IPaq users report trouble with Skype

Skype Technologies introduced version 1.0 of its Internet telephony application for Pocket PCs on Thursday, but the first non-beta release of the software does not work well on all Pocket PCs, users report.

The application includes SkypeOut, a service Skype introduced in July that lets users make calls to regular phone numbers at competitive rates. SkypeOut does not work well on HP iPaq handhelds. Users in a forum on the Skype Web site report that the person they call only hears a buzzing noise.

Skype is aware of a problem with Skype for Pocket PC and some iPaqs, a company spokeswoman said Friday. "We are currently fine-tuning the software to rectify the problem. We hope to have it resolved by next week," she said.

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Skype Technologies introduced version 1.0 of its Internet telephony application for Pocket PCs on Thursday, but the first non-beta release of the software does not work well on all Pocket PCs, users report.

The application includes SkypeOut, a service Skype introduced in July that lets users make calls to regular phone numbers at competitive rates. SkypeOut does not work well on HP iPaq handhelds. Users in a forum on the Skype Web site report that the person they call only hears a buzzing noise.

Skype is aware of a problem with Skype for Pocket PC and some iPaqs, a company spokeswoman said Friday. "We are currently fine-tuning the software to rectify the problem. We hope to have it resolved by next week," she said.

In addition to the paid SkypeOut service, Skype allows free, unlimited calls over an Internet connection to other Skype users as well as conference calls with up to five users and instant messaging. Skype now offers final versions of its client for Windows and Pocket PC users; beta test versions are available for Mac OS X and Linux.

A beta test version of Skype for Pocket PC was first released in April. Version 1.0 of the software requires Microsoft's Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC operating system, Wi-Fi wireless networking and a 400-MHz processor. Users who connect to the Internet using General Packet Radio Service will be able to use Skype for instant messaging, but not for making calls, according to Skype.

Skype has been in the spotlight recently and has been described as a disruptive force to the traditional telecommunications industry. The company was founded by Niklas Zennström, Skype's CEO, and Janus Friis, who also launched Kazaa, the popular file-swapping software. Like Kazaa, the telephony software runs on a decentralized peer-to-peer network.

The IDG News Service is a Network World affiliate.