MWC 09 - Nokia Announces Skype Integration in New Handsets

Nokia and Skype announced plans to fully integrate Skype into select Nokia devices. Kicking off with the Nokia N97, Skype will be part of the address book in the device. This will enable users to easily see when their Skype contacts are online. It’ll also enable them to use 3G and Wi-Fi to make and receive free Skype to Skype voice calls.

Scott Durchslag, Skype’s Chief Operating Officer said “Collaborating closely with Nokia to preload and integrate our software onto their devices will benefit the many Nokia customers who already use Skype, as it makes Skype easily accessible and simple to use on the go. It will also bring Skype new users who love Nokia’s Symbian Series 60 experience.”

This is in no way a new concept. Skype for mobile, across platforms is very easily available for free. Of course there are also plenty of alternatives like Nimbuzz or Fring. However the integration of the service and application into a handset as part and parcel of its UI and make-up should enhance it’s usage and make things a little simpler in terms of access and functioning of the same.

Meanwhile Jose-Luis Martinez, Vice President, Nokia N-series said “With more than 400 million Skype users worldwide, the integration of Skype on Nokia N-series mobile computers is a significant step in bringing converged Internet experiences from the desktop to the world’s most advanced mobile computer.”

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Skype will be rolled out on other devices after the Nokia N97 goes live in the third quarter. New Nokia N97 devices will have it pre-installed, whilst early versions will be able to get it through a software upgrade. Other select N-series devices are also likely to come with integrated Skype functionality which includes Skype contacts, Chat, VoIP and Presence.