Skype has announced a new Android version of its mobile VoIP service, porting Skype Lite which is currently available on a range of Java handsets. Skype Lite, currently in Beta, will let Android users utilize a standard voice channel to make a local call, which is then converted to VoIP. There will be charges for the local calls, but users could stand to make gains on long-distance calls if those called are logged on to Skype.
“Call on Skype wherever you are - no WiFi or 3G required”, reads promotional material for Skype Lite. A version for the iPhone may show up, but will be technically challenging. Getting the application to the Apple Application Store would not be a walk in the park either.
Apple’s partner operators will likely frown on users being able to convert international calls into local call charges. The store already includes a VoIP application from Truphone, which was added when the developer agreed to remove 3G network support. Skype Lite’s Java client uses GPRS (or alternative) to keep an updated list of Skype contacts, and provide IM features.
Skype doesn’t stand to gain much financially from this development, but instead hopes to entice more users to adopt Skype use on a regular basis.
Result for: truphone
Truphone, a new freeware application for the iPod Touch, promises to use the media player’s built in Wi-Fi to turn the device into a virtual mobile phone where owners can make phone calls using Skype.
Although you can currently only make calls to other iPod or iPhone users using the app, the developers say calls to landlines will be in place in the near future.
Geraldine Wilson, Truphone’s CEO, added: “There are a slew of new features we’re rolling out for the iPod Touch that will let users call landlines, Skype users or send instant messages. We’re talking weeks, not months, before these go live.”
“We’ve decided to focus on devices that are wi-fi enabled and have an apps-store. For the consumer, there has to be an easy way of downloading an application.”
