Is anyone running iSkoot J2ME app for Skype?

Is anyone running iSkoot's J2ME JAVA app to connect Motorola phones
directly to Skype?
http://www.iskoot.com/index.php

I've been using server-based Mobivox since I was a beta tester for it, but
iSkoot would let me use Skype DIRECTLY from my MotoROKR Z6m over Alltel's
data link I'm already paying for, even if I wasn't carrying my N800
internet tablet.

Looks very interesting, indeed.

Any info greatly appreciated.....

This looks like the Skype phone replacement I've been looking for....

"Larry" <noone@home.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9A84B133BB4Bnoonehomecom@208.49.80.253...
> Is anyone running iSkoot's J2ME JAVA app to connect Motorola phones
> directly to Skype?
> http://www.iskoot.com/index.php

Define "directly..." iSkoot is a dial-around service just like Mobivox- the
only real difference is iSkoot uses their app to load and update your Skype
contacts, rather than verbally like Mobivox's voice-recognition system.

From their FAQ at http://www.iskoot.com/forum/index.php/topic,45.0.html...

"Do iSkoot calls count towards my mobile minutes usage?

Standard air time rates for your mobile phone calls will apply."


An advantage of iSkoot over Mobi, I suppose, it that you can make
international calls out of your Skype balance, rather that have to maintain
a separate Mobivox balance for int'l calls.

It's NOT, however, making VoIP calls via your phone's EVDO connection-
you'll still need the N800 for that! ;-)

> I've been using server-based Mobivox since I was a beta tester for it, but
> iSkoot would let me use Skype DIRECTLY from my MotoROKR Z6m over Alltel's
> data link I'm already paying for, even if I wasn't carrying my N800
> internet tablet.

But so does Mobivox, doesn't it? It connects you to your Skype buddies via
a cellular call, just like iSkoot.

> Looks very interesting, indeed.

More o' the same as far as I can figure. (4phun can also brag the iPhone
had this before you did!) ;-)

iSkoot was one of the early almost-but-not-quite-VoIP services for the
iPhone, except the iPhone version was web page based (of course!) rather
than managed from the downloaded app.

The iSkoot software basically just monitors your contacts and Skype balance,
and "automates" outgoing calls by autodialing thier access number and
patching it through your Skype account just like Mobivox does. The iSkoot
folks also divert incoming Skype calls to your mobile number.


> Any info greatly appreciated.....
>
> This looks like the Skype phone replacement I've been looking for....

Maybe during your free nights and weekends. You'll still need a WinMo or
Symbian phone for a true WiFi/3G Skype/cellphone combo at this time,
however.

Sorry to rain on the parade...

"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....

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

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

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.

"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.

"Todd Allcock" <elecconnec@AmericaOnLine.com> wrote in
news:WxbOj.10100$u21.4653@fe091.usenetserver.com:

> 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.
>
>

Yeah, I really see your point. My Moto Z6m is so paltry it cannot process
more than one Bluetooth connection at a time. its browser is totally
useless as an internet device, just a wap toy. It's an ok modem,
however...for a more serious device...(c;

Well, it was nice to dream that someone had Skype running on something that
didn't look like a little laptop or video game slapped against your face to
call....(sigh)

The phones are kept stupid and slow, I suppose, to keep them from
overwhelming the poorly supported network Sellular has become.

I'll keep calling from the tablet....even to Alltel..(c;