Mobile Fun Blog

How to use your Bluetooth Headset with Skype

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

To use your Bluetooth headset with VOIP programs such as Skype, you will need to pair your headset with your PC, authorise it to access Skype, and then configure Skype to use Bluetooth audio devices. The process is fairly straight forward, but varies slightly depending on the dongle and driver that you are using.

The steps below assume that you have installed the software that came on the CD with your Bluetooth Dongle, not the generic Windows drivers, and that Skype is already installed on your PC running Windows XP SP2.

To determine which Bluetooth drivers you are using, you will need to access Device Manager. To do this, press the "Windows" and "Pause Break" keys on the keypad simultaneously. This will then open System Properties. Click on the Hardware tab, and then you will see a button to launch Device Manager – click it. This will then open a new window listing all devices connected to your computer. Towards the top of this list you will see Bluetooth Devices, click the plus sign to expand the list. The top line should say Bluetooth Enumerator, the second line will tell you which driver you are using and will be either Broadcom/Widcomm, Toshiba, or BlueSoleil. Make a note of your driver manufacturer and close all windows. If you see Microsoft listed, it means you have the generic Windows drivers installed, and probably won’t work with Skype unless you update the drivers. For information on how to do this, read our post on updating your Bluetooth drivers.

Please note that drivers are specific to the dongle you are using, and you can only use the driver manufacturer that is supplied with your dongle. You cannot, for example, use a Toshiba driver with a BlueSoleil supported dongle.

Broadcom / Widcomm – Skype Compatibility Rating 5/5

• If you have already paired your headset with your PC, delete the pairing.
• Right click the Bluetooth icon by the clock and select add a bluetooth device. This will then launch a wizard to guide you through the pairing process.
• The wizard will search for available devices, select the headset you want to use and click on next.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm the services you want to use. Mono Bluetooth Headsets will list only Hands-Free Unit, Stereo Bluetooth Headsets will also list Stereo Audio.
• Ensure all boxes are ticked and then click next.
• Click OK on the pop up and then click finish on the confirmation screen. You may then see a further pop up confirmation message. Click ok.
• The next screen will ask you to confirm the type of headset. Regardless of your headset, select personal handsfree device with no display.
• You will then be asked to confirm what applications the headset will primarily be used for. Make sure Skype is ticked – click next,
• Now switch over to Skype, you should see a pop up alert by the clock asking you to allow a program to access Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve allowed it you’ll see a message at top of the Skype window.
• Click on the BTSTAC~1.exe file name, then on the pop up screen make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked,
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth".
• Check the "Ring PC Speaker" box if you want incoming calls to ring through the PC speakers as well as ring in the Bluetooth Headset then click on save,
• Make a test call. There may be a brief delay when it connects initially, but you should then be able to hear and talk through your Bluetooth headset.

Toshiba Drivers – Skype Compatibility Rating 4/5

• If you have already paired your headset with your PC, delete the pairing. You can do this through the Toshiba Bluetooth Control panel.
• You’ll see the name of your Bluetooth headset, and three buttons underneath – new connection, detail and delete. Make sure the headset is disconnected and then click delete.
• Launch Skype.
• Go back to your Bluetooth control panel and click on new connection.
• On the wizard that appears, you need to select CUSTOM mode.
• Turn your headset on and put it into pairing mode then press next. Your PC will then search for Bluetooth devices in range, if it doesn’t find your headset on the first scan, click refresh to do another search.
• Select your headset from the list of discovered devices and click next.
• On the next screen you may be prompted to select the type of device you wish to connect. You should see two or three options – Audio Sink, Handsfree, Headset. (Audio Sink may only show up if you are using a stereo headset.)
  You need to select Handsfree on this screen and click next.
• You will now be prompted to enter Pin or Passkey, this can be found in your user guide.
• The next screen you see should ask you if you want to use this in cooperation with a VOIP application. You need to make sure that this box is ticked. If its not, you won’t be able to use it with Skype.
• On the final screen you will be given the option to rename your headset and place a shortcut to the connection on the desktop.
• Click finish.
• Now switch over to Skype, you should see a pop up alert by the clock asking you to allow a program to access Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve confirmed it you’ll see a brief confirmation message in the main Skype window.
• Click on this message and make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked.
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth wave" – Click on save.
• Make a test call. There may be a brief delay when it connects initially, but you should then be able to hear and talk through your Bluetooth headset.

BlueSoleil – Skype Compatibility Rating 2/5

BlueSoleil drivers aren’t the best for working with Skype. The latest version of the drivers, 5.0.5, doesn’t support VOIP services such as Skype unless you pay for an upgrade. You can download version 3.2.2.8 from the BlueSoleil web site which does support VOIP at no extra cost, but I found it to be more difficult to use than Toshiba and Broadcom. The following guide is based on Software version 3.2.2.8.

• Pair your Bluetooth Headset to your PC as normal and then launch Skype.
• To begin setting up Skype, click on Start -> All Programs -> IVT BlueSoleil -> BlueSoleil VOIP Plug In.
• After a few seconds you should see a pop up notification by the clock asking to allow access to Skype, you need to allow this add on.
• Once you’ve clicked on it you’ll see a message at top of the Skype window.
• Click on the .exe file name.
• On the pop up screen make sure that the check box next to "allow this program to access Skype" is ticked.
• Connect to headset, (either by pressing call button on headset, or by right clicking on the headset icon in the bluetooth control panel and selecting connect.)
• In Skype, go to Tools, Options and select Audio Settings. For each of the 3 drop down boxes select "Bluetooth SCO" – Click on save.
• In some cases, "Bluetooth SCO" may not work, in which case set these to Bluetooth AV.
• Make a test call. BlueSoleil is a little slow, and you will find that your call initially is played through your PC, but will be transferred to the headset after a few seconds.

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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How to make the most of your Fitted Car Kit

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

Elan Intelli-Mutes: What are they and why do I need one?

The Intelli-Mute from Elan is designed to install your Car Kit quickly and hassle free. Instead of hardwiring your Car Kit into the vehicle’s power supply, the Intelli-Mute allows your Car Kit to be powered using your car stereo. All call audio is routed through the car stereo speakers, taking away the need to install a separate speaker in the passenger foot well, which can often lead to muffled or distorted sounds – especially at higher speeds. The volume of the call can be adjusted through your stereo controls or steering wheel audio controls (if fitted to your vehicle). The Intelli-Mute is a three way lead, one end connects to your existing vehicle wiring, one to the Intelli-Mute control box and the third connects to the back of your car stereo. You will need to make sure that the Intelli-Mute that you order is the correct one for your stereo.
If you are not sure what connection type your stereo has, please contact your local dealership or stereo manufacturer. To complete the installation, you will also need an Accessory Harness specific to your Car Kit. The only exception is the Nokia CK-7W Car Kit as the harness for this kit is included with all Intelli-Mutes as standard.

Elan Accessory Harness: What are they and why do I need one?

The Accessory Harness is the lead that connects your Intelli-Mute control box to your Car Kit. As each type of Car Kit is different, they have harnesses specific to each type and have to be ordered separately.
The Accessory Harness is simple to fit, one end connects to the Intelli-Mute control box, and the other end to the power and speaker connections of your Car Kit. Depending on your vehicle and the amount of space in your dashboard, the Intelli-Mute and harness are designed to sit behind your car stereo.
If there isn’t room, the cables are long enough for you to be able to feed from behind the dashboard where there is more space. All you will need to do then is position the microphone (and display screen if present) and feed the cables through to the Car Kit control box.

ProClips are brackets that clip securely to your dashboard, giving you a firm, flat surface that you can screw your chosen phone holder on to. When it comes time to change your car or remove the kit, the bracket can be removed easily, leaving no damage to your dashboard.

Brodit also make two types of in car holder, Active and Passive. Active holders have a charger built in to them which plugs in to your cigarette lighter. Passive holders will hold your phone securely and allow you to use your own charger. Both holders are normally available with a fixed or tilt/swivel base.

Using Bluetooth car kits and headsets can sometimes increase the drain on the battery, and as most modern Car Kits don’t have a physical connection to your phone, its always a good idea to have a car charger.

If you don’t want the hassle of installing the Car Kit and all extra accessories, Mobile Fun now offer a fitting service for your car kit. Standard Installation includes a fully trained engineer installing the kit at your home or work address. Premium Installation includes the home visit, but also includes an Intelli-mute and Brodit ProClip for your vehicle (Car Kit dependant).

(2 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)

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Bluetrek SurfaceSound

Tuesday, February 26th, 2008

Bluetrek SurfaceSound is an ultra slim loudspeaker system for your mobile phone. The SurfaceSound Duo and the SurfaceSound Compact are portable and designed to be used either in the car, at home or at work.

Bluetrek SurfaceSound Duo:
The SurfaceSound Duo is a unique device that combines the ease of a loudspeaker, with the freedom of a Bluetooth Headset. The Duo allows you to use your Bluetrek Bluetooth headset while you’re out and about. When you get home or in the car, simply take the headset off your ear and dock it onto the SurfaceSound Duo. When docked all call audio is routed through the flat panel loudspeaker. When you reach your destination, you simply undock the headset and the call is transferred back to the headset. You’re then free to wander around with no interruption to your call. Battery life is exceptional, giving up to 24 days stand-by time and up to 22 hours talk time.

Bluetrek SurfaceSound Compact:
The SurfaceSound is an ultra slim loudspeaker that can be used in the car, at work or at home. Its the same basic design as the SurfaceSound Duo, but without the ability to dock your Bluetooth Headset. Battery life is again excellent, with stand-by times of up to 22 days and up to 15 hours of talk time. The SurfaceSound Compact supports voice dialling (handset dependant) as well as last number redial, call return and call waiting.

Both the SurfaceSound Compact and SurfaceSound Duo include USB charging cable and car adapter.

Compatible Headsets:

• Bluetrek Sugar
• Bluetrek Sense
• Bluetrek Mini
• Bluetrek Tattoo
• Bluetrek UFO

(No Ratings Yet)

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Top Five Accessories for your Apple iPhone

Monday, February 18th, 2008

Got the latest must have phone? Then you’ll need the latest must have accessories to go with it!

Here are Mobile Fun’s top five accessories for your Apple iPhone:

	InvisibleSHIELD Full Body Protector – Apple iPhone The last thing you’ll want to do to your new phone is scratch it. Not only does it look bad, but can spoil your enjoyment while looking at photo’s, movies and coverflow. InvisibleShield full Body Protectors provide exceptionally clear protection that helps prevent impact damage from keys, coins & pens to both the front and back of your iPhone.
	Jawbone 2 Bluetooth Headset If you have used Bluetooth Headsets in the past, I’m sure you will have experienced times where people can’t hear a word you’re saying because of what’s going on around you, whether you’re in a Pub or Club, cruising down the motorway or in a noisy environment at work. Jawbone Bluetooth headsets incorporate the latest technology in noise cancellation meaning you will be heard no matter what is going on around you.
	i-Power iPhone Mains Charger Charging your phone through the USB cable connected to your PC or Mac isn’t always possible – especially if you’re away on holiday, or frequently away with work. This Mains Charger allows you to charge your iPhone without the need to dock it.
	Apple iPhone Krusell Orbit Premium Leather Case The Apple iPhone is a stylish phone, it needs a stylish case to go with it. The Krusell Leather case is extremely stylish and practical. Krusell have a range of connectors available too, so you can mount it on your belt, in the car or even on your bike, without having to remove it from its case. The Orbit Premium Leather Case features a built in stand to make reading your emails and accessing the Internet even easier.
	Apple iPhone Stereo Handsfree Adapter Listen to your MP3 music in full stereo with your own headphones on your iPhone. This adapter allows you to connect any headset with a 3.5 mm jack plug fitting to your iPhone. Built in controls also let you answer and end calls, as well as adjust volume levels and play/pause your music.

(No Ratings Yet)

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Mobile World Congress: Sony Ericsson Announcements

Monday, February 18th, 2008

Sony Ericsson has announced a range of new handsets at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week. Seven handsets were announced in total, each unique in their own way. Sony Ericsson has introduced a more rugged and durable handset, a sleek new Walkman handset and a premium touch screen device running Windows Mobile.

Xperia X1:
The handset getting the most attention on the Sony Ericsson stand is without doubt the Xperia X1. A Windows Mobile device, with a slide out QWERTY keyboard and a 3″ WVGA (800×480) screen in landscape mode. Using the device could not be simpler with its full touch screen interface and a 4 way joystick to help with navigation.

The X1 has an FM radio, 3.5mm audio jack, built in GPS, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP. The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 also has a 3.2 megapixel camera and has 400MB of internal storage. You can increase the storage using the micro SD card slot. The X1 supports HSDPA and HSUPA giving data speeds of up to 7.2Mbps (network dependant).

G700 and G900

The G700 and G900 are two new touch screen devices running Symbian UIQ software normally found on higher tier devices such as the P1. Both handsets are aimed at business users that need more handset functionality and give one touch access to calendars, notes and web pages.

They have 160MB internal memory that can be expanded using a Micro M2 Memory Stick. The G700 features a 3.2 megapixel camera, with image and video stabiliser. The G900 supports Wi-Fi and has a 5 mega pixel camera with the ability to select the focus point just by touching the screen.

C702
The C702 is a new phone to the Cyber-Shot family, designed for those with a more active lifestyle. It is dust and splash proof and comes with GPS built in for navigation and guidance.

The 3.2 Mega pixel camera has face detection and red eye reduction as well as the option to “geo tag” your photos using the GPS receiver. Once uploaded to an online photo album such as flickr, you can see exactly where your photographs were taken. The phone will support fast internet over HSDPA and stereo Bluetooth with A2DP profile.

C902
The slim C902 also belongs to the Cyber-Shot family. It has a 5 megapixel camera concealed in a unique sliding design. It also has an advanced flash that can be used when taking photos using Sony Ericsson’s “BestPic” feature. This allows you to take up to 9 photos with flash in quick succession and select the ones you want to save.

The camera controls have been improved and are now operated through the phones touch screen. The C902 has 160 MB of internal memory, a Memory Stick Micro memory card slot and has full Walkman like media playback.

W980
The W980 is another in Sony Ericsson’s range of Walkman Music phones. It has a 3.2 megapixel camera and 8 gigabytes of internal memory. The W980 also has an in-built FM transmitter, so you can now listen to your music on any radio with in 2-3 metres.

When closed the phone looks like a portable MP3 Player, and its touch sensitive buttons give you full control over your music.The W980 provides clear stereo and bass and lets you control your music with shake control, SensMe and TrackID. The music can be listened to through a Bluetooth Stereo headset as it supports the A2DP profile. You can also download music direct to the phone using Sony Ericsson’s “Play Now” service over a HSDPA connection.

Z770
The Z770 is a clamshell design, aimed at professionals and business users that need email and high speed data – without the desire for a smartphone or PDA. The Z770 has a 2.2″ display and a 2 megapixel camera. Internet connection is fast over HSDPA and it has Bluetooth with A2DP support. The internal memory is 32MB, which can be expanded using a Memory Stick Micro memory card.

(No Ratings Yet)

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Jabra BT2020 vs BT250v

Wednesday, February 13th, 2008

How do you make the best even better?

Some would say you can’t but Jabra have managed it with the BT2020. Its predecessor, the BT250v, was one of the best selling Bluetooth headsets in the world.

Why is the Jabra BT2020 better?
With the BT2020, Jabra have built on all the good points of the BT250v and;

• Kept the comfortable "behind the ear" design.
• Reduced its size.
• Reduced the weight from 23 grams to just 16 grams.
• Removed the flashing blue light and added a discreet LED.
• Improved battery life.

With the reduction in weight the BT2020 is now more comfortable and with the new discreet LED feature, there’s no constant flash to distract you. Despite the size reduction, battery times are improved. The BT2020 now has an impressive 360 hours standby time and up to 8 hours talk time. In real terms, you can leave it turned on for over 2 weeks before the battery runs out. When the battery does eventually run out, the BT2020 now has the option of being charged in your car. This was the biggest disappointment on the BT250v, the unique charging cradle meant that it could only be charged at home. Fortunately though, Jabra have now dropped the cradle in favour of a more standard Mini USB connection, and are including a car charger with the headset. As with the BT250v, the BT2020 comes with a variety of Ear gels to make sure there is a comfortable fit for everyone.

So if you’re looking to replace your BT250v, or are simply looking for a comfortable durable headset, then you won’t go wrong with the Jabra BT2020.

(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

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Top Ten Accessories for your Nokia N82

Tuesday, February 12th, 2008

Got the latest must have phone? Then you’ll need the latest must have accessories to go with it! Here are Mobile Fun’s top ten accessories for your Nokia N82:

	Martin Fields Screen Protector The last thing you’ll want to do to your new phone is scratch the screen. Not only does it look bad, but can spoil your enjoyment while watching back your photo’s and movies. Martin Fields Screen Protectors provide exceptionally clear protection that helps prevent impact damage from keys, coins & pens.
	Jawbone 2 Bluetooth Headset If you have used Bluetooth Headsets in the past, I’m sure you will have experienced times where people can’t hear a word you’re saying because of what’s going on around you, whether you’re in a Pub or Club, cruising down the motorway or in a noisy environment at work. Jawbone Bluetooth headsets incorporate the latest technology in noise cancellation meaning you’ll be heard no matter what is going on around you.
	Genuine Nokia In-Car Charger DC-4 One of the Nokia N82’s best features is with out a doubt the in-built GPS receiver, with the Genuine Nokia In-Car Charger you can be sure you’ll get from A-Z with no risk of getting lost when the battery runs out.
	Genuine Nokia Easy Mount Holder HH-12U Navigating your way around town is really simple with the Nokia N82’s GPS, but only if you can see the phone! The HH-12U is the best way of mounting the phone in a clear visible way. The suction fitting to your windscreen makes it easy to remove, and can be fitted in minutes.
	Sandisk 8GB Micro SDHC Memory Card Increase the storage capacity up to 8GB and you can leave your I-pod at home. An 8GB memory card will let you store up to 2000 Songs or 3500 Photo’s so you can be confident you can take as many photo’s as you want with little risk of running out of space!
	Parrot MK6100 Car Kit The Nokia N82 is a full Multimedia Handset, so make the most of it with the Parrot MK6100 Bluetooth Car kit. Not only does it give you high quality sound during calls, but this clever bit of kit allows you to stream music through bluetooth to your car stereo. No need to listen to the same CD over and over and no more hassle of cables getting tangled around the gear stick. Just start the car and press play on the MK6100 – you don’t even have to touch your phone!
	Boombasstic Bluetooth Speaker System With all your music on your phone, you can have a party wherever and whenever you want. These speakers from Boombasstic are great for getting the party started. You don’t need any cables or adapters for your phone, just stream your music via bluetooth from your phone to the speakers and turn up the volume!
	Nokia N82 Krussel Premium Leather Case The Nokia N82 is a stylish phone, so it needs a stylish case to go with it. The range of Krusell Leather cases are extremely stylish and practical. They have a range of connectors available too so you can mount it on your belt, in the car or even on your bike, without having to remove it from its case.
	Nokia Bluetooth Stereo Headset BH-501 The Nokia BH-501 Stereo Headset is a great way of enjoying your music while out jogging, cycling or just sitting relaxing at home, without disturbing those around you. They give you full control of your music without having to touch the phone.
	Venturi Bluetooth Simple Car kit For those that don’t want a fully fitted car kit, or that share cars this has got to be top of your wish list! Combining the latest FM transmitter and Bluetooth Technology, the Venturi Kit allows you to make phone calls and listen to your music through your car stereo by simply plugging into your cars cigarette lighter socket. Caller ID and song information is also sent to your radio display so you can see who’s calling and what you’re listening to!

(No Ratings Yet)

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