Skype for Pocket PC 1.0 Released

[Pat Logsdon]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.skype.com/download_pda.html' target='_blank'>http://www.skype.com/download_pda.html</a><br /><br /></div><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/logsdon_20040909_skype.jpg" /> <br /><br />"Skype Technologies S.A...today launched Skype for Pocket PC Version 1.0. Skype for Pocket PC 1.0 is free software, developed specifically to enable Skype for PDA devices. First unveiled as beta software in April, Skype for Pocket PC 1.0 enables the users of handheld computers with Wi-Fi and the Pocket PC operating system to make free unlimited calls from any Wi-Fi hot spot. The software can be downloaded for free and is available immediately at <a href="www.skype.com">www.skype.com</a>.<br /><br />Skype for Pocket PC enables cross-platform voice calls to other Skype users running Skype for Windows, Skype for Linux or Skype for Mac OS X. All Skype software is free, easy to download, simple to use, and offers superior call quality and security. Skype users control their online presence and contact lists, and have many options to customize their overall Skype experience."<br /><br />Skype for Pocket PC Free Features:<br /><br />∙ Free: Unlimited calling to all other Skype users with superior quality<br />· Global Directory: User-built global directory of Skype contacts<br />· Security: End-to-end encryption for privacy<br />· Conference calling: Participate in conference calls with up to 5 people<br />· Customization: My Picture image display<br />· Mobility: Use Skype from any Wi-Fi hotspot in the world<br />∙ Multiple Skype accounts on one device<br />· Instant messaging and more<br /><br />As promised <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=31470&amp;highlight=">in my interview,</a> Skype for Pocket PC 1.0 has been released just a few short weeks after the desktop client. Also as promised, all calls to other Skype users remain free, with value-added services such as calls to non-Skype POTS (plain old telephone system) users coming with a slight fee. To use Skype for Pocket PC, you'll need a 400mhz WM2003 device with WiFi. The voice application will not work over a GPRS connection, but the instant messaging functionality works just fine. Give it a try and let us know what you think! 8)

[cdcooker]

To use Skype for Pocket PC, you'll need a 400mhz WM2003 device with WiFi.

Will it work with Dell Axim X30 324mhz with WiFi?

[Pat Logsdon]

To use Skype for Pocket PC, you'll need a 400mhz WM2003 device with WiFi.

Will it work with Dell Axim X30 324mhz with WiFi?
It might, but I wouldn't hold my breath - it doesn't work on my wife's hp 1945 with a 266 mhz processor. If you try it and it works, please let us know!

[Paul Martin]

I just got back from a business trip. Before I left, I downloaded the app, looking forward to trying free calls back to home. Then, I realized it wouldn't work on my 206Mhz PPC 2002. Oh well.

[Gerry548]

I'l love to try skype for PPC, but I need to find a Mic/hdphn for my E755 first. Recommendations, anyone?
TIA, Gerry

[zilla31]

struggling to see the value in this software... help me out. since most cell phones have free LD, and most people have cell phones - what space does skype play in? people w/o cell phones? just curious not trying to be nasty - i want to try it but trying to think to myself "why?".

[Paul Martin]

I don't have a cell so I'd be interested, if I had the hardware I needed. One thought...you might could use this and save cell minutes or roaming charges if you had them and you knew someone was online.

[zilla31]

does skype let you text chat with the person too if they are not available to voice chat?

[Gerry548]

struggling to see the value in this software... help me out. since most cell phones have free LD, and most people have cell phones - what space does skype play in? people w/o cell phones? just curious not trying to be nasty - i want to try it but trying to think to myself "why
The value is:
1) You don't use cellphone plan minutes - it's truly "free" no-limit usage to another skype user.
2) You can call anywhere to any phone (including western Europe, and many other global spots as well) for 1.7 cents per minute.

[pivaska]

It is a TREMENDOUS benefit for me. I use a Toshiba E800 which has the required 400mhz speed needed to make it work and I just got through talking to a friend in South Africa for 35 minutes. When you translate that into the good old American dollar it is a fantastic savings. We need to talk at least once a week and some times even more. Thank you Skype!

[zilla31]

i'll have to try this out... so does the microphone and speaker (of say my 4155) suffice?

[pivaska]

Yes, It is like Nextel but if you use just a headphone it helps. I am still trying to find a headphone/mic with a jack that will fit my Toshiba.

[jonathanchoo]

does skype let you text chat with the person too if they are not available to voice chat?

yes it does

[jonathanchoo]

i'll have to try this out... so does the microphone and speaker (of say my 4155) suffice?

Works but you will have to hold the iPAQ upside down. Personally I am using a separate PC headset.

to Gerry: SkypeOut isn't exactly cheap. If I look around I can find much value calling cards. The reason I use Skype is to call other Skype users. Won't use it to make landline calls.

[zilla31]

i use VOIP at home (vonage) so i've already made the leap of faith and am very happy w/ it so far... i'm def going to give it a whirl on my PPC. you're right - if you get a ear and mike setup (say for a cellphone?) that will fit you might be in good shape.

[pivaska]

Cell phone plugs are too small. You need something that has a pc jack on it.

[zilla31]

shouldn't there be a converter of some kind for a few bucks? there are such a nice variety of cell phone ones that that would be nice... what about BT?

[Christian]

So... who wants to pay for AIM? :rotfl:

[mobile]

This app rocks! Granted, I actually haven't used it on a PPC, but I use it on several Bluetooth equipped computers together with a BT headset. Skype is actually probably the one reason I'd consider buying a PPC. Dial, walk around, talk. Awesome! I actually mostly use the Skype-POTS feature, and not the Skype-Skype functionality. However, Skype-POTS saves me about 80% of the price of calling overseas compared to a regular POTS-POTS call. Skype is waaaaay more competitive in terms of pricing than any other VOIP services I have come across.

The only thing Skype needs to be truly perfect (or at least that I can come to think of right now) is integration with PIM apps like Outlook, etc. Heck, I'd even consider paying a few $$ for getting that as a premium service.

Yeah, and for those who wonder ... No, I don't work for Skype.

/// mobile

[Pat Logsdon]

i'll have to try this out... so does the microphone and speaker (of say my 4155) suffice?
Works but you will have to hold the iPAQ upside down. Personally I am using a separate PC headset.
Eh? The mic on a 415x is at the top, right next to the SD slot. You can just hold it up near your mouth - no need to turn it upside down. You can even put it in a shirt pocket and you'll be fine.

to Gerry: SkypeOut isn't exactly cheap. If I look around I can find much value calling cards. The reason I use Skype is to call other Skype users. Won't use it to make landline calls.
My dad lives in Scotland, and I can call him for less than 2 cents per minute. If you've got a calling card with a comparable price, please post a link, I could use it! :)

[gregmills]

I'l love to try skype for PPC, but I need to find a Mic/hdphn for my E755 first. Recommendations, anyone?
TIA, Gerry

I have an e750. Since the speaker and mic are on opposite corners of the device you can actually hold it upside down so the speaker is against your ear and the mic is pointing towards your mouth. The speaker is not very loud to begin with so this works pretty well.

You could use a standard set of headphones instead of the speaker and just talk into the built-in mic. I don't see why you would need a phone-type headset but even if you had one you don't have any way to feed the audio back into the device.

[rob_ocelot]

I'l love to try skype for PPC, but I need to find a Mic/hdphn for my E755 first. Recommendations, anyone?
TIA, Gerry

I have an e750. Since the speaker and mic are on opposite corners of the device you can actually hold it upside down so the speaker is against your ear and the mic is pointing towards your mouth. The speaker is not very loud to begin with so this works pretty well.

You could use a standard set of headphones instead of the speaker and just talk into the built-in mic. I don't see why you would need a phone-type headset but even if you had one you don't have any way to feed the audio back into the device.

The PPC version of Skype also has an option to minimize any feedback from the PPC speaker into the built in mic. What it probably is doing is dampening or delaying instances where the PPC mic is live and the speaker is making sound.

I played with it last night on my 4155 calling my Desktop PC (two different Skype accounts) and the sound was quite clear, even when using the PPC as a speaker phone. The 4155 seems like it was made for somethng like this. I love it when I find a use for my PPC that I had never dreamed of when I purchased it.

As for headests that have both speaker and microphone, I believe the Toshiba E750 and E800 are the only PPC's that have a microphone integrated into the headphone port -- the entire port is deeper and the jack will have 4 rings instead of the usual 3.

[gregmills]

As for headests that have both speaker and microphone, I believe the Toshiba E750 and E800 are the only PPC's that have a microphone integrated into the headphone port -- the entire port is deeper and the jack will have 4 rings instead of the usual 3.

I own an e750 and I've never heard of that. At first I thought you were just mistaken but I went and checked it out in the e750 detailed specs sheet (http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/support/downloads/pocketpc_e750.pdf).

Ports:
Stereo Headphone/Microphone port (Stereo; 4 ring jack 3.5mm)

Wow. There's one more reason I'm glad I picked the e750. Now I kinda would like to have a headset. W?BIC!

It also means I could probably solder together a cable to give me audio in and out jacks. Then I could actually get some use out of a real-time effects processor (http://coyoteflux.nl/pocketmc.htm) in a live playing environment. Sweet!

[Duncan]

Of course the wonderful new Loox 720 has a dedicated speaker (just for VoIP) at the top and a well place microphone at the bottom... ;)

[cab124]

I just tested pocket Skype out with a friend. He was using a brand new Dell Axim X30, and I am using an HP iPaq 2215 with a Linksys wifi CF card. We both just plugged in some standard headphones and talked into the built-in microphones.

We were both blown away by the clarity. It was like being in the same room. Even when we were both speaking at the same time, it seemed to work perfectly.

I am impressed.

[mrkablooey]

struggling to see the value in this software... help me out. since most cell phones have free LD, and most people have cell phones - what space does skype play in? people w/o cell phones? just curious not trying to be nasty - i want to try it but trying to think to myself "why?".

"why?"

someone have a link to W?BIC! :wink:

I guess the main thing would be international long distance. Plus you don't have to give out phone number(s), allowing you to take calls when you want. and don't have to use your minutes if your plan doesn't include them.

now i have to find the link on here to get a BT headset to work with the PPC and use it that way... hmm.... :i got it:

edit: just found the thread, and lucky me, the x30 already has the bluetooth headset profile! whoo hoo! NOW i have to search for the thread with people posting their skype usernames to try it out :wink:

[Christian]

This is slightly off topic, but what PC headsets would you recommend for Skype? My PPC doesn't have WiFi, but I use Skype on the desktop to talk with friends & family. I was looking at the Logitech Premium 300 headset, any thoughts or other recommendations? I don't have a preference for USB vs. analog.

[jonathanchoo]

i'll have to try this out... so does the microphone and speaker (of say my 4155) suffice?
Works but you will have to hold the iPAQ upside down. Personally I am using a separate PC headset.
Eh? The mic on a 415x is at the top, right next to the SD slot. You can just hold it up near your mouth - no need to turn it upside down. You can even put it in a shirt pocket and you'll be fine.

to Gerry: SkypeOut isn't exactly cheap. If I look around I can find much value calling cards. The reason I use Skype is to call other Skype users. Won't use it to make landline calls.
My dad lives in Scotland, and I can call him for less than 2 cents per minute. If you've got a calling card with a comparable price, please post a link, I could use it! :)

1: its for those who want to use their PDA as phone without any kit. But its silly and one which I would not recommend (assuming its possible which I doubt due to the noise inteference and the iPAQ speaker is not meant to be put against the ears). And I don't wear a shirt with front pocket. Too nerdy. (No offence to those who do)

2: Well my calling card (italk) from Malaysia to a UK mobile costs me around 20euros and can last about 200 minutes talk time. SkypeOut to UK for 20euros = 100 minutes. In the UK I can get one of those dodgy Irish operator cards that can be bought from most newsagents. However it is much cheaper to call SkypeOut to KL landline. Calling UK mobile is very expensive (20 euro pence per minute) so I rather use my card.

And then there is still the issue of London not having as many free or cheap WiFi coverage. I believe in order to use BT OpenZone it cost GBP30 for 4000 minutes of usage within 30 days.

I think Skype or VoIP won't replace mobile phones just yet. Even for hardcore geeks, there is still the convenience of able to make or receive any call at any time of the day without making pre approved plans to get into a WiFi are or turning on your PC, with a mobile. Unless they integrate VoIP into mobiles to operate seamlessly via a single telephone number. Ofcom has made the first step to this reality by assigning prefix area code for VoIP (056).

[howlettg]

I'm trying this out on my IPAQ 5550. When i call another online Skype user everything works fine but when using SkypeOut to call a land-line in the UK when i try to speak into the IPAQ microphone i just get a buzzing noise in the phone. Anyone else had this problem?

Could someone tell me if the audio jack on the bottom just a headphone jack or has it got microphone functionality as well?

I want to call people in the Congo, Australia and New Zealand and the prices are cheaper than i've got at the moment so i was looking forward to using it.

[rob_ocelot]

As for headests that have both speaker and microphone, I believe the Toshiba E750 and E800 are the only PPC's that have a microphone integrated into the headphone port -- the entire port is deeper and the jack will have 4 rings instead of the usual 3.

I own an e750 and I've never heard of that. At first I thought you were just mistaken but I went and checked it out in the e750 detailed specs sheet (http://cdgenp01.csd.toshiba.com/content/support/downloads/pocketpc_e750.pdf).

Ports:
Stereo Headphone/Microphone port (Stereo; 4 ring jack 3.5mm)

Wow. There's one more reason I'm glad I picked the e750. Now I kinda would like to have a headset. W?BIC!

It also means I could probably solder together a cable to give me audio in and out jacks. Then I could actually get some use out of a real-time effects processor (http://coyoteflux.nl/pocketmc.htm) in a live playing environment. Sweet!

That Toshiba jack also supports an inline remote control, similar to what Sony MD players have. The e800 version of Windows Media Player even allows you to assign button functions to the inline remote.

Now what I'd like to see is an uber-headset that combines both an inline remote and a built in mic, with a set of in-ear canal earbuds.

It should be fairly easy to make since the remote functions are multiplexed onto the standard L/R/G wires and the cheapest canal buds from Sony are about $35. Use a 4-ring miniplug and a separete 'hang down' type mic from a cell headset and you are good to go.

It might be a little bit Frankenstein, but that's par for the course for a W?BIC! project :-)

I believe Toshiba supplies information to developers on how to incorporate the inline remote functions into programs. I can envision assigning some Skype functions into the remote. You'd never have to take the darn headset off ;-)

[zilla31]

i found an article on engaget a while ago about turning your PPC into a VOIP phone (not using skype) if you have vonage. you can get your own number too it an everything (so not skype to skype but like a regular VOIP phone). it's in PDF so if anyone wants it email me :)

[gregmills]

i found an article on engaget a while ago about turning your PPC into a VOIP phone (not using skype) if you have vonage. you can get your own number too it an everything (so not skype to skype but like a regular VOIP phone). it's in PDF so if anyone wants it email me :)

Is that using the SJPhone application? Becuase I'm only going to keep one VOIP program on my PPC and I can't decide if it's going to be Stanaphone or Skype.

[that_kid]

Is that using the SJPhone application? Becuase I'm only going to keep one VOIP program on my PPC and I can't decide if it's going to be Stanaphone or Skype.

You can use sjphone with vonage, free world dialup and all other sip based voip providers. I have sjphone setup on my ppc with vonage, stanaphone and free world dialup.

[nootrak4]

To use Skype for Pocket PC, you'll need a 400mhz WM2003 device with WiFi.

Will it work with Dell Axim X30 324mhz with WiFi?

Yes this Program works just fine with any X30. There was a V that didn’t but i guess they fix what every the problem was, but i keep adding people my list but i never c anyone one for some reason. It like the other people doesn’t even know I’m requesting to c them. If you use MSN or Yahoo Messager it will tell you when a buddy adds you to there list and asked you if u want them to c you online. But for some reason skype is suppose to work like this but it doesn’t. Because my girl added me to her account and i never got and invitation to let her c me online the only time she was able to c me online and i was able to c her was when i added her to my list. I’m I doing something wrong. And how can I make a calls to Pots Lines. Other thing can I make phone calls to Cell phones that use CDMA networks like sprint or verizon? And again how would I make a phone call to A POTS. I wouldn’t mind trying to call my house. Thank you My Skype name is nootrak4 if anyone would like to add me to there list.

[Abras]

To use Skype for Pocket PC, you'll need a 400mhz WM2003 device with WiFi.

Will it work with Dell Axim X30 324mhz with WiFi?
It might, but I wouldn't hold my breath - it doesn't work on my wife's hp 1945 with a 266 mhz processor. If you try it and it works, please let us know!

I tried too, I it's says that it needs a 400mhz CPU, I can't understand why, since de 1945 CPU have the same perfomance than a 2110.

We have to mail then asking why.

[intastella]

Has anyone else had trouble running Skype on a Toshiba e800 with SE?

I can't get past the initial ACCEPT / DECLINE screen - I push the ACCEPT button but then it all freezes.

Anyone else?

[Pat Logsdon]

Has anyone else had trouble running Skype on a Toshiba e800 with SE?

I can't get past the initial ACCEPT / DECLINE screen - I push the ACCEPT button but then it all freezes.
Are you connected to a WiFi network when you start Skype? I'm fairly sure that's a requirement.

[intastella]

I've tried it while being connected to two different wi-fi networks and I still can't get beyond ACCEPT / DECLINE.

It just freezes as soon as I hit ACCEPT.

This happens even if I do it right after a soft reset.

Weird. I was hoping this might be a problem other people were having.

This also happened with the most recent beta version.

I suppose the next thing for me to try is to disable all my startup items and see if that makes a difference.

Any other advice appreciated.

[Daniel.S]

My new Pocket Loox 420 works great with Skype!
im planing on gettin a bluetooth headset, that will make it even bether.

nothing negative to say about skype.

this ROCKS
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