But now that my evaluation version has aged out, I decided to buy Windows 8 pro.  The downside is that all my app got blown away so I have to reinstall everything.  One of the first apps I wanted to install was Skype. I decided however that I would give the metro apps another try.

I installed the win8 skype app.  All went well enough. I did not understand how to get to my history but I figured I would work it out over time.  I sent a Skype  message to someone and then went back to the desktop to do email.  After 15min I was wondering why I have not heard back.  I manaully went back to Skype and I had a reply waiting for me.  FAIL.

99% of desktop PC users are going to use, you guessed it, the standard desktop to do most of their work.  So why would I not have notifications working on the desktop?  Basically once I go into the desktop, the win8 apps may as well not exist because there is no link between the two worlds.

I’m still happy with Windows 8, it has taken my old PC and granted it a few more years of life. But the whole metro bit.  Waste of code and memory. In fact, I’m waiting for a hack that will unload all this and squeeze even more performance out of this thing.  And perhaps get the Start button back too.

1. Open Control Panel.

2. Select Uninstall a Program under the Programs section.

3. Select Skype Click to Call, then choose Uninstall.

Once uninstalled, you may have to close and relaunch Excel. The problem pasting formulas should now be resolved.

Credit Mitch Bartlett for this one.

Anyway, check it the video below.  I can see this as a core app for the mobile professional office.

Here is more about the app from

SkyRecorder allows to record conversation in iPhone/iPad while talking using Skype. You can do that in following ways –

1. Tap “Record” button in SkyRecorder after that make a call using Skype.
or
2. Make a call using Skype and set it to Speakerphone. After that tap “Record” button in SkyRecorder.

Even you can use this app as regular voice recording application.

Other Features:
・ Unlimited recording time
・ Restart recording after interrupt by incoming call on Phone
・ Supports external stereo mic (tested with Tascam iM2)
・ Audio files Export/Import over the USB using iTunes(*.wav only)
・ Supports any OS(Mac,Windows,Linux, etc) to play recorded files
・ Simple user interface

Important Notes:
* This app is not affiliated with or endorsed or sponsored by Skype Inc.
* The Skype word appears in any area that is trademark of Skype Inc.
* This app does not record Phone conversation.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmL1asqilg8

It’s really getting bad out there.  So again, anytime you get an phone call, email or skype call or any other contact and they do not immediately identity who they are and the company they are with AND that you have dealt with the company or service in the past, odds are VERY high its a scam of some sort.

So again, keep safe out there, its only going to get worse and your personal information gets easier and easier to find.

So basically, imagine you have a remote team of engineers, or customer service agents, or you just like to scare the hell out of you kids while on a business trip, then this could be your ticket.  Imagine sneaking into little Billy’s room when he is suppose to be getting in the morning and yelling at home remotely from across the globe?  Course, if you dress up this robot as Darth Vader that could be even cooler.

All kidding aside, there is a point for this.  I’m a big believer to walking to people in my office to ask a question rather then using email.  So if I have to work away from the office for an extended period, I can use this guy to do the walking for me. Course, from the video its walk speed is pretty slow.  That would drive me crazy.. no pun intended…

Still its pretty sweet.  Check out some of the details on this little gem.

• Plug-in application that works with Skype for easy and intuitive control for driving MantaroBot (see below)
• Control Application connects through firewalls and NAT anywhere a Skype call can be made
• High Definition Camera with Pan & Tilt Control
• Obstacle detecting infrared sensors
• High quality speakers and USB microphone provides excellent sound quality
• Auto-answer with password protection access control
• Dedicated Netbook computer provides local control interface and display
• Automatic communication link monitoring stops MantaroBot if communication link fails
• Link quality monitor

You can have this baby right now for $3500.  Just expense it.

Now, check out the Vid..

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0UItgG98Jk

From tuow:

A few features in the full PC/Mac app didn’t make it in, Osterloh says, perhaps most notably the ability to do file sharing. But that’s obviously just because of the way the iPad deals with files. While the company was fine with simply having an iPhone app that was iPad compatible during the first release of the iPad, the camera in the iPad 2 was what made this app “super compelling.

The Skype service will be delivered through HDTVs through a Comcast adapter box (meaning anyone without a HD set is out of luck) and will require a high-quality video camera as well as custom remote control that enables texting capabilities, according to Comcast.  Sounds good right?  But I bet there will be charge for this, and I’m can’t I just connect my computer to the TV and accomplish the same thing?

On the surface it seems like a great service, but if I have to have a special box, and pay say $10 a month or something, I’d rather pay $40; get an adapter and use my machine.

Here is the improvement list..

Make skype to skype video calls on wifi and 3G.

You can make video calls to windows and mac skype desktop users.  Big win there.

Recieve video only on the current iPad.  However you know it will work on the iPad 2

Skype calling requires iOS4.

Now there is a note saying addition data charges may apply.  Not sure what that means, but I’m going to guess its a warning in case you are on the new AT&T limited data plan

I’ll update more as I find out more.

I wrote about using GPS on your ipad a few months back.  To use GPS you need to connect to a bluetooth GPS unit and at the time of the writing, I recommended that you preload your trip ahead of time because the only wifi based tethering app for the iPhone was not working.  Last month, PDANet, one of my top 10 jailbreak applications; finally has non per to per WIFI tethering.  Win!  This worked so well, that was actually able to have a skype video call with my brothers while bring driven down the I5.  Well for as long as I had 3G.

PDANet also works for Androids too, AND blackberry, AND windows.

PDANet is $10 but well worth it.

iPad with the back removed... Ah ha!

Line2 has the most professional options. (My Review of Line2) I like that you have a dedicated number with mailbox, redirect, quite times, and can support calling in as well.  HOWEVER, the app has to be running for you to get an incoming call. I think that will be sorted once jailbreak is in place and we can run that app in the background.

There are plenty of other options; Skype, TruPhone; Fring, Google Voice (requires jailbreak)  I have a list posts on VoIP here, so you can read and choose the best app for you.

You may also want to invest in a good wire or bluetooth headset. Holding that big iPad to your head is optimal and it makes you look plain silly.