Everybody knows that an iPhone is cool. One of the key things that makes it so cool is the applications you can download. Now you can actually make it even cooler (and more functional) when you use this capability to download apps to turn your iPhone into an iPhone softphone. The best part is that all you need to do is to install one of the new and exciting iPhone softphone client applications that can be downloaded from the Apple store or from one of the many third party websites that now feature this type of software. iPhone softphone technology is relatively new and has been welcomed with open arms by the many iPhone users who have anxiously been awaiting this capability.

iPhone softphone is simply loading your iPhone or iTouch with voice over Internet technology protocol (VoIP) software. VoIP takes advantage of SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) technology. SIP is multimedia protocol that will not only allow for telephone communication over the Internet but has the capability for messaging, video, and conferencing.

The primary appeal to iPhone softphone is that users can avoid costly cellular talk time and long distance charges. This advantage is, in fact, the same reason that iPhone softphone capability has been somewhat slow to develop. Because AT&T feared that VoIP for the iPhone would cause their revenue from traditional cellular talk time to decline, Apple and AT&T agree to limit the iPhone softphone capability to wireless (wi-fi), as opposed to cellular network. Despite this limitation iPhone softphone is a big leap for users who have been waiting for SIP capability since the introduction of the iPHone. In fact, not having ready access to VoIP has been one of the biggest knocks on the iPhone. Luckily, this is no longer a problem.

With the recent announcement by Skype that it would be offering an iPhone softphone application and Apple’s decision to begin supporting third party development of iPhone softphone/SIP applications, the market for iPhone softphone has exploded. Users now have a variety of options in terms of SIP software solutions. These vary in terms of functionality and ease of use but there is certain to be one available that suits your needs.

One thing that has users especially excited is the capability to use the iTouch as a phone. It is iPhone softphone technology that enables users to do this. The very same software that is designed to run on the iPhone can be installed and used on the iTouch. Transmission is still limited to wi-fi but VoIP using the iTouch is possible.

So, if cool is what you want then iPhone softphone really fills the bill. As an added plus, you can save tons of money by avoiding long distance charges and talk time minutes. If you don’t care about cool then you are almost certain to be swayed by the money. The cost savings alone makes it worth it. You owe it to yourself to give the latest and greatest in iPhone softphone a try. You will be really glad that you did.