Back in March of last year Skype promised us that they would be releasing a BlackBerry client by May 2009. We then learned that the app would not be true VoIP. The May 2009 date came and went with no release (though a beta copy did leak… Twice). Then in October AT&T officially announced that they were cool with VoIP applications over 3G and that gave me some hope that maybe Skype was working on a true VoIP app for BlackBerry.
Just before the end of the year my buddy Jessica over @CNet spotted a post on Skype’s official blog asking users to continue waiting patiently for a BlackBerry app. Supposedly the app is on its way and STILL in private beta testing. They claim that they unfortunately faced delays beyond their control and working to create the best possible Skype experience on the BlackBerry.
Now that makes me wonder. Will the best possible Skype experience include VoIP? SHAPE Services has proven that walkie talkie like VoIP is possible on the BlackBerry…
Sam K ( View Profile) Beginner - Posts: 102
Posted: January 15, 2010 at 9:31 AM EST
There’s already an app for Skype on the Blackberry. It’s called iSkoot. I’m sure not if it supports VOIP.
Steph M. Not Registered
Posted: January 15, 2010 at 9:39 AM EST
I wonder if Skype is running into the same carrier imposed limitation as with their iPhone app: no VoIP calls over 3G. The carriers don’t want Skype to step on their voice turf. Since most BB do not have WiFi, the Skype app would not be exactly groundbreaking w/o VoIP, just another IM app among many. Just guessing here but I wouldn’t be surprised if that explains part of the delay.
ofutur Not Registered
Posted: January 15, 2010 at 1:19 PM EST from my BlackBerry 9700
They were simply waiting for the new VoIP API
Robert Not Registered
Posted: January 16, 2010 at 4:05 AM EST
I would like to have a Skype text messenger in the first step, like Gtalk, ICQ etc. Why should I buy special messenger programs like IM+? I can understand, why T-Mobile and all other providers dont like to have VoIP in their network, bur messaging should not be in my opinion a problem.
next Not Registered
Posted: January 19, 2010 at 12:39 AM EST
Don’t really care about Skype. I just want my Twitter client and I’m happy.