Video: Skype Lite on Android
Yesterday at CES, among Skype's many announcements (Skype on Mobile Internet Devices! Skype Lite in the US! Super Wideband Audio!), my favorite has to be Skype Lite on the Android platform.
The Skype Lite client provides a great way to have Skype with you at all times--it's really nice to use the G1's keyboard for chats on the go, and it's really easy to use your phone's minutes to call Skype contacts and make SkypeOut calls internationally for cheap using your Skype credit. (But do be aware--receiving Skype calls on a Skype Lite client uses your Skype credit, but you can set the client not to receive any calls if you want.)
Here's a video I made showing off Skype Lite on Android's features:
It's available now in the Android Market (just search for Skype). You can also download Skype Lite for more than 100 other Java-enabled mobile phones from Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola and LG by going to the Skype website in your phone's browser.
alfredomesen commented Friday, Jan 9
Hopefully we'll be able to talk skype2skype once it's out of beta...
deskefa commented Saturday, Jan 10
Just instaled it. Can't find the dialing feature (no icon on top left corner). Can't do any out calls to other skypes. Have 10€ of skype credit (but should't be required since I'm the one calling). Tried with 3G and Wifi...
Can chat. See contacts... just can't call.
Sure it's just a misconfiguration of mine, or a quick update will be provided since it was so recently released. Any way would apreciate some feedback, just in case I'm doing it all wrong.
Thank's a lot 
deskefa commented Saturday, Jan 10
just found the answer... it's in the manual... sadly calls aren't yet available in portugal...
hopefully not for long... 
pracovnik1 commented Monday, Jan 12
No calls can be made, no free calls received even when in WI-FI spot. This application is not ready for prime time, it sucks. If I wanted to IM, I would use another application. Please make Skype like it is on computers. Free calls computer-to-computer (or phone-to-skype_contact) over wifi or carrier's data plan.
Else is is useless.
pantiltzoom commented Wednesday, Jan 14
Sad that receiving any phone calls, even from a skype caller, skype credit is used.
kristsoy commented Friday, Jan 23
Anyone know if I have unlimited world calling plan with skype, does that mean I can call unlimited with my skype mobile lite as well? As long as I have a DATA plan? thanks
alexpeli commented Monday, Feb 9
Sounds so very cool to have SKYPE on your G1...but sadly it seems to work in the US only or so...
Because I tried to find it on the Android Market in The Netherlands but --->
it is not there!
Has anyone an idea if they going to make it available in the Netherlands?
greets and thanx,
PeLi
kelvin294 commented Friday, Feb 13
Hi every one, I have the skype S2 and the old S1 UK 3network to use in the uk when there, and more or less it works very very well, i understand this kind of cell fone is coming to the netherlands, can any one tell me if it is coming, what kind of cell I:E skypecell / LG 3G / etc, looking so much forward to it coming here... maybe an normal 3G cell, with a download with skype lite.
if any one can answer please reply.... thanks kelvin.
grgdfftt commented Friday, Feb 20
I have Skye on 3 and would like to know if I was to take out a yearly subscition would I be able to use this in Turkey, also would anyone in the UK be able to contact me in Turkey from the UK with my Skype number.
berrym. commented Saturday, Feb 28
It sucks, even having skype credit I can't make any calls - why don't they make one like for the Windows based handhelds where it works like on a computer.
Do it right or just don't do it !
ehud.klein commented Thursday, Mar 12
can someone post a direct link?
im trying to find it on the market but its not there, but im from outside the US, maybe its not available here?
dr.luiji.g1 commented Tuesday, Mar 31
No skype call avalaible, no icon near the other (Chat, Show profile, Remove ,Block), even after I have bought credit.
I've credit but I'm unable to make or receive a call.
In the main skype page 'www.skype.com you' can read with font 28 'Free internet calls'... add the asterisk 'except for android'.
I'm in Italy can be a problem ?
rfdparker2002 commented Tuesday, Mar 31
Any news on a 'real' Skype client for Android (data-based calls of WiFi)? Especially now a version (that is 'real' from the get-go) has been announced.
Remember: there may be loads of iPhones and iPod Touchs compared to G1s at this time, but the advantage Android has over Apple is the same as that Linux and Windows have over OS X - that they're not restricted to one manufacturer's hardware; loads of big handset manufacturers (including Sony Ericsson, Motorola and Samsung) have announced plans to release Android-based handsets, so it won't take long for Android to destroy the market-share of Apple's firmware; so Android is definitely worth investing the time (and money) in.
theianwright commented Monday, Apr 13
I guess the iPhone is the shiny one.
Or are you waiting for Android to hit every other smart phone on the market before releasing it?
"Lite" This is pointless, I can just as well use my Skype international numbers rather than waste battery running an application... it's quicker than firing up an application as well. It's not beta, or lite, it's just plain incomplete.
Skype could have had a bunch of early adopters talking it up before Google Voice hit the ground running but, well... fail.
skythra commented Tuesday, Apr 28
Mm, Android should be a perfect platform for Skype. Android is about freedom from restrictive ohone OS's and Skype is about freedom from telephone companies through voip. Hopefully they will realise this and in some act of honor, stop making deals with apple and start allowing people to use Skype how the feel is best.
jpkeisala commented Monday, May 4
I cannot find Skype from Android Market in Spain. Could it be some operator (Vodafone) or regional restriction?
sgc9711 commented Wednesday, May 6
I have been searching using my HTC Dream Google phone for a week for Android "Market" but Skype is not there! Has Skype been removed from the repositories there?
dgoryunov commented Wednesday, Jun 17
I have been using Skype Lite for some time on Android now. Would like to share my experience here.
I love the concept of making actual call over the cell network rather than VoIP network. Skype over IP on my desktop quite often has poor quality. I'm not sure how it works on iPhone over WiFi, but on Windows Mobile quality was horrible. I understand that some will consider it a heresy, but I have unlimited minutes. Calling to other countries makes perfect sense. Quality has been quite good for calling Russia from US. I would not mind to have a choice of VoIP, but I hope that option to make Skype calls over cell would remain.
One gripe - Skype Lite application on Android creates huge load on the processor and drains the battery without valid justification - in the end it is not VoIP.
beatus78 commented Friday, Jul 31
Skype on Android desperately needs to move on from the "lite" version to the full version. At present it's only good for IM and if you have many contacts on Skype that's not bad, but even if you have a slide-out keyboard, you don't want to do IM a lot. You just want Skype for VOICE primarily, and VoIP not circuit switched!!
I consider this app almost useless at present. Neither Fring nor iSkoot do it any different from this Skype Lite app 
sparkeast commented Monday, Aug 10
It really defeats the whole skype concept.
Skype lite without wifi capability to make voice call is just another useless software that lays idle in Android powered phones.
It has been about 8 month now since the release of the beta version of skype lite and still no full version out yet.
I think Skype can do much better unless they are getting some compensation from mobile operators... otherwise I can't see any other reasonable reason.
sparkeast commented Monday, Aug 10
It really defeats the whole skype concept.
Skype lite without wifi capability to make voice call is just another useless software that lays idle in Android powered phones.
It has been about 8 month now since the release of the beta version of skype lite and still no full version out yet.
I think Skype can do much better unless they are getting some compensation from mobile operators... otherwise I can't see any other reasonable reason.
citizenlee commented Monday, Aug 10
C'mon Skype! This is a backwards step... what's the point with no VOIP?
thanasis.mousiolis commented Tuesday, Aug 11
isnt there any other software that can do the job and still be compatible with skype contacts?
maybe it's all a matter of "natural choice"...
bapf0r commented Monday, Aug 17
As of today VoIP calls are officially allowed in the german O2-network (and O2 also sells an Android-Handy in Germany) so it would be great if the call function would be enabled for german networks (or at least the o2-network).
On the other hand ... every Android-Phone can connect to WiFi so why isn't the call function at least over WiFi enabled everywhere?
bapf0r commented Monday, Aug 17
As of today VoIP calls are officially allowed in the german O2-network (and O2 also sells an Android-Phone in Germany) so it would be great if the call function would be enabled for german networks (or at least the o2-network).
On the other hand ... every Android-Phone can connect to WiFi so why isn't the call function at least over WiFi enabled everywhere?
mattforrest commented Friday, Aug 21
Blocked in Norway too. Should not have released the software, even in beta. Makes the company look crap and pisses off your customers. Bad move by Skype. I have also made a complaint to my mobile carrier, Chess, in Norway for false advertising the use of Skype on the HTC Hero. I got the phone for business use and Skype calls are a major part of my business. Not a happy camper. Back to Fring on my N95 until A Skype app works on Android in Norway.
renemoerman commented Saturday, Aug 22
Come on skype people: let us talk.
And please do it first for the netherlands 
melhafyani commented Sunday, Aug 23
Quite to be honest with you all, I don't see a use for using skype lite since it will eat your actual cell provider minutes, I just think it is stupid, what's the point of skype lite, this is a double stand from skype part, creating a kind like full version for iphone, but creating skype lite for android, symbian,... and the list goes on. oh, did I mention that skype lite will drain your battery too.
yann_aker commented Tuesday, Aug 25
iPhone is a hit in Paris because of good and cheap WIFI coverage all over the city. Skype voice iPhone-to-iPhone works pretty good, this has given iPhone a big boost as a cheap but goos phone solution !!!!
No Android for me until Skype voice is out. Tired of waiting I might end up with an iPhone. My calender says 2009, voip is here to stay.
sunderkk commented Wednesday, Aug 26
Will there be any work on this to make it not use your minutes, but skype-out? What are the issues preventing your work?
urulucho commented Tuesday, Sep 1
Can anyone explain to US, android users, WHY NIMBUZZ APPLICATION IN NOKIA (5800) ALLOW CALLS BETWEEN SKYPE USERS, VIA VOIP, USING 3G OR EVEN WIFI CONNECTION?????, while we can´t make ANY PHONE CALL WITHOUT USING SKYPE CREDIT???
(sorry my english)
urulucho commented Tuesday, Sep 1
I´d forgot to mention Nimbuzz is available in Android Market....., don´t bother in try it.... it doesn´t allows phone calls even....
martinjsteven commented Tuesday, Sep 1
"Here's a video I made showing off Skype Lite on Android's features"
Ha! What features. Skype Lite for Android is an embarassment to Skype, just like Skype 4 for desktop is. And don't get me started on that!
Skype Lite signs you out as soon as you hit the back or home button. It doesn't even sit there in the background, meaning if you want to use Skype on your phone, that's ALL you can use. So much for multitasking handsets eh Skype?
And you can't make skype to skype calls without it costing you money or using your inclusive minutes on your mobile call package! Hello, Skype? Wasn't that the whole point?
Really, beta or no beta, you should be ashamed of yourselves for releasing such an unusable piece of software.
worldnick commented Friday, Sep 18
"use your phone's minutes to call Skype contacts.."
That sounds completely useless.
justaguy_75ae commented Friday, Sep 25
I would strongly recommend using sipdroid for your voip needs.
justaguy_75ae commented Friday, Sep 25
I would strongly recommend using sipdroid for your voip needs until skype comes up with a real voip solution.
sumeet_lal commented Wednesday, Sep 30
I waited and waited and waited and waited in the Android market. Had been using Skype in Windows mobile for 3 years and Skype on PC for eternity. FINALLY gave up, now using Sipdroid with 12VoIP account works like a charm cuts like a Knife...
What more can I say, it (Sipdroid+12VoIP) does the job for me over WiFi. It is a real embarrassment using Skype Lite on Android (the platform of the future). Wake up Skype you are losing business...
tunapala commented Tuesday, Oct 13
Sorry just copy and paste but the situation is totally same for me and I can't describe it better...
I waited and waited and waited and waited in the Android market. Had been using Skype in Windows mobile for 3 years and Skype on PC for eternity. FINALLY gave up, now using Sipdroid with 12VoIP account works like a charm cuts like a Knife...
What more can I say, it (Sipdroid+12VoIP) does the job for me over WiFi. It is a real embarrassment using Skype Lite on Android (the platform of the future). Wake up Skype you are losing business...