Skype

Cellcos Want Nokia to Remove Skype from N97

Skype on Nokia N97The Nokia N97 will integrate Skype directly into its address book. This will be a boon to cellular providers selling great data services, but a bane to cellular providers still addicted to legacy voice revenue. Two of the less progressive mobile operators in the UK, Orange and O2, are threatening not to carry the N97 unless Skype is removed.

3, a more progressive UK mobile operator, should have no problem with Skype on the N97. In fact, they already offer their own Skype handset.

Looks like cellular provides are taking a page from the record labels’ playbook: blocking useful technologies to preserve outdated business models. As the music industry so aptly demonstrates, that strategy is doomed to fail.

February 28, 2009 · 5 Comments (with 1 Conversation)

Skype Coming to Nokia N97

Skype on Nokia N97

I currently use Fring to make Skype calls from my Nokia N95, but I really wish the process were more seamless. If I could make Skype calls on my phone as quickly and intuitively as I make voice calls on my phone, I’d save a pretty penny on my phone bill. That’s why I’m very happy to hear from the Mobile World Congress that Skype will be directly integrated into the address book of the Nokia N97.

I want the N97 even more now. In the meantime, I hope Nokia can roll out Skype integration as a firmware update to currently available handset models.

February 17, 2009 · 4 Comments (with 1 Conversation)