[Dawgfan]

Just saw this...looks like on top of an unlimited Skype plan possibly. I do not use Skype currently so someone may understand this better.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news/index...4582735&EDATE=

[test54]

I have used skype out for awhile now, interesting to see the details but that has to be the worst press release I have ever seen. Seriously I have seen 12 yr olds that could do a better press release.

looks like skype out / IM+ on the BB allows you to make calls to any regular phone (landline/mobile) or any pc with skype installed. Requires subsription to skype $29 / Year.

[Dubdub]

But doesn't that SKYPE implementation use cell phone minutes as opposed to data? I can't see having good enough call quality using cell data, especially on an EDGE device.

[test54]

i would think it would use data rather than voice minutes (think thats why it is tied to IM+). I have read that pocketpc users have had skype working with 2.5G for awhile but I'm not sure about EDGE, I would be curious to see how it works.

[Liv]

Hmmm. Good find. Definitely something I would be interested to look into.

I agree, I believe it would take data. Which could be a good alternative for international calls.

[hookem12387]

This directly prompts one question:
What is tmobile's limit for data on their "unlimited" blackberry plan?

[Dawgfan]

Everything I am reading relative to this is saying it will use data.

[ZeroKool]

ahh yes. I have been researching this for some time. You can get unlimited skype OUT for 30 a year and then get unlimited skype IN +VM and a phone number for 39 a year. so your looking a 69bucks a year for unlimited skype IN/Out.

I'm planning on getting a new phone and plan here soon. Getting the cheepest voice plan they have and an unlimited data connection. I am testing the skype client on a 7250 from verizon and it's working great so far.

[Wishdemon]

Would you be able to use this (SHAPE Services - IM+ for Skype Software :: BlackBerry :: Products) internationally as long as you have the tmo international data plan?

That would be great!
Anyone think that the carriers could block this?

Thanks.

[ZeroKool]

It's all data in the NEW beta version from what I hear. I haven't yet actually had the chance to play with it a whole lot. I am getting everything setup now with skype and Shape. It will be operational in a week or so. I will let you know the ?charges?

The only thing about international is paying skype. The plans I'm getting only apply to Canada and the US. I know they have good rates on calling internationally but I don't know what they are..

[Dubdub]

Ok. If it uses data, then, my guess is call quality will not be so great. Granted it will be cheaper. AFAIK, cell towers allocate the bandwidth first to voice, then to data services, so during high call volume periods, SKYPE-like calls will either not go through or quality will suffer. In addition latency is also a concern here. I am not an electrical or data expert, just going by what I have heard and read. It would be great if it works though!

[ZeroKool]

True. I have been on a couple calls with people that are using Skype on the BB and there's is a little bit of a lag. It sounds pertty good if you ask me though.

The software on the BB actually syncs well though. If one end answers before the other then they are prompted to wait until the call is established and everything is sync'd correctly.

BGR posted this yesterday. Confirms what I was thinking. Awesome.

SkypeOut Calls From A BlackBerry : The Boy Genius Report

the comments say something different though. REad em. Kinda sucks.

[peterbabiy]

AHh don't use it don't matter all that much but a lot of my friends are into to it.

[Dubdub]

Originally Posted by peterbabiy

AHh don't use it don't matter all that much but a lot of my friends are into to it.

I use it on my laptop via cable, DSL or WiFi connections. Works pretty good most of the time.

[mogrefy]

My understanding is that that IM+ for Skype uses BOTH data and cell minutes. Please correct me if I'm wrong but from reading their FAQ on their site (SHAPE Services - IM+ for Skype Software FAQ...

IM+ uses data connection to connect to the skype network, send messages, keep your list in sync, and you "online".

When making or receiving a call... the "callback number" you setup when installing and running Skype is used. That is, Skype actually calls your cell phone to establish the call - you are now paying for (A) redirection to your phone (B) Skype minutes to the caller you're connected to - this might be free if you have the unlimited skype plan within the US and Canada and are talking to someone in those areas; or you're paying the skype international rates AANNND (C) Any airtime minutes charged by your cell phone service provider to establish that incoming call.

Really I can't see the IM+ software being that much of a benefit unless you call overseas often... if you do then the skype rates definitely beat out the 1.50/min or whatever international rate your cell provider might charge.

But for me, with most my calls in the US, and its using plan minutes anyways to establish the link-back call... I might as well call the person directly on my phone.

My $.02 - I think I've decrypted how the application works; I can see the benefit for some... but for most I bet regular cell minutes are still the way to go.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.