Showtime: video recording for iphone

Showtime is a native application that can be installed on a jailbroken phone. It brings video recording capability to iphone which I think is one of the basic functionality of any high-end phone. Initially, I was surprized when apple did not offer video recording capability on iphone. I had to reconsider my decision of buying iphone. Finally, I bought iphone expecting that the future software updates will bring the capability.

On a jailbroken phone, in the installer, you can find "showtime" in the "multimedia" category. But there is a catch to this. The current free version records only 5 secs of video. You need to donate to get a license key which do not have any limitations. Currently, the software is just in its bare bones. There is no capability to delete the recorded videos, which I think is very odd. I am sure that they will add this capability in the future releases.

Update:
I am wrong in saying that there is no capability to delete recorded videos. If you swipe across the filename, it will give an option to delete the file. Also, the recorded videos are kept in /var/root/Media/PBFVideo/ (/var/mobile/Media/PBFVideo on 1.1.3 phones). You can use SSH/SFTP to transfer videos on and off the iPhone. Go here for more detailed information. It has information about the current features and the upcoming features.

Fring for iphone: Use VOIP

Fring, a software gives VOIP and chat functionality for mobile phones released an evaluation version of its software for iphone. It is a native application. Currently, you need to jailbreak your
iphone to install this application. For detailed procedure of installation on a jailbroken phone, visit this link from fring.

This software brings together different IM services like MSN, google talk, skype etc. First you need to register with fring and then subscribe for the services that you use. Fring maintains your other accounts. i.e. Fring automatically logs you into gtalk/skype once you provide your credentials. You can even do SkypeOut calls using fring. It supports SIP accounts also. In short, its a wonderful software that you cannot miss.

I learnt(from here) that you can use this VOIP functionality on ipod touch also if you have an addon hardware. ipod touch do not have a microphone by default and hence the limitation. You need to have touchmods doc connector microphone.

Apple is against VOIP applications on iphone. I think this is because it will loose the revenue share from its telecom partners if people start using VOIP services which are way cheaper than the telecom services.