iSkoot - Fake Skype for your mobile
by Ragnar Schierholz
Skype is developing a mobile client. It is currently available only for the PocketPC platform, but rumor has it that there might be a Symbian version in the works.
Today, Skype has started a cooperation with iSkoot, who provides a Java-based client. It's not as you wish it would would expect though. Here's how it works.
The client calls a gatway server run by iSkoot using a regular circuit switched network and the gateway server translates the call to the Skype network. Basically this means, that you're placing a regular phone call from your mobile, so you actually pay the air time for that call. You can also use your SkypeOut credit to call other numbers, then SykpeOut charges apply in addition to the air time. If you receive calls to your Skype account as well, the description says "SkypeOut charges apply". I don't know why one would have to pay SkypeOut charges when being called, but maybe that's just me.
Why would anyone want this? I am not quite sure yet.
Comments
I sometimes use Skype on my PocketPC and it works pretty well, both text chat and voice chat. Having Java-based Skype client in cell phones is probably not a very bad idea, the problem is that the service priovider (iSkoot?) must have local numbers in each county, otherwise the call to their US-based gateway will cost more than calling directly to voice chat partner's home phone number.
But I guess for US-users it can be an interesting option for calling to Europe/Asia.
This solution also eliminates the biggest problem with current PocketPC client where you must have access to a wireless network to connect to Skype users.
And it's the only available option if you are away from the computer and urgently want to chat/talk to people who have Skype but no phone... or who doesn't want to give you their phone number :)
"You are a 9.9999. You would be a perfect 10 if you had a Skype ID!"
Hello,
I have seen this great tool named Vox for skype on skype extras gallery.
it works with all phones and gives you the chance to call your skype friend directly from your mobile...i love the concept. I heard it's even better than Iskoot. What do you think? check it: www.voxlib.com
i have a blackberry 8130 and i installed iskoot and is a totaly fake idea of what skype is about
do not install it
lets hope skype develops a good mobile software in the near future
