Skype for Pocket PC 2.1 Beta Released

[Darius Wey]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/' target='_blank'>http://www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/wey-20060817-skype.jpg" /><br /><br />The Skype team recently introduced a <a href="http://www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/">new beta of Skype for Pocket PCs</a>. In it, you'll find the following enhancements:<br /><br />• Multi-chat support, including animated emoticons.<br />• One click access to Skype from the home screen.<br />• Profile editing capability, including the ability to take a picture with device camera and update Skype profile.<br />• Enriched contact lists - view contacts' mood messages and avatars.<br />• Contact search - users can now search for and add new contacts from their device.<br />• Skype Launcher - Skype is now started through a small "launcher" application that checks the available memory and verifies that Skype is installed correctly; the Skype launcher also results in improved start-up times.<br />• Improved call management - Skype now detects incoming mobile calls, and offers the user the choice to hang up or ignore the call.<br />• On device help guide.<br /><br />So, in a nutshell, everything and the kitchen sink. In addition, the beta includes improved Windows Mobile 5.0 support (those of you currently using an older version of Skype on a Windows Mobile 5.0-based device will appreciate the changes).

[hiatus]

it wouldn't install in my X50v, it said errors in the setup file, both exe and cab, anyone got the same problem?

[ctmagnus]

Skype Launcher - Skype is now started through a small "launcher" application that checks the available memory and verifies that Skype is installed correctly; the Skype launcher also results in improved start-up times.

Hopefully it'll work on the JAMin - the version that shipped on it was reportedly rather a resource hog. I uninstalled it right away, but do miss it.

Unfortunately, I'll likely wait for it as I'm not much for beta testing anymore.

[darus77]

No go with both on my Blue Angel either. Window pops up saying it is not a valid install file. maybe they posted the wrong file?

[JesterMania]

The .cab file worked fine on my device. But it seems the Today launcher is just a launcher and that's about it. It would be nice if I could use it to set my status, etc.

[Darius Wey]

it wouldn't install in my X50v, it said errors in the setup file, both exe and cab, anyone got the same problem?

No go with both on my Blue Angel either. Window pops up saying it is not a valid install file. maybe they posted the wrong file?

The EXE I downloaded a day ago worked fine. Perhaps you both got it at a bad time. Try downloading it again.

[Patrick Y.]

No problem getting it to work on my x51v a day ago. Love the changes!!

[griph]

4winmobile are noting in their posting http://www.4winmobile.com/portal.php?topic_id=3126

"There is no low cpu version this time by the look of things so you'll need a PPC with at least a 400mhz processor to be able to use this. A couple of HTC Hermes devices feature quite heavily on the page and are in the supported devices list which continues the trend started in version 2.0 of Skype actually seeming to know about more than just a couple of PPC's "

So looks like us with OMAP processors are out of the window! :-(

[Darius Wey]

So looks like us with OMAP processors are out of the window! :-(

Unfortunately, that has been the case for a long time now. You need a reasonably fast processor (recommended: 400MHz or higher) to handle the processing of audio.

[griph]

You need a reasonably fast processor (recommended: 400MHz or higher) to handle the processing of audio.
Think I already said that Darius! :lol:

[Darius Wey]

You need a reasonably fast processor (recommended: 400MHz or higher) to handle the processing of audio.
Think I already said that Darius! :lol:

Well, not entirely true. I was clueing you into the fact that the processor requirement has existed for a LONG time (seems like you only just learned about it), and further reinforcing it by restating the requirement and WHY the requirement exists (something you didn't mention). ;)

[Joelacrane]

New changes are great. The interface is much improved, and startup times do seem better. The whole thing can be finally used without a stylus! The buttons on the dail screen are big and easy to press with your fingers. Good job Skype!

The startup screen is still pixelly on my VGA Axim x51v, and it will even pass the startup screen when it doesnt connect, making it completely pointless. I was hoping for a built in WiFi finder, but i guess im dreaming.

Its free, its beta, once again, great job Skype, this is an exceptionally cool peice of software.

[griph]

Well, not entirely true. I was clueing you into the fact that the processor requirement has existed for a LONG time (seems like you only just learned about it), and further reinforcing it by restating the requirement and WHY the requirement exists (something you didn't mention). ;
"There is no low cpu version this time by the look of things so you'll need a PPC with at least a 400mhz processor to be able to use this. A couple of HTC Hermes devices feature quite heavily on the page and are in the supported devices list which continues the trend started in version 2.0 of Skype actually seeming to know about more than just a couple of PPC's "
:roll:
Thanks.

[Darius Wey]

:roll:
Thanks.

That outlines the "what" (faster processor requirement), not the "why" (demands of audio processing). Anyway, it's trivial. I guess in the future, I'll keep in mind that some things are just better left unsaid.

[logo20heli]

I uninstalled the previous version and then tried to install the beta on my X50v. No luck. I get the error about the .CAB file being corrupt. The .EXE won't run on my laptop either. Any ideas on how to proceed? Thanks.

[beq]

I'm curious, how would Skype on a Pocket PC compare to the new Wi-Fi Skype phones (from Netgear, and the Accton-made ones from Belkin, Edge-Core, SMC)?

[beq]

Also, when will Skype for Pocket PC support video calling? When that happens, will Skype likely be able to use the front-facing camera featured on models such as the HTC TyTN (Hermes), HTC Trinity, etc?

[Darius Wey]

I uninstalled the previous version and then tried to install the beta on my X50v. No luck. I get the error about the .CAB file being corrupt. The .EXE won't run on my laptop either. Any ideas on how to proceed? Thanks.

When did you download the file? Try clearing your cache, then re-downloading it. It should work.

[Darius Wey]

I'm curious, how would Skype on a Pocket PC compare to the new Wi-Fi Skype phones (from Netgear, and the Accton-made ones from Belkin, Edge-Core, SMC)?

If your Pocket PC is fast enough, I think it's just as good an alternative. You already own the device, and the application is free to download and use, so why bother paying extra for a standalone phone device (unless your lifestyle demands it)? My two cents.

I use Skype on my M600 and the sound quality is excellent and the application itself is very easy to use.

[Darius Wey]

Also, when will Skype for Pocket PC support video calling? When that happens, will Skype likely be able to use the front-facing camera featured on models such as the HTC TyTN (Hermes), HTC Trinity, etc?

I think video calling will be available once more 3G-connected Pocket PCs are released. These devices are only just starting to appear in the market (e.g. Hermes, Breeze), so once they're a little more ubiquitous, the Skype team will have a reason to implement video calling functionality.

As for support for front-facing cameras, time will tell.

[thorondor]

If you're having problems downloading the file you will probably need to desactivate the pop up bocking

[logo20heli]

It looks like there was a problem with the installer on ActiveSync 3.8.

They just posted a new version and one of the fixes listed is:
bugfix: can't install .exe on ActiveSync 3.8

So if you are using ActiveSync 3.8, go download the latest version, which is: 18.09.2006 Skype for Pocket PC 2.1.0.57 Beta (Pocket PC)

I just tried it on my Axim X50v and it installs fine. I installed it via the .cab file.