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Skype Releases PocketPC Version Of VoIP Software

Posted by simoniker on from the mobile-phone? dept.

An anonymous reader writes "According to WindowsForDevices.com, Skype Technologies has launched a free beta release of peer-to-peer voice calling software for WiFi-enabled handheld devices running Microsoft's Pocket PC software platform. PocketSkype is a 'thin' version of Skype, the company's original peer-to-peer voice-calling for Windows PCs which was released in August 2003. Like Skype, PocketSkype can be used to make free, unlimited, and unmetered calls anywhere in the world."

15 of 144 comments (clear)

  1. wow-- the first piece of pocket pc spyware? by way2trivial · · Score: 5, Insightful

    brought to you by the malkers of kazaa

    is there any spyware for the pocketpc that predates? I hope they got a patent on it..

    --
    every day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
    1. Re:wow-- the first piece of pocket pc spyware? by gl4ss · · Score: 4, Informative

      not a troll at all.

      skype's eula grants them permission to install 3rd party useless shit, and them being who they are you really think they wouldn't do it?

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
    2. Re:wow-- the first piece of pocket pc spyware? by tcdk · · Score: 4, Interesting

      Skype make quite a deal of the fact that it's doesn't contain spy or ad ware.

      I've used it quite a bit to communicate from Denmark to Greenland and I'm very impressed by the quality. I get a 4-500ms ping to my brother who's only on a dial-up, yet the quality is flawless and the lag isn't to bad.

      Now if only they would make a PalmOne version. I'm going buy a new PDA real-soon-now, but it's not going to be a MS based one. No way.

      --
      TC - My Photos..
  2. How is this new? by Kenja · · Score: 4, Interesting

    How is this diferent then the VOIP software that came with my PocketPC?

    --

    "Have you ever thought about just turning off the TV, sitting down with your kids, and hitting them?"
    1. Re:How is this new? by EulerX07 · · Score: 4, Informative

      Can someone behind a firewall/router call you using that VOIP software? The one reason I started using skype is that my other software didn't work from behind my d-ling router.

    2. Re:How is this new? by sh0rtie · · Score: 5, Informative


      how about its not free? , check out the EULA

      You acknowledge that certain functions in the Skype Software are only available to paid subscribers after a free trial period of the Skype Software and Services (the "Free Trial Period") ends. After the Free Trial Period ends, you will be presented with the option to subscribe to the Subscription Services. If you do not wish to subscribe, you acknowledge that you can not access functions and services only available to paid subscribers. To subscribe to the Subscription Services you must agree to the terms and conditions of the Subscription Services.

      then they effectivly go on to say you ok them from any spyware concerns but unknown 3rd parties will have access to your machine

      (c) THE SKYPE SOFTWARE IS UTILIZED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THIRD PARTIES WHICH ARE UNRELATED TO SKYPER. YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT INSTALLATION OF THE SKYPE SOFTWARE WILL ALLOW THIRD PARTIES WHO ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH SKYPER THE ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR COMPUTER ("OUTSIDE PARTIES"). YOU AGREE THAT SKYPER WILL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE, CLAIM OR LOSS OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER

      why are we giving this time again ? next up on slashdot Gator/Claria bring you free VOIP ?

  3. Suddenly... by Knight+Thrasher · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Suddenly, WiFi monitoring becomes incredibly worthwhile.

    1. Re:Suddenly... by mr100percent · · Score: 5, Informative
      Skype's FAQ states that the software uses end-to-end encryption for the phone call.

  4. Not too shabby! by JLavezzo · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Hey don't rag on them too badly! They are Hiring Linux Developers.
    KDEphone here we come!

  5. TROLL MY ASS by way2trivial · · Score: 4, Informative

    read this link please . and then decide

    --
    every day http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Random
  6. free phone calls ? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful


    sounds like they need to watch their advertising standards, unless i can phone any telephone number in the world - for free , anytime
    otherwise its just a long range walkie talkie

  7. what fuss? by maxbang · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I don't understand the fuss about all of this VOIP stuff. I still can call only another VOIP user at this point, right? If that's the case, there are plenty of tools out there already that enable this, even on PocketPC, which an earlier post pointed out. I'd rather pay my $50 a month for my cell and call anyone I want from wherever I want. I do value the aspect of getting everyone to switch to VOIP, which is what I think skype (among others) are trying to do. Once that happens and that wimax stuff takes off, then we'll be much better off, methinks.

    --
    I also reply below your current threshold.
  8. Pocket GPhone by mknewman · · Score: 4, Informative

    I've been using Pocket GPhone which comes on my Toshiba E805 for a few months now. You can check it out at http://www.vliusa.com/prof_personal/index.php The version I am using is 3.0 which is much, much better than the 1.0 version that comes on the E805. Works pretty well, with the typical pauses due to the network, and you do want to use it with a headset to prevent echoing, but the cool thing is they are hooked up to some sort of VoIP network and for $20 for 600 minutes you can make calls to virtually any phone. The rates for International calls are the best I have seen, anywhere. $0.05/min for most countries. You can use it for free for PDA-PDA (or even PC) calls for 60 days but then you have to pay them something to use their 'Buddy' service, but even then you can still make direct IP address based phone calls. No affiliation, just a relatively satisfied user. Marc

  9. Read it here on Techtree.com! by PhrozenF · · Score: 4, Informative

    Read the entire story here on Techtree.com. They have some interesting observation and comments too.

    "However, there are various issues raised over "voice-over Wi-Fi." Firstly, there isn't enough Wi-Fi coverage yet to make it feasible for the executives who are the primary users of pocket PCs to own only that device. Most people who would want to use that service need a reliable network. Also, the sound quality offered is poor."

  10. Re:Read the EULA by IamTheRealMike · · Score: 4, Interesting

    I read that paragraph to say "other peoples computers will communicate with yours", which is, uh, kind of the point of a VoIP program. I think they are just being overly-paranoid with the legal stuff.