Skype [1] has released a beta version of a mobile Java thin client that work on about 50 or so mobile phones, including models from Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson. The beta version includes the usual feature set you'd expect from a Skype client, including chat, group chat, presence, and receiving calls from Skype users and through SkypeIn. However, support for Skype-to-Skype and SkypeOut calls from the mobile handsets are only initially supported in seven markets: Rio (Brazil), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Sweden and the U.K.
Skype says after the beta they expect to have a public version available to millions of mobile users around the world. Will it ultimately work with the iPhone? Nobody's saying. If you're already in '3' territory, Sky hints that you should get a 3 Skypephone.
For more:
- Skype's mobile phone software release [2]
- Skype launches mobile app for 50 handsets [3]
Related articles:
3 Mobile and Skype collaborate [4] on VoIP phone
SPOTLIGHT: Skype ever working the mobile angle [5]
Links:
[1] http://www.skype.com/
[2] http://www.fiercewireless.com/press-releases/skype-tests-software-mass-market-mobile-phones
[3] http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/skype-launches-mobile-app-for-50-handsets/2008-04-25
[4] http://www.fiercebroadbandwireless.com/story/3-mobile-and-skype-collaborate-voip-phone/2007-10-22
[5] http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/spotlight-skype-ever-working-mobile-angle/2008-01-10