"Larry" <noone@home.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9A84CD824EB79noonehomecom@208.49.80.253...
> "Todd Allcock" <elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in news:aE7Oj.18280
> $gB5.11187@fe105.usenetserver.com:
>
>> Sorry to rain on the parade...
>>
>>
>
> Oh, I was under the impression it was running Skype as a JAVA J2ME app in
> the phone, not using airtime but data.
>
> Maybe I read it wrong....

No, their site seems to be intentionally obfuscating how it works, so the
app seems like a much bigger deal than it really is.


> It uses SKYPE minutes to make overseas calls, not its own minutes like
> Mobivox, so YOU may be wrong!

I don't think I am- they seem to connect your cellular call to your own
Skype account- I suspect they run an instance of your Skype account on their
server. If this running pure data like "real" Skype, it wouldn't use cell
minutes. Look at these other FAQ items:

"6. What else do I need to use iSkoot?

"You need a mobile calling plan with a subscription to a data service and a
moderate amount of text messaging. iSkoot does not charge for calls to Skype
contacts - all you pay for is air time minutes. If you want to use iSkoot to
make low-cost long distance and international calls, to regular telephone
numbers (including SkypeOut contacts) or to receive inbound Skype calls on
your phone, you will also need to purchase SkypeOut minutes."
"16. I'm a frequent international traveler. Does using iSkoot exempt me from
roaming charges?

"While we can enable you to make calls without being tied to your PC, all
the rules and restrictions of your individual cellular provider - including
roaming charges - still apply."

"19. If I am logged into Skype on my handset, can I receive Skype calls from
my contacts?

"Yes, but you must have available SkypeOut credit. To receive incoming Skype
calls on your handset, go to the Settings menu, select "Set to receive
calls" and change the setting to "On". A new screen will prompt you to enter
the phone number where you wish to receive calls. Enter the telephone number
of your mobile phone and select OK." SkypeOut charges for the connecting
call to your handset will apply."


> Now I'm even more confused....(c;

I think that's their intent.

> IF it runs a Skype-type app that calls ON the Skype system, direct from
> the
> phones, it would be one cool app for everyone that has a phone it supports
> to have.

Yes, but I suspect that isn't going to happen on a Moto RAZR, for example.
The "real" Skype client on my WinMo phone is 5MB in size, and runs crappy on
the phone's paltry 200MHz processor, and mine is still a fairly powerful
phone compared to many on iSkoot's supported phones list. I don't think
there's any way a real Skype client is going to work in a J2ME app.