Luxembourg, Feb 14, 2006 — Skype™, the global Internet communications company, today released Skype for Pocket PC 2.0, a new software version for Pocket PC devices that offers Skype callers the ability to enjoy Skype’s free, high quality voice calls anywhere their device can connect to a high speed Internet connection, via Wi-Fi and 3G networks. Skype for Pocket PC 2.0 is a critical component of Skype’s mobility strategy, supporting the goal of extending Skype use beyond the PC, and expanding the simplicity and convenience of Internet calling for the lives of millions of Skype users around the world.
“Skype for Pocket PC 2.0 delivers greater flexibility for callers who want to make free calls or chat without the need for a desktop PC,” said Niklas Zennström, Skype CEO and co-founder. “Together with our efforts to incorporate Skype into mobile phones, this next generation version of Skype for Pocket PC devices extends the reach of our popular software to an even broader market segment.”
Skype for Pocket PC 2.0 works on any Windows Mobile Pocket PC running Windows Mobile Pocket PC 2003 or Windows Mobile 5.0 Pocket PC software with a 312+ MHz processor and equipped with an internal Wi-Fi or 3G (EDGE, EV-DO or UMTS) radio. For detailed requirements see skype.com/go/mobile.
Skype for Pocket PC 2.0 (prior release was v1.1) enhances voice quality and the number of devices supported by including Windows Mobile 5.0 for Pocket PC, more languages and 240x240 screens. Other key features and benefits include:
- Skype to Skype and SkypeOut calls
- Instant messaging
- Presence, including: ‘online’, ‘offline’, ‘away’, ‘call forwarding’, ‘device not connected’
- Automatic synchronization of your Skype contact list between device and desktop
- Voicemail
- Making SkypeOut calls directly from the device phone book
- Simplified contact search
- Authorizing buddy requests and adding new contacts
Skype for Pocket PC will be available preloaded on a number of devices including an Asus MyPal GPS PDA, BenQ P50, E-TEN M600, Dopod 700, i-mate PDA2, PDA2K, JASJAR and Qtek 9000 and 9090.
Skype for Pocket PC 2.0 is also supported by the new HP iPAQ hw6900 series Mobile Messenger, a smart device providing customers with the ability to receive email wirelessly(1,2) using push-email functionality, introduced yesterday at the 3GSM World Congress in Barcelona.
“Bringing the Skype experience to our iPAQ customers is an exciting proposition,” said John Brandewie, acting director of product marketing, Handheld Division, HP. “Skype is a pioneer in the Internet calling space, and their innovative style is a great complement for HP’s ongoing efforts to deliver rich mobile experiences and easy connectivity.
The following are some of the many Pocket PC devices that support Skype for Pocket PC 2.0:
- Several HP iPAQ models including HP iPAQ hw6900 series Mobile Messenger, hx2400, hx2700, rx3700 and hx4700 series models
- Dell X3i, X30, X50, X50v, x51 and x51v models
- Fujitsu Siemens Computers Pocket LOOX N520, 718 and 720 models
Pricing and Availability
Skype for Pocket PC 2.0 is available now as a free download from skype.com/go/mobile. Skype for Pocket PC will also be available on Handango (www.handango.com), the leading provider of mobile content.
Skype Certified Pocket PC devices will be made available through the Skype web store at skype.com/store and Expansys, the largest specialist online retailer of wireless technology in Europe and North America, as well as retail outlets around the world. Dangaard Telecom, Skype’s European distribution partner, will be offering Qtek 9000 and 9090 devices with Skype pre-loaded to their customer base of more than 34,000 points of sale across Europe.
Today Skype also announced an agreement with mobile operator Hutchison 3 to enable Internet communications from 3G mobile phones, (see press release, ”Skype and Hutchison 3 Group Join Forces to Offer Skype on Mobile Devices,” issued February 14, 2006).
About Skype
Skype is the world’s fastest-growing Internet communication offering, allowing people everywhere to make unlimited voice and video communication for free. Skype is available in 27 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, as well as voicemail and call forwarding. Skype also has relationships with a growing network of hardware and software providers. Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). To learn more visit skype.com.
Skype is not a telephony replacement service and cannot be used for emergency calling.
1 A standard GSM/GPRS/EDGE infrastructure, other Bluetooth-enabled devices, separately purchased equipment, and a service contract with a wireless airtime provider may be required for applicable wireless communication. GSM/GPRS/EDGE Wireless Internet access requires separately purchased Internet service contract. Check with service provider for availability and coverage in your area. Not all web content available. GPRS/EDGE may not be available in all networks. GPRS/EDGE data transmission speeds may vary based upon network capabilities and other conditions. Establishment and continuation of a GPRS/EDGE connection depends on network availability, provider support and signal strength
2 EDGE (Enhanced Data for Global Evolution) is a global standard for wireless wide-area data communication being rapidly deployed by GSM carriers worldwide. Actual download speeds may vary. Coverage is subject to transmission limitations and terrain, system, capacity and other limitations. Not all features and service options are available in all areas.
