Skype on Android tablets

bonzodog2 · 27-10-2011 11:46pm #1

I got a cheapo Android tablet recently, it had a 'Skype(beta)' app pre-installed on it, but it wants a phone number to sign in. I tried it with with my normal mobile number, no joy. My tablet seems to have issues with the Market.

Why would it need my phone number?

Is there any way to get it to work ?

humbert · 28-10-2011 12:15am

More info on the Android version or tablet would help. Can you use the market at all?

Skype definitely doesn't need a phone number and never has so that is not skype on your tablet..or you're doing it wrong!

bonzodog2 · 28-10-2011 12:32am

OK, the 'skype' app was pre-installed, so I can't be sure of its origin. There were also 2 market apps that don't seem to be official.

squire23 · 28-10-2011 6:58am

bonzodog2 wrote: »

OK, the 'skype' app was pre-installed, so I can't be sure of its origin. There were also 2 market apps that don't seem to be official.

Why don't you just uninstall it - then install the most recent version from the Market?

bonzodog2 · 28-10-2011 8:08am

The Task Manager describes it as Skype(BETA) com.skype.android.lite
I have trouble getting to the market,the website tells me I have no devices registered, but how to add one ?

squire23 · 28-10-2011 9:32am

bonzodog2 wrote: »

The Task Manager describes it as Skype(BETA) com.skype.android.lite
I have trouble getting to the market,the website tells me I have no devices registered, but how to add one ?

Lad - what's so hard to understand? Un-in-stall it!!

neacy69 · 28-10-2011 9:56am

might be better to give us more info on what tablet it is?

this one:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/110721693056?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

a good bit of info on here:
http://techknow.freeforums.org/skype-for-wm8650-t782.html

I would suggest you look into changing the ROM on this also (more info and that same site) as it apparently greatly improves the tablet and gives you full market access

kc66 · 28-10-2011 12:49pm

In my experience Skype on Android is a disaster anyway. Was on holidays recently, trying to skype home. Had a HTC Desire and a HP touchpad with Android and WebOS installed. The only one I could carry out a conversation on was WebOS.

srsly78 · 28-10-2011 12:53pm

The newer versions work, even with video on some devices. Still seems to drain battery if you don't sign out tho.

OP that Skype lite you got is ancient. Get latest one.

kc66 · 28-10-2011 1:00pm

srsly78 wrote: »

The newer versions work, even with video on some devices. Still seems to drain battery if you don't sign out tho.

OP that Skype lite you got is ancient. Get latest one.

That happened this month and the apps were up to date. Maybe it was some other issue but would be some coincidence that it was perfect in WebOS and wouldn't work on 2 android devices.

humbert · 29-10-2011 12:22pm

I have a feeling the market app isn't actually installed and you are being directed to the website?

You can download the market app and other standard google apps here:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Latest_Version/Google_Apps

To use the market there is nothing complicated like registering devices. You just sign in with a gmail account.

The latest versions of Skype actually work quite well. That version was one of the first released and isn't worth having.

Luckycharm · 01-11-2011 2:44pm

Yep I could not find Skpe on the Market for Archos 10.1 tab over the w/end - is it available?

srsly78 · 01-11-2011 8:18pm

Yes, I just checked on mine. Make sure you look on the google market, not the archos market. To install proper google market, install an app called "ArcTools" from the archos market.

bonzodog2 · 01-11-2011 8:56pm

humbert wrote: »

I have a feeling the market app isn't actually installed and you are being directed to the website?

You can download the market app and other standard google apps here:
http://wiki.cyanogenmod.com/index.php?title=Latest_Version/Google_Apps

To use the market there is nothing complicated like registering devices. You just sign in with a gmail account.

The latest versions of Skype actually work quite well. That version was one of the first released and isn't worth having.

Is that a reflashing the rom type thing? How safe is that? I wouldn't be sure of how to revert to what I have now.

Does it have to be a gmail account ?

If there is 'nothing complicated like registering devices', why does the website tell me I have no devices registered ?

srsly78 · 01-11-2011 9:17pm

It's not like flashing, it just installs the missing stuff needed for proper android market. Yes you do need a google account.

The ArcTools method I detailed above is the easiest way to install, do not use the other stuff linked (there are alternate ways, but they are slightly more complicated).

humbert · 02-11-2011 8:49pm

If it's an Archos tablet (which I don't think you've confirmed) then maybe try srsly78's method.

They are generally installed from the recovery console but the zip archive contains the google market app, called vending.apk

You could extract that and place it on the tablet's sd card and install it directly. Though I haven't tried it.

srsly78 · 02-11-2011 8:54pm

Sry I got mixed up, another poster mentioned problem with archos.

Skype on Android tablets

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