skype

Skype: still nothing for Windows Phone 7 at MWC

Windows Phone News

By Daniel Rubino, Tuesday, Feb 15, 2011 at 9:54 am

We had a chance to talk with Skype last night here at Mobile World Congress and as of now, no news and nothing revealed regarding Windows Phone 7 and an official client for WP7.

Of course, we were chatting with PR people who only know what they are told, so for all we know deep in Skype's labs they could be finally cooking something up (never underestimate corporate secrecy). But on their front lines, they're still taking the position of "it's something we have to look into" with nothing significant to report and there was no hope or hint of anything in the works.

Sigh.

Unofficial Skype client coming to Windows Phone 7 [Homebrew]

Windows Phone News

By Daniel Rubino, Monday, Jan 24, 2011 at 10:25 pm

Due to having no sockets support, multitasking or the ability to run native code, companies like Skype and Viber are sitting on the sidelines, preventing any true VOIP application on Windows Phone 7. So leave it up to someone at XDA to try and do it themselves instead!

Developer Jefis posted this today about the project:

Hello there fellow developers. I recently made quite a progress in developing skype for WP7.

I want to share my current progress with you, so maybe someone will want to join this little project, which, in future will be released for free, and probably with source code .

I'm not designer, as you will see from the screenshots, but, if you are, and want to join this effort in making skype, contact me asap.

Current status of project: Working contacts + ability to chat. Nothing more.

Sounds like along way to go, but even offering direct Skype chat via a client would be a welcomed addition to the homebrew community. The project is still in early stages, but we know people have been hacking away at sockets support in the community, so anything is possible.

Source: XDA; via Ali Waqas; Thanks Ali!

Microsoft video chat coming to Windows Phone?

Rumors

By Rich Edmonds, Sunday, Jan 9, 2011 at 5:32 pm

I don’t believe Microsoft could have fit anything else into CES this year without the entire building expanding, providing the audience with insights into what’s coming and what’s to be expected. There were many key products announced while all things Windows Phone 7 left many slightly disappointed.

A Microsoft employee threw some comments about where the mobile platform may head from here on out. A feature that was discussed is an application sharing the same concept as FaceTime. However, the obvious observation being that no WP7 device currently has a front-facing camera. Could be a new feature for future WP7 devices, or a WP8 requirement? A front-facing camera for WP8 has been hinted at.

One feature of the iPhone that owners are extremely pleased with (and is the reason as to why some wont switch) is FaceTime – a family member came round my house with her new iPhone 4 the other day needing assistance with setting it up. It is pretty impressive, wandering around talking and watching someone who is doing the exact same thing, only thousands of miles away.

Microsoft may be slightly behind in the smart phone marathon, but they are pulling out all guns and a FaceTime feature for Windows Live wouldn’t be surprising, which would make a partnership with Skype less likely. The service they offer through Live is growing along with its user-base (I, myself have barely used it prior to WP7) and integrating services such as this would be a huge plus, especially for the platform itself.

Source: NeoWin

Update: Skype and Windows Phone 7 -- it's "on the roadmap"

By Daniel Rubino, Saturday, May 15, 2010 at 8:11 am

...and now for the clarification about the claim Skype won't be doing a Windows Phone 7 client.

Turns out it's a mixed bag. According to MobileTechWorld, the actual quote from Dan Neary regarding a WP7 client was this:

(it) is on the roadmap, the question is how quickly we’re going to get to it. We feel that we are best best deployed on other operating systems (for now) and we’ll see how the space evolves.

Now for the mixed bag part. One of MobileTechWorld's commentators was in the audience at the time and can lend some context, which is always important when bombshell quotes are dropped:

Hi, I was actually at the briefing yesterday and support for windows phone 7 was my question to Dan (being a HTC Touch Pro user currently).
Initially Dan was defensive and indicated there would be no support for the platform as the company was focusing on other opportunities (getting a proper iPad client out the door) however when pressed as to why Windows Phone 7 wasn’t even on the horizon for Skype, he backed down slightly and indicated (reading between the lines) that Skype would be reviewing Windows Phone 7 support after the platform launches and seeing how the market develops.

This combined with an official comment from Skype, attained by TechRadar, suggests a more non-committal position:

We explore rigorously opportunities presented by new mobile platforms, and Windows Mobile 7 is no exception. However, we don't discuss future platform developments, and have no further information to offer at this time.

Bottom line is this: so far Skype is not rushing to embrace WP7 by any means, but they certainly don't seem to be slamming the door shut either. Best bet is the usual one: let us see what happens.

Skype not coming to Windows Phone 7 either?

By Phil Nickinson, Thursday, May 13, 2010 at 12:03 pm

In what is sure to be a shock and disappointment to many, Dan Neary, Skype's Asia Pacific VP and general manager for Skype, has suggested that they have no immediate plans to support Windows Phone 7. This comes on the heels of Skype pulling all Windows Mobile support, unless of course they are paid first.

Specifically, Neary noted that the decision to not support WP7 has something to do with "lack of user optimization" (?) and "partner support". PC Authority suggest that Skype competes with Microsoft's own MSN chat and video software, but honestly we don't believe Microsoft would give the cold shoulder to Skype before even attempting to get the program in the Marketplace. So what does the lack of partner support mean? We're not too sure at this time, though it seems like Skype is not getting what it wants from Microsoft.

We should also mention that although this comes from a VP, it's not necessarily an official position, nor permanent. If Windows Phone 7 catches on, Skype will come back and make a dedicated application as they go where the money lies. Until then, dollars to doughnuts we'll see companies like Fring (who in many ways make a superior client) will fill in the huge gap, negating Skype's argument.

[via PC Authority]

Chance of Skype coming back to Windows Mobile? Maybe for Verizon users

By Phil Nickinson, Friday, Mar 26, 2010 at 7:47 pm

So we all know the brew-ha caused a few weeks ago with Skype pulling support for Windows Mobile. They basically said that the application was not good enough and paled compared to the iPhone.

Fair enough.

Then came word about Verizon striking an exclusive deal with Skype, which went into effect today for certain BlackBerry's and Android devices. People did the math and figured the Verizon deal must have had something to do with it and sure enough, we heard this quote from Verizon recently on PhoneNews:

“The fact that we’ve partnered with Verizon and the fact that we’re withdrawing these apps are related only to the extent that they’re part of our drive towards a better Skype mobile experience. What we’ve announced is that we’re withdrawing the Windows Mobile and Lite apps from our website. If you already have one of them, you’ll be able to carry on using it.“

Now a tipster at our sister site, PreCentral, has sent an internal memo (see above) regarding today's launch. At the bottom it mentions:

Stay tuned for more detail in the near future about Skype Mobile on more Smartphones and platforms such as BREW, WinMo and Palm.

So it sure sounds like, at least on Verizon, Skype will be coming back. None of this should be surprising in the least, but it's nice to have more confirmation. Plus, last we checked, WinMo carrier-exclusive programs don't stay exclusive for very long...

[via PreCentral]

Skype discontinued for Windows Mobile?

By Daniel Rubino, Wednesday, Feb 24, 2010 at 11:06 pm

This is sort of out of left field, but evidently Skype has discontinued and pulled the Skype Mobile software for Windows phones.

Why? They sort of answer in their FAQ, but to be honest it is more of a dodge:

Unfortunately, Skype Lite – a version of Skype for your mobile phone – and Skype for Windows Mobile are no longer available for download from our site.
We’ve chosen to withdraw Skype Lite and Skype for Windows Mobile because we want to offer our new customers an improved mobile experience – much like the version that has proved so popular on the iPhone, and which is now available on Symbian phones. Our focus is on providing a rich user experience that allows you to enjoy free Skype-to-Skype and low cost calls as easily on the move as you do at your desktop.
We felt that Skype Lite and Skype for Windows Mobile were not offering the best possible Skype experience.

Fair enough and we actually agree. Skype for Windows Mobile was really a huge program (~10MB) that ate a lot of resources. Granted, it did offer nearly the "full Skype experience" but at processing cost.

For Skype/VOIP, we here at WMExperts have always found Fring a much better alternative.

Still, Skype is obviously begging the question with their response: are they going to, you know, release a new version that is much more awesome and built better? Or are they just pulling it and wiping their hands altogether of Windows phone?

For the time being, you can still download and use Skype here. Or if on your phone, just scan the MS Tag to the right to direct download (11.7MB!)

[WMPhone.de via WMPoweruser]

Skype 3.0 for Windows Mobile out of beta

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Monday, Jun 29, 2009 at 8:55 pm

Don't tell AT&T or the upcoming Windows Marketplace, but Skype 3.0 is out of beta and ready for download. [via downloadsquad] Version 3.0 added the ability to sent texts and files, and that's still a go with this official release, along with all the VOIP goodness you're used to.

Get your download on here, or download the CAB file directly to your phone here.

Skype 3.0 beta sends texts, files

Windows Phone News

By Phil Nickinson, Tuesday, Mar 24, 2009 at 5:38 pm

For you folks who can't get enough of Skype, the 3.0 beta has been released with a couple of extra goodies.

On top of all the usual Skype features and an improved user interface, this latest version also supports file transfers and will send SMS messages, though they will dip into your Skype credits.

Check out a video of the 3.0 beta, then download it and give it a whirl.

Via Pocket PC Thoughts

Software Updates: Skype, Core Player, HideCarrier

Software

By Dieter Bohn, Sunday, Jan 4, 2009 at 11:37 am

Looks like a bunch of updates are coming along in December. We told you about SlingPlayer last week, Google Maps just today (awesome update) and here are a few others...

First up we have a new Skype beta is out (v2.5), which adds

Wide range of resolution support (320x320; VGA)
Improved sounds quality
Improved stability
Brings it closer to the desktop version

Adding about 0.75mb in weight, Skype for WM is now nearly 8mb in size on your device--which is pretty hefty. Still, this new version does run smoother and has better graphics, so it seems to be a good thing. Included is the handy Today plugin is well, where you can launch the app and check/set status.

Next up, the Core Player (see full review here) gets bumped to v1.3. This new version fixes a bunch of bugs, enhances performance and adds some features too like YouTube stream options (from 50 kbps to 2 Mbps), HTTP proxy support. Of course no trial is available, so you either have to upgrade your current version or just by it out right.

Finally, for the Treo 800w users, Zbop has finalized the long awaited "HideCarrier" plugin (click for pics & more info). What this little freebie does is "hide" that Sprint carrier line with those lil' icons to give you more screen real estate. Run in conjunction with TreoAlerts and you have a real winner combo.

Skype for Windows Mobile Now Compatible with 6.1

Software

By chris#wp, Saturday, Jan 3, 2009 at 3:28 am

Skype's mobile client for Windows Mobile has been updated to 2.2, it now is compatible with Windows Mobile 6.1. GSM Arena put it through its paces and found it to work well over WiFi, over 3G not so much. Otherwise you're looking at a pretty full-featured client, with support for calls, Skype-out for calling regular numbers, Skype's text-chat, etc.

One downside that GSM Arena notes is that, unlike when making normal calls, the screen stays on during a call and is therefore likely to get “cheek taps” that might accidentally end your call. 'Course, that's not a problem for WMExperts' readers, because y'all know about the clever software that just turns your screen off with the push of an assigned button.

Download Skype 2.2 for Windows Mobile [via Gear Diary]

Skype Petitions FCC: Make Carriers Unblock Our Software

Windows Phone News

By chris#wp, Saturday, Jan 3, 2009 at 3:22 am

Bully to Skype, who recently used Tim Wu's stirring (though academic, in both senses of the word) call for Mobile Net Neutrality as support for a petition to the FCC. At issue is that carriers are deliberately blocking their software, and Skype believes that current laws on the books say that's not so. I don't have a lot of confidence this will go anywhere (neither does the linked Ars Technica article), but it's nice to see people lining up.

Whether the carriers are blocking me from updating my WM phone to the latest ROM because they're overcautious, trying to get me to pay for walled-garden-style services I should be able to access for free elsewhere, or hiking SMS prices even as the cost to them is dropping, US carriers are really getting on my nerves lately.

Skype yesterday petitioned the FCC to lay the smack down on wireless phone carriers who "limit subscribers' right to run software communications applications of their choosing" (read: Skype software). Skype wants the agency to more stringently apply the famous 1968 Carterfone decision that allowed consumers to hook any device up to the phone network, so long as it did not harm the network. In Skype's eyes, that means allowing any software or applications to run on any devices that access the network.

Read: Skype asks FCC to open up cellular networks