Confirmed: Skype on Android, Java Phones and now Moblin MIDs
Those rumors from yesterday were true as Skype officially announced a “lite” version for Android and Java-enabled phones. Adding to the news is a beta version of Skype 1.0 for MIDs. Specificially, that means Intel Atom-based mobile Internet devices running on the Moblin platform.
Many folks get hampered by the idea of a MID simply because smartphones are providing a similar experience in some cases and also include voice calling. What’s interesting to me is how the Skype press release points out that “Select MIDs also provide WiMax or 3G/4G support for wireless broadband connectivity on-the-go.” With Skype, or another VoIP client for that matter, the “smartphones offer more” argument loses a little luster.
Wireless carriers have to be more than a little concerned as well. Sure they’ll still provide the 3G or 4G pipes, but voice traffic becomes a fading revenue stream for them as Skype expands to Java-enabled phones and MIDs. Skype’s COO, Scott Durchslag says it best: “By supporting WiFi, WiMax, 3G and 4G, this development expands Skype’s mobile portfolio and further illustrates the broad accessibility to Skype that we offer on a multitude of mobile devices.” Perhaps eBay will hold on to Skype a bit and wait to see if the carriers come calling… with buckets of money.
Thanks for the heads up guys, I just installed it on my 2 year old Sprint phone and the chat works very well!
“Since the lite version of Skype uses a mobile data connection to sign in to Skype, update your contact list, update presence and send/receive messages, you will be charged by your mobile operator for data usage. You will not incur charges from Skype when you make Skype-to-Skype calls or send instant messages to friends on Skype; however national calling rates may apply from your mobile operator due to the use of local air time.” (from the press release)
According to this, your data connection is NOT used to make Skype calls. So you will save some money making international calls (over your carrier’s international rates), but this isn’t a VOIP solution.
That’s not to say that this won’t be useful for some, but I would imagine this makes it less attractive for many. Personally, I don’t use Skype IM, make Skype-to-Skype calls, or dial internationally. So I’ll pass for now.
hey thats a good news .Not much time from now google mobile is going to be the best.