Review: Juvino
Score:
80%
Version Reviewed: 1
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Juvino is a new application from Intelli-Call, which takes the work out of saving money on your phone bill. It allows you to save money by making phone calls and sending SMS' using the Juvino client application, through the Juvino Gateway. Typically you will save 95% on international calls, 65% on cross network calls and 50% on text messages. For example a typical call to the US will cost £1.30 a minute compared to 17p (or 5p if you are using inclusive local minutes) with Juvino.
The service is currently in beta testing for the UK market, but I have been using it without any major problems. The client application, which is currently available for all S60 2nd Edition handsets (plus a number of generic Java handsets), has been thoughtfully designed and is easy to use. It uses the standard S60 'list widget' user interface, which means it is simple and quick to use. Most actions can be carried out using just a few clicks.
Juvino works by routing calls through the Juvino Gateway. For phone calls the Juvino Gateway is a local number, which is generally the cheapest number to call from a mobile, and is usually included in inclusive minutes in contract phone packages. Juvino then routes the call on to the dialled number and charges a varying amount depending on the destination. Cross-network calls in the UK are charged at 12p per minute, while landline and mobile numbers in the US are charged at 5p per minute. For SMS, the Juvino Gateway is an Internet server and therefore messages are sent via a data (GPRS) connection. This means that sending SMS messages will incur a data charge, but even on the most expensive tariffs this will only be about 0.5p.
Juvino call costs are displayed both on their web site and in a cost directory feature in the application itself (costs are listed on a country by country basis). One feature I particularly liked was that, when entering a phone number to call, the application will look up and display the costs for the number before dialling. Other functions of the client application include the ability to view your credit balance, add additional credit (it uses premium SMS), send the application to a friend and get application updates (including updated access numbers and updated price lists).
The one problem with Juvino is that you have to remember to use it. It is not integrated with the normal dialling methods (e.g. from the idle Screen) and, while you can access your contact list from Juvino, you cannot choose to make a Juvino call from the Contacts application. This is more of an issue for SMS, which by their nature are often replies to earlier messages. The problem for Juvino is that this may put off the casual user who might like to save money but who does not want to change their dialling and usage habits. It is also worth noting that Juvino calls will not work when you are abroad (it needs a local access number for the model to work) so you're still stuck with high call charges when you are on holiday. However, SMS will work, and although data charges will be higher, Juvino should still offer good savings for those holiday text messages.
If you make international calls from your mobile you really should take a look at Juvino, as the potential cost savings are very impressive. PAYG (pre-paid) users will also benefit from Juvino because call charges for such users are generally higher, especially for cross network calls. However even when used solely within the UK and for text messages, the costs savings for contract users are still high, especially if you are the sort of person who regularly exceeds their inclusive minutes. If you take a look at the line on your mobile bill that lists out-of-tariff charges you will see a certain amount - with Juvino you should be able to reduce that figure by at least 50%.
Juvino is offering £2.50 of credit to the first 2000 people to sign up during the beta period. You can sign up for Juvino by texting JUVINO to 85080 or visiting the Juvino web site.
Reviewed by Rafe Blandford at