Android App Review: Skype Mobile
The Skype Mobile app made its Android Marketplace appearance at the end of March, but only for Verizon devices. It is a voice-over IP program that allows voice and text communication over data networks.
To use Skype on my Eris I needed an account. The app can't create accounts, it just prompts you for your Skype name and password. I paid a visit to the Skype site and downloaded the program for Windows and signed up. It was a painless affair.
Skype provides an alternative way to stay in touch with friends and family. The voice-over IP program seems like a godsend for folks who travel in low-cell-signal areas, considering the nature of the program. Well, not so fast there! The program is curiously crippled because it does not work over WiFi. This means that if you were hoping to get some extra coverage using wireless networks, think again. In fact, the app won't even open if WiFi is turned on.
So, what's the point? I can send SMS text messages and make calls to other Skype users free of charge and they will not count against my Verizon plan. On the flipside, if I call a regular cell number or landline, my Verizon minutes will be charged as it switches from data to the voice network.
Another big thing is the low international rate scale. This does not affect me, but it's huge for those with friends and family abroad. These rates are paid for with Skype credit, which can be purchased through their site. However, credit cannot be purchased in the app itself. You can check your balance, but to purchase more minutes you are redirected to Skype.com (which is not well designed for mobile use).
The app is easy to use and loads quickly. You have three main tabs to start, Contacts, Events, and Call Phones. Your device's menu button gives you access to settings, your profile, and options to change your status or add a contact. Voice quality is good and were they to add WiFi, the app would be greatly enhanced.
| Interested in adding Skype Mobile to your Verizon device? If you have a bar code scanner installed, use it to scan the code at the right to begin the download. |  |
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