vB Easy Archive - Skype coming to the Blackberry

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Skype coming to the Blackberry
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Posted by: yoage

announced at WES...

http://www.prnewswire.com/news/inde...04582735&EDATE=

Skype Wirelessly Anywhere on BlackBerry Smartphones

ORLANDO, Fla., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Wireless Enterprise Symposium --
SHAPE Services announced today the release of a new version of its IM+ for
Skype Software for BlackBerry(R) smartphones from Research In Motion (RIM)
(Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM).
IM+ for Skype Software by SHAPE Services is a mobile client for Skype
Software. It enables voice and text communication with other Skype users as
well as cost-effective calling to landline or mobile connections. IM+ for
Skype Software uses SkypeOut credits for voice communication ensuring cost-
effective calls to any number around the globe. For users of Skype
Unlimited plan (only USD 29.95 per year) IM+ enables almost free calling
from a BlackBerry smartphone to any PC with Skype or any landline/mobile
number. All you need is a BlackBerry smartphone and IM+ for Skype Software
installed.
Providing desktop-like access to a familiar Skype experience from any
mobile device is the plan of SHAPE Services. In the nearest future the
company is going to release versions for Windows Mobile Pocket PC, Windows
Mobile Smartphone, Palm OS, Symbian OS and J2ME devices. A WAP version for
universal access from low-end devices is also in the company's plans for
the upcoming months.
About SHAPE Services
SHAPE Services ( http://www.shapeservices.com ) works in cross-platform
mobile software development since 2002. SHAPE' products keep the leading
position in wireless IM and Remote Access markets. SHAPE's flagship IM+
Mobile Instant Messenger supports public and corporate IM systems: MSN/Live
Messenger, AIM/iChat, Yahoo!, Jabber, ICQ, Google Talk, MySpace, Skype,
Microsoft LCS, Lotus Sametime, Reuters Messaging and Oracle IM on
BlackBerry, Symbian (S60, Series 80, Series 90 and UIQ), Windows Mobile
Pocket PC and Smartphone, J2ME, i-mode, Palm OS and BREW.
For more information, visit: http://www.shapeservices.com
Skype(TM) and SkypeOut(TM) are registered trademarks of Skype Limited.
IM+ for Skype Software uses the Skype API but is not endorsed or certified
by Skype.
The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols
are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

Posted by: vawireless

looks like it's already available for download / purchase

http://www.shapeservices.com/en/pro...ype&platform=bb

Posted by: ampad

Quote:

Originally Posted by vawireless

looks like it's already available for download / purchase

http://www.shapeservices.com/en/pro...ype&platform=bb

It looks like that app doesn't use data for the Skype call, but instead calls your cellphone to connect the call. (thus uses plan minutes)

Is there anybody working on a Blackberry Skype that uses data?

Posted by: BBCoolSimon

You got my hopes up on that, but no, it uses data... nipped from the FAQ :

Quote:

* Will my mobile operator charge me for made by IM+ for Skype Software?

Your operator will not charge for SkypeOut. You will be charged for data traffic used, unless you are under an unlimited data plan, in which case your operator will only receive the monthly payment that you usually pay for the unlimited data plan.

Posted by: ampad

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBCoolSimon

You got my hopes up on that, but no, it uses data... nipped from the FAQ :

I'm running the program now, and it definitely does not use data for the actual voice call. It must use data to setup the initialization of the call, but after that, your phone rings and you are connected to your intended party. (Indeed, you are charged twice for Skypeout for the calls, one call to your phone, and the other call to the intended party.)

Posted by: BBCoolSimon

Hrmm. So carriers still get to charge their standard airtime, but they'd be losing out on long-distance rates since those calls would be fed through Skype, right? Can anyone else verify that Skype's running on your voice plan and not your data?

Posted by: mas90guru

I wonder if this can be somehow linked to a button on a web site. For example, "click here to contact me" and then it would connect to my Blackberry phone ?

Posted by: DubDub

I really don't see how you will have good call quality on EDGE. Even 3G and EV-Do would be suspect since data takes a back seat to voice on the cell networks. Using minutes really doesn't do much for me anyway.