The iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and 4th Gen iPod touch owners will be able to do two-ways calling features to other devices or even to Skype desktop users with the new update. Unfortunately, the iPad and 3rd Gen iPod touch can only receive video. The following list is the improvements that have been made by Skype latest update.

• Make Skype to Skype video calls on WiFi and 3G*

• Call Skype desktop users (Mac OS X or Windows) and other iPhone users.

• Two-way video calls supported on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 4th gen.

• Receive only video supported on iPad and iPod touch 3rd gen, with no camera.

• Make video calls in portrait and landscape.

• Skype video calling requires iOS 4.0 or above.

*Additional Data charges may apply

[via MobileMagazine]

Press Release

Skype Brings Video Calling to iPhones
Share the Moments that Matter Most over 3G and WiFi

30 DECEMBER 2010, LUXEMBOURG – Skype today announced the new version of its iPhone application that brings video calling to millions of mobile users around the globe over both 3G and WiFi networks. Available to download from the Apple App Store today, the new Skype for iPhone App allows iPhone, iPad and iPod touch owners to make and/or receive free Skype video calls for the first time. Users can now see their family, friends and colleagues around the world while talking to them. With approximately 25 million concurrent users logged into Skype at any given time, the new Skype for iPhone makes it easier than ever to share moments wherever you are.

Video calling significantly enhances the user experience of Skype for iPhone, which is one of the top five free iPhone apps in 2010 according to Apple. Now, users can make and receive free Skype-to-Skype calls, call mobiles and landlines around the world at very low rates, and now share more moments together with video on Skype for iPhone.

“With video calling representing approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones,” said Neil Stevens, general manager of Skype’s consumer business. “By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are.”

A video call evolves communication beyond transactional experiences to a shared experience where people can share any occasion with others wherever they are. Whether this is a military father watching the birth of his child while deployed abroad, loved ones communicating via sign language or work colleagues collaborating around the globe – the opportunities are endless.

Users can place Skype video calls with their iPhone over both a 3G data connection or WiFi. The new Skype for iPhone app is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 4th generation with i0S 4.0 or above. Video receiving capabilities are available on the iPod touch 3rd generation and iPad. Calls can be made between devices using the new Skype for iPhone app and desktops including Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux and ASUS Videophone.

The Skype for iPhone application is available for free download from the App Store or at www.skype.com/go/iphone.

You can now search the “Skype” software on the Android Market and download it for free. Most users are able to install and run the software flawlessly, except that the 8MB size software does not support APP2SD at the moment and some Galaxy S series users commented that they couldn’t run the software properly on the Galaxy S. Expect a fix from the company soon?

Skype today announced the release of Skype for Android™, a client for mobile handsets, built for smartphones running Android OS version 2.1 or above. With this latest release, the majority of smart phone users globally will now be able to experience the benefits of Skype on the move using either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G). Skype for Android is downloadable for free from the Android Market or consumers can visit www.skype.com/m to find out more details about how to get the application.

Skype for Android enables users to:

Make free Skype-to-Skype calls over WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G)* to other Skype users anywhere in the world using Skype’s SILK codec for CD-like audio quality.
Make low rate Skype calls to landline or mobile phones
Send and receive instant messages to one or a group of friends on Skype
Synchronize contacts between Skype and the native address book and after synchronization place Skype calls directly from the native address book.
See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or chat
Easily import names and numbers to the Skype application from the native address book
Receive calls on their Skype online number
Mark Douglas, Product Manager of Android said: “The Skype experience is ubiquitous today. More and more people are using Skype to do things together when apart. With the addition of Android, we are pleased that Skype is now available on three of the most popular mobile platforms today: Android, iOS and Symbian”

[via Android Community]

If you’ve got a Symbian-powered Sony Ericsson device, such as the Vivaz Pro, Vivaz, and Satio, then you’re eligible to get the application free on your handset. Yep, that’s right. Free! Which, of course, brings you the ability to make free calls to other Skype users, or make really cheap calls to landlines all over the planet. Additionally, you can send free instant messages to other Skype users, right from the Skype application. Best of all, it works on WiFi and your 3G network.

One word of caution: you’ll want to have something akin to an unlimited data plan, for sure. Using Skype, for both calls and messages, will eat up your data like nobody’s business. So, keep an eye on it. If you’ve got unlimited, or enough that you consider it unlimited, then by all means, use it to your heart’s content.

Press Release:

LUXEMBOURG–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Skype announced today the availability of Skype on three Sony Ericsson smartphones based on the Symbian platform, the world’s most popular smartphone platform. Users of Sony Ericsson’s flagship smartphones Satio™, Vivaz™ and Vivaz™ pro can now use Skype on the move, over either a WiFi or mobile data connection (3G, GPRS, EDGE). It can be downloaded now by visiting skype.com/m on a compatible handset, and will also be made available on the Sony Ericsson Play Now™ arena (http://www.playnow-arena.com) later this month.

“Applications for communication and social networking are incredibly popular with mobile users. The opportunity to use a world-class app like Skype, in combination with the excellent applications and capabilities we have already integrated into our Satio™, Vivaz™ and Vivaz™ pro devices, will make up a compelling package to our customers”
Skype for Symbian enables users to:

Make free Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world*
Save money on calls and texts (SMS) to phones abroad.
Send and receive instant messages to and from individuals or groups
Share pictures, videos and other files.
Receive calls to their existing online number
See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or IM
Easily import names and numbers from the phone’s address book
Skype for Symbian will run on any Sony Ericsson smartphone using Symbian ^1, the latest version of the Symbian platform.

“Applications for communication and social networking are incredibly popular with mobile users. The opportunity to use a world-class app like Skype, in combination with the excellent applications and capabilities we have already integrated into our Satio™, Vivaz™ and Vivaz™ pro devices, will make up a compelling package to our customers,” said Kristian Tear, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Sony Ericsson.

Russ Shaw, General Manager, Mobile at Skype said, “We see a huge demand for Skype on mobile. The users want to keep in contact with the people that are important to them without worrying about the cost, distance or whether they are away from a computer. It is our goal to meet this demand and make Skype available on a wide range of mobile devices by entering relationships with operators and handset manufacturers. Just a few weeks ago we have announced Skype for Symbian. Now, we are very pleased to bring it to Sony Ericsson smartphones and enable more people to take the Skype features they love with them on the move.”

Sony Ericsson is the exclusive provider of Symbian smartphones to Skype during CommunicAsia, June 15th – 18th.

* Skype recommends use of an unlimited data plan to avoid incurring additional charges from operators. Users should also be aware that extra charges may apply if they use Skype over a mobile data connection when abroad.

Verizon Wireless has just announced that Skype is coming to more handsets. They’ve put a “by the end of the year” time stamp on the deal, so that gives both companies plenty of time to shove the service onto handsets. While it’s obviously going to be available on upcoming Android and BlackBerry releases, we should also expect to see it on multimedia phones, too.

Our big question, and perhaps biggest concern, is whether or not the Skype application will come pre-loaded on those multimedia phones. While Skype is a great service, it’s not going to fit everyone’s style, nor will they want another application on their handset that they don’t use. We’ll have to see what happens. How many of you out there have been using Skype on your handsets already?

Press Release:

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Skype mobile™ from Verizon Wireless gives customers another easy way to stay connected with friends, family and colleagues all over the world. Available only from Verizon Wireless, Skype mobile is an easy-to-download and free app for 3G Smartphone customers.

Skype mobile from Verizon Wireless, currently available on 12 different smartphones, will expand to more handsets later this year, including several 3G Multimedia phones. In addition to Spanish, Skype mobile will also be available in Korean and simple Chinese, providing more flexibility and the ability to communicate with people around the world. Skype mobile customers will soon see an enhanced user interface with a drop-down menu with flags for international dialing.

“Skype mobile from Verizon Wireless not only takes advantage of the reliability and breadth of our wireless network, but it’s also proving to be a great option for military families with loved ones stationed overseas, people with relatives in Asia or South America, and businesses with a global presence,” said Jennifer Byrne, executive director of business development, Verizon Wireless. “And, with the World Cup starting soon, there’s no better way to talk or chat about the action with far-flung fans and family than Skype mobile.”

Skype-to-Skype calls and chats are unlimited and free when initiated with Skype mobile from a Verizon Wireless 3G Smartphone with a data plan to any of the more than 580 million Skype users anywhere in the world. The calls run on the United States’ largest and most reliable wireless voice network, providing outstanding call quality and allowing the app to work with traditional voice products, including Bluetooth® headsets. Skype mobile calls made to domestic landline and wireless numbers use minutes from customers’ voice plans, and Skype mobile calls to international numbers are charged Skype’s low, international rates.

Customers with DROID smartphones can download the highly rated app from the Verizon Channel in Android Market™, and customers with certain BlackBerry® smartphones can download it from www.skype.com/vzw using their smartphones’ browsers. Customers can also text “SKYPE” to 2255 to get a message with the link to download Skype mobile.

For more info on Skype mobile, visit www.verizonwireless.com/skypemobile. For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving nearly 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 81,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

As a whole, Skype has completely stopped its development for Windows Phone 7. So, while that mainly means that there won’t be an application launched on the platform, it also means that there won’t be anything else, either. Whatever that might have entailed, it doesn’t look like Skype cares much for the “tired looking Operating System.” It makes sense, considering they’ve stopped development for Windows Mobile 6.5 already. But, let’s face it: if Windows Mobile is a tired and old looking Operating System, Windows Phone 7 definitely gives it a giant kick in the right place for the future. So, consider us confused in that regard.

But, Windows Mobile isn’t the most popular platform for mobile phones out there anymore. Obviously Android, iPhone OS, and the BlackBerry are growing exponentially, and unfortunately for Microsoft, that means their platform is being left in the dust. It doesn’t help that their revolutionary product isn’t shipping for a few months down the line, either.

[via SlashGear]

Back in February (oh so long ago), Skype promised that 3G calling was coming to a future update for the application on the iPhone. Along with 3G, push notifications were also meant to be supported, too. However, looks like none of that was included in the update pushed out on Tuesday. So, what did the update do? Fixed some minor bug issues, and it also made the application work perfectly well as a legacy app for iPhone OS 3.2. Which, if you’re not familiar, is much better known as the Operating System running the new Apple iPad.

So, looks like the iPad can now make calls over a WiFi connection from your Skype account. That’s good news for them, but for the iPhone owners out there waiting for more functionality, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer. You’re already sitting on your hands, right? Good. Hopefully you’re comfortable, because it could be a couple months before we get a new update. Or, it could come tomorrow. Who knows.

[via Skype]

Monday, March 22nd

When it comes to Nokia, we’re just as familiar with their devices as we are with their services. And that’s probably due to their hard work in the smartphone, as well as almost every other market for phones that we can think of, industry. According to a leak that broke via Twitter last Monday, it seems that Nokia is starting to rework their roadmap, and focusing more on services, rather than devices. What’s getting the axe? S60 devices. A shame for most, especially fans of the Operating System, but it looks like Nokia has their eyes set on services, rather than devices. And while Palm may be seeing some dark days, that’s not stopping them from releasing their pair of webOS smartphones on the AT&T network in the coming network. The Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus are the same models for AT&T that we saw get released for Verizon Wireless, so don’t expect any major surprises here. And a last bit of AT&T-based news, we see another Android-powered handset aimed for the carrier’s 3G bands. The Dell Aero is a rebranded Mini 3, so again, nothing really groundbreaking too announce. Except that the device won’t allow for third-party downloads, and has been skinned by Dell for AT&T’s usage.

LG has announced the LG VS750. It’s a Windows Mobile Classic (which means Windows Mobile 6.5.3), and it’s not going to upgrade to Windows Phone 7 Series, due to its resistive touchscreen, and power powerplant inside. It’s scheduled to hit the Verizon Wireless network some time in the next few months. In memory card news, SanDisk has announced their 32GB MicroSD card. So, you’ll finally be able to take advantage of that space allotted by some of the major new handsets being released.

And then finally, we have the Motorola i1. An Android 1.6-based device, it’s the world’s first Push-to-Talk Android handset. It’s super thin, and we managed to get some hands-on time with the device while visiting CTIA 2010 this year. If you’re interested in that whole PTT thing, then this could be your next device. It definitely felt good in the hand.

Tuesday, March 23rd

What a great way to start a Tuesday, than to see that a new way to text has broken the world record for texting. You’ve probably heard of the keyboard Swype, but if not, it’s a great new way to input text on a touchscreen device. Featured prominently on the Samsung Omnia II, it’s making a big splace on Android-based devices as well. Simply draw a line from one letter to another to input the word you want, you don’t have to worry about chicken-pecking anymore.

Tuesday also saw a literal onslaught of Android news. It started with the announcement that Kyocera would be introducing the ZIO into the world. A ridiculously thin device, running Android, which the manufacturing company promised would bring some personal touches to the Operating System. We’re wondering if that means more than the experience that HTC Sense brings to the table, so we’re excited to see what that developers into. The Android train then took us to the Galaxy S, the latest handset from Samsung. It’s a 4-inch, Super AMOLED display Android monster, with the software tweaks that Samsung is legend for. Oh, and it also has the fastest processor available in any smartphone on the market. But then we have the bigger, first 3G/WiMAX-based handset: the Sprint EVO 4G. It’s the brother to HTC’s HD2, with the same physical characteristics (with some marginal aesthetic alterations), and it’s a beast.

On the other end of the spectrum, we reviewed the Nokia 5230 Nuron, being offered up by T-Mobile. It’s got a few quirks, and it doesn’t have WiFi, but it’s probably the perfect device for someone looking for smartphone-like features, without paying the higher price tag of the smartphones available for carrier.

Wednesday, March 24th

On the world phone front, Samsung introduced the Metro 3G, which is a rebranded version of the Samsung Shark (as seen in Europe over the last few months), which is being launched in India. It’s a basic device, with some social networking functions integrated, but it probably won’t get anyone all that interested in phones too excited. It does look interesting, and that does go a long way in the cell phone market. As for Europe, it looks like the Nokia E72, which is a very popular phone, has just been voted onto the mobile network 3, by popular demand. The mobile carrier is currently testing the device, before they should be ready to launch it in the next few months.

And while Verizon Wireless talks up their LTE-based plans for later this year, it looks like MetroPCS is way ahead of the game. They are going to have their next generation network launched by the end of this year, and with it, the first LTE-based device, manufactured by Samsung. It’s rumored to be running some kind of version of Windows Mobile, but we have our fingers crossed that it cuts it close enough to this holiday season, so we get to see some Windows Phone 7 Series love for it.

And then there’s AT&T, which took Wednesday as their day of 3G MicroCell announcement time. The service is meant to make those with bad service in their homes, due to terrain or construction of their homes, have usable service. It’s being developed with Cisco, and has been in testing since last September. It’s going to cost $149.99 to buy, and you can get a monthly unlimited plan with it if you want, as well. It’s beginning to roll out later this year, with full coverage planned for 2011.

Thursday, March 25th

The HTC Desire is one of those devices that people have been clamoring for since, well, the announcement of the Nexus One. They want the guts, and Android 2.1 goodness of the HTC manufactured device, but with some of HTC’s Sense User Interface goodness. HTC must have known the demand would be there, because they indeed did create the Nexus One with Sense UI, and it’s name is the Desire. For lucky T-Mobile UK customers, that device is going to be ready to purchase starting March 29th, and not surprisingly, it will be free on the right type of contract.

Skype, while already available on the iPhone via the App Store, is a service that iPhone users can only use via WiFi. But, what about those times you don’t have a MiFi, or a WiFi signal anywhere near you? Thanks to Verizon Wireless, you’ve got choices. Well, if you don’t like WiFi, that is. Skype for Verizon Wireless launched on Thursday, for Android and BlackBerry users, with one stipulation. Feel free to use it as much as you want on the 3G network, but don’t expect to be able to connect via WiFi. You need to have an unlimited data plan to take advantage of the service, too. No surprise there, right?

Apple’s App Store is a place where hard working developers can go to show off their latest creations, and, hopefully, make a boat-load of money. That is, unless you go against Apple’s hidden rules for application approval. In that case, you should expect to be denied. In the case of mobile browsers, Safari is the one shiny gem available for the iPhone. Opera wants to change that. They’ve announced that they have submitted their mobile browser to Apple’s prized product. They even included a count-up meter, showing how long it takes for Apple to approve (or deny) the application for distribution.

Friday, March 26th

The HTC HD2 is one of those devices that’s been roaming around, enjoying the life of luxury over in the realm of Europe for quite a few months now. The fellows over at SlashGear loved it, and so do we, truth be told. It’s a great device. And, as of March 24th, T-Mobile USA finally got their carrier mitts on it. What no one probably expected, though, was that the carrier’s online retailer would sell out, along with the majority of brick-and-mortar stores across the nation. T-Mobile and HTC are sitting pretty now, we’re sure.

The Nokia Music Store, one of the manufacturer’s crux services, is getting a name change to match all of their other services: Ovi Music will mark a changing of an era, but not an end. The music store will still exist, and devices that “Come with Music” are still going to find their way to customer’s hands. And, just a quick reminder, the Samsung Galaxy S has the fastest processor available. Definitely worth checking out, if you ask us. The HTC Desire got unboxed over at SlashGear (lucky, much?), and it looks just as beautiful as it does in all those press releases. And, just in case we couldn’t mention the HTC HD2 any more, here’s a few videos of the hardware running Windows Phone 7 Series, thanks to some developers in Russia.

According to the company releases, Skype mobile users can:

• make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype contact around the globe;
• send and receive unlimited instant messages with other Skype users;
• manage the Skype contact list directly from the mobile application; and
• call international phone numbers at competitive Skype calling rates.

John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing, noted, “Skype mobile will change the way mobile consumers in the United States make and receive calls. With an ‘always on’ capability, Skype mobile on your 3G smartphone means you never have to miss a call or make an appointment to connect with Skype users around the world. With Skype mobile, we’re untethering Skype users from their PCs and enabling them to stay connected – on the best wireless network in the country.”

The app does everything a Skype app should do, send and receive IMs to or from a person or groups, share pictures, videos and other files; as well as receive calls to their existing online number and see when Skype contacts are online and available. The Skype application arrives to the Ovi Store as a free download and will work over Wi-Fi, GPRS, EDGE, and 3G data connections.

We reckon a lot of souls will be very pleased but carriers on the other hand might get nervous and/or upset about this. Anyway, if you are using a Symbian handset and are a Skype user then let us know how good the app works for you.

Press Release

Skype now available for Nokia smartphones in Ovi Store
March 03, 2010

More than 200 million smartphone users worldwide now have Skype at their fingertips

Luxembourg and Espoo, Finland – Skype and Nokia today jointly announced the release of Skype for Symbian, a Skype client for Nokia smartphones based on the Symbian platform, the world’s most popular smartphone platform. Skype for Symbian will allow Nokia smartphone users worldwide to use Skype on the move, over either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G). It is now downloadable for free from the Ovi Store, Nokia’s one-stop shop for mobile content.

Skype for Symbian enables Nokia smartphone users to:
– Make free Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world*
– Save money on calls and texts (SMS) to phones abroad
– Send and receive instant messages to and from individuals or groups
– Share pictures, videos and other files
– Receive calls to their existing online number
– See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or IM
– Easily import names and numbers from the phone’s address book

Skype for Symbian will run on any Nokia smartphone using Symbian ^1, the latest version of the Symbian platform. Skype will soon introduce this client to Symbian mobile devices from other manufacturers, including Sony Ericsson.

“Symbian enables us to bring smartphones to more and more people and ensures scale for our solutions and compelling services, such as Skype. We’re seeing around 1.5 million downloads a day on Ovi Store now and believe that the Skype client for Nokia smartphones will have wide appeal to Symbian users,” said Jo Harlow, Senior Vice President for Smartphones, Nokia.

“Skype, the king of Internet communications, running on Symbian, the world’s dominant smartphone platform, makes for an explosive combination,” said Larry Berkin, Head of Global Alliances and GM USA, Symbian Foundation. “With Symbian’s global reach, Skype is that much closer to becoming the ubiquitous real-time communications platform for hundreds of millions of Symbian-based mobile users.”

Russ Shaw, General Manager, Mobile at Skype said, “With Skype for Nokia smartphones, more than 200 million smartphone users worldwide** will be able to take the Skype features they love with them on the move. Alongside Skype’s relationships with operators and handset manufacturers worldwide, making Skype available direct to consumers will help millions of users keep in contact with the people that are important to them without worrying about the cost, distance or whether they are away from a computer.”

The initial Skype for Symbian application is compatible with the following Nokia touchscreen models: Nokia N97, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia X6, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and Nokia 5530 and the following non-touch devices: Nokia E72, Nokia E71, Nokia E90, Nokia E63, Nokia E66, Nokia E51, Nokia N96, Nokia N95, Nokia N95 8Gb, Nokia N85, Nokia N82, Nokia N81, Nokia N81 8 Gb, Nokia N79, Nokia N78, Nokia 6220 classic, Nokia 6210 Navigator, Nokia 5320.

For more information on Skype for Symbian, including the latest supported handset list, at http://www.skype.com/go/symbian.