Skype has arrived on Android

5 Oct 2010

Skype has released an app for its VoIP services for the Android platform. Users can make calls via Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection on smartphones.

Handsets must run Android 2.1 or above in order for the app to work.

The app allows users to make free Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users, make low-rate calls to landlines or mobiles, and to send and receive instant messages to other users.

Contacts can be synchronised between Skype and a native address book, and users can receive calls on their Skype online number.

The mobile data connection service of Skype via 4G, EDGE or GPRS, however, is not available for users in the US, China or Japan.

Skype has been tested for numerous handsets, such as the HTC Desire, HTC Legend, Google Nexus One, the Motorola Milestone and the Motorola Milestone XT720.

There are some issues running it on the Samsung Galaxy S, however, Skype is working on addressing this.

It is available for free on the Android Market.

This announcement comes soon after Skype appointed its new CEO. It is thought that, with a new head, the company will be in a stronger position as it files for its IPO.

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com