fring, and
show offline contacts, your mood message, or a signature. This is also where
you log out.
