Skype intros a beta version of its VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) application for Java-enabled handsets. The product still being in beta can be downloaded free of cost and offers notable Skype features like chat, group chat, presence and receiving calls through SkypeIn. The beta version also allows customer feedback that will help Skype make changes before it is commercially launched. Rather the beta version is to gain feedback from tech-savvy customers.
It is said to work on around 50 mobile phones from the likes of Nokia, Motorola, Samsung and Sony Ericsson handsets. The cost of this service depends on the usage. Skype-to-Skype chats and calls will not be charged. However users not on Skype, receiving calls from other Skype users and over SkypeIn will be charged at regular rates. Skype-to-Skype or SkypeOut from mobiles will be charged according to data usage and local calling by the mobile operator. In case of roaming you will end up paying on both ends. Be careful, don’t forget to log off as it could get expensive. However, it’s still an affordable option to make international calls.
As of now all the Skype features are available only to a few countries namely Brazil, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Estonia and the UK. Users elsewhere can use chat, group chat, presence and receiving calls through SkypeIn.
Skype, owned by eBay, can be directly installed on the phone or you can download it to the computer and then transfer it to your device. Skype’s recent contribution to mobile phones, which has data networks operated by cellular carriers carrying the calls, is indeed quite muddle-heading. As on one hand it’s talking about the high margins of operators and on the other, users opting for this service need to have expensive data plans over which the calls are placed.