Montreal startup company launches virtual smartphone app for Android

Montreal, Quebec – A little known tech startup in this thriving metropolis of 3.8 million people has announced the release of an application that allows Android cell-phone users to make and receive cell phone calls and text messages without the aid of the phone itself.

Company founders Jenviev Azzolin and Denzil D’Sa proclaimed the beta release of “Pplconnect” which can run on a tablet, laptop, or another phone and perform the basic tasks of a cell phone. The app can also use the smartphone’s contact list. As per the founders, Pplconnect allows a person to use their phone even during those times when they may have forgotten it at home.

“We realized that was a really powerful motivator,” said Azzolin.

“So we thought how can solve this problem? Because it’s not actually the physical phone that’s hard to be away from, it’s the information.”

In a move not likely to thrill telecom companies, Pplconnect allows users to avoid costly roaming fees when using their phones overseas. It also reduces the personal aggravation of having a cell phone discharge in settings where it may not be easy to recharge them such as in the airport.

“When we did research, the one overwhelming characteristic that came out was that the service is really for people that are in many ways ‘addicted’ to their smartphone; they need it all day. Some people are young professionals that are based in North America but travel a lot overseas for work, so roaming fees become a big frustration,” said Azzolin.

The app allows people to selectively distance themselves from the smartphone hardware in those moments they deem necessary. In fact, Pplconnect reaches deep into the mindset of a techie. As any good sys admin or programmer knows, you always leave yourself a back door entrance to any system.

On The Web:
Pplconnect virtual smartphone app launches
http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/pplconnect-virtual-smartphone-app-launches-1.2470335