As noted by TechCrunch this morning, the developer behind the very popular iOS messaging application, IM+, has agreed to acquire CrispApp - Hong Kong developers of the ‘fone’ app. You may recall that we reviewed fone back in February when it was known as Facebook Messenger, it was a well done app that brought a good Facebook chat experience to iOS and also implemented a free VoIP offering between Facebook users.

As a consequence of this deal, the developer of IM+, SHAPE Services says it will launch, within ten days, a new iOS app called IM+ Video. It will leverage upon the method in which fone allowed VoIP calls through Facebook but will instead offer users the ability to chat amongst their friends - whether they are on a desktop or mobile. The service will be provided free of charge and users of fone will be able to continue to use the service, as the app will continue to exist alongside IM+ Video.

There are currently roughly 12.5 million registered IM+ users, and SHAPE’s system process about 1.7 billion messages and 750 million ad impressions per month.

[Via TechCrunch]