In our latest article focusing on the world of startup applications, we spotlight a new VoIP calling application for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch that introduces a “new way to call family, friends, and more around the world.” We are, of course, talking about Cardup, which was created by independent app developer Richard Aberefa.
Based in Calgary, Canada, Cardup is looking to provide intuitive solutions to real-world problems and does so by allowing customers to side-step the rising price tag of international calling. In this way, Cardup is similar to other voice over IP apps on the market, but prides itself on being an alternative that does not require the same application to be used by both the caller and the receiver in order for communication to work.
Cardup also says its unique single-rate pricing model is cheaper than most applications and also phone cards, with calls in “most places” running at two cents per minute except for the United States, Canada, China, and India, where calls run at about half a cent ($.0050) per minute. Advertisements shown to users before they make calls helps Cardup recuperate some of the losses incurred by charging the lower rates. Users can also take part in a referral program to earn coins to place calls by recommending Cardup to family and friends. Conference calls are also supported through the app, a big plus for many business users or people who have family members in multiple areas around the world and want to experience an event together.
A new version (1.2) is due for release in the coming weeks which will include social networking features like messaging, finding nearby people, following, an activity feed, and more.
The requirements? Users will need an iPhone, iPod touch, or an iPad running iOS 5.1 or later. The device also needs 13.7 MB of freely available memory in order for the app to function.
We’ve taken the liberty of posting some screenshots below. If your device meets the above requirements and you’re ready to give Cardup a try, the app is now available for download in the Apple App Store. For those on Android, Windows Phone, and BlackBerry devices, don’t worry; Cardup has plans to expand to your operating system sometime in the future, though a release date has not yet been announced.
