It’s something that has happened to many people, even those who think they’re tech-savvy.

You’ve got an urgent conference call over Skype, so you pick up your good old Bluetooth headset, pair it with your PC or phone and think that you are all set for the call.

Then, just as you connect up over Skype, you realise there’s no sound coming from your headset. You struggle to get things going as the meeting starts, turning eventually to your PC or phone’s mic and speakers in desperation. It’s a painful hour listening to the PC speakers or pressing your phone to your ear.

The cause? Your Bluetooth headset probably doesn’t transfer the audio from the PC or phone. Or you may not have set up your PC or phone right. Here’s one way to get it fixed. …

For a long time now we’ve been envious of our American friends, who could make calls to mobile phones and landlines from their Gmail account. We can now enjoy that as well, as Google brings that feature to 150 countries in 35 languages, along with the obligatory cute video explaining the service. …

Skype is giving out one million free 30 minute Skype vouchers to celebrate Hari Raya tomorrow.

All you need to do is sign up with an email address here, and Skype will give you a special voucher code in which you can claim your free 30 minute Skype voucher.

The fine print lists certain caveats though. It is only for the first million, and only one voucher per email address. The free 30 mins is based on a calculation of a single call to a landline at the rate of €0.02 per minute. Actual talk minutes will depend on actual destination.

Still this is a good freebie to take note, especially if you’re already on a Skype account. Happy Hari Raya folks!

The ash clouds from Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull have created air travel chaos all over Europe for the better part of almost a week and a half.

Things seem to be clearing up over southern Europe (for now), but if you’re one of the few unlucky ones still stuck in a transit airport or hotel around the world, at least here’s one small consolation: Free internet Wi-Fi access!

Skype is waiving internet access charges for Skype Access until the end of the week so that travellers can surf the net, check their email, and make free Skype-to-Skype calls at over 100,000 WiFi hotspots in airports and hotels worldwide.

From 1200hrs GMT on Wednesday 21st April to 2359hrs GMT on Friday 23rd April (0700hrs Saturday 24th April Singapore time), Skype Access will be completely free to use. Typically, Wi-Fi access is charged per minute using Skype Credit.

Skype Access is powered by Boingo through WiFi hotspot operators around the world, and a complete list can be found here.

And well, if your wedding plans are scuppered by the travel disruption, don’t fret. You might be inspired by what this couple did, and throw a wedding bash via Skype!