Joi Ito's Web: Skype removes Kerli from Echo / Sound Test Service

April 20, 2005

Skype removes Kerli from Echo / Sound Test Service

Skype's Echo / Sound Test Service (echo123) used to have a woman with a wonderful Estonian accent. They've replaced it with a faceless corporate sounding voice. (via pt) Eek. Kerli has many fans. We want Kerli! Anyway, for any geeks who miss Kerli, you can fine an Echo Test with a face for Chinese Skype. Just call echo-chinese.

Update: There is now a Japanese soundtest. (soundtestjapanese) The voice is definitely a Japanese woman, but she is also incognito. Also, if you IM "callme" to any of these sound test accounts, they will call you.
via Kengo

Comments (6) | TrackBack (0) | View blog reactions | del.icio.us

Comments

1- Mike B. @ April 20, 2005 3:54 PM

An outrage.

2- steve crandall @ April 21, 2005 1:30 AM

It would cost Skype very little, but they could start pulling in the coolness points by having a variety of interesting voices (how about a contest and leave the top 10 up). Also custom ringtones, skins, etc...

They also need to do some serious work on their interface, but that is a non-trivial issue.

3- Don Park @ April 21, 2005 4:15 AM

Why waste a potential revenue source? Let people pay to be listed as as a Sound Tester. New Skype users get to try out Skype and testers get to make their pitch.

Heck, this line of thinking can redefine their entire business model.

4- Teller @ May 9, 2005 6:44 PM

There's also "testyuyin" which is Mandarin :) More will follow.

5- nechemia feder @ July 11, 2005 6:18 AM

dear sir.
during using skype system there is a strong echo when
i talk-transmit and no echo at hearing
how can i eliminate echo?
will appreciate your assistance
N.Feder

6- Adriaan @ July 11, 2005 1:34 PM

Eh, Feder, does this site look like a Skype support desk? This is a blog, no one here's working for Skype. If you have Skype issues, you should ask the Skype folks directly.