Android fans have reason to rejoice while iPhone fans have reason to be confused. A report by Skattertech indicates Skype video calls will rollout to all Android phones by the end of the year, while iPhone users with Skype 2.0 for iPhone will now allow you to make calls over 3G.
Android (and Blackberry) users, to this point, were only able to use Skype on Verizon’s network. That was until a few emails from Skattertech’s Sahas Katta were sent to Skype’s PR team regarding Skype’s future plans. The response received from Brianna Reynaud from Skype PR is as follows:
“Skype envisions a world where video plays a larger role in the way we communicate. The next generation innovation involving video calling will not be bound to the computer. We’re seeing a proliferation of video calling shared between all kinds of connected devices. It’s on computers (today 1/3 of all calls on Skype happen via video), televisions (Skype bringing video calls to living rooms via Panasonic, Samsung & LG partnership), and it will eventually be coming to mobile devices too. We’re betting big on video, and we intend to set the bar on mobile video calling, and it’s something we’re going to do this year.
We will be bringing a direct to consumer app to the Android marketplace later this year. This application will be available for all consumers globally to download regardless of carriers. (i.e. similar to how we offer the iPhone app today)”
Good news for Android users. Now comes the good and bad news for iPhone users. Skype 2.0 for iPhone now allows one to make calls over 3G, however after August users will be forced to pay for the service.
Skype will begin assessing a “small monthly fee” for use of the 3G calling feature. Although Dallas-based AT&T users are already paying for data plan service, Skype feels it necessary to charge an added fee. What that fee is no one knows at this point, but is seems a terrible move if the company wants iPhone owners to utilize the service.
Are you a current Skype user? If you are an Android user does the announcement by Skype excite you? As an iPhone user, will you shell out the extra money to make 3G calls through Skype? Comment below, submit any questions to C4 Universe via Formspring, follow C4 Universe on Twitter, and “like” the Facebook page of C4 Universe, for the latest in social media, marketing, advertising and technology news!
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Comments
I have AT&T now, and have been debating whether to pay for internet with them, or switch to Sprint. With AT&T, iPhone internet is $30/month, which is too much, while sprint would cost the same i pay now for unlimited internet even with android. this is making me further inclined to switch to sprint now. I definitely wouldn't pay extra to have skype on my phone.
I had Skype on my Magic and it was great, so I was a little surprised when I went looking for the app recently for my Nexus and couldn't find it, and I want it back bady, so I'm happy
No 802.11 ability for the Android Skype client? GTFO.
The Android OS has been on the market for a long-long time. It is unbelievable to me that some vital app. like a full scope Skype client is still not available to it.
I switched from a Symbian OS to Android this year and am still finding gaps on key software that are available with Nokia but not with Android. Don't boost the no. of useless or niche at best apps. on Android Market, but establish that the killer apps. are available and run without PROBLEMS (skype, exchange, calendar, flash, navigation, office...)
And no, I wouldn't pay extra for Skype on Android mobile, especially when it's one button to enable internet tethering with a laptop that runs Skype free-of-charge.
3G, I would only use it if I could do it over wifi. I would do it with 4G but that is not available yet. Would they charge over wifi?
I already pay a monthly fee to Skype for their Unlimited Calling so I can call lan and mobile phones in the US and Canada. I am not buying a 3g or 4g device, but simply a wi-fi device with the android os. I want to be able to access my current account via this device not via 3g or 4g.
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