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 for Android, Java, Symbian, and Windows Mobile, BlackBerry has remained Skype's missing link.

Just don't expect to share photos of your cat quite yet. While Skype's core capabilities will debut in Skype Lite for BlackBerry, not everything Skype can do will be available right out of the gate. You'll be able to call other Skype users for free, and can initiate calls to 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 also available on other platforms, will be delayed on BlackBerry for the time being. Also, 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.

Skype's announcement is just part of the company's three-pronged mobile strategy, 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. After BlackBerry, Palm's unreleased Web OS platform would be the last major hurdle. After conquering native applications, Skype will work to get its VoIP client preloaded on mobile phones and other Internet devices. To this end, Skype has already cut a deal with Nokia to be featured on the Nokia N97 when it ships. Lastly, 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 phones, and gradually adding support for more BlackBerry smartphones. Skype Lite for BlackBerry will be available in ten countries to start with, including the U.S. and U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and Brazil, and parts of northern and eastern Europe.

Related stories:
Skype for iPhone: It's official
Skype gets SMS, file transfer for Windows Mobile

[BOTNET]

I would like to see how this will be restricted on BB (not by BB but operators). iPhone version does not work in 3G... plus the one-app-at-a-time makes it harder to use.

[bwilson4web]

For March 31, all attempts to buy Skype service have been directed to a Chinese web site, PChome.com:
http://skype.pchome.com.tw/skypetwweb/unlimited/product.html

This unusual marketing program has kept a growing list of unhappy, potential customers from being able to make any practical use of the Skype software:
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?showtopic=256411&st=100

Attempts to reach Skype support have also failed.

Bob Wilson


Bob Wilson

[bstringy]

Makes me wonder how the voice quality will be over Edge.

[londoner0_1]

On a Blackberry Bold, what will be the difference between Skype Lite and Iskoot. Sounds to me they both dial a local number, switch to Skypeout and call anywhere in the world. I live in Canada, and have used Iskoot to get into Skype, use Skype Unlimited North America plan, plus buy Skype minutes to call around the world.
Am I missing something about Skype Lite, or is Iskoot the same thing?

[Cyberpundit]

Skype for blackberry should work with wifi. That's the true advantage. Otherwise, no point. When they're releasing the software at all? That's the bummer, because mobile telcos are running afraid of that technology.