If you’re an iPod Touch owner, did you know you can make calls from your Touch without any kind of cellphone contract? I’m Brian Tong with CNET.com and we’ll show you how to do it with some additional hardware and software.
Now, the first thing you’re going to need is obviously an iPod Touch. That’s not rocket science so I got my second generation Touch right here. Now first gen users, don’t worry, we’ll show you what you’ll need to do as well.
Now in order to make calls, you’re going to need some sort of headset and microphone. The Touch doesn’t have one built in but there are plenty of solutions. For second gen users, all you really need is something like this. This is Apple’s own earphones with the remote and mic and it costs about $30. Unfortunately, they don’t come with the touch. Now, you can also find other ones like V mod that’s vibed to a headset for $80 but most headsets with a 3.5 mm jack and a mic will work.
Now, if you’re a first gen Touch owner. It doesn’t support an all-in-one headset with the mic so you’ll need two things to make this one work. Using any earphone you already have is good enough. But for mic, you want to check out the iVoice 3 from Mac Alley and it’s around $40.
Now, we’ve got the hardware covered so now, all you need to do is download a free voice over IP application like Skype from the app store. There are also some other great ones that are free like Fring and Truephone. I’m in the Skype application and make sure you guys are connected over Wi-Fi or else the apple won’t work. Once you’ve set up an account, you can call other Skype users for free by their username or you want to call a landline or mobile phone, add Skype credits and you’ll be able to call them too.
So just think about it, phone calls from your iPod Touch and no cellphone contract? I know, you can thank me later.
I’m Brian Tong for CNET.com with your how-to. Use it wisely.
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