@ CTIA E&A: Skype launches Android app

Skype Ltd. bolstered its mobile presence with the launch of its Skype for Android mobile client that is designed to run on smart phones powered by Google Inc.’s operating system.
The move follows an announcement earlier this year with Verizon Wireless that basically limited the service to a handful of devices on the carrier’s network.
Skype said the free application is compatible with devices running the 2.1 version or above of the Android OS and will allow for use on either a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection, except in the United States where the application is currently configured to work only via a Wi-Fi connection.
Skype added that the application has been tested successfully with HTC Corp.’s Desire, Legend and Google Nexus One; and Motorola Inc.’s Milestone XT720 and Milestone. Skype added that the application was experiencing some issues with Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. Galaxy S devices.
The application supports Skype’s bevy of services, including free Skype-to-Skype calls, Skype calls to landlines or mobile phones for a fee, the ability to send and receive instant messages to one or a group of friends on Skype, see when Skype contacts are online and receive calls to a Skype number.
In addition to Android, the Skype application is also available for Apple Inc.’s iOS and the Symbian platform. The integration with Verizon Wireless has the Skype service working on a number of Research In Motion Ltd. devices as well as some powered by Android. That integration is deeper than the application in that all voice calls are transported over Verizon Wireless’ cellular network.