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Review: using latest version of Skype for Pocket PC on UMTS 3G network August 15, 2006 [Pocket PC phone] | By Edward J. R. Here we are testing voice over IP with Skype for Pocket PC, version 2.1.053 (i.e. very latest version), with a Pocket PC phone connecting to Internet over UMTS 3G network. Apart from screenshots we provide also audio recording of a voice call over Skype over UMTS - for estimation of the voice quality. To hear the audio recording of a Skype voice call over UMTS network click here (MP3 file). As you can hear the quality is not the same as in the case of Skype for PC - obviously due to slower processor and slower network connection - the 2 crucial factors in Skype voice quality - it is a bit lower, but obviously it is enough to make phone calls also over Internet connection over cellular networks, not just Wi-Fi! Below we present review of the latest version of Skype with connection to Internet over UMTS (please note "U" in title bar that denotes "UMTS"). * * * * * * The minimum requirement to use voice over IP (Internet) technology with Skype is a Pocket PC phone with UMTS, HSDPA = fast UMTS, EDGE = fast GRPS, CMDA-EVDO: 
The slower cellular technologies such as GPRS and CDMA-1x are not enough. Also the processor of the Pocket PC must be at least 400 MHz. Alternatively one can use Wi-Fi networks and interestingly some Wi-Fi hotspots in UK even offer fully free Skype access although regular Internet browsing is not free. The version, which we were testing (please note a flag symbol in title bar that denotes that there are some Skype voice mails): 
... is the first version that supports voice mail, meaning that voice mails not only are visible on the main page/tab of Skype (the numbers in parentheses indicate number of voice mails from given person): 
... but also one can listen to voice mails and delete voice mails: 
Apart from dialing from list of contacts users can dial directly both regular phone numbers (if they purchased SkypeOut service) and Skype names: 
For testing purposes it is usually recommended to dial "echo123" (special testing account) to test whether your microphone setup is satisfactory. Otherwise we recommend everybody to dial "msmobiles" and leave a message with questions or feedback about Windows Mobile phones - all questions asked there are 100% for sure being answered in our podcasts. If you don't own flat rate mobile Internet access over cellular networks (and you must pay big money for each kilobyte) you can configure Skype in this way, that only Wi-Fi will be used: 
... or you can allow all connections, also cellular: 
In second case and if you are trying to connect over cellular network - then Skype is displaying a warning message: 
... to ensure that you know that you use (potentially not-free) cellular network connecton to the Internet. At the beginning, during sing-up process, you can also create Skype account - right away from your mobile phone - if you don't have one yet: 
Apart from above mentioned settings (Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi+cellular) there are other settings possible too: 
To get Skype for Pocket PC click here. Unofficial hack that makes it possible to use Skype for voice calls also in Microsoft Smartphone is available here and depicted here. Conclusion: Skype for Pocket PC in latest version brings even more features of the Skype for PC, although still Skype video calling is not available (although it would be possible due to availability of camera API in Windows Mobile 5.0). Furthermore to make voice calls with Skype one doesn't have to have access to Wi-Fi and making voice calls is possible and feasible also over cellular networks! It is pity, that Skype for MS Smartphone is not yet officially available - clearly the reason was lack of MS Smartphone devices with powerful enough processor - but since both Motorola Q and Samsung SGH-i320 already have powerful enough processors it could change if only Skype would be willing to put some effort into it. Anyway the version of Skype for Pocket PC is a very mature one, particularly in the latest version that we have tested here, and since still there is no Skype for Symbian, it is also a very good reason to buy Windows Mobile phone... if you don't have one yet!  Post your comment (free registration is required to post, but if you register you can edit your posts later) [ 2 Comments ]
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