Tag Archives: skype

Skype launching Skype Access

3 Replies

Skype has recently made Skype Access available in its new Skype beta 4.2. With the new beta there are a few bugfixes (apparently), a new call transfer mode (which was apparently in previous versions of Skype but non existent since 4.0), and a new feature called Skype Access.

Skype Access allows anyone with Skype credit to be able to pay for public wi-fi access via Skype. You simply connect to a hotspot that is supported by Skype and then use Skype Access to pay, per minute, for the service. As far as I know, the service currently costs about 15p per minute.

There’s no contract or anything like that, and it is available whenever you need it as long as you are connected to a supported hotspot.

I think this is a really good idea – very handy if you’re in somewhere like an airport and you need to quickly check your email or your Facebook page. I’m guessing people with netbooks are more likely to use the service since netbooks are much easier to carry around.

Skype reports that the service can now be used at over 100,000 wi-fi hotspots (in the UK, I think).

For me I will enjoy it most when it becomes available on devices such as the iPhone or iPod Touch – which I’m sure it will do eventually – as that means I will be able to instantly get wi-fi in a number of public places.

Ah well, nice work Skype. This might actually pay off.

Review: Topcom USB Wireless Skype Phone (Butler 4012)

Leave a Reply

I recently decided that, as I use Skype frequently for general phone calls to standard landline calls, I should get a proper Skype headset.

I found the Topcom Butler 4012 on eBay brand new for £14.99, which is a bargain considering that its RRP is about £70.

I have to say I’m very impressed with the handset. It’s really easy to use and works very well. There are a few pros and cons which I’ve outlined below:

Advantages:

  • Battery life is very good
  • Works very well with Skype using the USB interface
  • The drivers work with Windows Vista and Windows 7
  • It comes with a selection of ringtones and customizable features
  • The sound quality of the calls is very good
  • It works just as if it were a normal landline phone
  • Wireless range is very good

Disadvantages:

  • You have to dial the country code when making a call, even if it is in your local country (ie 0044 before the number in the UK)
  • Must be plugged in via USB, no ethernet port
  • Comes with EU plug (that is probably just the eBay seller, but it is probably worth mentioning)

Other than that I think it is a product that will prove very handy. I use it frequently now and I have to say it hasn’t played up at all yet.

So if you’re looking for a good value Skype phone, try the Topcom Butler 4012 Skype handset.

eBay agrees to sell Skype

1 Reply

eBay has recently agreed to sell Skype, which marks the end of its near 4 year ownership. The company has been sold to a group of private investors.

eBay has complained many times in the past that Skype wasn’t as profitable as they’d hoped. Ever since eBay bought Skype for $2.6 billion in 2005 they have admitted a few times that they have regretted buying Skype. Although Skype offers brilliant value calls to landline and mobile phones across the globe, the free Skype-to-Skype calling dominates the service which makes it very difficult for anyone to make a distinctive profit.

How much eBay have sold Skype for isn’t totally clear – but predictions would outline that eBay is expecting to make about $2 billion from the sale.

There is also little news as to whether anything will change under the new ownership of Skype. I’m hoping that very little will change, as I have recently subscribed to an unlimited landline service from Skype together with my own landline number. It would be a shame if the new owners either upped the prices or removed some of the services.

So, with any luck, there will be no changes to Skype in the near future as it would be a shame to see a change in service. However, you just can’t predict will happen, and if anything we might the service improve.

Three UK announces unlimited Skype for everyone, forever

Leave a Reply

Three UK mobile announced on 1st May 2009 that it was editing its usage policy of Skype on user’s mobiles. From now on, all users of Three mobiles will receive unlimited usage on Skype no matter whether you top up or not. So basically that means that users can now have free calls to anybody in the world, as long as they are on Skype.

The plan used to be that Pay As You Go customers had make a £5 top up once every three months to get Skype calls, and Pay Monthly customers had to have an internet plan. From now on, as long as you are on a 3 mobile you will get free Skype calls anytime, to anyone (on Skype).

I am glad that Three are finally using VoIP to a new level, and hopefully this will cause other mobile operators to follow on.

Skype 4 finally released!

Leave a Reply

Well after a long wait and several beta’s, Skype have finally released the final version of Skype 4.0.

It’s very simular to the last beta version of Skype, just a few bug fixes.

Check it out – calls and messages all work OK, so I guess it’s worth the upgrade.

You can grab a download direct from GEEK! as it’s on our Program and Website Resources page, so grab a direct download here.

Enjoy!