iLounge

Thrutu is a new iOS app by MetaSwitch designed to simplify the process of sharing information and content with other users while in the middle of a phone call. Released earlier this year for Android, Thrutu adds a new dimension to voice calls allowing users to easily share location info, contact info and photos with the person on the other end of the voice call. Location sharing allows Thrutu users to see each other’s positions in real-time on an integrated map and users can instantly send contact details to the other user and snap and share photos from either the camera or photo library, all while on a voice call.

To use Thrutu, users initiate a voice call from within the Thrutu app; calls are placed and received through the standard Phone application using the cellular voice network, with Push Notifications used to establish the connection between the two parties in the Thrutu app. Thrutu requires a simultaneous voice and 3G or Wi-Fi data connection to provide a fully interactive experience, however SMS messages can be used for sharing information where data is not available or the other user does not have Thrutu installed. Most GSM providers can provide voice and 3G data simultaneously, however Verizon iPhone users will need to either be on a Wi-Fi connection or fall back to SMS-based sharing. Thrutu requires an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4 running iOS 4.0 or later and is available from the App Store as a free download.