Fring’s mis-use of Skype software was damaging to our brand and reputation
An hour or so ago, Fring reported on their blog that we had blocked their access to Skype. I want to make one thing absolutely clear: this is untrue.
Fring was using Skype software in a way it wasn’t designed to be used – and in a way which is in breach of Skype’s API Terms of Use and End User License Agreement. We’ve been talking with Fring for some time to try to resolve this amicably.
However, over time, Fring’s mis-use of our software was increasingly damaging our brand and reputation with our customers. On Friday, for example, Fring withdrew support for video calls over Skype on iOS 4 without warning, again damaging our brand and disappointing our customers, who have high expectations of the Skype experience.
We actively encourage developers to build products that work with Skype, acting, of course in accordance with our various API licences. At the same time, Skype will rigorously protect our brand and reputation, and those developers that do not comply with our terms will be subject to legal enforcement.
In this case, however, there is no truth to Fring’s claims that Skype has blocked it. Fring made the decision to remove Skype functionality on its own.
FU Skype. Can’t remember how long I’ve been a subscriber but I’m gonna find another VOIP solution.
Just another customer expressing utter disappointment with skype service. Stuck in Europe without ability to make calls I already paid for. You should have had the decency to release an app before disconnecting the only possible work-around.
Hey Fring is doing gud job …Why you blocked it…He is giving video call option…U are damaging ur brand …..you still not provide video call on skype ….And he launched video call option….If you really want to stop your damaging reputation then launched video call option as like fring on your skype software…you are very lazy….
This is very very very bad decision ……We need video call option on mobile ….fring was doing very good….u did wrong..shame on you….you dunt know about the customer needs…..If someone is doing gud or becuming famous ..u could not bear it…dats the problem…
I’m extremely disappointed with skype, and not only this current issue but other business decisions from Skype as well. I supported skype as a customer for years because I loved the product and because I loved the community. But now after taking so much away, and eliminating some of skype’s best features, and extremely unsatisfactory customer service, horrible business decisions. There’s not much to love about skype any longer.
I bought an Android here in Singapore. I used Fring to get Skype and registered and bought call time on Skype for phone-to-phone calls. I used it quite well overseas and now Fring is out. Can I get my money back Skype?
Anything touched by eBay becomes suspect. IMHO.
The silence from Skype is becoming deafening.
If I was them, I’d be cashing out and buying Google.
What a bunch of ingrates! Has everyone lost site of the fact that Skype is a FREE application, and provides FREE communication as well as some of the best land line calling rates around the world? Please explain to me why any of you feel entitled to demand anything from Skype?
Clearly there are issues and some very strong feelings about the situation with Verizon and being able to access a fully functional Android application that supports WIFI and is not hobbled in any way. Clearly Skype need be made aware of how we all feel about it. Making demands and slinging insults is just not acceptable. I for one think that the people at Skype deserve a lot of credit for what they have built over the last 10 years or so. Most of you don’t even realize how significant Skype has been in changing how, to whom, and how little we now pay to communicate around the WORLD!!! Please keep this in mind before you continue to sling arrows.
That being said. Skype, please take note that there is great discontent and concern over that fact that there was at one point a completely functional (albeit Beta) version for Android that has since been replaced by a Verizon only version that deliberately disables WIFI capabilities and is significantly hobbled over other mobile versions such that is available for the IPhoneiTouchiPad. What appears to be an exclusive deal with Verizon with regard to the Android version of the application is very concerning to say the least. It is encouraging to hear that there will be a direct to consumer version of the Android application in the near future. It is also exciting to hear that it may include video call capability as well. For many of us the video call capability would be a nice to have but not yet a necessity. If at all possible a version for Android that just has the full functionality of the iPhoneiTouchiPad application would be more then welcome at this time. Thank you!
For those interested the following link provides information about the forthcoming Android Skype application:
http://skattertech.com/2010/05/skype-mobile-coming-to-sprint-htc-evo-4g/
You keep talking about ensure the quality of service that customers can get through Skype. However, currently, besides Verizon customers, others cannot even use Skype on Android system. If you do care about your customers, you really should make your official Skype software for Android publicly available to all the customers. That is the quality of service we as customers of Skype should get, and something you who care your reputation really should work on.
I was very disappointed with Skype regarding the Fring case…
I’m both a user of Fring on my Android and Skype on my computers,
since today i’m gonna ban skype and prevent use of skype at my company until skype returns the previous state…
BTW – I’ve just discovered the wonders of Google Talk! and combined with the Android it’s a really powerful tool…so I’m not sure I’ll ever come back to skype
Today I also posted this comment to the Fring Blog:
I could not use Skype on my android. Also Nimbuzz have a problem with the voice on my Samsung i5700. So, Fring did work well on my phone and I did use it with pleasure. And now, there’s nothing left. Skype does not listen to there customers and does not provide there service on new mobile phones in Europe like the Android phone I have.
I’m pleased with Skype on my computer but very very disapointed in they way it lead to this bad result. Fring did a very good job and they did give me good customer support when I asked them something. I regred the outcome between to compagnies very much. Good luck Fring!
Henny Joosten
Eindhoven NL
how do i find a friend and add people to my contact list?
sean
@ no.name.0000 commented Monday, Jul 19
When you state
QUOTE
What a bunch of ingrates! Has everyone lost site of the fact that Skype is a FREE application, and provides FREE communication as well as some of the best land line calling rates around the world? Please explain to me why any of you feel entitled to demand anything from Skype?
ENDQUOTE
I am not going to enter in the merit of this thread – who is right or wrong – as I do not use Fring however I take exception to what you state.
It is maybe a free application but Skype makes money out of it in the form of land line and mobile rates, SkypeOut subscription plans as well as SkypeIn.
I DO pay Skype every year for two numbers and every month for my phone calls… So FREE communication as far as I am concerned it is not. Competitive certainly but free NO.
I don’t see this as Smart move I have being using fring to spend my Skype out credit because in my country you don’t support internet calls over 3G network for symbian version. I’m not a huge Mega. Corp. but I’m really disappointed that fring guys are better developers than you and I’m not talking about the IOS4 video call feature I’m talking that I have been using fring since last year without receiving a new version of skype for symbian. At least tell us that you are working on better options than fring because you have stuff that fring doesn’t, like the conference chat over fring I’m unable to chat in a conference room but I can with you guys. Please at least give us new options. Be better to earn the right of say “why install fring, Install Skype as it is a lot better” Earn It
Skype is damaging its brand without any assistance from Fring and it is hard to believe Skype’s statement.. When do we get Skype for Android? When do we get an answer to our questions? Why to have a blog if we are not heard? I liked Skype when it started, now it looks just as making money and even not in a clever way. You could make much more money and simply be nice.
Skype doesn’t need anyone/anything to ruin it’s own reputation. Fring works well and so did Skype within it. Automatic change from WiFi to Internet connection, not too much battery usage (almost 2 days with my N97 Nokia and a normal use), good speech quality…
While Skype is totally unable to switch between connections and drains my battery (I installed Skype 8 hours ago and the batteries are already less than half charged… Skype will simply become my last choice when a Voip is needed.
I have the android nexus one… and I will be using it in europe on WIFI very soon… no SIM in my nexus one. What will I be doing to place my VOIP calls??? Apparently Skype is doing shady deals, dragging its feet, and for whatever reason not releasing a full android app. I had full wifi Skype on my (closed software) iPhone 2 YEARS AGO. They can claim they want an “acceptable” application ready, but WE ALL KNOW a simple app w/o video, working over wifi, is a JOKE to write, and thousands of us need it. I will be cancelling my account and finding an honest VOIP company if this is not worked out before I land in europe in TWO WEEKS. Skype: stop taking short money kickbacks to give companies monopolies…. you make your real money when people USE SKYPE you idiots… and furthermore when you KEEP your customers and grow the customer base. Stop your lies and release the apps, or perish.
Can anyone suggest an android VOIP service to make calls to US based phone numbers?
it’s true that now I will turn to Google talk
Fring using skype was the only reason i bought myself a smartphone (nokia 5800) for me and my girlfriend,.This way we were able to video call our families that live in seperate countries than where we live and work. Now Skype is forbiding me from seeing my family.. I had been using skype since launch.. Guess what… Will never use skype until you either offer videocalling for symbian or support fring..Google talk and MSN i am sure they will take advantage of this gap.
people! we can still use video call from our handsets via fring to fring. They still support video call.
Me and my girl is still using it now. The only limitation is pc to mobile phones.
The consensus is clear – Skype, you’re in the wrong, and you’ve managed to once again piss off a vast portion of your user base.
Bravo. You suck.
Get your act together and get your iOS4 backgrounding version out to begin with, and then implement video calling functionality ASAP. Your delays and foot dragging on this are laughable. The whole Fring debacle is the cherry on top.
@tsiguel @michael.nr.burrows @annalivia02 @alexbruceatwork @fredex2 I can assure you that we read every single comment posted here – where we have something constructive to say, we do so.
I am very disappointed with Skype and Fring. No matter what are their business issues, once allowed the use of Skype via Fring, and its consequent updgrade in the infrastructure as well as in the service quality, any interruption from my point of view (consumer) is inexcusable. I hope both parties have learned with this situation, because definitively I learned to not be dependent on an unique VOIP service.
Forget Android and iOS what about WM users no skype client is currently available and skype dont support WM 6.5 anymore? I have used skype and fring in different forms and on different devices for years. This is very disappointing forget video calling any functionality is appreciated to your users. This is more damaging than any slightly dodgy video services! You will just subscribers to Yahoo and Palringo etc even bloody MSN!!!
So check it out people… I have an HTC EVO… found the apk file for skype mobile searching online, downloaded and installed it… 10 minutes later I uninstalled it… it does not at this time do any live video chat like fring does… this is the same version that’s on some verizon phones currently… so even if they released it to everyone today you’d still be disappointed… TRUST! This delay in releasing it, better be because they are working on video chat… If so hurry the “F” up…
Skype subscription canceled.
Renewing until Skype develops a stable mobile app (Nokia 5800).
In the meantime: Fring/Betamax VOIP
What a ridiculous move by skype. Very disappointed longterm customer. I will probably cancel my subscription very soon.
Release Skype for ANDROID
PLEASE
I am disappointed big time.
I think skype and fring should work out the deal or both of you will lose.
Skype: Dont fool your customers anymore,- Everyone knows that this happens simply because they were beginning to escape from your hands and began to complicate the possibility that represent money in your pockets.
This only serves to show how inefficient is the Skype team to evolve and provide more and better opportunities for their clients.
So, that is why I have MORE THAN ONE YEAR hoping that Skype enable SkypeIn service in Argentina .. after receiving a “very soon” response: something that ever happened and why I’m still waiting!
(May be 2 or 3 years of waiting, is a reasonable time for the people of Skype!?)
Weak iOS 4 update, no video chat? Really?!? Come on
Damaging your brand?
More like doing you a bloody favour.
Sort out your own iOS app (ie. add video), and create apps for other platforms before you accuse other people of damaging your brand.
Never heard something so ridiculous.
Guys video chat is a must on a IOS4 update.
Another one here for Skype video chat on Android. It’s absence is alarming, and leaves the market wide open for rivals.
Skype, I am all for it if you come out with your own video chat app for android, but if not let fring have their rights back. I am way happier and understanding having the service nad knowing it can go down from time to time rather than not having it at all one day. That is the type of situation that creates an unhappy customer. If there’s an interruption in service due to almost 2 million new devices accessing the service in a single day I can understand and won’t be dissatisfied with Fring or you guys for that. Just get us video chat back. Thanks
@peterparkes
We appreciate you “reading every single comment”, really, we do.
However, if all that you have written in this blog (in the light of nearly 300 angry posts of many /paying/ customers, such as myself) was as good as your proclaimed effort of “saying something constructive” gets, Skype seems to either be clinically dead or just indirectly saying that you don’t care… which tells everyone all they need to know.
i’ve just bought a skype landline number presuming i could use my android G1 handset to pick up the calls, what a waste of cash. very disappointed customer.
Skype brand damage has been entirely self inflicted in my opinion. Charging only iPhone users for the privilege of using the 3G data they’ve already paid for? How much damage do you think that did to your brand? Irreparable damage as far as I’m concerned.
Skype..come on, please! We need video chat on the iPhone 4!
A competitor gave us video chat on the iphone 4 so we all know its possible, then you banned that competitor because they beat you to it?!?! Yet you update your app without a feature that everyone wants??!?!
WOW better get the suits back to the conference room and figure out what you’re doing wrong, your customers feedback might be a good place to start. WAKE UP
I’m a Skype user and a Fring user in Symbian and Android and I’m dissapointed with Skype. We need make videocall and other things that Skype don’t offer us directly with Skype official mobile client. I have been recomending Skype, to use with and without Fring, but now…
Please, listen to users and change your policy, readmittance to Fring.
A dissapointed user.
I am extremely disapointed with the fact that Skype does not support video chat with newest version that was just released today. Fring was supporting it but now you block it? This was a really poor business decision. I honestly will end up leaving skype for whatever competitor gets a video chat platform first on iOS 4.
Seriously Skype get your act together or you will lose users to a competitor that does allow that feature.
Wow finally multitasking because I was starting to not use it and many friends use fring now. i just love skype really because I use more the voip than the skype to skype but sometimes I want to videocall and that’s where skype are failing and knowing how fast you do things I guess we have to wait to another year or just praying another more than decent voip in the ios device.
What are waiting skype for distributor a release for android and iphone ?
only angry people
@zvonkomatovski we no longer have plans to charge a supplement to make calls over 3G on the iPhone.
To: Robert Miller.
I have used Skype for a long time now
and personally can tell that skype has take good care of me.
by replying to my emails etc…
That been said, i think you can trust me by saying that we (skype users) are
waiting to have a way to use skype with our smartphones (Sprint is my carrier and won’t change to verizon’s) in a movil way
i hope fring, skype, or a new co could bring this service back to us all.
Mr. Miller,
Skype is hurting it’s own image by failing to meet customers needs.
Really disappointed in skype.. not fring.
I am on android not iphone for a start but yet its all gone from Fring.
The only ones damaging your reputation are yourselves, everyone knows its all about $$ and that they did a better job that you did.
I am now looking for alternatives to skype like many others I know..
Hope you reconsider