Skype Pushes For iSkoot Software In Cell Phones

Skype plans to promote software maker iSkoot, amongst handset manufacturers and cellular service providers. iSkoot software from iSkoot will enable users to receive and make Skype calls on their mobile phone via the respective cellular networks. Once the iSkoot software is installed, users can see their Skype contact lists and call them from their mobile phones, just as they do from a PC. Users can also make outgoing calls at SkypeOut rates and receive Skype-to Skype calls from other users. However, a disadvantage is that the final link in the communications chain uses the normal cellular network voice channel, so users have to pay their normal cellular charges for calls. For SkypeOut calls, this is in addition to the normal SkypeOut charge. Moreover, users also require GPRS or another packet data service to keep their buddy list updated. Also, the service is presently available only on US cellular networks. iSkoot is presently compatible with Motorola, Nokia and Sony Ericsson phones that run J2ME. The company says it intends to add support for other J2ME phones including Treo and BlackBerry and has plans to support other free PC-PC VoIP services such as GoogleTalk. Read more here