New Line2 App puts a Phone Line to your iPad
When the iPad hit shelves with a vengeance a few years back, many critics and gadget news were saying that it’s nothing more than a gigantic iPhone. This is only partially true. Yes, most of the functionality of an iPhone can be mirrored with the iPad, but the iPad does a lot more, and really takes advantage of its tablet architecture. What’s more, now, many people are wanting their iPad to work like an iPhone…..specifically, they want phone functionality on their iPad.
Line2 has heard these cries, and they’ve come out with an app that lets you make voice calls on the iPad, just like on the iPhone. Line2 uses the 3G connection or Wi-Fi connection of the iPad to place these voice calls. Additionally, you can send text message, listen to your voice calls…even send emails using the built-in iTunes-looking contact management tool.
The service will let you place phone calls using a wired headset or the built-in speaker and mic, and the rest of the functions can be controlled from a single HD interface.
The charge for the Line2 service is around $10 per month (or $100 per year) , with a free week trial when you subscribe. You can port your existing phone number to Line2 so that you can use the same number on both your phone and your iPad. But if you don’t like this, there is also an option to create a new phone number when you register. After that, unlimited domestic calling is yours at your disposal.
Many of us barely use our cell phones and other new gadgets to place phone calls anymore, but if you’re looking to expand that little-used functionality to your tablet, then Line2 for iPad may be the answer.
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New App Adds a Phone Line to the iPad, Then Merges Calls,
Texts, and Voicemails Into One Communications Stream
San Francisco, CA — The iPad changed the way we consume media on a mobile device. Now Line2 is transforming the tablet into a mobile communications hub with the introduction of Line2 for iPad. Line2 for iPad turns the device into a mobile office at one’s fingertips by adding a phone line, then seamlessly organizing your various communication channels around the people with whom you communicate. Instead of trying to hunt down a message across multiple applications, you now have a snapshot view of your communications for each individual right in front of you.
Line2 adds a fully-featured phone line to the iPad that can place and receive calls and carrier-grade text messages over the device’s data connections (Wi-Fi or 3G). If the iPad does not have a data connection, calls can be automatically forwarded to up to six other phones so that customers can ensure that they never miss an important call.
“The iPad has been our best-converting platform for new customer signups. Following our customers’ lead, we’ve created a brand new version of Line2 from the ground up to take advantage of the unique capabilities of the iPad. We invented a new type of communications device,” said Peter Sisson, Founder and CEO of Line2. “I’ve completely replaced my office deskphone, using the iPad 2’s built in speakers and mic as a speakerphone and a Bluetooth headset for more private conversations.”
With Line2 you can place calls using a wired headset, Bluetooth headset (on iPad 2 only), or over the iPad’s speakerphone. Line2, combined with the iPad’s powerful built-in speakers and microphone, makes for an amazing on-the-go business tool for conference calls with multiple people in the room. Just set the iPad down on the table in a group meeting and it’s like having a high-grade conference phone with an abundance of additional features.
No other iPad app offers the features and functionality of Line2. The app is packed with advanced calling features, including full caller ID support, the ability to juggle multiple calls, visual voicemail, voicemail by email, call waiting, call transfer, and conferences for up to 20 people. You can even multitask while using Line2 and perform other tasks while on a call, or receive calls while engaged in other activities on the iPad.
Line2’s Wi-Fi capabilities allow international travelers to place and receive calls while overseas without incurring any additional charges. Using Line2, calls to any number back home will be free, as will calls to other Line2users, wherever they are worldwide. Line2’s Wi-Fi call quality is also better than traditional cellular quality, and Wi-Fi calls between two Line2 customers use 16-kHz HD audio for crystal clear sound quality that is stunning to experience.
Line2 offers a free 7 day trial with an account created at the Line2 website. After the trial, service costs just $9.95/month for the basic plan with unlimited US/Canada calling and texting, or $99.50 for a one year pre-paid plan. Also available is the Line2 Pro plan, which comes with all of the features of Line2 plus an auto attendant, call screening, ability to route calls to multiple phones simultaneously, caller-specific call forwarding, after-hours settings, and Mac/PC-based calling for just $14.95/month or $149.50 per year. These plans are available through the Line2 website with credit card billing.
About Line2
Line2 is solving communication problems one app at a time. The company, headquartered in San Francisco, creates innovative communications services for professionals, with high-end features and world-class live customer support. Its flagship product, Line2, adds a second line to your smartphone to seamlessly manage “second selves” (multiple profiles such as work and personal lives) on one device. Its groundbreaking Line2 for iPad turns the tablet into a full-featured desktop phone.
