Sooo while experimenting with ROMs on my new X710d I noticed that Google Talk wasn’t automatically installed. “No problem,” I mumbled, “I’ll just grab it from Google Play.” Those were my famous last words because apparently Google does not include a separate Gtalk app. Fine, Gtalk only comes with the stock ROM, no problem. “I’ll just install Fring and unite all of my instant messaging accounts together”. Once again, famous last words.
Fring went from a thriving instant message and video chat powerhouse to a one trick pony sms client.
As I installed the latest version of Fring, I eagerly rubbed my hands together and thumbed my nose at Google and their lack of gtalk app cooperation. I mean sure I can now install Google Calendar on my cheap offbrand 99.00 Tablet, but what about instant messaging? After the install finished I hastily fired it up and put in my google number as requested. Wait, why are they requesting a phone number? Having just installed KakaoTalk I didn’t flinch when Fring asked for my number, I just wanted to see my Yahoo, Hotmail, and Google Talk accounts pop up. Sadly that didn’t happen.
So I made a video showing my dismay and confusion regarding the look and dumbed down features of the “new” Fring. Other Bloggers saw my video and noted the differences also. Fring did not answer my question on twitter either.
@IdoNotes: @Wild5tar just wrote a post on Fring changes. I will link your video.
In the link below a Fring rep even commented on their new progression and what’s in the future. Future? What future? I just want to video chat and im my contacts again. Somebody better start explaining quickly or a lot of users will be lost.
Read blog.thesocialnetworker.com/index.php/2012/10/18/fring-updates-android-client-and-disappoints-users/