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.
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.
