3G Video Conferencing with Smartphones (Amazing Mobile Experience)

Few days back, Skype announced an update to the iPhone 4 app officially supporting full on Video Conferencing over 3G and WiFi (unfortunately, not for Android for now), in an effort to play catch-up to services like TANGO, FRING and YAHOO Messenger apps which are good for both iPhone and Android using 3G or WiFi for quite some time.

SKYPE's value-add is its vast user-base and the massive Desktop-to-PC enablement; enabling mobile video conferencing over 3G (even if only on the iPhone for now) is a huge advancement in mobile experience evolution.  Take for instance, over the new years weekend, we took a family trip out to the Poconos to do some site seeing and snowboarding.  While there, I was keeping in touch with friends and family via SKYPE video conference everywhere I went.  We used SKYPE video on SKI Lift, in a moving car (someone else in the car is using it) and while sitting down at various places (ice cream shop, IKEA, etc...).  The experience was nothing short of breathless.  The last time I felt this mobile-empowered was when I used my iPhone 4 on Virgin America in-flight WiFi service for a TANGO conference call with another friend using iPhone 4.

The official SKYPE 3G mobile-video enablement is a huge break-through for advancement of internet-computing-mobile technology.  Although the picture quality via 3G is still a little blurry for now, it won't be long before the next generations of smartphone featuring 4G or 5G data allowing us to stream HD video conferences or HD Netflix content over the web.  Welcome to the future my friend!

Skype Domination: Platform Agnostic Style

I never realized this but Skype is everywhere! Regardless if you are a PC, Mac or Linux user, you can grab a version at your convenience. In the smartphone world, Windows Mobile, iPhone/iPod Touch, and Android have their versions of Skype mobile; even non-officially supported phones has a solution. If you are still using your cordless home phone or going with dedicated WiFi or Skype Phone, there is a solution to Skype for you. Lets not forget the Sony PSP and Nokia N800/810 integration.

Now that I've made my point and spent last 15 minutes hyper linking the references above, what I am trying to get at is how easy Skype has made itself to users of all walks. Being that this company has made its service completely platform agnostic, it has tremendous power to reach a wide range of users and become the de facto internet-based communications tool. I can't think of another IM or VOIP application with this broad reach across various hardware and software.

As for my family, Skype has been an indispensable tool when traveling abroad. Given all the available Skype options, we can easily keep in touch so long as internet is available never having to worry about having pre-paid SIM or phone cards.

Skype, in my opinion, may be the best mobile communication provider for a non telecom operator. Of course, with Gmail's Video and VOIP support over browser recently launched, it can pose potential threat to Skype's territory as it would technically be platform agnostic. But until mobile browsers are powerful enough to take advantage, Skype is still much ahead of the game. Way to go Skype!

Skype Mobile Battle: iPhone vs PSP

[Correction: My PSP-3000 actually has an integrated-mic at the bottom of the LCD screen, several sources online have said so; I've personally tested this tonight and it works fabulous, 4/8/09]

Skype, one of the most used IM/Chat/VOIP/Video-Conferencing application for PC and Mac is slowly working its dominance up the mobile alley and we love it! I've always known it's support for Windows Mobile, Nokia devices and Wifi Phones (Skype Phones) but it was the recent integration with Sony's Playstation Portable firmware upgrade as well as the hot-off-the-press Skype for iPhone/iPod Touch that is really cooking up some serious mobile progress. With Skype application for BlackBerry phones coming soon, Skype is in a very good position to become one of the leaders in mobile application. Having Skype on the go across multiple platform is definitely going to enhance our mobile experience, this is very exciting indeed.

In this article, I will attempt to compare Skype for iPhone vs Skype for Playstation Portable. I'll update this entry when the BlackBerry version becomes available. The iPhone (iPod Touch) and Playstation Portable is arguably two of the most popular gadgets for travelers on the go. When I review communication gadgets or software, I always like to imagine myself traveling abroad where I would not have access to a local cell phone and would like to keep in touch with friends or family at the luxury of my own mobile gadget. The appeal of Skype has always been there for me for that reason, that is why a laptop has been essential for all my travels until smartphones started to feature applications to support various communication needs such as Fring. That said, I think iPhone or Playstation Portable (PSP) are two of the most carried devices for travelers. I can just see myself in an airport lounge dialing international long distance over WiFi to keep in touch with loved ones via either device.

Skype for iPhone
The iPhone and iPod Touch needs very little introduction. With a large touch screen display and portrait layout, it makes a very good UI candidate for Skype (much like its desktop counterpart). Everything is integrated so well together on this handy little app. For example, your contacts from your iPhone is automatically hooked up with Skype in addition to its default contact list. To see who is online, you can easily toggle the software button towards the top of the screen. One of the big advantage of iPhone is it's integrated microphone that Skype can take advantage of w/o the need of additional headset. The VOIP function will only work in a WiFi environment (at home, coffee house, airport lounges, etc...) whereas the text Chats can work over your phone's standard data plan. I love the fact that this little app does everything its desktop counter part can do, including editing one's profile or add more skype-out funds over the handset. Overall, its an amazing application that has been done right, I love it and its free to download!

Pros: Excellent UI and layout, very easy to use and intuitive. Perfect integration to leverage iPhone's hardware (buttons, camera, etc...) Everything your desktop skype can do can be done here!
Cons: No VOIP over 3G data, no web-cam video conference, app must be installed separately (only mentioning this because PSP is part of firmware OS)

Skype for Playstation Portable (PSP)
I love the convenience of having my beloved PSP-3000 as a gaming device and knowing it can also surf the web w/ Flash while keeping up with the communications needs via Skype. No application to install here, its part of the firmware 3.90+ upgrade. While the PSP doesn't have a touchscreen UI and the horizontal layout is not taking avantage of the screen real estate as much, it does offer a full suite of Skype features. The SkypeOut and VOIP PC calls are there along with text chat. Because of the onscreen keyboard is driven by the directional keys and based on the 12-button numeric pad, it can be frustrating when compared to the overall iPhone experience. The one part I have to gripe about is the need of an external mic. My Griffin Tune Buds Mobile w/ integrated mic works great but if I forgot my headphones at home then I am stuck with only text chats capabilities. While Sony and Skype recommend you buy their official headset/mic kit, the iPhone OEM headset w/ mic should work as well. Sony should have integrated a mic solution, afterall, this is their 3rd revision to the PSP franchise. Lets hope Skype will be available for the DS or DSi someday. Overall, I still enjoy having the option of running Skype on my PSP. While its unlikely I'll be traveling only the PSP, I can see myself using the PSP for Skype to conserve the battery life for my iPhone while traveling abroad. Due to the nature of not having any data connection, the entire operation is rendered useless if I am not nearby a WiFi hotspot.

Pros: Fully integrated as part of PSP firmware, no application install required. PSP's large display is great for Skype.
Cons: Lack of integrated Mic (and Camera for profile picture, etc...) WiFi is required all the time for any communications (including text chat)

Winner: Skype for iPhone! With voice call quality being relatively the same, I have to go with iPhone because you just can't beat the convenience of having your iPhone w/ Skype with you at all times. The integrated mic makes the entire package there and ready to go 24/7 [update 4/8: PSP3000 also has integrated mic]. The touchscreen plays well with the UI and it has instantly become one of those default applications I must have on my iPhone.

fring VOIP/IM Hands On Review

I had an opportunity to take a field test for the fring IM/VOIP application on my Nokia N95 today. It proved itself useful in a situation where I needed my phone to step up beyond its basic capability and live up to its name as a smartphone. For the past couple of weeks, my wife and daughter have been visiting relatives in Asia. Giving that we have a 12-hour time difference, I usually communicate with them in the morning (8~10AM GMT -5 = 8~10PM GMT +7). I rushed out of the house this morning and drove from Manhattan to Jersey to do some research in a Barnes and Nobles. As soon as I got to the Lincoln tunnel, I realized I had not gotten a chance to sign on via Skype or Google Talk this morning to arrange for picking up my wife and daughter who’s coming back tomorrow night. This would be my last chance to speak with her because in 4 hours (which will be 4AM their time), they will be off to the airport and they are about to go to sleep soon.

I brought a small Lenovo X61 with me, but 1). I don’t like to sign on unknown wireless network for security reasons and 2). I don’t think there is even an unencrypted network available for me to use anyways. I remembered recently installing fring application so I figured I’d give its VOIP functionality a true test today. As soon as I signed on fring over AT&T’s 3.5G MediaNet, I saw my family on Google Talk. After a few messages via IM (which is painfully slow thanks to N95’s standard 12-key pad), I got an incoming VOIP call from my wife. The application has a unique ring tone which makes my phone sound like a normal incoming call to anyone standing nearby. After accepting the call, I proceeded to carry on a conversation. The call in the beginning was a bit choppy. I think fring requires 10-15 seconds to establish a solid connection. I noticed during certain times when there is a boost in connection, the sound quality is as clear as a land line. Occasionally you’ll notice the sound breaking up and you can never be certain if your voice to the recipient is clear or not… I just assume when I hear the incoming sound become choppy, my message to them would be as well. I placed a second test call to Taipei with my grandmother, and in this round the call was a bit more choppy to the point where it can’t be continued.

Overall, I am pleased with the outcome of my experience using fring as a VOIP software on my phone. It got the job done and allowed me to communicate with my loved ones when I am on the go. However, I would not recommend relying on this solution as a replacement to your desktop VOIP solution just because of its uncertainty (at least not over a data network). I was lucky enough to be able to connect via 3.5G data with full bars/signal; which may be the reason why the overall call quality is acceptable (at times). I would imagine if this call is performed over EDGE network, outcome would differ. I would love to hear your feedback, especially if you’ve experienced this call via EDGE or Verizon/Sprint’s blazing fast EV-DO connection.

Pros: Amazing portable solution which will get you the VOIP needed over data network. Its applications like this that will bring a revolution to the smartphone industry. The solutions is marvelous since it uses your handset just like a phone that is intended to be. While I was chatting on it, people just assumed I am taking a regular cellular phone call. VOIP over your unlimited data package means FREE long distance calls!!!

Cons: User name is limited to the one you used to register on fring at installation, there are no advanced settings on phone to change it (so people will recognize you). In the beginning the app was making all sorts of beeping and alarm sounds which is quite loud (a little embarrassing in public places); again, there are no settings to adjust beeping volume. One time my call was ended, turns out my phone screensaver kicked in which disrupted the data connection; not sure if this is a software flaw or my phone’s flaw and I can’t find a place to adjust this setting.

2008 Mobile Experience Wishlist

I came up with a wishlist, it would be interesting to look back a year from now to see where we stand.

1. Google Talk Mobile (w/ full VOIP on iPhone, Symbian S60 3rd, WM5/6)
2. Skype Mobile (w/ full VOIP on iPhone, Symbian S60 3rd, WM5/6)
3. Skyfire Browser for all Mobile OS (in Beta currently)
4. Google Talk on OS X (w/ full VOIP stand alone or via iChat)
5. iPhone to support Flash (this one is hopeful!)
6. Picasa Mobile for all devices (WM6, Symbian S60 3rd Edition)
7. Real-Time Stock Ticker/App integrated with Brokerage Account (come on TDAmeritrade or Schwab…)
8. US Carriers to enable Video Conferencing using front/2nd camera (w/o extra cost in addition to data plan)
9. Unlimited Data Plan in the $5 - $10 Range for all carriers banking on the economies of scale
10. More ultraportable laptops(3-4lbs.) costing less than $1K