VOIP Information in the UK

Skype on your Mobile ISKOOT

2007-02-28T11:53:00.000Z

Iskoot make and recieve Skype calls on your mobile.

Sign in, see who's online, and make and receive Skype calls with the push of a button. make low-cost international calls to any phone number with SkypeOut

You can chat with Skype contacts, add or remove contacts, refresh your list on demand, set your own status (Nokia N73, N80, E61 and E62 phones).

FREE Voip calls for UK from Raketu

2007-01-30T22:35:00.000Z

Raketu

Voip provider Raketu launched last year, The software client boasts many features a multi messenger service which allows you to chat and send instant messages to other clients like googletalk, ICQ and yahoo.

The entertainment services includes like news, sports, weather, stock feeds and games.

The client works on dialup and broadband

Calling To	Call Dial Zone Prefix	Rate (GBP/min)
UK	44	0
UK	35348	0
UK-Edinburgh	44131	0
UK-Lcfa	4484	0.1023
UK-Local-0844	44844	0
UK-Local-0845	44845	0.0463
UK-Local-Rate-Mci	44845100	0.0310
UK-Local-Rate-Mci	4484508	0.0310
UK-Local-Rate-Mci	44845106	0.0310
UK-Local-Rate-Mci	44845101	0.0310
UK-Local-Rate-Mci	44845102	0.0310
UK-Local-Rate-Mci	44845103	0.0310
UK-Local-Rate-Mci	44845104	0.0310
UK-Local-Rate-Mci	44845105	0.0310
UK-London	4420	0
UK-Manchester	44161	0
UK-Mobile	4476594	0.1287
UK-Mobile	4476595	0.1287
UK-Mobile	4476699	0.1287
UK-Mobile	447693	0.1287
UK-Mobile	447699	0.1287
UK-Mobile	4477	0.1287
UK-Mobile	4477007	0.1287
UK-Mobile	447744	0.1287

BT provides cheaper mobile phone calls via Wi-Fi

2007-01-07T18:34:00.000Z

On monday, BT releases a Wi-Fi version of its BT Fusion handset, which will allow subscribers to make VoIP calls outside the home. While still working like a normal mobile phone, calls made within the Wi-Fi zone will be charged at a quarter of the price for a normal call.

BT

FREE Mobile VOIP Calls from ROKVIPER

2006-09-06T08:49:00.000+01:00

ROKVIPER

Rokviper are a British company offering free mobile to mobile calls with there new VOIP application, calls use a broadband connection instead of the mobile phone network. The first version of the software to be released will run on Symbian smartphones like the following Nokia series.

N70
N80
6630
6680
6681
6682

The software is free to download and available today 6th September

Dixons Freetalk Service Axed

2006-08-30T18:43:00.000+01:00

Freetalk the internet VOIP service from Dixons, is closing down operations less than a year after it launched. Customers have been sold to Vonage.

Sony Launches WiFi Handheld

2006-08-15T19:23:00.000+01:00

Sony seems to be moving slightly back into the mobile device market, and is launching WiFi communication and entertainment device to capitalize on the growth of wireless Internet access. The new mylo personal communicator is capable of operating in any open 802.11b wireless network.

read more | digg story

An Asterisk Alternative: FreeSWITCH

2006-08-02T20:24:00.000+01:00

FreeSWITCH is an open source telephony application written in C, built from the ground up and designed to take advantage of as many existing software libraries as possible. FreeSWITCH makes it possible to build an open source PBX system or an open source voip switching platform as well as unite various technologies such as SIP H.323, IAX2, LDAP...

read more | digg story

Gizmo Project VoIP to landline calls FREE

2006-07-29T10:33:00.000+01:00

Frustrated that Skype doesn't allow free international calls from international locations? Gizmo does for free! You can even buy a Call in line for £2 a month so your friend can call you from their landline. Available to Window, Mac, and Linux users!

read more | digg story

New VOIP Provider - Internetcalls.com

2006-02-22T20:28:00.000Z

Today Another Free Calls VOIP provider launched, from swiss company Finaera.
Boasting Unlimited free calls to 40 destinations. They are also offering Call forwarding and VOIP IN numbers.

Download Internetcalls.com, register your version and start calling any of the countries land lines in the list below for Free.

Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Canada
Chile
Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Gibraltar
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Malaysia
Mexico
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Panama
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Russian Federation
Singapore
Slovenia
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
Thailand
United Kingdom
United States
Venezuela

My earlier List FREE CALLS providers

2006-02-16T18:20:00.000Z

Check my earlier post on the 3 companies offering Free UK Landline calls

Free UK VOIP Providers

SKYPE VOIP KITS available on EBAY

2006-02-13T12:42:00.000Z

SKYPE VOIP KITS

I currently have a auction on ebay selling a few skype kits for the bargain price of £1.99 the kit consists of:

30 min skypeout voucher
Earbud headset (earphones and mic)
skype installation CD

If you dont have a microphone or headset for your pc yet, this is a very nice and portable solution, the kits are Official products from Skype so the headsets are of good quality.

The headset can be used for all other VOIP applications like VOIPCHEAP, VOIPBUSTER etc

VOIPBUSTER adds More Countries for FREE CALLS

2006-02-09T17:37:00.000Z

www.voipbuster.com

Voipbuster has added the following countries to there list for Free landline calls

Chile
Estonia
Japan
Mexico
Panama
Peru
Puerto rico
Russia
Slovenia
South-Korea
Thailand
Venezuela

JAHJAH Web-Based VOIP Service

2006-02-08T14:32:00.000Z

www.jahjah.com
JAJAH have launched a new browser Based VOIP Service, you do everything on there website, no software to download or configure its very easy to use.

Here the steps in detail:

1. Enter your phone number in the upper field

2. Enter the destination number in the second field with country code

3. click “call”.

4. Your phone will then ring,

5. pick it up

6. you will be connected.

Free trial
Includes 5 minutes of free calls excluding calls from and to mobile phones (except for US mobile ones). No registration is needed to use the free trial, but after having used your initial free five minutes you will need to register if you want to make more calls.

Calling rates
JaJah Web calling rates are quite low and competitive the other VoIP services around. They have a rate calculator so you can work out how much a call will cost per minute to your desired country.

Vitaero for Skype & Bluetooth Headsets

2006-02-02T18:06:00.000Z

Vitaero formerly Skypeheadset has released a new version of this handy application. It allows you to easily setup your bluetooth headset with Skype. I wrote a article a few months ago regarding setting up a Bluetooth headset with Skype which can be a little bit tricky for novice users of XP.

Vitaero makes things alot easier, the software comes with a 14 day free trial, but is quite cheap at £10 for the full version.

www.vitaero.com

The system requirements for vitaero are:

* Skype version 1.x, 1.2.0.x, 1.3.0.x, 1.4.0.x or 2.0.0.x
* Microsoft Windows 2000 or XP (SP1 or SP2)
* Bluetooth adaptor (integrated or plugin USB/PC Card adaptors)
* Widcomm Bluetooth drivers 1.4.2.x, 1.4.3.x, 3.x, 4.x, 5.x
or Toshiba Bluetooth drivers 3.01.x, 3.03.x, 3.20.x, 4.00.x
* Bluetooth headset

SPARVOIP More Free Calls!

2006-01-29T20:36:00.000Z

SPARVOIP is part of the growing list of VoIP free calls providers associated with the German company Finera (Switzerland) they also own VOIPSTUNT, VOIPBUSTER and VOIPCHEAP.
SPARVOIP are offering free VoIP-In numbers from a selection of 9 countries.

Very similar client to the others VOIP sites owned by Finera they are offering free calls to 34 countries sadly the UK isn't listed in the free calls list, but there is still the ones from above to choose from for free UK landlines.

5 Cool Plugins for Skype

2006-01-24T23:00:00.000Z

TunesUp
Tunesup lets you listen to music, internet radio shows and podcasts whilst talking to your friends, It runs in the background and you can set the sound level so that it doesnt drown your conversation out. I have used it a few times when friends have been on work assignments and away from home, just listening to my latest mix cd and chatting away the evening can be great fun, Well worth a download!

Iclock
iclock plugin which sadly is only for the apple mac, enables you to see the time of the country your calling, comes in handy for those international calls. iClock uses a centrally located time hub that also controls many time related functions.

MorphVOX
Morphvox is a voice changing plugin for skype, you can download the voice packs and play them during conversations, You can also create your own voices and sound effects. This plugin has a feature that learns your voice which helps when you require it change your voice from a man to woman or vice versa if the situation arises. I tried this out on the free trial all the functions are available to use.

Skype2date
A friend asked me if there was a portal to meet people using skype and now there is, Its free to join. I havn't tried this service out but seems like a good idea below is a bit of gumph from the site:

Skype matchmaking and dating system. Register with us to find your perfect match and start free phone dating immediately. Our system includes dozens of powerful search options, advanced profiles, and a live forum.

SkyAway
Skyaway basic is free and allows to connect to a remote computer and control the desktop.It's a great little plugin which i have used many times when friends and family have computer problems.

TESCO Announces VOIP Service

2006-01-20T15:49:00.000Z

Yesterday, Tesco announced that it had teamed up with Australian Voip provider Freshtel to launch a VoIP service in the UK.

They will be offering a pay-as-you-go service costing £19.97, which includes a handset and £5 of free calls.

Once you purchase the PAYG package, Tesco VoIP users are free, but landline calls within the UK and many International countries like the US, Canada and Australia cost 2p a minute. Calls to mobiles cost 10p a minute.

VOIP for the Nintendo DS

2006-01-18T18:21:00.000Z

Homebrew VoIP application for Nintendo DS!
This nice little application called hellods is the first voip application for the nintendo DS. Setup the wifi connection and internet settings and your up and running, the DS has a built in microphone for those who were unaware of this.
I have downloaded HelloDS and will test it on my nintendo DS and give a full review in a couple of days, you can download from the link below.
hellods

VOIP Providers Offering Free calls

2006-01-13T13:29:00.000Z

Let me first welcome new readers to my blog, i recently posted a advert on popbitch and i have noticed increased traffic, so for you new readers here is a list of VOIP providers offering Free calls to UK Landlines. At the moment i use voipcheap and it seems to be working out quite well my mobile phone bills have halved.

www.voipstunt.com
www.voipcheap.co.uk

There is also another VOIP provider offering Free Landline calls to other countries
www.voipbuster.com

Skypito for Kids

2006-01-10T18:06:00.000Z

skypito
Skypito is a nice looking easy to use interface which bolts on top of Skype, It has been designed for kids but anyone can use it. Parents will be happy with the control they can have over who there kids talk and text on skype, there is an approved white list which you can put safe contacts in and they can only talk to people in that list.

Kids can play games with the new interface like chess and battleships whilst talking, the only problem is the kids might call you at work asking for more pocket money!

Skype 1.4 for Mac OS X is Out

2006-01-07T17:06:00.000Z

Skype released version 1.4 for Mac OS X there is also a bonus skype widget, a small addon which lets you dial calls, look up country codes and check calling rates.

Skype 1.4 offers Mac users new call forwarding and auto answer features, Another nice feature is the software will automatically pause iTunes when a Skype call is answered. The Mac OS X version is available in Japanese for the first time.

Below is a list of features in this new version

* Forward calls to other Skype Names or regular phones.
* Pause iTunes automatically when you get a call.
* Express yourself with mood messages.
* Simply drag and drop contacts to add them to chats and calls.
* Support for enhanced notifications with Growl.

Testing VOIPSTUNTS Free Calls

2006-01-05T18:32:00.000Z

www.voipstunt.com
After downloading the software, i installed it onto my laptop which went through painlessly, it came up with version "Voipstunt 2.08 build 256".

The interface is the same as voipbuster and voipcheap but different colour,
i didn't like the banner at the bottom of the screen flashing voipstunt in pink and yellow, very garish!

I signed up and it requested a username, i tried to enter my company name but it had already been taken, maybe they are using the same database as there sister compnay voipbuster but it didn't accept the credentials i entered, So i just setup a new one.

Once logged in its very simple to use, for UK calls add +44 etc, So down to testing this thing and see if the free calls are worth joining the service for. I spent 10 Euros roughly £7.50 on credits

Without buying credits you can only call the countries on there list for free, for 1 minute it then cuts you off, but if you have credit in your account you can call for as long as you want. I called a friends mobile phone in the states
which wasn't very good quality not sure i the problem was my end or theirs. I called a UK landline and it was fine my end but the caller said they couldn't hear me too well, I hung up and dialled again marginally better, people always think i'm call from a mobile phone when i use voip services.

I called a friend who has a skypein number, the call started off perfect but deteriorated after about 15 mins, it started cutting out and eventually
the call just ended. Not sure why, but we connected again and everything was fine we got the odd voice breakups and the other person voice sounding robotish.

Its very similar to Voipcheap and its good to call the UK for FREE but you tend to make the calls short as the quality starts to get irritating after a while.

I would recommend using this as a backup service to your regular line but Free calls is just too good to miss and if you dont care about the quality you could chat for days.

VOIPSTUNT another FREE calls provider

2006-01-04T19:18:00.000Z

www.voipstunt.com

VOIPSTUNT Is from the company VOIPBUSTER they are offering free calls to UK landlines and 38 other ccountries around the globe. You can download the program and start calling straight away.

The application is easy to use and is very similar to voipbuster. you have to buy credits of 10 euros to keep free calls going longer than 1 minute, but you dont get charged after the that. I will be downloading and testing this service tomorrow look out for a full review.

VOIPCHEAP Free Calls to UK Landlines

2005-12-06T10:29:00.000Z

www.voipcheap.co.uk
When i first started using voipcheap they didn't offer free calls to UK landlines so when my credit ran out i stopped using it, but i happened to stumble upon the website and noticed they were offering free telephone number and free calls for UK Landlines. I immediatley downloaded the new client, which looks alot better and has more features. There is also more information on the call your make like the cost per minute, the destination, and the current duration of the call. If your dialling a number to one of the countries they offer free calls to, it says FREE next to the phone number which i like to see.

My account had to be in credit, to get the free phone number which cost £5 and i was given a generated number starting with 0208

I made a call to the states to see what the quality was like, slight echo but otherwise ok, it also came up with Free call!!

Below are the countries they offer Free calls to:

Australia
Belgium
Denmark
Finland
Germany
Greece
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Monaco
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States

Skype ver2.0 with VIDEO released

2005-12-01T15:36:00.000Z

Skype ver2.0 with VIDEO released its still in beta and a few bugs have been mentioned on the website. The new version of Skype has a new search box to type in names or numbers and find matching entries in the user's address book, also a new toolbar for Outlook. At the moment the upgrade is only available for Windows XP

SMS to SKYPE

2005-11-21T14:55:00.000Z

www.connectotel.com

I recently discovered this FREE service which allows you to send a text message to a SKYPE user, Its very easy to use and is based on the m-mail service that they also offer. This company has many usefull services like SMSalert and SMScast.

Skype Pocket PC on IPAQ 5450

2005-11-16T13:30:00.000Z

I recently purchased a PDA from ebay IPAQ 5450, It has built in Wireless and bluetooth, I downloaded the latest version of Skype PPC, the minimum requirements for Skype Pocket pc are

Windows Mobile 2003 for Pocket PC
400 MHz processor
WiFi-enabled

I installed it everything went smoothly no problem, i logged in with current skype account and made a test call, Worked a treat!

The volume level on the IPAQ's are not very loud so headphones worked better with conversations, it does have a built in microphone
and the other caller could hear me clearly with no distortion. I decided to try out my Bluetooth headset, I checked the services available on
bluetooth, nothing listed for headsets, i scanned the internet for information regarding bluetooth and the IPAQ 5450, It turns out bluetooth
headsets service is supported but not implemented without a registry tweak.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Widcomm\BtConfig\Services\0005\Enabled
change the value from 0 to 1. This should allow it to work

If you have the same like me the headset icon came up in services but no sound to the bluetooth headset i then had to edit the registry again
HKLM/DRIVERS/BuiltIn/wavedev
change the wavedev.dll into btceif.dll

VOIPBUSTER Free Calls to UK landlines Ended?

2005-11-11T12:37:00.000Z

I hadn't logged into voipbuster for a few weeks, i had a long call to make so decided to load up Voipbuster, i made a call to a normal 0208 number, but once connected i noticed it didn't say "This call is FREE". I disconnected and checked my account balance and it had taken o.02 euro's. I went onto the website and checked the free calls list and the United Kingdom was not on there, I sent a email asking if they have stopped free calls to the UK now, but sadly i still haven't heard anything from them.

SkyFone WM1185-T

2005-11-10T13:27:00.000Z

Taiwan-based Accton Technology will soon launch a new Skype-friendly Wi-Fi phone, called the SkyFone WM1185-T.

The new device can be used to make free peer-to-peer VoIP phone calls, You don't even need to have your PC or PDA around. Market sources say that it will have a stand by battery life of up to 20 hours and talk time of 4 hours, the cost will be around $150 so hopefully around £100 for the UK market.

New Book Released 'Skype Me'

2005-11-05T17:26:00.001Z

'Skype Me' published by Syngress, will be available just in time for Christmas. If your new to voip and thinking about using skype, this is a good book to get you started. You can download and read the first two chapters from the link below. The book also has information on setting up skype in the workplace.
skype me sample

Skype meetup!

2005-10-31T12:37:00.000Z

This was recently posted on the skype blog:

Do you live in or around London? Interested in visiting Skype and meeting with the team?

Whether you’re new to Skype or a grizzled veteran, we want to talk with you about what you like and what we could do better. It’s more than just a focus group, as we would like your input over several months (don’t worry, it won’t require that much time from you).

We’ll invite you to our offices a few times so our relationship can grow, and soon we’ll be finishing each other’s sentences.

If this sounds like fun, go ahead and send an email to “voices ‘at’ skype.net”.

New version of Skype for Pocket PC

2005-10-28T23:01:00.000+01:00

A new version of skype for the Pocket PC 1.1.0.20 was released yesterday. A few major bugs were fixed in the networking code. Make sure to update.

Skype for pocket pc requires the following before it can be installed

Windows Mobile 2003
400mhz processor
wifi connection

Skype for your Business

2005-10-27T12:26:00.000+01:00

A new service launched on Tuesday, Skype Groups, which enables companies to set up Skype accounts for employees.

This new service, enables just one person within the company to pick up the bill for all Skype users in an organization.

Until now, every Skype user had to individually purchase credits for calls to normal telephone numbers.

Skype calls are free when other Skype users are called over the Internet, but when normal telephone numbers are called Skype charges by the minute, because it uses the part of the land line network.

New toolbars introduced last week for outlook, Internet Explorer and Firefox, allow employees to call their contacts straight quicker and easier with skype.

A survey among 400 subscribers who used Skype Groups in the trial period showed that 63 percent used it for business and avoiding expensive international calls, and almost half of them used it for free conference calls.

New Skype Version: 1.4.0.84

2005-10-25T15:04:00.000+01:00

Today a new version of skype was released, below is a list of the new enhancements

1. Improved Voice Quality

2.Call Forwarding – You can set your Skype client to forward to 1 or multiple PSTN numbers simultaneously, or to another Skype name.

3.Peronalise Skype – You can choose from a wide selection of sounds, ringtones and pictures to customize your Skype experience and show the world who you are!

4.Improved Search and Add a Contact functions -- cleaner, more intuitive features and layout... and smarter results!

5.Friendlier Getting Started & Import Contact Wizards & visual setup guides & dynamic tooltips -- make getting started even easier!

6.One-click calls from any website with Outlook and IE toolbars

7.New Skype sounds!

Skype Toolbar for Firefox

2005-10-24T15:39:00.000+01:00

www.skype.com

Skype web toolbar has been released for Firefox, it allows you to combine Skype with your web browser. Once installed a button with skype logo appears and you have your online status and contacts. It recognises phone numbers and Skype Names on web pages so that you can call them with one click which will then launch the Skype application. Internet Explorer version is also available. Some of the features are:

* Call and chat to your existing contacts
* Change your online status
* See how much Skype Credit you have left
* Automatically send a contact a link to the web page you’re viewing

Samsung Enterprise-Class VoIP Application

2005-10-23T16:13:00.000+01:00

Samsung has just introduced OfficeServ, a new wireless VoIP application, which provides support for numerous voice and data functions.

The OfficeServ system can support as many as 240 wireless handsets, making it an excellent choice for corporate offices, campuses, hospitals, factories, and warehouses.

EBay Auction in UK for a Skype Phone Number

2005-10-20T13:37:00.000+01:00

I spotted this on ebay the other day i wonder if he'll make his target
very expensive

VOIP Free Calls for UK Landlines

2005-10-16T15:44:00.000+01:00

I have been testing 2 VOIP companies offering free calls to UK land lines

www.voipcheap.co.uk
www.voipbuster.com

Both offer very similar packages
The software was easy to install and more basic looking compared to Skype but it does the job, It costs €5 to signup with voipbuster or £5 with voipcheap, Both offer Calls to UK land lines which are unlimited and FREE.

If you just want to trial the software you get 1 min of free calls to UK land lines but PC to PC calls are also free. The software tells you if the call is free which is a nice feature as it puts your mind at rest, that your not using your VOIP credit. There are about 10-15 other countries you can call for free including USA, Voipbuster includes free calls to USA mobiles!

The call quality was clear most times and you could hold a decent conversation. What would happen sometimes is only one party could be heard, in this case redialing would not clear the problem, i had to exit the program and then redial.

At this moment in time they do not offer IP telephone numbers both these companies are good alternatives to skype and the Free calls to uk land lines is definatley a bonus.

Installing Bluetooth headset for Skype

2005-10-14T15:36:00.000+01:00

I recently purchased the following:

Linksys Bluetooth adapter USBBT100
Plantronics M3000 Bluetooth headset

The linksys bluetooth adapter has 100m range and works very well, i read a article regarding adding a antenna to increase tha range which i will do in the next few weeks, but once i had setup the headset to work with skype, i liked the freedom of walking around the house and still talking for free.

Widcomm Bluetooth icon

Microsoft Bluetooth icon

1. When you first connect the Linksys adapter, Microsoft Bluetooth drivers are automatically installed the Microsoft drivers do not support Bluetooth headsets.

2. Install the Drivers for your manufacturer in my case Linksys which will overwrite the Microsoft drivers

3. Go to Device manager and check the Bluetooth adapter, it should have the manufacturer of your bluetooth adapter and not Microsoft.

4. If you still see the Microsoft adapters, right click and disable the Microsoft enumerator

5. Now right click on the generic Bluetooth radio and click update driver

Pick > install from specific location
Pick > choose driver to install
Click > have disk
Browse to the folder or CD than contains the Bluetooth adapter drivers
You are looking for this file BTWUSB.INF

6. Once you have manually updated you should now see your manufacturers driver assigned to the Bluetooth adapter see step 3

7. Check the icon in the bottom right corner of the screen for the Bluetooth icon

8. Go into My Bluetooth places or double click the icon in the bottom right hand corner

9. Click Bluetooth setup wizard, then click Bluetooth service selection, find Headsets in the list, and the next screen will prompt you to make the headest discoverable, once this is done click search button.

10. Once found you may be prompted for a pin code for the device, put in the code and you will see M3000 Plantronics paired or the manufacturer of your own device.

11. Now go into control panel, Sounds and Audio devices, click audio tab and in the drop drown box labeled DEFAULT DEVICE you should see Bluetooth audio in the list.

12. Start skype, goto tools > options > sounds devices change Audio IN/OUT and ringing to Bluetooth Audio

13. Make a test call or check voicemail if you have this setup.

IM Fone - SKYPE calls on Mobile phones

2005-10-11T15:10:00.000+01:00

The IM fone adapter allows your mobile phone to connect to your PC using bluetooth this enables the mobile phone to be used for calls on the SKYPE internet service, rather than the mobile phone network, also the reciever of the call will still see's your mobile phone number on the caller id. Great for International calls and people travelling around the world.
The makers of the device are Korean manufacturer AVING

Add-ons for SKYPE

2005-10-07T13:43:00.000+01:00

I have listed a few of the popular add-ons for skype

www.hotrecorder.com
HotRecorder™ allow's Skype users to record and add sounds to conversations. There is also a voice mail facility for both Google Talk and Skype, You can download it for free but it does have adverts and the premium version which costs $15

www.pamela-systems.de
Pamela version 1.2 is a quite a comprehensive add-on it has recording, voicemail, automatic pocasting. You can personalize messages to certain people on your contacts list and auto answer chat messages. There is a free trial version available but the full version is 17 euros

www.video4im.com
Video4im enables you to make free video calls using skype, the plugin is free and doesn't contain adverts

www.jybe.com
Jybe is a plug-in for skype that enables users to share documents, browse the internet and chat together using Internet Explorer and Firefox, its free to download