It seems to be a common series of questions from many users: What about Tru VoIP on Windows Phone? Will Tru support WP devices? When? We get them all the time in our inbox and though we don’t have any say in what Truphone actually does, nor which platforms Tru will support, we can’t deny the opportunities in developing for the WP platform.
We’ve discussed this with Tru before and we’ve even discussed this on TruTower before, but unfortunately, the answer has not changed.
There does appear to be some light at the end of the tunnel for WP users, though it may be a rather long tunnel to travel — it is true that the company has stated they don’t plan to support WP7 devices. However, we’ve received reports in the past that do confirm Tru’s considering development for Windows Phone 8, and they have even approached Microsoft in interest of said development.
The big thing with Tru is that they are developing what the market is currently trending to. While RIM may have been having some troubles lately, BlackBerry is technically the third pillar in the smartphone world right now, but Windows Phone has been rapidly gaining in terms of market share. Windows Phone 8 will be released months before BlackBerry 10, so it does open up the likely possibility that the platform will gain on RIM much more quickly, which would increase the possibility of the app coming for the WP8 platform.
iOS and Android are obviously the star children right now, and thus have been supported from the beginning. In fact, Tru VoIP was the very first VoIP application ever to be released for iPhone. These platforms aren’t going anywhere soon, and Tru has already confirmed that they are indeed developing the next-gen application for these platforms in addition to BlackBerry 10.
As far as Tru is concerned, these three platforms need to be launched first before a consideration to develop for Windows Phone 8 can be made. As a fan of Windows Phone, I can’t say I am too happy about the news, but I use Tru SIM in my Lumia 710 in the interim and have accepted a long time ago that Tru VoIP for it will never happen. I’d have to upgrade to a WP8 device for the chance to enjoy Tru VoIP goodness on WP, which I intend to do once the devices are launched. I must admit that it’s disheartening that my favorite VoIP service will not be seen on my Lumia — my favorite out of all my devices — and I’ll have to wait for any kind of WP8 support.
That being said, it’s great to hear that I’m far from alone in traveling through this rather long tunnel. With any luck, we’ll make it to the other side very soon and I’m confident we will find that the trip was very well worth it. To use a time-honored bromide that fits pretty well in this situation — the best things in life are worth waiting for.