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Skype Journal: SkypeHeadset Takes Skype Cordless

March 18, 2005 01:03 PM

You can take Skype cordless with a new SkypeHeadset plug-in. Released this week SkypeHeadset is a software program created by Kamal Munir & Stuart John that automates Skype answering and hanging up for bluetooth headsets. I've been testing it for a number of weeks and like the simple extra functionality it provides. I now use my bluetooth headset with my laptop just like I do with my mobile. I've got pairing down to a fine art and can now switch between devices easily. I liked the instructions which are clear and some of the best documentation yet released for a Skype enable API product.

What are the requirements for adding a bluetooth headset to your Skype experience? Naturally you need Skype for Windows, Bluetooth installed in your PC with Widcomm Drivers (see list) and a compatible Bluetooth headset.

I'm running SkypeHeadset with my Motorola HS-810, a Belkin Dongle on my IBM T-40 Thinkpad. If you look around I'm sure you can get an appropriate dongle and BTheadset for under $100. SkypeHeadsets provides a list of compatible headsets that have been tested. If you already own a bluetooth headset then adding a dongle and SkypeHeadset to your PC is a relatively low cost improvement that could really change your Skyping. SkypeHeadset costs UK 5 pounds about $8.00.

The best things about Skype Headset.

I've lost my wires! I also never travel anymore with a clumsy large corded headset in my back, instead I've added another small charger. When will I be able to charge my headset via a USB cable like my iPod? I can even make coffee while on Skype now. I've had no complaints on audio quality (which has nothing to do with Skypeheadset).

When I connect my bluetooth headset it automatically changes Skype audio headset setting to point to the bluetooth headset. When I close the bluetooth headset and turn it off, SkypeHeadset returns Skype the previous audio settings. So if I close my headset and leave the PC, the screensaver comes up and my USB CyberphoneK (more on that later) automatically is ready for use.

There is a great little indicator that sits in the Windows system tray. This is useful to see connection status. I'm yet to find that bluetooth connections are flawless, and once in a while mine doesn't connect and thus the audio sound is horrible on the other end. This has nothing to do with Skypeheadset which is mere a "switching" tool.

Note on the equipment side it pays to get a "powerfu" BT dongle, some claim 10 meters and some 100 meters. I'd pay a bit more for the hundred meters. However even if the dongle works at that distance your headset may be like mine. It's only good for 10 meters and sound quality noticeably deteriorates after 7 meters. That's enough for the office although it doesn't take me to my mailbox and a cordless phone would.

There's a couple of things Skypeheadset doesn't yet do. It can't automatically change the ringer to the bluetooth headset and then back, (thus the PC remains the ringer unless set manually) this reflect the current state of the Skype API and I'm sure will be provided as an auto upgrade in a future version.

Kamal has upgrades in the works. It is a natural to expect "voice" dialing. I've got it in my Nokia - call "Bill Campbell Skype" and it dials his SkypeIn line. I'm sure an API app could be built to replicate this functionality. At the same time "voice" dialing is like voice mail. It would make more sense for Skype to build it in and then along with the contact list (now centralised) capture my voice dialing instructions. Similarly, we can expect that notifications will come in future editions. Receive an inbound call and SkypeHeadset will vocalise the name of who's calling. Up to you whether you answer it or not. No longer necessary then to check the screen. Similarly it could screen for buddy calls only. I also see opportunities for bluetooth speaker phones (more later) where you can provide an "audio" command to answer and take the call.

In the end this is a simple app. It has potential to grow into something much more. If you are an early adopter, use Skype in a collaborative fashion, text and voice, perhaps some screen sharing, or travel a lot with a Window's laptop then try it out. It adds something to the experience. You will also be "very cool" in the local Starbucks.

You can of course use a bluetooth headset with your laptop without SkypeHeadset. This program just provides a little automation. I'm sure Kamal will welcome your feedback should you try it.

TrackBack (2)

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I haven't had good results using Skype with my Belkin BT USB Dongle and Trust BT Headset but SkypeJournal.com explain about a program called 'SkypeHeadset' that could make using Skype cordless a lot easier. Skype Journal: SkypeHeadset Takes Skype Cordl... [Read More]

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Comments (4)

I hear you on the art of pairing...

I use my Jabra Bluetooth headset with Skype (on Mac) and to talk on my Treo. No wires totally simplifies things and makes it much easier to use while on the go. My USB dongle / Headset rig was a big mess in my laptop bag.

Posted by: Jonathan Greene at March 18, 2005 6:02 PM

I have successfully used SkypeHeadset with a Motorola HS820 BT headset and an I/O Gear GBU-301 USB BT dongle. I would draw the following to your attention:

- SkypeHeadset uses an Audio Gateway service that is independent of the Audio Gateway supplied by the USB BT dongle. Also note that only one Audio Gateway should be running on the PC at a given time, to ensure that the BT dongle is talking the the Skype Audio Gateway service.

- One can also ignore the Headset service that comes with the USB dongle.

Posted by: JimCanuck at March 23, 2005 7:42 PM

It easily works on any Mac with Bluetooth (you might have to update the firmware via apple.com if your headset won't configure... the original bluetooth setup doesn't support voice). I tried it with a Planctronics earpiece, but got a lot of static when I was more than a foot or two from my laptop. I ended up going with a Logitech USB headset. Crystal clear...

Posted by: Kai at July 23, 2006 7:33 AM

Posted by: Kai at July 23, 2006 7:34 AM