Yes! They worked perfectly with Skype, allowing me to use Skype Out to call any landline or cellphone. I was also able to receive a Skype-to-Skype call. The sound was good, though perhaps a little on the quiet side. People I spoke to on their phones said they could not tell I wasn't using a normal phone. None guessed I was using an iPod Touch, Skype and WiFi.
So along with all the other things my iPod Touch can do, it is now also a telephone if I'm in an area with WiFi available.
The only limitation is that Skype can't run in the background as iPod Touch (and iPhone) optimise the user experience by limiting multitasking. Skype must be the foreground program running if you want to receive any calls.
UPDATE 2010-01-18: I now use my iPod Touch anywhere by wifi-tethering it to my HTC Magic android phone. Skype from the iPod actually works over the phone's 3G Internet. This is cool because I don't have to choose between Apple and android. Instead, they work together to make each other better. Android has the freedom to access any file from anywhere and the iPod has access to the Apple Store apps....though that is less important each day as more apps come out for android.
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Here's the ultimate accessory...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.infrastructurist.com/2009/05/27/mit-unveils-fancy-iphone-like-bus-stop/
Too bad Skype has such nonexistent customer support. It could really be useful if the system was a bit easier for new users.
ReplyDeleteSo...can anyone tell me what I will miss by doing iPod Touch-Skype-miFi versus having an iPhone (besides the phone plan) or, for that matter, any regular cell phone.
ReplyDeleteI'm chomping at the bit to try this, but I worry about the ease of receiving calls as soon as they come in.
Any info will be appreciated....
Leon: To receive incoming calls on an iPod Touch, Skype would need to be running. That means you wouldn't be able to use the iPod for anything else while you wait to receive calls as Skype doesn't run in the background. I have found it useful to make cheap calls from work where they have begun to record ALL out going calls. It's 1/10th the cost of making a cell phone call.
ReplyDeleteI bought these specifically for my Ipod Touch, 2G. Sound quality is good, they are basically the standard Ipod ear buds. If you’re interested in making Voip calls through your touch, then these are a must. I use them for making phone calls through Skype (using the Fring app). They work perfectly out of the box (and yes, it is hard to open!) I called my husband’s cell phone and he reported my sound quality being just fine. It’s too bad that they don’t work on my Mac too…
ReplyDeleteiPod Touch Earphones
Regards,
Gabriel
So this is what everyone is using with their ipod touch! I have seen people using these everywhere and wondered what they where, it looks like they listening to music but when you walk past them their talking away to themselves. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteThe iPod Touch doesn't support multi-tasking because Apple thinks it would be too buggy/confusing for people. There are several excellent Jailbreak multi-tasking apps (which are smoother and more attractive than anything offered standard on another smart phone). If you've got much tech savvy, or want to work on building some up, look into Jailbreaking (it's about as hard as configuring Outlook from scratch, say). Then you can background Skype, or possibly find a ringer app for Skype on Cydia, enable the Wireless N built-into the Touch 3g (which would make a fairly big difference in reception). If you've got good Wifi around you, and you're willing to work with it, the iTouch definitely works as an 'Internet Phone'.
ReplyDeleteThe iTouch 3g is actually a little faster than the iPhone 3gs, because they're the same hardware, but the iPhone is constantly running the 'Phone' app in the background. Depending on Skype's resource usage, backgrounding it may amount to the same thing. (You'll just be out of range a lot more often - but you'll get much better reception inside buildings as long as you're near the router. I live in Manhattan, so this is a very noticeable effect.)
George C: Thanks for the advice. I have an iPod Touch 2G....and I was reluctant to jail-break it because I only had the one....and I liked it. :-) I'll have a look into the jail-breaking side of things for it.
ReplyDeleteI've been playing with SIP apps on Android. No need for Skype. Anyone can call you at "sip:your-name@iptel.org". Sometimes Apple's closed approach to iP{whatever} just gets in the way...and you have to look at more open alternatives.
ReplyDeleteCan the Droid be used without a voice plan? How do you compare Droid with iPod Touch? I have a cell phone with my job, but am looking to replace my Palm Tungsten E as an organizer. Having the skype setup adds a great dimension.
ReplyDeleteSo if I understand this correctly, this means you can use the Ipod Touch as a phone, so long as you're connected to the Internet via wifi? In other words, no wifi access, no phone calls? I would seriously consider buying an Ipod Touch if I could use it as a phone any time. But I'm not always near a wi-fi spot, so this could be a serious limitation.
ReplyDeleteI have an iPod touch too, generally I use my iPod too listern music, I have a great collection of music, I even have some collection of videos. I have skype in my iPhone and I have used it many times but I have never used it in my iPod.
ReplyDelete