Free mobile social networker Nimbuzz comes to iPhone

Rating: Free app provides IM and VoIP to iPhone users

Nimbuzz is a mobile social networking service that offers it’s users access to free communication over their mobile device. By taking advantage of IM and VoIP, Nimbuzz allows it’s subscribers to connect for free through already existing internet services… providing they have a good flat rate bill with their operator, of course.

Now, for the first time, Nimbuzz is available on both iPhone and iPod Touch, for free, from the Apple iPhone App Store.

What good is it for iPhone users?

There are three things about it specifically targeted for iPhone users.

First off, there’s it’s text chat option. It allows landscape mode chat, which is incredibly handy for those that like the bigger keyboard landscape provides. The chat function will also connect with all the major services your friends probably already use. So Skype, Yahoo! Messenger, AIM, Windows Live Messenger, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, Facebook, MySpace… you get the picture.

Secondly, it has an IM buddy calling facility, which can hit up your friends across the same set of services.

And thirdly, in addition to its connection to the major social networks, Nimbuzz also supports regional social networks (examples given were StudiVZ, Hyves for The Netherlands, and Gadu-Gadu in Poland).

What we think:

This is more than just one of those “what can I lose” apps. It’s completely free, so there’s no reason not to check it out. It’s early days on the iPhone yet, but the word seems to be that it’s integration with Skype is a big selling point…. not that there’s any selling done.

Nimbuzz claims to be growing at a rate of over 10,000 users per day. If those are the figures they were getting before they had access to the iPhone crowd, then they can probably expect good numbers from that community as well.