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When we discussed Skype for your BlackBerry last year, the results weren’t too pretty. There were just so many bugs with the applications needed to access Skype. The best part of the service, the cheap calls, were even moot, as the applications routed the calls through your phone anyway. That could change in 2009. Via BerryReview we learn about Skype’s big plans for 2009.
The biggest item I took from the article is that RIM has actually developed a working Skype client, dubbed “very efficient,” but it faces problems with carriers. They still want their Berry users to make voice calls, and have kept the application from seeing the light of day. However, a new Java-based client, designed for Android, could be a solution for BlackBerry users. There are, of course, problems with that as well.
In theory, the Java-based client could be installed on a BlackBerry, but as there are no specific power management features built in it would drain the battery quite quickly. Skype is continuing to work on a separate BlackBerry client for release later this year.
I’m willing to bet that even if Skype releases a BlackBerry client this year which does not drain the battery, many carriers will have it blocked. Which is a shame. Yes, they want to continue their voice revenue, but I would think only a fraction of the total BB users would actually use Skype to replace voice plans. And even then, it might not make a difference. I’m on the smallest voice plan already, so it’s not like they’d be losing any money.
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Filed under : BlackBerry Applications 7 Comments
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7 Comments ↓
I just need it for Skype IM. If the official Skype for BB is free and can IM, I’ll be a happy camper.
i think when 3g phones, such as the blackberry, finally allow SIP (eg Skype, Bon, etc) to work then mobile communications we evolve really quickly with new applications comming out.
I use Skype on my desktop to call family members abroad. If I could do that on my BB Storm I’d be extremely happy. However, I’d not want to be using up my plan minutes doing so.
Having carriers block this service seems stupid to me. I am not making international calls with my BB anyway, so if they blocked local calls but allowed international calls they’d become very attractive to new customers.
Not having skype on my blackberry is one of the biggest drawbacks of the phone. It’s probably the most significant reason for me to change to a different phone as soon as I become eligible for an upgrade. I really hope skype will be available soon.
wow, what’s up with this release? it’s may!! we’re all just anxiously waiting to spend $$ on skypeout plans for our BBs.
“I’m willing to bet that even if Skype releases a BlackBerry client this year which does not drain the battery, many carriers will have it blocked. Which is a shame.”
And far more will not block it!
Sugestions for the carriers and Skype:
Don’t block skype on Blackberry
1. Allow BB user to use skype chat but not skype to skype calls or
2. Higher price for BB skype unlimited calls subscription
3. Or every BB skype user will pay extra cost for monthly plan to the carriers.
By doing so, only certain BB user will be willing to pay for extra money for using skype but definitely brings benefit for those who are willing.
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