Skype Comes To All Android 2.1+ Phones
Skype just announced all Android phones that are running Android’s 2.1 OS or greater can access Skype from Android Market Place. Before you get excited you should know there is some limitations like the app only works over WIFI, Another limitation is to make calls over seas the call will go over your carrier so you will be charged for the international call.
Currently if you browse the comments you will find a lot of users are having problems, but this can be fixed by a simple update. Some of the current issues with the app is signing in problems and Skype seems to not work on some phones like the Samsung Galaxy S phone. Sadly currently Skype for Android still doesn’t support video calling and there is no word on if/when it will. If you want to make video calls you can download Fring from the Android Market Place.
Some of the things that Skype for Android lets you do is
- Make free Skype-to-Skype calls over WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G) to other Skype users anywhere in the world using Skype’s SILK codec for CD-like audio quality.
- Make low rate Skype calls to landline or mobile phones
- Send and receive instant messages to one or a group of friends on Skype
- Synchronize contacts between Skype and the native address book and after synchronization place Skype calls directly from the native address book.
- See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or chat
- Easily import names and numbers to the Skype application from the native address book
- Receive calls on their Skype online number
not to mention, if you want video calling, TANGO is another app you can use on 3g or wifi. works way better than fring. this app is only available for android os 2.1+. sorry for those of you who owns android os below 2.1 maybe next time.
Why do I need this when I can do all this already with Nimbuzz and also be logged it to a dozen other messengers from the same app??
@ JIM you don’t need this and I personally don’t use Skype but some people use and like Skype.
@Jake thanks I never heard of tango and when I get the MyTouch HD I will try it.
I’m still unclear if I root my G1 that is currently running 1.6 to run 2.1, if I will then be able to download and use the skype app. I realize that it’s not even an option while running 1.6.
Ya you should be able to but personally I wouldn’t root your phone so you can just use Skype.
I’m not able to download skype application at htc hero android 2.1 mobile set.