Fring Adds File-Swapping To Its Mobile VoIP App

There is no reason why mobile IM and VoIP software should be any different than PC-based versions. Case in point: Today, mobile VoIP startup Fring is adding some new features to its mobile application, including file-swapping. Fring uses your cell phone’s data plan or WiFi connection to make free Internet calls. Like Skype, it charges a small fee to connect to landline and mobile phones that don’t have the Fring client. It also lets you IM and talk to people on Skype, MSN, ICQ, Twitter, Google Talk, Yahoo, AIM and any SIP network (like Gizmo). Fring’s IM now indicates when the person you are chatting with is typing. The big new feature, though, is file swapping. You can send music, videos, or documents from your cell phone to other Fring users or anyone on MSN Messenger through 3G GSM and Edge mobile data networks as well as over WiFi.

The app is available in seven languages (English, German, Italian, Spanish, Russian, French and Chinese), and works on any Nokia series 60, Windows Mobile, or Sony Ericsson smartphone. CEO Avi Schecter says he is adding about 100,000 registered users per month. Fring is based in Israel and raised $12 million last August in a B round from North Bridge Venture Partners, VenFin, Pitango, Veritas, and Yossi Vardi.