The latest version of Skype’s mobile VoIP app for Symbian S60 devices (aka Symbian^1) has been added to the Nokia Ovi Store, making free calls over WiFi or 3G a slightly easier possibility for the millions of handset owners out there.  In fact, there are over 200 million Nokia phones worldwide, and with the Skype app they’ll be able to send SMS messages, share images and other files, use IM and of course make free or low-cost Skype calls.

The Skype for Symbian app is, of course, not new, and has been available from Skype’s website for some time now; in fact, since Skype pulled official support for their Windows Mobile the Symbian version is one of just two cellphone apps from the company (the other being their iPhone app).  The hope, though, is that this more straightforward on-device access to the app will promote not only Skype but use of the Ovi Store.

Press Release:

Skype now available for Nokia smartphones in Ovi Store

More than 200 million smartphone users worldwide now have Skype at their fingertips

3 March 2010, London, UK : Skype and Nokia today jointly announced the release of Skype for Symbian, a Skype client for Nokia smartphones based on the Symbian platform, the world’s most popular smartphone platform. Skype for Symbian will allow Nokia smartphone users worldwide to use Skype on the move, over either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G). It is now downloadable for free from the Ovi Store, Nokia’s one-stop shop for mobile content.

Skype for Symbian enables Nokia smartphone users to:
· Make free Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world*
· Save money on calls and texts (SMS) to phones abroad
· Send and receive instant messages to and from individuals or groups
· Share pictures, videos and other files.
· Receive calls to their existing online number
· See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or IM
· Easily import names and numbers from the phone’s address book

Skype for Symbian will run on any Nokia smartphone using Symbian ^1, the latest version of the Symbian platform. Skype will soon introduce this client to Symbian mobile devices from other manufacturers, including Sony Ericsson.

“Symbian enables us to bring smartphones to more and more people and ensures scale for our solutions and compelling services, such as Skype. We’re seeing around 1.5 million downloads a day on Ovi Store now and believe that the Skype client for Nokia smartphones will have wide appeal to Symbian users,” said Jo Harlow, Senior Vice President for Smartphones, Nokia.

Russ Shaw, General Manager, Mobile at Skype said, “With Skype for Nokia smartphones, more than 200 million smartphone users worldwide** will be able to take the Skype features they love with them on the move. Alongside Skype’s relationships with operators and handset manufacturers worldwide, making Skype available direct to consumers will help millions of users keep in contact with the people that are important to them without worrying about the cost, distance or whether they are away from a computer.”

The initial Skype for Symbian application is compatible with the following Nokia touchscreen models: Nokia N97, Nokia N97 mini, Nokia X6, Nokia 5800 XpressMusic and Nokia 5530 and the following non-touch devices: Nokia E72, Nokia E71, Nokia E90, Nokia E63, Nokia E66, Nokia E51, Nokia N96, Nokia N95, Nokia N95 8Gb, Nokia N85, Nokia N82, Nokia N81, Nokia N81 8 Gb, Nokia N79, Nokia N78, Nokia 6220 classic, Nokia 6210 Navigator, Nokia 5320.

For more information on Skype for Symbian, including the latest supported handset list, at http://www.skype.com/go/symbian.

* Skype recommends use of an unlimited data plan to avoid incurring additional charges from operators. Users should also be aware that extra charges may apply if they use Skype over a mobile data connection when abroad.
** According to Informa Telecoms and Media

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• iPhone OS 3.0 allows Skype over 3G
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