Skype video calling over 3G using the Fring app for Android

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Linuxluver

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#62944 17-Jun-2010 14:41

Just tried it.

Made a Skype video call using the "Fring" app for Android on my Nexus One (Android v2.2 pre-release) to another Skype account on my desktop - over 3G.

Both video feeds worked perfectly at both ends.

So yes, Skype video calling works fine over 3G with the "Fring" app on Android (and probably any other platform Fring supports - if allowed to).

I tried this because I was curious to see how it works (very well) and because I heard that iPhone 4's "Facetime" only works on WiFi.

Hopefully Skype and Fring on iPhone aren't similarly restricted.

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#342759 17-Jun-2010 18:18

This sounds cool - does anyone know if there's a way to get Skype working on the LG GW525? Even if it's just skype to skype voice calls would be cool...

LukeChandler

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#342760 17-Jun-2010 18:21

You do know that Skype now allows VoIP over 3G?

simon14

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#342761 17-Jun-2010 18:26

LukeChandler: You do know that Skype now allows VoIP over 3G?

What do you mean by "Skype now allows it"?

Are you referring to the new app for iphone??

In any case, your've always been able to skype over 3g, just not on your iphone because they had no software for it. I've been skyping over 3g on my laptop for years.

Linuxluver

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#343039 18-Jun-2010 15:10

LukeChandler: You do know that Skype now allows VoIP over 3G?

There is no Skype app for Android today unless you're on Verizon in the US. But one is expected soon. They withdrew the old ones.

In the meantime, "Fring" works fine with a Skype account. You can VoIP (via wifi or 3G) to landlines (via Skype Out) or voice / video call to other Skype users on PCs or phones from an Android phone via Fring.

I do not know off the top of my head which versions of Android are supported by Fring. I would suspect 1.6 and up, but it may be v2.1 and up.

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CyrisXD

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#343834 21-Jun-2010 17:09

So basically voip calls are free as they use your bandwidth pretty much if your connected to wifi....

What about calling mobile phones or landlines from Fring? how much would that be roughly?

sonmica

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#343841 21-Jun-2010 17:25

you can make voip calls to phones via skype for fring, so the cost would be whatever skype charge.

LukeChandler

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#343844 21-Jun-2010 17:28

I did mean on the iPhone you can now make calls via 3G, Apple had always restricted it. :)

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Linuxluver

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#343925 21-Jun-2010 20:19

LukeChandler: I did mean on the iPhone you can now make calls via 3G, Apple had always restricted it. :)

On the previous version of Skype for Android you could make Skype to Skype calls over wifi or 3G, but Skype Out calls went over a local landline gateway. I could call anyone on a landline anywhere, but the call always started by dialing an Auckland number to complete the call over PSTN. On prepay that sucked. Once onto a plan, it wasn't so bad as I had "free" minutes to burn....and don't tend to make voice calls locally. Txt works better unless there is a significant amount of detail to communicate.

The new version of Skype is supposed to me more like on the PC. Meanwhile, Fring does it so well, who needs a Skype app?

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peejayw

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#344020 22-Jun-2010 07:22

Linuxluver: Just tried it.

Made a Skype video call using the "Fring" app for Android on my Nexus One

With no front-facing camera on the Nexus One, how did you go about that?

I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

Jizah

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#344139 22-Jun-2010 13:27

peejayw:
Linuxluver: Just tried it.

Made a Skype video call using the "Fring" app for Android on my Nexus One

With no front-facing camera on the Nexus One, how did you go about that?

My guess would be that he turned the phone around.

peejayw

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#344149 22-Jun-2010 13:38

Jizah:
peejayw:
Linuxluver: Just tried it.

Made a Skype video call using the "Fring" app for Android on my Nexus One

With no front-facing camera on the Nexus One, how did you go about that?

My guess would be that he turned the phone around.

Which would provide half of the video calling experience and possibly problems with the rear-facing noise-cancelling mic?

I'm supposed to respect my elders, but it's getting harder and harder for me to find one now.

hairy1

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#344157 22-Jun-2010 14:11

You could hold a mirror in one hand and the phone in the other hand!

My views (except when I am looking out their windows) are not those of my employer.

Linuxluver

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#344174 22-Jun-2010 14:57

peejayw:
Linuxluver: Just tried it.

Made a Skype video call using the "Fring" app for Android on my Nexus One

With no front-facing camera on the Nexus One, how did you go about that?

No one wants to look at me! :-) The back-facing camera is therefore ideal for showing people what i am looking at. Skype uses the only available camera - the one on the back.

Having played with video calls on a Vodafone 715 (back-facing camera only) I turned the phone around so the video camera can see me when I'm talking and then turned it back around when listening so I could see the other person.....If I wanted to.

It works.

But if all you want to do is show someone something, then a back-side (so to speak) camera is just fine.

An occasional glimpse of one's face at the other end is more than enough to maintain visual continuity.....in my experience to date.

Like I say....no one wants to look at me.

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Linuxluver

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#344176 22-Jun-2010 15:01

hairy1: You could hold a mirror in one hand and the phone in the other hand!

I was designing a small "video phone holder" with two mirrors allowing the phone to be used with the back facing the user, but still see the image oriented correctly and slightly magnified on the other side. Intended sale price $10-$20. Much cheaper than buying the more expensive phone.

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sonmica

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#344195 22-Jun-2010 15:42

When 3g video calling first came out I remember scoffing at the "one way video call" phones that were coming out (no front facing cameras).

And then the technology fell by the wayside and people started forgetting about the front facing video functionality (i used mine as an impromptu mirror), and now I don't have a front facing camera anymore.

It's interesting to see people getting creative with their smartphones :D

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