The new iPhone app Onavo, is now also available for iPad and can save you hundreds of dollars in data roaming charges.

The app works by reducing the amount of data usage on your iPhone or iPad by changing the configuration of your device to download data through Onavo’s servers.

This means that when you request a web page, the iPhone or iPad will connect to Onavo’s servers rather than directly to the website’s servers. The web page is downloaded, compressed and sent to your iPhone or iPad.

There are some drawbacks however, including image quality. Onavo saves data by compressing images down to a lower quality. It is also a little slower than using the internet directly as everything that you do is passed through Onavo’s servers. Also, when using email, the formatting is stripped and you will only receive a plain text version.

The app also does not help with all types of internet usage. Video streaming for example, will use as much data as it normally does.

Onavo elimates the need for a roaming SIM whilst away. Onavo can also be combined with a cheaper global roaming SIM card for even cheaper internet access whilst overseas.

You can download the Onavo app free at the iTunes App Store.

For more information please visit Onavo.com.