Skype for mobile phones released
Skype, a VOIP and instant messaging application, has just released J2ME versions of their software application for several mobile phones. Skype for your mobile is currently under beta and available for several Nokia, Samsung, Motorola and Sony Ericsson mobile phones. I’ve downloaded and tried it on my Nokia phone.
What’s good about the new Skype for mobile phones is that aside from being able to use it using your mobile phone carrier’s network, you can also use it on free wifi networks if your mobile phone has wifi and you have access to free wireless lan networks. And you would only need to bring your mobile phone this time and not your notebook.
But you’ll have to wait a little longer (I guess) because right now only two Nokia N series mobile phones are supported — the Nokia N95 and the Nokia N80.
I’ve decided to try it out on the Nokia N80 because it has a higher screen resolution than the N95. After downloading the zip file from the Skype for mobile download page, installation was a no brainer, just unzipped and installed the nokiaN80.jar file and sent it to my phone via bluetooth.
Once I got Skype started, a sign-in screen got displayed prompting for a skype user name (registration is required), password and mobile phone number. Filled it up and clicked “Sign in”.
Upon signing it, I was prompted if I would allow the Skype application network access on my mobile phone. After choosing “yes” and selecting wifi for the connecton, I was signed in. I got a list of my contacts as the first screen.
I can actually move to 3 different screens — contacts, chat and events. By clicking the right or left button on my d-pad, the screen would scroll to the left or right going to the screens. The screen scrolling was actually smooth on my Nokia mobile phone.
The Skype for mobile phone menu allows you to change your online status, manage your contacts and edit your account profile plus check your Skype credit. You’ll have to go to the Skype web site to add credits to your account.
I tried the instant messaging option and it works like a charm. I was able to chat with others on the Skype application on my mobile phone.
The Skype for mobile is still in beta but already it looks good. You should be aware that although Skype is free between Skype to Skype users, you may get some data charges from your mobile phone network operator depending on your cell phone plan.
Here’s some of the screen shots of the Skype for mobile J2ME application:
