Video Calls on N900

[kdrozd]

What about video calls on N900. On N8x0 I can use Gizmo or GTalk to make a video chat. But now since N900 have GSM/3G stack and the small thing on the left that looks like a webcam can we use it to make video call on the GSM?

Another thing is that Skype on N900 fotos looks difrent that version from OS2008. Will this version support video chat?

Kris

[benny1967]

But now since N900 have GSM/3G stack and the small thing on the left that looks like a webcam can we use it to make video call on the GSM?

Very interesting question. I would have guessed that of course it has video calls, because that's what defined UMTS here in my country when it was introduced. UMTS=video calls.

Comparing the specs to those of the N97, though, it looks different: video calls are listed in the N97 specs, but not for the N900. Also voice dialling/voice commands are not listed for the N900.

Both is a pity. I use voice dialling a lot (when I'm alone, that is), and video calls are always fun. They're not needed, they don't really serve any useful purpose, but we do them occasionally just for a good laugh.

[Den in USA]

Video calls are always fun. They're not needed, they don't really serve any useful purpose, but we do them occasionally just for a good laugh.

For those of us who have been thousands of miles away from home, it is a truely wonderful experience to view family and friends on Skype. For now, I have to use my 10 inch laptop. Some day I can use a 4 inch tablet.

[kdrozd]

True,True :)

I'm now in Lisboa and my wife in Wrocław Poland over 3000km. Without video calls it will be hard for us.

It will be great for us to have maemo to PC or maemo to UMTS video calls.

[nilchak]

Both is a pity. I use voice dialling a lot (when I'm alone, that is), and video calls are always fun. They're not needed, they don't really serve any useful purpose, but we do them occasionally just for a good laugh.

How did you come up with the assumptionj - that video calls are not needed ? Boy you must be living in your own world to make such a assumption for users of N900 (or for users of any communication platform). For all those who are away from family and friends (and I mean really away for long), its the manna from heaven (if I may take to the other extreme :) )

And to have video calling on your mobile device would really rock - since then you dont have to be tied to the desktop.

Only hope that front-facing camera is of better quality the the N800/N810 variety. Any specs on the resolution of that front-facing camera ?

[benny1967]

You got me wrong. I was saying that it is a pity that video calling (standard 3G video calls) isn't supported on the N900. (Or so it seems from the specs I see on nokia.at)

[kdrozd]

As I read tech specification of N900 I think Nokia can give us surprise in October or like Apple updates with "new" "unblocked" "finished" things and maybe one of those will be video caling over 3G

:)

[attila77]

Only hope that front-facing camera is of better quality the the N800/N810 variety. Any specs on the resolution of that front-facing camera ?

Secondary Camera

* Resolution 640 x 480
* F-Stop/Aperture f/2.8
* Image Formats JPEG
* Video Recording Resolution 640 x 480
* Video Recording Format H.263

No idea how much better it will be in real life than the cam in the N8x0.

EDIT: Alternatively, you could, theoretically use the main cam for video calls and connect the N900 to TV for the incoming picture. That would potentially mean nice quality in both directions (if your bandwidth can take it, of course). If you have the cable plugged in in the TV, it's still simpler than fiddle with a full desktop app.

[barry99705]

Secondary Camera

* Resolution 640 x 480
* F-Stop/Aperture f/2.8
* Image Formats JPEG
* Video Recording Resolution 640 x 480
* Video Recording Format H.263

No idea how much better it will be in real life than the cam in the N8x0.

EDIT: Alternatively, you could, theoretically use the main cam for video calls and connect the N900 to TV for the incoming picture. That would potentially mean nice quality in both directions (if your bandwidth can take it, of course). If you have the cable plugged in in the TV, it's still simpler than fiddle with a full desktop app.

That would make phone seahhhh, never mind. :eek:

[jalladin]

i found this in my twitter feed, its not for the N900 but Fring adds Skype video support on S60
Symbian (http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/24/fring-adds-skype-video-support-on-s60-threatens-to-make-front-c/)users... maybe that gives hope to N900 end users?

[Laughing Man]

Interesting, I wonder if this is a result of Skype being open sourced (somewhat?).

[jalladin]

ya they dont mention if it has become "open" or not but fring video is currently supported on Nokia touch (such as X6, N97 mini,N97, 5800), N95, N95 8G and N82 devices. Supposedly coming to other popular nokia devices soon...

[MPW]

So what about the n900 now? Any chances to get skype-video calling enabled?

[ZackMorris]

There is some vids on youtube where a desktop vid calling a N900 works but the N900 cant initiate the call and it seems that the front facing cam isn't tweaked properly yet to look very good when making these calls. I dont think hardware is an issue, it is a matter of tweaking the software. I hope we can get this to be functional because the iPhone 4g is expected to have this feature, and due to their overbearing prescence in North America you know all the fanboys will salivating over how awesome it is, would like to beat em to the punch on this one.

[Hotshot]

There is some vids on youtube where a desktop vid calling a N900 works but the N900 cant initiate the call and it seems that the front facing cam isn't tweaked properly yet to look very good when making these calls. I dont think hardware is an issue, it is a matter of tweaking the software. I hope we can get this to be functional because the iPhone 4g is expected to have this feature, and due to their overbearing prescence in North America you know all the fanboys will salivating over how awesome it is, would like to beat em to the punch on this one.

Exactly! I mean the feature is there nokia just need to unlock it which they should in the next update and than fring should release there program for the n900 than all will be will. Now lets see if nokia going to do the right thing and unlock it and tweak it to where it's working right

[mcdull]

There is some vids on youtube where a desktop vid calling a N900 works but the N900 cant initiate the call.

Did you mean MSN or GTalk?
I didn't get Skype to work, it showed up on N900 as a voice call.
The MSN (butterfly) video and Gtalk video worked though.
It would be if there is a button to initiate the video call from the phone.

[doballve]

The MSN (butterfly) video and Gtalk video worked though.
MSN (butterfly) from extras/extras-testing? How do you get to start the call? I could only get video working with Gtalk so far.

[ZackMorris]

There is no video talk if a MAC initiates the call as well, is what I have found out.

[misterm]

I've tried this with a friend N900 to N900. Skype doesn't support, Gtalk doesn't support it. Amsn might, but it is soooo slow. (these are all phone to phone results)

We are waiting for the release of Fring for N900. It used to be available, but it was pulled from the website. Rumours go that Fring gets the exclusive on videocalling for Nokia.

Anyone who can confirm this?

[pagesix1536]

There is no video talk if a MAC initiates the call as well, is what I have found out.

I can confirm that. I've tested it out with a Mac and the G-Talk plugin for firefox on a Mac, and even though I can initiate a video call from the MacBook, it crashes/dies within a few seconds. I get just a little bit of video from both cameras on each end, and the nothing.

[byaru1]

So, may be I have missed this, but does Nokia have a timeline when video-calling and MMS will be implemented via a software update? TBH, though these are not features I use occasionally, I feel 'uneasy' that they are not present (especially when a software update can fix them), and when the competitors all have them.

The novelty of having this phone has now waned and I'm starting to carry around my old E71 again due to apps like Google Maps, Garmin Mobile XT, QuickOffice, HandySafe and a couple others :-(

This quickly shows how this platform may not gain popularity sooner or later unless apps somehow show up in the OVI store. (Forget the hobbyist apps here in the extras repo, users like me & many others are willing to pay for apps if and when they are available)

[sygys]

So, may be I have missed this, but does Nokia have a timeline when video-calling and MMS will be implemented via a software update? TBH, though these are not features I use occasionally, I feel 'uneasy' that they are not present (especially when a software update can fix them), and when the competitors all have them.

The novelty of having this phone has now waned and I'm starting to carry around my old E71 again due to apps like Google Maps, Garmin Mobile XT, QuickOffice, HandySafe and a couple others :-(

This quickly shows how this platform may not gain popularity sooner or later unless apps somehow show up in the OVI store. (Forget the hobbyist apps here in the extras repo, users like me & many others are willing to pay for apps if and when they are available)

As from an official interview Nokia said that there will never be support for mms via the firmware updates. Video calling from skype and google is supported in the PR1.2

[benny1967]

So, may be I have missed this, but does Nokia have a timeline when video-calling and MMS will be implemented via a software update? TBH, though these are not features I use occasionally, I feel 'uneasy' that they are not present (especially when a software update can fix them), and when the competitors all have them.

MMS never (official), but they supported the development of fMMS, so it's implemented from a users perspective.

Video calls they never commented upon, but I guess they'll not implement them, either.

[Andre Klapper]

Seeing postings like http://techcraver.com/2010/05/25/skype-video-calling-on-the-n900-via-t-mobile-3g/ it should be possible now in PR1.2.

[stlpaul]

Skype video chat over 3G internet connection is not the same thing as a standard 3G video call.

[legendracer]

can we make skype video calls in n900? running on CSSU T, kp51r1.

[legendracer]

can we make skype video calls in n900? running on CSSU T, kp51r1.

[thedead1440]

legendracer,

Skype video calls have always worked on the n900! Use the contacts app to initiate a skype video call ;)

[legendracer]

i tried.... when i tap camera option call disconnects...
i can see the other person, audio is clear...but my front camera doesnt work?

[pichlo]

when i tap camera option call disconnects...

I sometimes get that too. I blame the connection quality.

[legendracer]

I sometimes get that too. I blame the connection quality.


i got good wifi here.....i can see other person, audio is clear.....

can download files...
still???so cant be connection problem...

[nokiabot]

What about 3g gsm video calling?? And video calling to other phones without skype?

[RichardN900]

i got good wifi here.....i can see other person, audio is clear.....

can download files...
still???so cant be connection problem...
It does not matter how good is your wifi, it may be an INTERNET speed issue.

I only have that problem when my connection is saturated with downloads.

[legendracer]

how can it be internet issue when i can see the other person,and get clear audio ?
tried various combined file and flashed many times...tried CSSU S, CSSU T...etc...

[RichardN900]

how can it be internet issue when i can see the other person,and get clear audio ?
tried various combined file and flashed many times...tried CSSU S, CSSU T...etc...
Oh lord..

Internet has 2 speeds, there is outbound speed and inbound speed. There is some people who has symetric speed, and there is people who has asymetric speeds.
If your inbound speed is good but your outbound bad, you will receive everything ok but will not be able to send too much.
If your inbount speed is bad but your outbound good, you will have problems getting info. but you will have be no issue sending.
Also you have to take it in account for both ends of the chain as for some other nodes in the middle.
As you see, internet has many things to be taken care of, even ir you can "receive" with no problem.

Before complain of others or point fingers ,you must LEARN.
There isn't always the fault of someone else.... there is ussually the fault of one self.

[Estel]

Also, skype bloatware with many unknown (or known, but not warmly welcome) things bundled with packets.

Use real VoiP and it's video calls, instead. N900 support that since beginning of times, when dinosaurs walked on earth, and mammals guerrillas used N900 to hack Pteronet.

(hint - check Settings->VoIP and messaging accounts -> sip)

/Estel

[legendracer]

Oh lord..

Internet has 2 speeds, there is outbound speed and inbound speed. There is some people who has symetric speed, and there is people who has asymetric speeds.
If your inbound speed is good but your outbound bad, you will receive everything ok but will not be able to send too much.
If your inbount speed is bad but your outbound good, you will have problems getting info. but you will have be no issue sending.
Also you have to take it in account for both ends of the chain as for some other nodes in the middle.
As you see, internet has many things to be taken care of, even ir you can "receive" with no problem.

Before complain of others or point fingers ,you must LEARN.
There isn't always the fault of someone else.... there is ussually the fault of one self.

sir, thank you for the info...but im using the same connection for my laptop and it works fine....as said inbound and outbound...can see them and they can see me..only n900 is not able to send my video...
hope you understand now...

[RichardN900]

sir, thank you for the info...but im using the same connection for my laptop and it works fine....as said inbound and outbound...can see them and they can see me..only n900 is not able to send my video...
hope you understand now...
Ok, that's a different thing...

Maybe your battery is quite low on life (not charge) and when too drained the phone has to kill the process.
WiFi is a killer and videochat seems to be also.

Try call while connected to power charger and full battery.
And, (just occurred to me) maybe if you're using overclocking try to disable it. I remember not having absolutely any issue when i had no OC, and now some times some progs. get killed particularly phone and camera. (temperature maybe an issue too)

[RichardN900]

Also, skype bloatware with many unknown (or known, but not warmly welcome) things bundled with packets.

Use real VoiP and it's video calls, instead. N900 support that since beginning of times, when dinosaurs walked on earth, and mammals guerrillas used N900 to hack Pteronet.

(hint - check Settings->VoIP and messaging accounts -> sip)

/Estel
I tought ADs on skype and other annoyances are not part of Skype or VOIP protocol, that's just junk that comes with the program. There was (maybe still is there somewhere) an enterprise version that had'nt ads and other useless stuff.
That can't be messing around with the N900 performance on video call because N900 has not that crapware.


I have a google voice and a sip account on my N900 and i really like skype calls a lot more, maybe because the other accounts got almost no use.

[fffffred]

There is a mirror app, try install that and test to see if the front facing camera actually is working first. There's not many other applications for the front facing camera. Health check can also test it, but only takes a photo, whereas mirror app turns it on.

[legendracer]

There is a mirror app, try install that and test to see if the front facing camera actually is working first. There's not many other applications for the front facing camera. Health check can also test it, but only takes a photo, whereas mirror app turns it on.

i installed mirror app...only a black screen...does it mean my front camera is not working?

i got 2 connections..3G sim card and a home wifi ...tried form both....not able to send my video....call disconnects when i tap camera option in skype.

[dzano]

Do you have any problem using rear camera? If not, then probably you have ribbon cable without front camera.

[Estel]

I tought ADs on skype and other annoyances are not part of Skype or VOIP protocol, that's just junk that comes with the program.

It's more complicated - Skype doesn't use VoIP protocol, it use propertiary, closed version of something like p2p network and voip bundled together. At anytime, there may be (and is) shitload of data flowing through your machine, tunneled by skype. Considering many direct failures with user privacy Skype had (storing ID's of motherboards without informing user, etc), and past of Skype original creator (spyware in original kaaza), + fact that skype is designed in clever way, that, above everything else, deny possibility to check what it *really* does, I'm surprised that anyone with at least single working brain cell is using it.

Google for "silver needle in the skype" for more technical info.

/Estel

[legendracer]

Do you have any problem using rear camera? If not, then probably you have ribbon cable without front camera.


no problem with rear camera...

what do you mean by, ribbon cable without front camera? can i rectify it?
i need video call by skype on my N900. kindly help someone. has been a long time guys...

[dzano]

Ribbon with FAKE camera (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-FAKE-CAMERA-FLAT-FLEX-CABLE-RIBBON-REPLACEMENT-FOR-NOKIA-N900-c57A-/150661584677?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2314215725)

Ribbon with REAL camera (http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Flex-Cable-Ribbon-with-Camera-For-Nokia-N900-/280966940848?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416aef48b0)

Does it work with Mirror app?

[legendracer]

Ribbon with FAKE camera (http://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-FAKE-CAMERA-FLAT-FLEX-CABLE-RIBBON-REPLACEMENT-FOR-NOKIA-N900-c57A-/150661584677?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2314215725)

Ribbon with REAL camera (http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Flex-Cable-Ribbon-with-Camera-For-Nokia-N900-/280966940848?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item416aef48b0)

Does it work with Mirror app?

installed mirror app..only black screen. so it means i got a fake ribbon cable. can i get it done at nokia priority dealer? i fear, as this is an old phone, would they be able to repair it?

[dzano]

I'm not 100% sure..it's just a possibility. Check THIS (http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=78495&page=2) thread out, you can do it your self.

[Estel]

They actually sell ribbons with fake cameras for N900? 0_o gotta love these guys...

[legendracer]

i got no option to DIY way. i fear to give to nokia guys as im almost sure of their stupidity here.
so missing video calls in my n900..damn it. when software cant help, it should be hardware trouble. mirror app gives a black screen.. should be damaged ribbon for front camera.

thanks a lot to all for giving tips.

[legendracer]

it has been a year since my n900 is left in cupboard. its slide strip, ribbon isnt working. where can i get it done? Not a DIY guy. but if no option will try.

i hope i can it back on track with someone's help...:o