Skype for WM Smartphone Released

[Brandon Miniman]

You know, I've never gotten into using Skype. Perhaps if some family or friends lived internationally, I could get good use from the program by saving some money on long-distance phone calls. It seems that a lot of people do have a use for it, so it's a good thing that they've just released a WM Smartphone client to go along with the version already available for Pocket PC. Click here (http://www.skype.com/download/skype/mobile/download_beta.html) for more info on the release.

Do you use Skype? How about on your WM device? When do you find it useful?

[cgavula]

I'm not a big Skype user either (I tend to rely mostly on my cell phone today), but I did evaluate it for work a year or so back. I do believe that current cell technologies will ultimately give way to WiFi/WiMax or something similar, but not until those types of services actually exist in more places than just a few T-Mobile hotspots or airports or McDOnald's restaurants. We're talking about the need for moving coverage along major highways, major metros, etc - hence WiMax or similar services. It's coming - it's just a matter of time and money and services like Skype and others are what's needed to ride those networks once they are in place.

So it's interesting that they finally got their WM Smartphone client out the door. It's also interesting that yesterday they started charging $14.95 (although some news accounts say $30) annually for their unlimited US/Canada calling.

Ever since purchasing Skype last year, eBay has been under pressure to justify the money they spent on Skype. I don't know if the fee is just a way to recoup some of the money or if it's all part of a larger strategy, but either way it's interesting that they are getting their client roster filled out now and they are starting to charge - both signs that perhaps they are starting to transition from "cool experiment" to full-fledged service provider.

--Chris

[Brandon Miniman]

Yeah - Skype has done a lot to legitimize itself lately as a true alternative to telecom companies.