Skype lands deal for Wi-Fi access in Europe

Skype's Internet calling service will soon be accessible at The Cloud's Wi-Fi hot spots across Europe, the two companies announced on Tuesday.

Although normal online access to Skype's voice over Internet Protocol services is free to those connecting via PC, access to The Cloud's Wi-Fi network will require the use of a Skype-enabled phone from SMC Networks and payment of a 6.99-pound monthly service fee (about $13).
"We are delighted to partner with SMC Networks and extend the service we provide today with Skype to Wi-Fi-enabled handsets," Niall Murphy, The Cloud's chief technology officer, said on Tuesday.

"This agreement delivers on our commitment to provide the widest range of Wi-Fi services to customers across Europe," Murphy continued, adding that the deal "marks the start of a real low-cost alternative to traditional telecoms services."

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A no nonsense USB phone for Skype

Tiptel is my favourite brand for USB phones. I have several Tiptel devices: the USB 117, 118, Cyberbox 250 and the 217 wireless phone.
The 118 is quite “harmless” when it comes to handling it but it is not a phone you easily carry around.
It takes some space in your bag.

Tiptel Holland now, came out with a smaller “no nonsense” phone. Easy to use for everyone. Just plug and play and not taking much space in your baggage.

The 112 USB handset is ideal for people who don’t like unnecessary extras. It is plain and simple.
The only thing you have to do to place calls over the Internet is to plug it into to a USB connection on your PC.
Because it is a light weight handset, it is an excellent travel mate in your laptop bag or for your holidays to place cheap and simple calls.

Apart from the USB 112 handset, you only need a PC, an Internet connection and e.g. Skype.
The software can be downloaded from the website. No soundcard needed.

For now it is only available in Holland for the price of appr. € 15 including VAT.

Specifications in Dutch

(Varras Consultancy is official retailer for Tiptel NL)

Interesting Poll in the UAE

I blogged about Skype being blocked in the UAE before (1 and 2)

A recent poll run over the past four weeks asked visitors to the popular technology portal, ‘Do you feel the current VoIP (voice over internet) restrictions in the UAE are limiting your business's potential growth?’.

Of the 1492 users that responded, more than three quarters (just over 77%) answered ‘Yes, very much’, with a further 12.1% confirming, ‘To a degree, yes’. Less than 11% of respondents thought the VoIP ban was having no effect on their organisation’s growth. VoIP websites, such as Skype.com and Net2Phone.com, have been banned for months - and in some cases years - in the UAE.

Source

Free "Pamela Pro" Skype Software for Every International Podcasting Expo Attendee

An offer you just can’t resist!

I am a very happy user of Pamela. I don’t joke when I call Pamela my PA (Personal Assistant).
She replies to chats when I am not available, leaving personal messages.
She records calls (with permission of the other side of course), video and keeps tracks of my chat history, and birthdays. Time scheduling is another great feature.
Others are: voice messaging, notifications, network, application logging, e-mail forwarding, PamCasting and blogging.

There is so much to do with and to explore in Pamela. How did I ever live without this PA….

The International Podcasting Expo is October 20-22, 2006.
Dick Schiferli of Pamela Systems offers his flagship software for Skype, "Pamela Pro", to every seminar attendee during the International Podcasting Expo. The Podcasting Expo will present 40+ online seminars, workshops and networking events, as well as give away free podcast production tools to all seminar attendees. Paige Eissinger of 2 Smart Chix will offer training on the Pamela Pro software.

So, don’t think about going but go…..

USB Flash Drive

Usually my Laptop follows me everywhere. It is my office and I can think of worse ways then carrying a 2,99 Kg office around.

Since I bought my new Compaq Presario, I work with two laptops. Because the new one is still not fully updated, I user either an external disk (180 GB, do I love so much space….:-) ) or the wonderful SanDisk Cruzer® Titanium USB Flash Drive to move files from one laptop to the other.

If I don’t need my whole office with me but only a few documents and / or programs, the Cruzer is also my partner.
Not only because it has Skype installed (what would I do without Skype) but I do like the software. It is secure and easy to use. File transfer is done in no-time and downloading programs is a piece of cake.

But for those who still need software for their Flash Drive, there is another software for capturing and recalling digital information: EverNote 1.5.
EverNote software provides a single place for capturing, categorizing and instantly locating all types of information, such as typed and handwritten notes, web clips, emails, phone messages, addresses, passwords, brainstorms, sketches, photos and documents, and accessing them on multiple platforms and devices. The new version of EverNote software introduces data portability via synchronization with removable media, access to notes from other applications, new email clipping options, expanded security, data transfer via instant messenger and a number of other new options and improvements.

EverNote 1.5 software for Windows is available as a free download. EverNote Plus 1.5 software, which includes file synchronization and advanced digital link features, has a base price of $39.95. Both are available immediately at www.evernote.com and through the company’s distributors.
Source

Finally a female "colleague"!!

Being a female Skype SuperUser is rare.
I have been the only one for a very long time and I felt honoured.
But finally I have a "colleague". An even greater honour as I have always admired her Mac skills, her positive attitude and her valuable help on Skype's Support Forum.

I introduce to you Carola Clavo: Graphic Designer, only female Mac Translator, Mac closed Beta tester for Skype and Skype SuperUser as of today.

Congratulations Carola and welcome to the "Gang"

My new Laptop

My "oldie" is about to give up. I am certain she understood every word when I ordered my new laptop the Compaq Pressario V6066. Immediately after my phone call she messed up programs.
I tried to assure her she was going to stay with me for a long time, connected to the wireless 3Com router as I still needed her.
But she is definitely disappointed. She is showing that in many ways. The only things she is still doing perfect is running the Skype clients and their sound devices. I think she loves Skype as much as I do.

I have been working long nights to keep her going and to install the Compaq in the meantime.
During the day I have my business to look after plus my visits to my mother who unfortunately, went to Hospital on Thursday night with a serious Heart failure. (Hence my absence but I am back.)
Mum is doing better now although she is still on oxygen. So that is a relief as I love her to bits. She is a very, very special Mum.

Mum’s dog, a spoilt Maltezer, is staying with me again. She and my animals are good friends. But doggie also needs my attention. I told her that is a bit difficult at the moment. Does she understand? I am afraid not.... Nevertheless she has to get used to our normal daily life.

Back to the Compaq. Wow…. What a beautiful machine! Fast, quiet and good-looking too!
Most programs are up and running. Working on the Forum is even more nicer now with this speed.
Call quality is excellent. I phoned my aunt in Canada and it sounded like we were in the same room.
Oh, I can go on and on but will wait with a full report until I have been using it over a longer period then 3 days

I never complained about my old laptop. OK, it became a bit slow and needs a total clean. But not before the new one is fully equipped which will take some time. Still it is a huge difference with the new one.

In the meantime is working with two laptops not a punishment. It is apart from fun, also nice for using even more different hardware with accounts! My new toys….