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Skype goes mobile

Skype's new cell phone is launched

Toytown Germany > Discussion forum > Themes > Miscellaneous
smak
QUOTE
Bit by bit, big names in the computing world are barging into the cell-phone business. First came Apple's (AAPL) game-changing iPhone. Next came word that Google (GOOG) is creating its own software platform for a new breed of cell phones. Now Skype (EBAY), which popularized free and cheap phone calls over the Internet, is set to launch a customized cell phone developed jointly with 3 Mobile, a wireless carrier in Europe, Asia, and Australia.

Code-named the "white phone," the Skype handset will be introduced by late October in Britain, Italy, Hong Kong, and Australia, and will reach 3's other five markets later, BusinessWeek has learned. There are no immediate plans to bring the device to North America, though the companies may try to license it to other carriers or sell versions straight to consumers for them to use on other networks.

Looks like every major company is jumping on to this profitable Mobile Network scenario. Hope we the users benefit from such competition.

Read on at : Skype goes mobile
and check out this link for some fun ... It is not related to the topic, but a really innovative ad.
HellesAngel
Profitable? Sure there's a lot of money sloshing around that business but because of the fierce competition there are very few who are making money, ie. true profit. At least the huge barriers to entry prevent the competition from getting worse but means that most 'new' manufacturers are buying in the mobile phone nuts and bolts from someone else and wrapping them in their own pretty plastics/display/UI and so on.
Hutcho
You can do this same type of thing now but a lot cheaper than with Skype using a VoIP client for your mobile phone. You just have to make sure you're on a decent data plan. It can be absolutely free though if you can connect to a wifi network.
minga
Nokia E51 has VoIP and can be used over WLAN. VoIP provider Jajah offers a mobile plugin. But not sure if it will work over WLAN.
smak
QUOTE (Hutcho @ Oct 18 2007, 3:00 pm) *
You can do this same type of thing now but a lot cheaper than with Skype using a VoIP client for your mobile phone. You just have to make sure you're on a decent data plan. It can be absolutely free though if you can connect to a wifi network.

Yes, but you would need a phone in which you can in fact install VOIP. Skype, by introducing it's own phone will provide a VOIP enabled phone and due to its connection with a mobile operator, provide a service that might end up being cheaper. Using WIFI is obviously a cheaper option.

On a personal front, I am impressed that Google, Skype etc are introducing mobile phones. Google is planning to introduce free calling minutes for advertisements that you receive on your phone. We will have to wait and see how things turn out.
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