Skype On Verizon Coming Thursday

Mar 23 2010, 6:57pm CDT | by Mark Raby

Verizon's mobile Skype app, which was announced last month, will be available for nine handsets the day after tomorrow. It's a free download but it's not as good as it seems.

Despite what the initial reception was to the Verizon-Skype announcement, users cannot simply place all their calls over a data network and use 0 plan minutes for eternity.

Instead, even calls made through Skype will be routed over Verizon's voice network. However, calls to other Skype users will still be free, but if you use the app to call a regular telephone number, it'll count just like a normal call.

"We purposely made the decision to route it over traditional circuit switched because that's what the network was designed for -- it was designed for voice," said Skype Mobile's general manager Russ Shaw.

Other benefits of Skype Mobile include Skype's instant messaging service, and the ability to send your contacts to Skype's mobile servers so they're saved if you buy a new phone.

Some Verizon phones will get the new Skype program automatically while others will require an app download. Expect to find the app on Thursday.

Updates

Tablets Ad Impressions Skyrocket, Led by iPad

Source: PC Magazine

For the top stories in tech, follow us on Twitter at @PCMag. More and more consumers snapped up non-phone devices like tablets, MP3 players, and ereaders during the first quarter, capturing 20 percent of the handheld device market. That's a 33 p ...
Full article at: PC Magazine More like this 38 minutes ago

Obama Calls for Govt. Apps as Part of Digital Strategy

Source: PC Magazine

For the top stories in tech, follow us on Twitter at @PCMag. On Thursday, President Obama ordered each branch of the federal government to develop at least two apps, providing access to essential services on mobi ...
Full article at: PC Magazine More like this 38 minutes ago

Would You Pay More for Mobile in the Sky? Survey Says No!

Source: Andy Beal's Marketing Pilgrim

We’re very attached to our mobile phones. I don’t know about where you live, but here in Southern California it’s common to see people talking or texting while shopping, walking, driving, even while watching a movie (in spite of those cle ...
Full article at: Andy Beal's Marketing Pilgrim More like this 1 hour ago

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

Don't miss ...

Mobile Phones

4 Million iPhone 4S sold in First Weekend

Mark Raby
Based in New York City, Mark follows the consumer electronics industry like a hawk. A published book author, he has a particular affinity for 3D technology and video games, and as such will surely be in the market for a new pair of glasses soon. Mark can be contacted directly at mark@i4u.com.