A few weeks ago we have added a new module to Pamela for Skype and Pamela Call Recorder which will provide us better feedback when the application causes a crash. Unfortunately, despite all the testing, there are always situations where an application might become instable.
For this reason we decided to upgrade the reporter module. We added this to Pamela and PCR (Pamela Call Recorder) three weeks ago and have had some very good feedback. With this information we have released two new builds (versions) of Pamela and PCR and activated the auto update function too. So next time you start Pamela you should be notified that there is a new version available with the offer to download.
We have decided to push out a new release, based on feedback, every Friday. This of course only when there is enough feedback to justify this.
With this regular update cycle we want to further improve the stability of the applications to provide you with the best service possible.
On a side note, we will also release some changes to the video recording module to address some issues reported. Video remains high on the radar and we have been doing deep investigation into how to improve this function in Pamela further. Based on this research some changes will be implemented in this weeks update.
Since the initial release of Pamela in February 2005 and after the last main release in May 2008, we now released Pamela for Skype version 4.5.
4.5 has some new features and changes which I will describe in this post.
The new version has two new main functions: Call Scheduler and Auto Conference Call Manager
Call Scheduler: This function allows you to schedule Skype calls and Pamela will popup a reminder at the preset time before the call is supposed to happen. The call scheduler has several options like recurring calls (great for those weekly/monthly calls). When a call notification is shown you can easily click on an icon which initiates the call for you.
Conference Call Manager: With this tool you can remotely start conference calls, bookmark conference calls or join calls. The situation of use would be where you are to start a conference call but need to attend other business. In this case you can define that when a particular Skype user calls you that Pamela creates the conference call (and you can record it also). The same works for outbound calls, you call a collegue and Pamela will create the conference call for you. You can also click on a call button and Pamela will automatically create a conference call with all people you have defined in the group.
In addition we have done major redesign of the birthday section which now shows a list of all past, current and future birthdays of your contacts. Those that do not have a date set in the Skype profile do not show obviously. New is also the option to customize the standard birthday chat greeting message before sending it.
We’ve had requests from people who installed Pamela on another computer, to be able to import older recordings. This function has been added to 4.5 and you can now easily import recordings into Pamela.
The video recording component, although not yet there where we want it to be, has been improved. Many had issues with Pamela unable to locate the Skype video, this has been fixed. Stay tuned for more development here.
The sound options in Pamela have been simplified as the configuration in 4.0 was very technical and many could not figure out how that worked.
The audio engine in Pamela has been updated and performs better. We have also achieved considerable performance improvements when starting Pamela.
Furthermore icons have been updated for better clearity. Menus have been resorted so they are more logical. Some settings regarding default setting of various options changed based on user feedback.
If you are a current Pamela user (not Call Recorder!), you can upgrade for free by downloading the latest version. To do that open Pamela and click on the Help menu and then “Check for update”. Download the new 4.5 version and run the installer. There is no need to uninstall Pamela for the upgrade.
Beta 2 of the new mcePhone 3.0 got improved a lot in the last days. We tuned the video calling functions, the installation process and lot more. Just give it a try and post any feedback via our contact form.
Be one of the first to test the new mcePhone for Skype Beta 1! This complete overhauled version 3 brings Skype chats and video calls to your TV using Microsoft Media Center (2005 or Vista). We have spent large efforts on improving the user interface and usability of mcePhone. Just download and try out the new version here:
Be aware that there are still edges and problems in this beta version. Just let us know what you think or if you experience any problem. Our contact form is the best way to submit any feedback about mcePhone.
Written by Christoph on 13. November 2008 in category PamConsult
We are proud to announce the new version of mcePhone for Skype, which brings Skype to your TV using Microsoft Media Center (2005 or Vista). This next version 2.2 will have integrated Skype Video calls and Skype chat support.
This is a screencam of the complete overhauled version with new UI:
Unfortunately, Skype was unable to add an API to Skype in the past 3 years to give us access to the video of Skype calls directly, although we have asked and pushed hard for so long. As Skype video calls on TV was the most requested feature of mcePhone, we have invested a vast amount of time to make this possible even without any change from Skype’s side. With this new version, you will get fullscreen Skype video of the person you are calling on your TV and even see your video in the lower left corner (see ~1:30 in the video above).
Another very nice new feature is Skype chat integration: While you can still see the current media playing in the lower left corner of your TV (i.e. while the commercials are playing), you can chat with your friends and family. You even get a notification overlayed over your current media (TV, DVD, …) if a chat message comes in. With one click, you are in the chat conversation to answer the incoming chat message (see ~3:30 in the video).
We plan to make a beta of this new version available very soon to you. Be prepared to get a totally new feeling of Skype in your living room
Let us know what you think.
Written by Christoph on 1. August 2008 in category PamConsult
Jaast for Wii has just been released as public beta. Jaast enables you to browser on eBay, search for items and even bid and buy things just with your Nintendo Wii console. This cool new experience makes eBay even more fun. Just sitting on the couch waving with the Wii Nunchuck controller to buy stuff on eBay, just great .
This website has all the details, screenshots, a video and installation instruction for you: www.scendix.com/jaast
New software online shop on Scendix websites: The Scendix software websites (scendix.com and scendix.de) just got their new software online shop that makes it even more easy to buy our software. There are several advantages of the new shop: i.e. you will get the license key immediately after your purchase, you are able to download PDF invoices, rebates for multiple licenses are automatically calculated, ….
All old orders have been imported to the new shop. If you forgot your license key or want to upgrade your existing license, you can click on “forgot password” and then get your new login to the shop where you have access to your previous orders.
We are currently finalising the next Pamela version, 4.1.
New will be a Skype call scheduler. Ever since I use Skype for calling I have missed a feature that enables me to manage my calls. I promise to call someone back and need to do this in Outlook or pen and paper. After plastering my screen with notes, we decided it is time to add this to Pamela. It has turned out to be a pretty cool feature with a wealth of flexibility.
The second major feature is a tool that helps you manage Skype conference calls more easier. I’ve always found it annoying not to be able to save a conference call with fixed participant list and start with one click. Also we’ve had requests from people who live in a different timezone from their headoffice and who want to initiate and record conference calls. Pamela 4.1 will offer all of this in a sleek function called Auto Conference Manager.
In addition we decided to change the audio engine for more simpler handling. Also to address some incompatibility issues with Ulead packages. And we have done some work on the video recording part and redone the language editor. You will also notice the new hints in options and other places that help you with what needs to be entered.
Do you have a Nintendo Wii? It’s a very cool and innovative game console for the living room. Nintendo has already sold nearly 22million nearly 24million units worldwide (see www.vgchartz.com).
As it’s usually connected to the internet, we thought it would be a good idea to be able to search and browse eBay’s auctions on it and even place bids and buy items with your Wii controller. The program also has very useful audio/visual notifications when something happens in your eBay auctions and gives you access to all items in your “My eBay”.
Here you can see a video of the current development status:
Read about new stuff on Pamela for Skype, Pamela Call Recorder, PamFax, mcePhone, Jaast and our other media center solutions and digital home projects. But we will also share interesting things with you that we bump into. Profit from our more than 6 years of Skype and eBay experience. Enjoy!
@nakagawa09 thank you for the answer. we're working on this. please be patient, we are sorry for any inconvenience you had with this so far! 11 hours ago
@nakagawa09 could you please give detailed information (in english) on that kanji problem you are experiencing so we can check what's wrong? 1 day ago
