2009 in Mobile
Russ Shaw is General Manager of our mobile business.
As the year draws to a close, I thought I’d do two things – first, introduce myself to readers of our blog, and second, talk a little bit about our mobile strategy. Peter tells me there are quite a few of you (hundreds of thousands, in fact) and I realise it’s been a while since we’ve talked on this blog about what we’re up to in the mobile world. So, hence this post.
Scott Durchslag blogged at length back in March about where we were at, and so I want to pick up some of the threads he began then. Our mobile strategy has three strands: first, what we call ‘direct to consumer’ apps (i.e., ones you can download yourself from the Skype website or a partner), such as Skype for iPhone. Second, working with mobile operators like 3 to deliver great experiences and free Skype-to-Skype calls on a wide range of phones. Third, working with hardware manufacturers like Nokia to develop truly integrated products, where Skype is built in to devices’ operating systems. Let’s take each of those strands in order:
Skype for iPhone
We’re very happy with our iPhone app. But, like any of our products, that doesn’t mean we’re done. We’ve got a number of updates on the roadmap for 2010 – and yes, I hear you on push notifications. They’ll arrive just as soon as we’ve perfected the experience.
Many of you have also been asking when we’ll release a version which allows you to make calls over 3G – the holy grail of Skype on the mobile, if you like. We’ve had a 3G-capable version ready for some time now, but Apple’s current restrictions mean that they won’t allow us to make it available on the App Store for the moment.
Skype for Symbian
On the 3G calling front, we do have an alternative for the time being. We quietly slipped out a beta version of Skype for Symbian earlier this month, and early indications suggest that people are very happy with it. You can make free Skype-to-Skype calls, and calls to landlines and mobiles, on either WiFi or 3G data connections.
Once we’ve completed our testing on a wider range of phones, including touchscreen handsets, we’ll release the gold version. Symbian is the world’s most popular mobile platform, and we’re all very proud to be able to offer a full Skype experience on Symbian phones for the first time in its history.
Skype on 3
Our partnership with 3 continues to go from strength to strength. The 3 Skypephone and INQ handsets allow you to make free Skype-to-Skype calls, and calls to landlines and mobiles outside of your own country at our low rates. The partnership demonstrates that Skype can work in harmony with mobile operators, and isn’t the scary threat that some of them seem to think it is.
Skype for Nokia N900
Last month, we launched Skype on the Nokia N900. It’s the first example of our deep integration work with Nokia – Skype is fully built in to the phone’s operating system with no additional downloads required. Mark Douglas from the mobile team recorded a quick video demo which explains all.
Keeping in touch, everywhere
At Skype we recognise that not everyone has access to a Skype-enabled smartphone all of the time. Even if you do, it might not be convenient to use one, and we’ve developed two products which aim to make Skype accessible while you’re away from your desktop computer.
Many of you will have received emails in the last few days with details of your Skype To Go number. And of course, many of you will be in on the secret already. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should. Skype To Go numbers are a great way to take advantage of Skype’s low rates, no matter which phone you’re calling from. If you’re in a supported country, you can make a local call, and get in touch with friends and family even if they’re countries or continents away – without breaking the bank. Think of it as a super-simple, pared down version of Skype.
At the other end of the scale, if you’re on the move and have a laptop with you, you should check out Skype Access. It lets you pay by the minute for WiFi using your Skype Credit at hundreds of thousands of hotspots worldwide. It’s included in Skype 4.2 Beta for Windows and Skype 2.8 for Mac – read Peter’s earlier blog post to find out more.
And more
I’d like to reassure all of you who’ve been waiting patiently for our apps for the Nokia N97 and BlackBerry smartphones. They’re on their way, but unfortunately we’ve faced delays beyond our control in getting them to you. The BlackBerry app is in private beta testing at the moment, and we’re working hard to create the best possible Skype experience on both of these devices. When they’re ready, you’ll be among the first to know.
What’s coming up next?
In 2010, you can expect to see three things from us – first, more and better direct download apps. We’re focusing on getting the Skype experience right. What does that mean? Free Skype-to-Skype calls on both WiFi and mobile data connections, and a richer experience – great IM capabilities as well as calling, for example. And we’ve got a few more tricks up our sleeve.
Second, we’re continuing to work with mobile operators around the world. All I can say on this point is – watch this space.
And third, working hard to deliver those integrated Skype experiences with hardware manufacturers. Making Skype so much a part of the mobile phone that you don’t even have to think about using it – it’s just there.
Where to find us
We’re going to launch a mobile-specific blog in the first quarter of 2010, so you can expect to hear a lot more from us in the mobile team in the months to come. We’re already on Twitter, however, and you can find us at @skypemobile – follow us and stay up-to-date with all of our mobile news.
With that, I wish you a very happy holiday season. Stay tuned for 2010!
what about windows mobile ?
LoL Apple and their appstore, the main reason i don’t have an iPhone. Symbian does it for me
One word missing from this post is “video”. What are your plans for adding video calling for mobile versions of Skype?
Dear Russ
I beg to differ on what you have to say about Skype for Symbian Beta, just go to the Forum and you will see that 90% of the users are not happy with the app and have encountered endless problems. Also for an app that is being tested it seems that there is no feed back and that SKYPE is not monitoring the forum as they should, seeing that this is a Beta version and I would think that the people that actually test the app out in the field would be taken into account. It seems that in General most of the Smart Phones from Nokia are encountering some kind of problem. I myself have encountered a few and when the app was causing my E71 to reboot on its own, it was then that I decided to remove it, also as there was no feedback from SKYPE, I also emailed them with the problems and received no feedback. This lets me believe that there is no interest and Skype leaves their clients hanging. I reverted to using Nimbuzz on my E71 and Fringe on my 5800XM as these apps work 100% and have not caused any problems, the call quality using Skype within them is FANTASTIC. I cant understand why a 3rd party app works better than Skype’s own, oh hang on, thats because wjen they released their Beta verisons, THEY LISTENED to the publics posts and ACTUALLY took an interest and resolved issues in REAL TIME. Something that Skype should learn from. No wonder they have each won a number of rewards this year and continue to grow in strengh.
Unhappy client.
@joaoluispt sorry to hear you’ve had problems with the Symbian app – our mobile team do monitor the forums closely, and although they can’t respond directly to everyone, rest assured that your feedback will be taken on board.
Can you describe what was happening on your E71 in a bit more detail? When did it cause your phone to reboot? On startup, or when trying to make a call?
When will Skype show some love to Android?
What about Android?
The most promising mobile platform is being ignored for now.
Is that going to change in the near future?
Re: higher usage of data and SMS by Skype users on 3, you’re not showing a causal relationship. It could be simply that the folks who’re drawn to using Skype on their mobile phones are tech early adopters and by definition are heavy users of SMS and data. A pre- / post- analysis of long distance and local calling would be more relevant. As would longer term replacement of standard voice and SMS by Skype among these users, as more of their “network” acquire Skype-enabled handsets.
Don’t get me wrong – I love Skype and have been a paid customer since you guys were in beta. Just that your post is self-servingly inaccurate (I couldn’t have obfuscated the issue better myself ).
- Varun
Founder, http://www.HomeCamera.com
(and formerly 6-year mobile industry veteran with war stories of my own…
@varunarora I’ll try to dig a bit deeper into the research to find out whether we have time series data; but in any case, even if it’s only a single time point, would it be such a bad thing for a mobile network to have more of those heavy SMS and data users?
@Pete: Not at all, it’s a good thing. I’m questioning whether it’s in any way related to Skype, that’s all.
For what it’s worth, I *do* think Skype is a threat to telcos (really, who doesn’t?) and, frankly, that’s a *good* thing. Skype represents a fundamentally better way of communicating. As telcos migrate to all-IP infrastructures, whether they complete calls using MSCs or IP becomes less relevant, so long as they’re in a position to generate fair economic returns and don’t end up the way of mass media, exchanging GSM dollars for IP pennies (which, again, is likely). But that’s another story.
It seems funny now that “I’d like to reassure all of you who’ve been waiting patiently for our apps for the Nokia N97 and BlackBerry smartphones. They’re on their way, but unfortunately we’ve faced delays beyond our control in getting them to you.”, when the N97 was supposed to come out with Skype “out of the box”. Its been more than 6 months now waiting for an application that was a selling point from Nokia – no delay is beyond the developers control.
Hopefully it will come out before the “N98″ in a few months. Let me be clear, I like Skype and I use it on a regular basis, but the N97 scam its just hilarious by now, wether it came from Nokia or Skype (or the so called joint venture announced a year ago).
I would be more than happy to participatwe in this so-called “Pivate Beta” trial for the Blackberry app.
I have a Blackberry Bold.
Thanks….
Hi I would also like to offer my services for “Private Testing” of Blackberry app as well. I have Bold 9000 on Rogers Netwrok in Canada, I travel frequently to US and am currently running OS Build 5.0.0.411 (Platform 5.2.0.33). I am sure I will make valuable contribution to the testing.
Thanks…
Hi, I got my HTC Windows 6.5 mobile and install great Skype but as i called my mother I couldn’t found the video button.
Video phone is the great thing I use Skype. When do you think Skype Mobile will be able to let us communicate by video?
Thanks
Dear Russ,
Regarding your comment on Blackberry clients: This has been a long-awaited event and, as I’m sure you’re aware, many BB users are frustrated with the lack of Skype when we see this being used widely on other mobile devices. What is the delay? When can we expect a release of the client? When this does become available, will it also be available in the UK?
Thanks.
Hi,
how about support of video calls on NokiaN900 and N97? BTW when are you going to release skype for Nokia N97?
Thank you.
Is there any Skype love in the future for Palm’s WebOS
Is there any Skype love in the future for Palm’s WebOS?
I’m thinking that Skype Mobile can enhance the collection of evidence for child custody issues. See this link. If this works the way I think it will, it could add 10-15 million new customers. Your opinion?
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Recording_Conversations-What_are_the_laws_on_recordings_and_their_admissibility_in_Family_Court
I just purchased a Nexus One (Google Phone). I was sorely disappointed that the Skype Lite version that is available for this device requires making a phone call to connect to other Skype users. My principal reason for purchasing this phone was to be able to use it as an internet enabled device, without the SIM card in place. I plan to use the device as a phone for travel in Europe and Africa. I am quite certain that there are no technical obstacles to enabling a full version of Skype on the Nexus One. Please reconsider the configuration of Skype for this mobile device.
“We’ve had a 3G-capable version ready for some time now, but Apple’s current restrictions mean that they won’t allow us to make it available on the App Store for the moment.”
Are you guys allowed to elaborate on what restrictions you’re referring to?
Anyone know which and when Skype will be available for the N97 mini
wait a second…
2009-10-06: “All of us at Skype applaud today’s announcement by AT&T that it’ll open up its 3G network to Internet calling applications such as Skype. It’s the right step for AT&T, Apple, millions of mobile Skype users and the Internet itself.” (http://www.macrumors.com/2009/10/06/apple-and-skype-react-to-atandts-announcement-of-support-for-iphone-voip-services/)
2009-12-28: “We’ve had a 3G-capable version ready for some time now, but Apple’s current restrictions mean that they won’t allow us to make it available on the App Store for the moment.”
what happened in 3 months? nothing?
I would really love to see Skype for BlackBerry ASAP. I am using Skype more and more on my PC but really need it on my BlackBerry. How can I get in on the private beta testing??? I have a Storm2 9550 on Verizon. I will be travelling internationally twice this year and would love to be able to use Skype while away!
What about Android? Must be the easiest platform to develop for, but nothing but the near-useless lite version.
hi when is available the skype for blackberry phones ?????
here announced the las year and nothing yet ????
Answers please ….
would unlocking the bb storm, inserting a different sim card, make it skype friendly for use in germany? thanks.
Last year when I read that Skype will release an APP for Blackberry I put it on the list of the programs that will be on mine. Today after 8 months of the due month of the “lite” version still no news. I have a BB Curve 8350i with Sprint/Nextel, which is one of the best phones I hever had. Please at least do you have an ETA on the release? OR as many other BB users I will also offer to be part of the Private Testing.
My blackberry bold 9700 does everything but skype video calls. What’s the hold up? Love skype for the desktop is there a windows 64 bit version? Technolgy shure is at a fast pace and driving everyone’s market. I would be happy to assist in any blackberry testing. Thanks for your great products.
I’m happy to hear that you are working on an app for Blackberry since I just purchased a “Pearl” this evening and was VERY disappointed to hear that there isn’t a download available for it yet.
I am a HUGE SKYPE fan complete with SKYPE-OUT number and really would like to use it on a daily basis via my new Blackberry.
I will wait with GREAT anticipation!
-Bob
Hi,
Someone asked above about Skype for Nokia N97 but you did not respond.
I have a Nokia N97 and I have installed Skype Lite on it:
- I can connect to skype and toough the touch screen feature doesn’t work, I can use it to chat, no problem.
I however cannot make a skype call from the phone ( the ‘CALL’ option does not exist)!!
What does this mean?
The Nokia N97 is a full wifi device and I was hoping that I could use it the same way as any mobile computing device..
Is there any other version that will allow me to call (skype – to – skype) from the Nokia N97?
Thanks,
Nairobi, Kenya.
@hkilai Skype Lite only allows calling in certain countries, unfortunately. However, you might like to try the beta of Skype for Symbian, which is a much more full-featured app.
Will you guys please develop an app for Palm WebOS? Really want to see that happen.
Thank you.
Just ran FRING on my N95 with skype video via both WiFi and 3G. Worked extremely well both ways. Voice and picture were just fantastic. Can’t wait for FRING to include WMV 5.0/6.x on their Video roll-out. I thought Skype would be the first to roll-out Video on the PDA but FRING has been successful and is powering it seems.
Hey guys, why skype for blackberry will be released only for Rio an Sao Paulo, what about other major cities???
Remember that next worldcup will be hosted in many cities in brazil. The next olimpics will be in Rio with other cities such as Salvador as co-hosters.
Most turists don’t even go to sao paulo, insted they go to salvador and florianopolis. Business are done in Rio-sao paulo-brasilia-salvador and Belo horizonte
Once you are already delaing with a release for rio and sao paulo why not go a bit further and cover all country?
Hope u guys get the ideia.
Cheers Victor Andrade(user since skype was first developed)
hey guys, you’re free to send your ready voip-over-3G app to Apple now: http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/10/01/27/apple_now_allowing_iphone_apps_to_make_voip_calls_over_3g_networks.html
hope to see also Push Notifications very soon
And one more person anxious to see skype on my blackberry. When?
I installed the latest veersion of Fring for Symbian on my old 5800XM (no SIM installed and only throught WIFI) and it works fantastic. Videotalked with other people and audio /video experience is great. Now I have a LG Layla (GM750) with WM6.5 and videocall is not available from neither Fring nor Skype..Shame …
i´m verry disappointed about Skype, i was thinking they are a much more serious company, new they show there really face or do not have the right person on the right place, new more than 2 weeks later and still no iphone app for the 3G….
I am able to test app for N97 if Beta version will come
I am able to test app for N97 if Beta version will come.
I am calling a lot from mobiles with Skype.
where is the skype client for the n97??????????????????????????????????????
Hi, I need a Skype Download link for Nokia N900 (unfortunately not preinstalled on my phone)
- the skype.com/m displays a page , telling me to search for it in ovi store.
But there is no skype at ovi store.
This is the answer I got from Nokia:
———————————————————————-
Thank you for contacting NOKIA Care.
As Ovi Store only is a plattform for developers of software to offer their products, Nokia only supports the technical side of the store.
Please ask Skype if they can provide you with a link or a download possibilityy.
Best regards
…
—————————————————————————–
Please give me a working download link, best regards
Peter
why dont they have it for the LG Xenon??;(
Two months ago we read that a Skype version for N97 would be released. I cannot find this version in the skype.com or even nokia.com. Should I have bought the N900 ?
hi, was just wondering when will there be an skype app or skype lite for the LG Xenon? the phones listed for skype lite are no longer available and hard to find. Not everyone has an IPhone or Blackberry.
@ripleysaenz you should check out Skype for Symbian, which works great on the N97.
Please, please create Skype mobile for WebOS (Palm Pre/Pixi)!
Hi Russ, Steve Mellott’s comment took the words right out of my mouth. With all the hype of the Palm Pre and their WebOS, why have they been left behind :0{
Come on?!?!?!? How much longer will it be Skype people?
Not a word for android! It is not the fact that Skype will develop or not something for android, this is the fact that there is no statement at all regarding android. Strange way of communicating or rather not communicating. I would understand a statement such as ” Skype will not develop an app for android” Or, “we intend to do it, but this not for the time being our priority” I do not understand this “laisser aller” which creates anger to your clients.