iSkoot has released the first Skype VoIP application into the Android Store. The only problem with this Android Skype application is that it isn’t really a VoIP client at all. Instead it allows your phone to make calls into a VoIP bridge that then routes you to your contact on Skype.
It’s only a problem because the reason that most people want to use a Skype client for Android is to avoid using expensive cell minutes. However, with this model you have to use airtime even when you’re speaking with other Skype members.
Pile paid SkypeOut minutes on top of airtime charges to make outbound calls, and wait- what?! Why would you ever make SkypeOut calls if it actually costs more than just calling the person? Oh right, I guess the iSkoot application could make sense if you make International calls. A lot.
Ok, so I lied. I do have one other problem with the iSkoot Android VoIP client. It’s mostly that the company calls it a VoIP client at all. Really it’s a fancy mobile phone dialer that displays your Skype contacts and tries really hard to look like a VoIP application.
The iSkoot FAQ isn’t crystal clear about mentioning when airtime minutes will apply. It dismissively notes that, “normal air time charges may apply,” as if it depends upon the carrier’s policy. My carrier’s philosophy is that if you run an application that dials a phone call, they charge you.
Is that too much to ask? If you write an application that uses my airtime, tell me about it beforehand. In plain language and without having to track down a separate Costs page that outlines the costs thusly:
WHAT DOES IT COST TO USE ISKOOT?
Making a Skype-to-Skype call: Airtime + A little bit of Data
When you call a Skype contact on your mobile phone, it costs the same as making a local call – so depending on your mobile calling plan, normal airtime charges may apply. Once you’re connected to the Skype network, your call works like a regular voice call from your phone. (iSkoot does NOT connect the call using the cellular data channel.) iSkoot also uses a small amount of data to keep the status of your contacts updated.Making a SkypeOut call: Airtime + Standard SkypeOut Rates + A little bit of Data
When making a SkypeOut call using iSkoot, the same basic costs apply as making a Skype-to-Skype call noted above (which means that normal airtime charges may apply, plus some data to keep contact status information updated). In addition, Skype charges the applicable SkypeOut connection rates to connect the call to a regular telephone line, just as they would if the SkypeOut call originated from your PC.Receiving a Skype Call: Airtime + Skype Mobile Call Forwarding Rates + A little bit of Data
When you receive an incoming Skype call on your mobile phone, the same basic costs apply as making a Skype-to-Skype call noted above (which means that normal airtime charges may apply, plus some data to keep contact status information updated). In addition, your SkypeOut account will be charged at Skype’s call forwarding rates for mobile numbers.Using Skype Text Chat: A little bit of Data + Some SMS Messages
When you use Skype text chat on your mobile phone, the service uses your data connection to exchange messages with your chat buddies. In order to notify you immediately when a new chat message is received, iSkoot may send the software on your phone a special SMS message telling it to retrieve the newest message from the server. (Any special chat-related SMS messages won’t clog up your Inbox, either!)
I know that I’m not the only one that was unclear on this scheme. AndroidGuys ended up having to edit their coverage of the iSkoot for Android release because they were unclear. And those guys are no slouches. Here’s a video too so you can tell me if it’s clear to you.
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I’ve been using iSkoot on my Windows Mobile phone and the reason I like it is because it isn’t a true VOIP client like Fring. The call quality over WIFI using Fring was not acceptable, plus using WIFI for voice is a battery killer.
iSkoot does routes calls over the Internet, so in that sense it does still use VOIP.
It’s especially great for International calling as that’s too costly with most calling plans, or even calling/chatting with someone at their computer that uses Skype.
But I’m sure the processor and WIFI capabilities on the Android is much more suitable than the HTC S621 for true WIFI though.
Thank you,
Tim
Just for fun…. I think it always calls the iSkoot bridge number and then transfers it to their voip/skype system. So…. if you have tMobile’s “Fave 5″, where you can make unlimited calls to a select group of people…. you’ve just created a nice system where you can call anyone without spending minutes.
I’m right there with your, Dave. I fell for iSkoot’s shenanigan’s TWICE. *idiot*
Left them appropriate rating and comments, though. Here’s hoping someone makes a REAL Skype app for Android. Or Google actually buys Skype like the perpetual rumors suggest.
Damn! Iskoot does use voice minutes. If routing calls internationally is the real gain, then its offset by another killer app called voxofon. It knows when you are making an international call and its rates are comparable to skype. I bought the G1 thinking that I would be able to beat the voice plan minutes, but was intrigued to see the +847… # being called each time. Thats when I started searching more widely to see whats the real deal. But as one of the users on your website says, maybe the solution is to get a myFAVs on the 847# and be work around it this way. — Thanks
I’m sorry but using normal minutes for skype out calling is downright retarded. Hopefully someone will release a good application (maybe even skype themselves?). It wouldn’t be so bad if they gave you a wifi option, but iskoot doesn’t do that either. This program is a waste of time, space, and money. Absolute garbage. Just wait for a better app if you are running a G1 and use international calling cards in the meantime.