Skype announced at CES that the new pared-down Skype Lite app is available for Android. The new slim-line edition of Skype will run on any Android phone, as well as hundred of Java enabled models. It’s not yet available for iPhone, but Apple says that as soon as they fix some power consumption issues, an iPhone app will be released.
From the release:
“Making the Skype experience available for download to Android-powered devices, as well as hundreds of other mobile phones from the world’s leading handset manufacturers is a major step forward for Skype,” said Scott Durchslag, COO of Skype. “Nearly half the world’s population are mobile phone users today and we know that many people who already use Skype want the option to use Skype on their mobile phones. We are committed to working towards our goal of getting Skype into the pockets of the mobile masses.”
What we think?
Pro’s – cheap phone calls, obviously. But quite a few of my friends are on Skype, and it’ll be great to have a small, fast version of Skype on my phone to contact them with. While it was possible to access Skype via third party apps, it’s good that they’ve released their own, mobile-customised version.
Con’s – the usual VoIP problem. When you’re pressed for time, it’s just easier to make a phone call. After all, that’s what the device is designed for.
