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Is it possible on any platform to Skype video call any cell phone?

steak55

Lurker
Is it possible to have an application open that allows you to send and receive video calls from people using Skype on their PC's, laptops, macs etc?

Using a front camera?

ie Galaxy S (in some places), or iPhone 4 (although I'm sure this would go against their policies..)
 
In theory - yes, all it needs is a suitable client.

In practice - no. Skype, after 2 years of floundering, have still to make a client. There did used to be one called fring that used Skype that did what you require, but Skype decided to ban them from using Skype. That leaves only Nimbuzz which I think (correct me if I am wrong anyone), is voice only.

Skype have actually made a client, but the company is a very different one from a few years ago and is obviously only after the mighty dollar - meeting customer needs does not enter the equation. The reason I say this is because the client is only on 3 and Verizon networks - it is obvious that these companies have lobbed Skype a load of money to not put it anywhere else. Even if it was thoguh it wouldn't necessary help as people are only allowed to use 3G and not Wifi (otherwise they might be able to make free calls - and we couldn't be having that).

So all in all a very frustrating situation driven by the rather unattractive bare-faced greed of Skype.

My recommendation? Keep an eye out for a competitor and when one appears on PC and android then jump ship, taking your friend and family with you. It's the only way that this capability will come to android I think.
 
I guess it's going to come down to Google or some rogue dev to come up with a decent cross-platform video calling app.

I just hope that it isn't going to be Facetime based.
 
damn. It's staggering to think that with the technology we have today I simply can't webcam from phone to computer. surely there is some sort of way???
 
There did used to be one called fring that used Skype that did what you require, but Skype decided to ban them from using Skype.

so, can I not use Fring on my mobile and talk to a friend using Fring on their PC, and leave Skype out of it completely?
 
so, can I not use Fring on my mobile and talk to a friend using Fring on their PC, and leave Skype out of it completely?

You might well be onto something, but I don't think that Fring has a PC client so you can't talk phone to PC. You might be able to talk phone to phone though - might be worth a quick look (fring is totally free).
 
Unless someone manages to emulate the fring app on a computer and choose the webcam to simulate a front facing camera....

It sounds so stupid when I read back
 
I noticed sipdroid says it has video calling now. I have know idea how it works but it may be an option.
 
@ aburgthing

THANK YOU very much!!! For showing this application. I just tested it and it works fine between my EVO and my Laptop. Quality is kinda bad so far but I don't expect much from it.


LOVE IT!
 
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