Skype VoIP app expanding to BlackBerry
Hot on the heels of releasing Skype for iPhone, the VoIP communications company has come to the table with news of a free, ‘lite’ version of Skype for BlackBerry. Already downloadable applications for Android, Java, Symbian, and Windows Mobile, BlackBerry has remained the missing link.
Don’t expect to share photos of your cat just yet. Just Skype’s core capabilities will debut in Skype Lite for BlackBerry–placing calls to Skype users, calling landlines and mobile phones using Skype Out credit. You’ll also be able to receive inbound calls to your online Skype number. Instant messenger and SMS features will also stay intact, but features like voicemail and file transferring, which are available on other more platforms, will be delayed for future builds. Unlike the iPhone version just released, you won’t need Wi-Fi to connect to Skype. Skype Lite will work over your BlackBerry’s data plan, so long as you have a calling plan as well.
Skype’s announcement is just part of a three-pronged approach to mobile, Skype’s Chief Operating Officer, Scott Durchslag, said in a press conference on Tuesday at CTIA. Skype’s first goal is to create a native application for all major smartphone operating systems. This BlackBerry announcement helps close the loop (Palm’s Web OS platform would be the last major hurdle). After conquering native applications, Skype will direct efforts towards getting the Skype client preloaded on mobile phones and other Internet devices. Already, Skype has cut a deal with Nokia and will be featured on the Nokia N97 phone when it becomes available. Finally, Skype will court carriers to integrate Skype-to-Skype calling for phones that don’t have Wi-Fi.
Skype plans to release a beta version of Skype for BlackBerry in May, starting with BlackBerry Bold any Curve phone, and gradually adding support for more BlackBerry smartphones. It will be available in the beginning in ten countries, including the US and UK, Australia and New Zealand, Brazil, and parts of northern and eastern Europe.
Related stories:
Skype for iPhone: It’s official
Skype gets SMS, file transfer for Windows Mobile
Originally posted at CTIA show
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.