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(full) Skype on Android, is it coming????
I found this from May 2010 (come on Skype it is about time, time to catch the market or we all move on...)
http://skattertech.com/2010/05/skype-mobile-coming-to-sprint-htc-evo-4g/
"Skype envisions a world where video plays a larger role in the way we communicate. The next generation innovation involving video calling will not be bound to the computer. We’re seeing a proliferation of video calling shared between all kinds of connected devices. It’s on computers (today 1/3 of all calls on Skype happen via video), televisions (Skype bringing video calls to living rooms via Panasonic, Samsung & LG partnership), and it will eventually be coming to mobile devices too. We’re betting big on video, and we intend to set the bar on mobile video calling, and it’s something we’re going to do this year.
We will be bringing a direct to consumer app to the Android marketplace later this year. This application will be available for all consumers globally to download regardless of carriers. (i.e. similar to how we offer the iPhone app today)"
– Brianna Reynaud, Skype PR
Skype’s bold statement was clear on two things: they will be launching a mobile video calling service as well as a standard Android app this year.
Update 5/28/10 9:41AM: After a quick phone call from Skype’s PR team early this morning, it looks like they may have pulled the trigger a bit too soon with this comment. According to Reynaud, Skype will definitely be releasing a “direct-to-consumer” Android App this year, however the aren’t completely disclosing whether mobile video calling is an included feature.
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I don't know why so many people want SKype on Android so bad when Google Voice is cheaper and better.
brunes said:
I don't know why so many people want SKype on Android so bad when Google Voice is cheaper and better.
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Skype is available to users in (just about) any country, providing free video chat to both parties (for now at least)....simple enough until Google roles something more universal out.
A. People already have a large base of contacts on Skype.
B. Google voice isn't available outside to the majority of the worlds population, who just happen to live outside the USA.
brunes said:
I don't know why so many people want SKype on Android so bad when Google Voice is cheaper and better.
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I have Google Voice on my SGS, and I had to go through great lengths to get it, as I'm not from USA. That right there is your first reason for wanting Skype. Skype is global. Then, once I had everything installed, I noticed that Google Voice uses a callback system. This results in significant lag if you' re outside of USA. Also, Skype is both a chat, a voice, and a video call software, packaged nicely into one app. If you' re in USA, I understand why GV is more appealing to you, but everywhere else Skype makes more sense.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
exactly, i would LOVED to use Google Voice, but it only works if you are in the USA, if you are not in USA you get an error message.
Skype IS already available for Android, but it only works for the #3 network in UK, its locked to only work on #3 network SIM cards
if some one can maybe HACK that version of skype and ignore the check for #3 network, then we can all use it
Fring
You should use Fring. It is free! it can do video conferencing sms(chat) and make phone calls. I use it for a while now with some other people and it works FANTASTIC! I recommend testing fring first before going to pay for something that can be freely done.
nimbuzz is also a good option.
andrej.marinic said:
I have Google Voice on my SGS, and I had to go through great lengths to get it, as I'm not from USA. That right there is your first reason for wanting Skype. Skype is global. Then, once I had everything installed, I noticed that Google Voice uses a callback system. This results in significant lag if you' re outside of USA. Also, Skype is both a chat, a voice, and a video call software, packaged nicely into one app. If you' re in USA, I understand why GV is more appealing to you, but everywhere else Skype makes more sense.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
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Can you make a post, or link to an article, regarding your set up and results of Google Voice (what lags and how much? How long did it take to set up? Do you have full functionality? Do you only use a tiny bit of it's full functionality due to competing services being better? etc.). I find Google Voice easy to download, but I never really tried to extract its functionality. Would you do it all over again? Please, the more information, in a "overseas review" like form, the better and the process used would be great!
Thanks in advance.
brunes said:
I don't know why so many people want SKype on Android so bad when Google Voice is cheaper and better.
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Google Voice does not do VOIP either.
I have skype for android beta version but happy with it. Download somewhere in the xda forums.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
I thought Fring no longer had Skype?
septlc said:
nimbuzz is also a good option.
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Nimbuzz automatically unblocks your skype contacts -.- Never had the skype voip work but for IM it works alright. An official skype app would be quite wanted.
Sent from my GT-I9000 using XDA App
You know there is a program called Fringe? It allows anyone to do voice or videochat freely. Point your GalS here m.fringe.com and install. register is easy too.
Add me if you want to test your video call lol, my fringe Id is: jueyn
AllGamer said:
exactly, i would LOVED to use Google Voice, but it only works if you are in the USA, if you are not in USA you get an error message.
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You can use GV outside the USA fairly easily by a combination of SipDroid and ipkall.com
i suppose using ip relay service would work, but that usually inherit a certain lag, definitely not something you want in a VoiceIP call.
even when browsing a website ifyou use IP relays it always gets delays
brunes said:
I don't know why so many people want SKype on Android so bad when Google Voice is cheaper and better.
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Because there are millions of android users outside US who don’t have access to google voice. Skype is sometimes even used synonymously with VOIP, there is a huge demand for it. That’s why so many people ask for it. Even businesses use it as their official telephony method for overseas calling.
brunes said:
You can use GV outside the USA fairly easily by a combination of SipDroid and ipkall.com
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Have you tried this yourself ?? SIP relaying introduces a huge delay. And the last time I tried SipDroid I had a terrible echoing problem as well.
PrimalFury said:
You should use Fring. It is free! it can do video conferencing sms(chat) and make phone calls. I use it for a while now with some other people and it works FANTASTIC! I recommend testing fring first before going to pay for something that can be freely done.
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Fring is not really an alternative to Skype, for one, it doesn’t support Skype, you can make voice calls for some other networks (gtalk, MSN) but the client has a huge delay and a terrible echo to the point where it is almost unusable. I have tried fring on different countries in Asia Pacific region with very good Wi-Fi and 3G connections, but results were almost same. Very rarely I could get a usable connection, so you cant rely on it. Video calls only work between fring clients, and there is no desktop version that supports video calling, this IMO severely limits usability. Besides, video calling is provided at reasonable rates in many countries in the asia pacific region, so there is not much of a need to use a VOIP client to make domestic video calls between cell phones. Same goes for Nimbuzz (perhaps the delay and echo is even worse). So neither of those clients is usable, at least on Galaxy S in some of the Asian Pacific countries.
Either Skype has become a puppet of Verizon, or they don’t care anymore, because they get enough money already mainly from PC clients and Verizon partnership.
Anyways, I have given up hope of using Skype on my mobile, now using a VOIP service that support call back (12voip.com). Their IDD rates are cheaper than Skype (even after paying for calls both ways : incoming to your phone and outgoing to other phone), voice quality is not too bad either.
Fring is not support in 2.2 for the time being... you can install but you cant make proper voice call... so dont even try to mention video call...
I shut my service off yesterday as I will be in Japan for a few months and the international roaming is crazy! Any options to make it work with Google voice only over Wifi? I tried calling and it says no service available.
Also, I'm in Japan, are there any other options like configuring it to work with Softbank or anything like that? Thanks.
Have you tried to download and use the skype app over wifi? It may cost you a little to call but would be better than the roaming fees.
jmd1981 said:
I shut my service off yesterday as I will be in Japan for a few months and the international roaming is crazy! Any options to make it work with Google voice only over Wifi? I tried calling and it says no service available.
Also, I'm in Japan, are there any other options like configuring it to work with Softbank or anything like that? Thanks.
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Google Voice on Android does not currently support VOIP from the handset to the server. That feature is only available through the Gmail desktop browser page on an operating system that is supported by the Gtalk voice and video chat plugin. Another way to get end-to-end VOIP with Google Voice is using Gizmo5, if you had signed up for that service before Google bought it out. That only lets you do incoming calls though.
Also, I'm in Japan, are there any other options like configuring it to work with Softbank or anything like that? Thanks.
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If you have a temp visa or better yet a coworker or friend there you could probably get month-to-month service there. That would be the best bet, but it's generally one of the more difficult countries for visitors to get a sim card in. The airport might have some rental services, but iirc they rented you the whole phone (by the day no less) and it's fairly expensive compared to regular service.
Also it goes without saying that if you want to use a Softbank sim you will need to subsidy unlock (also known as sim unlock) the phone.
Edit: it is rumored that the WiFi calling feature that T-mo is bringing to the G2 and other Android devices will allow a connection and minutes usage internationally. Personally I think this is unlikely (for a few reasons, some of which are legal/regulatory) but it would be pretty nice. Of course this would seriously short circuit the way GV for Android works. You would not be able to make outbound calls with GV in the caller ID.
If you need an unlock code for that phone. to use a japan sim. Let me know via PM
You could always install skype and set your outgoing caller id to your google voice number. Then sign up for a number at sipgate.com and add your new number to google voice. Once that's activated, download and install Fring or sipdroid and add your sipgate information. Use skype to making outgoing, take incoming calls with fring or sipdroid. Alternatively, if you don't want to pay for unlimited skype-out, you can try one of the many google voice dialer apps out there. They basically initiate calls using the google voice web interface, which you can actually do via your browser if none of the apps work out.
Edit.
Or just buy a skype number and unlimited skype out then setup skype caller id and forward your GV calls to your skype #
I'm not sure if any devs will see this here, so I will probably post in the G1 dev forum or the general android forum as well, but I wanted to do a search first and this is the only similar thread I have found. Anyway...
As some of you know, you can now place FREE calls to anywhere in the US or Canada using GMail and the "voice and video chat plugin". You can also receive calls from within GMail if you have a GoogleVoice account and you set it up to forward GoogleVoice calls to "Google Chat" as well as your phone(s).
This is awesome! I can now answer calls from GMail instead of my phone. I wish the desktop GoogleTalk app did that so I wouldn't have to always keep a webbrowser page open to GMail, but that is not what this post is about...
I got to thinking: if GMail can place and receive free phone calls, why can't I do that on my phone (or any device with internet)? I downloaded every available webbrowser for Android and tried to surf to GMail, but none of them even loaded the page (???), much less the plugin.
While searching for any possible solution, I learned that the required "voice and video chat plugin" is available for Linux. This fact makes me almost positive that it is somehow possible for someone to develop an Android app that loads that plugin, logs in to GMail (spoofing a desktop browser), and displays the Pop-out dial pad capable of placing and receiving free calls!
Is anyone up to the challenge? This is huge people! FREE phone where ever there is internet. I hope someone can make this happen.
There is a way of doing this... you ARE talking about calling and using your 3g/4g network, right?
Sent from my SGH-T959 using XDA App
Um... ok, what is the way of doing it?
I am talking about using the Google "voice and video chat plugin" along with the dialer in GMail to make/receive free calls anywhere with internet (WiFi/3G/4G, without using minutes) just like you can already do if you have a Windows/Mac/Linux webbrowser, but through an Android device.
Don't you have WiFi Calling?
AndroidBoston said:
Don't you have WiFi Calling?
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Do you not realize the WiFi calling app still relies on the TMO network?
rpmccormick said:
Um... ok, what is the way of doing it?
I am talking about using the Google "voice and video chat plugin" along with the dialer in GMail to make/receive free calls anywhere with internet (WiFi/3G/4G, without using minutes) just like you can already do if you have a Windows/Mac/Linux webbrowser, but through an Android device.
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No, there is no equivalent of the gmail chat plugin. You're limited to using a sip client and forwarding your GV to that number
I'm pretty sure you can't even roam in Japan anymore. Unless this phone has the UMTS frequencies for 1900, you wont get anything. Recently, Softbank shut off GSM/2G service.
This may be a dumb question, but does anyone know if sending/receiving txts would be possible from a wifi only xoom? I imagine it would work in gtalk, but I would like if there was a way to do it from handcent or something. Likely I will be either connected to my house wifi/work wifi/tether from my D1. If my phone isnt in my hand, but my Xoom is, id rather reply/send a text from the xoom, rather than screwing around with what device is where, I would like to use the xoom if thats whats in my hand at the time.
Anyone think there is a shot at this?
Only other guess I would have is that I think my phone has a sms backup that automatically saves a text into my gmail. The Xoom would need to set up to notify me of a new email (not hard to do), however my replies would then be sent as an email, which might not work the best....
I would assume google voice would work. It sends SMS out through data rather than as an actual SMS, so it should work. But, I do not know since I dont have a xoom, ha.
Google voice shouldn't be a problem. I'd imagine it works like any other android device.
i will add this question to "for those on the borderline, what do you want to know" thread and we will find out if it works with google voice. handcent probably wont work as there has to be a text messaging app already i believe
wont you have to text with your google voice number instead of your phone number?
Legacystar said:
wont you have to text with your google voice number instead of your phone number?
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Yes, but that is likely the only option.
im sure someone will make an app that will link to your phone and let you remote control your texts from the xoom
excuse my lack of knowledge for google voice. I tried to do a little quick research.. If I want to keep my number (I have had it since like 2002), I am reading that you can pay to port it to GV? So I would pay the $20, and then I would be good?
Edit:
Wait I just saw porting actually cancels your current phone service, no way I am doing that...
AndyMan386 said:
excuse my lack of knowledge for google voice. I tried to do a little quick research.. If I want to keep my number (I have had it since like 2002), I am reading that you can pay to port it to GV? So I would pay the $20, and then I would be good?
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Yes and no. You would essentially be porting your number to google and would then need to get a new number from your cell provider. You may be hit with an ETF if you are still on contract though.
In it's simplest form, Google Voice is essentially a forwarding service. You have a number with GV that will forward calls and texts to the phones that you have set up. For example, I have my Nexus One (personal), iPhone (work) and office phone configured. WHen someone calls my GV number, it rings all three phones. When I get a text, it is forwarded to any mobile device with GV installed and set up with my account.
What about VoIP using Google Voice on the Xoom?
Legacystar said:
im sure someone will make an app that will link to your phone and let you remote control your texts from the xoom
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I hope so, because I dont want to use a different (GV) phone number, and I am not interested in porting my number; messing up my contract...
If anyone knows any good developers, ask them if they think some type of program is even possible. It would be worth a few bucks
You know what.. and I really hope this becomes the solution.. it just seems to make sense. Does anybody know about that Sony Ericson bluetooth device that comes with a strap to look like a watch? And it kind of gets data from your android phone such as text messages, weather, incoming/missed calls etc.
So you keep your phone in your pocket, but have all the info you may want to check right on your wrist.
If you could just sync your android tablet with your android phone through BT, just like that SE product, so you can use its data connection, receive/respond to text messages, that would be awesome. I can see a problem in this where carriers want to double dip by making u get a separate plan for each, but with wireless hotspot it doesn't even matter. It just makes everything more convenient.
Maybe its just me, but something like this would be a HUGE feature in my eyes. Plus, it gives people a reason to use not one but two android devices. Win-Win for Google, and users who like both products.
AndyMan386 said:
I hope so, because I dont want to use a different (GV) phone number, and I am not interested in porting my number; messing up my contract...
If anyone knows any good developers, ask them if they think some type of program is even possible. It would be worth a few bucks
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I agree. I'm trying to hold out on the WiFi-only version as well, and I would love to be able to answer text messages on my Xoom. Swyping on my Evo is really easy, but not having to switch devices would definitely be worth a few bucks!
MichaelWestin said:
You know what.. and I really hope this becomes the solution.. it just seems to make sense. Does anybody know about that Sony Ericson bluetooth device that comes with a strap to look like a watch? And it kind of gets data from your android phone such as text messages, weather, incoming/missed calls etc.
So you keep your phone in your pocket, but have all the info you may want to check right on your wrist.
If you could just sync your android tablet with your android phone through BT, just like that SE product, so you can use its data connection, receive/respond to text messages, that would be awesome. I can see a problem in this where carriers want to double dip by making u get a separate plan for each, but with wireless hotspot it doesn't even matter. It just makes everything more convenient.
Maybe its just me, but something like this would be a HUGE feature in my eyes. Plus, it gives people a reason to use not one but two android devices. Win-Win for Google, and users who like both products.
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hahahahaha so crazy you say that. Back in 2004 I almost dropped out of college to attempt to patent the watch like idea.. after consulting with a friend whose dad was a patent attorney, he said there were some similar ideas floating around, and the risk likely wouldnt be worth it.. Regardless, for my MBA last year, we had to create a new product. When I shared this idea with my group members, and told them how it was an idea I came up with back in 2004, we went with it, was a fun class project!
Oh yeah, here is the link
http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products/2010/09/28/sony-ericsson-liveview™/
For what it is worth, my Galaxy Tab let's me send texts from the Galaxy Tab phone number.
Another reason I went with Sprint over Verizon. Sprint was $29.99 for 5GB and unlimited messaging versus Verizon which was $20 for 1GB and no messaging.
I'm kind of bummed the Xoom won't be on Sprint initially, but oh well...I don't really *need* another number to text from.
Is it possible to insert your mobile's sim card into the tablet and be able to use the data of your existing phone contract?
Andy2.2 said:
Is it possible to insert your mobile's sim card into the tablet and be able to use the data of your existing phone contract?
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This is a CDMA device. I don't think there is a sim card slot.
Sent from my PC36100 using XDA App
The Xoom is CDMA, but there is a (micro, I believe) sim card slot. It will be used when verizon rolls out 4g. Unfortunately this doesn't mean that GSM sim cards can be used.
another way of maybe doing it is if we got something like "MyMobiler" for android, and a version that rather pc viewing cell, tablet viewing cell..
Its things like this that make me wish I was a programmer not involved in finance.. haha
I've been experimenting with the built-in SIP functionality in Gingerbread. Here's what I have so far:
I have three different Google Voice numbers. My main GV number is linked to the official GV app on my phone, and I use it for most calls.
My other two numbers forward to SipGate accounts. I configured the Gingerbread internet call menu with my SipGate accounts. My use of those lines is specific and limited enough that I enable SIP calling only when I need it.
I use the Google Voice mobile site when I need to originate calls for my secondary numbers. I know some people prefer third-party callback apps, but sometimes those stop working when Google changes their API. Those numbers are mostly incoming anyway, so that's a minor issue.
Because my phone is rooted, I can make VoIP calls on both wifi and cellular data, although quality suffers on 3G.
If anyone is interested in how to set this up, I posted complete configuration instructions on my blog.
Also, if anyone has ideas for a better setup, I'd love to hear them.
I am just now starting voip class at my college and this seems like a fun little experiment to help me learn a bit and see what it can do. Thanks.
Good guide. I could have used this a few months ago. I've tried exactly the same steps on my Shift, even to the point of installing iDialer and Fring on my HTC Touch Pro 2 (same as the Tilt 2). In both cases I was never happy with the performance though (and I couldn't get iDialer to integrate with GV to make it work as a VOIP only WiFi phone). There's always a lag, which throws off my wife whenever we try to use it.
I just tried Talkatone Preview for Android as well, and it's slightly better, but there's still a lag.
Have you looked at grooveip? the app and a voice number is all you need. Roommates cells got turned off so I went with groove and it seems to work great.
Keep up the great work.
I would probably use this if I needed to make international calls.
I get good enough Sprint service here that I'm never out of coverage, but international calls can run that bill up.
Aestivalis said:
Good guide. I could have used this a few months ago. I've tried exactly the same steps on my Shift, even to the point of installing iDialer and Fring on my HTC Touch Pro 2 (same as the Tilt 2). In both cases I was never happy with the performance though (and I couldn't get iDialer to integrate with GV to make it work as a VOIP only WiFi phone). There's always a lag, which throws off my wife whenever we try to use it.
I just tried Talkatone Preview for Android as well, and it's slightly better, but there's still a lag.
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This is the major pitfall of VOIP in general, but I did find a really cool app that made calls after you listened to an ad. I'll try and locate it. You need a computer and mic for it. It's like Skype, but free.
Grooveip is really nice. I was using that to make free calls back to the states while in sout east asia. Easy to get free wireless hotspots over there.
Sent from my PG06100 using Tapatalk
I use Linphone but it's configured to my home voip provider (Callcentric). It should work also to make free calls though.
Those of you who own a Windows Phone 8, is there an option or a menu to add your VOIP provider? I have a VoIP service which I use on iPhone 5 via an app to make calls over data or wifi. Wondering if there is something like that on windows phone 8, since I heard something they said about seamless VoIP calling.
raviluke said:
Those of you who own a Windows Phone 8, is there an option or a menu to add your VOIP provider? I have a VoIP service which I use on iPhone 5 via an app to make calls over data or wifi. Wondering if there is something like that on windows phone 8, since I heard something they said about seamless VoIP calling.
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Seamless VOIP calling does not work the way you think it does (and there are many articles that describe how it works).
Its a feature of the OS that software developers plug in to. In the case of Skype, the people over at Skype develop an app, Microsoft has opened up numerous areas of the OS to VOIP-based applications that can do things like run in the background, accept and start calls, etc. All this functionality needs to be built by the software developer to take advantage of it. So until Skype releases their app, the phone can't do anything by itself or through some setup menu. Same goes for any other VOIP service/company.