FAQ List

Connection issues:

How exactly is the connection to the server made?

The way Papla connects to the server depends heavily on the type of telephone being used. In the vast majority of cases it is going to be a GPRS connection, although there are some phones (such as Siemens SL45i) which support Java, but don't support GPRS (therefore, a dial-up connection, also known as CSD, is used). While using GPRS, another important issue is the selection of the access point (also known as APN), which also should be made in accordance to particular phone requirements: Nokia handsets not based on the Series 60 platform (i.e. 6310i, 3510i, 6610, 7210, 7250, 6100 and similar) use the WAP-type APN. On the other hand, Nokia Series 60 handsets (7650 / 3650 / N-Gage), Siemens and Motorola handsets use the Internet-type APN. This list will be enhanced as we get the chance to test our instant messenger using other mobile phones.

Which APN is cheaper to use?

This issue depends on the user's tariff arrangement – i.e. some users have a fixed fee for using WAP with no data size limits, and they certainly prefer to connect using WAP APN. On the other hand, if using Papla for a longer period of time, using the Internet APN is more advantageous – two 100 kilobyte data packets (the operators charge the inbound and outbound traffic separately) are enough for approximately 45 minute conversation. Unfortunately, the fact which APN is used by a particular handset is beyond our control.

I have a Nokia 7650/3650 handset, I use the Internet APN and I can't connect anyway

Older versions of the mentioned phone's firmware had a bug related to the international settings (!), which could make Java applications unable to make any successful network connection. We suggest you might try to change your regional settings to English – the application should run fine.

Running the application

What's that beeping thing anyway?

Indeed, from time to time Papla acknowledges its actions to the user with beeps; to be precise, it happens at the moment of receiving any non-void message from server – such as status change on the contact list, arrival of a new message or conversation. We thought beeping might help a bit to realize how Papla works; since we receive signals from the users that the function is not always desired, we will make it optional in the next version. In the meantime, some handsets have a feature of muting the warning sounds, which should render Papla silent as well :)

Great, I logged on using my mobile phone, question – what's my status? Can I change it anyhow?

After logging on using a mobile phone, the server sets your status to available with the description '[I'm using Papla mobile]'. So far, it is impossible to change it from the mobile application – it is however a planned feature for one of the future versions of the midlet.

The future of Papla?

Pleaaaase, the version for Nokia 6310i...

It's already there! If you're downloading the application using WAP or by the SMS sent to the number 7197, we recognize your phone and automatically supply a proper version. If you're downloading the application from the website, be careful to choose the correct link.

What are your further plans?

On th 22nd of October, we launched the long-anticipated applet or the instant messenger working inside a web browser window. When Papla was in its preliminary stage, this function appeared to be very useful, for instance in the situations when user had an access only to a computer other than his or hers.
Soon, we are adding several features to the PC version, such as emoticons and skins. We also have plans to add the feature of connecting to other instant messaging systems such as WPKontakt.

Questions?