Skype Crosses Sony Ericsson's Threshold

Skype's (News - Alert) ubiquitous software has helped millions of individuals and bussinessess to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. All over the world, everyday people use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles.


Taking another step forward, it extended its reach by announcing the availabily of Skype on three Sony-Ericsson smartphones based on the Symbian (News - Alert) platform. Skype for Symbian will run on any Sony Ericsson smartphone using Symbian ^1, the latest version of the Symbian platform.

Such users then can make free Skype- to-Skype calls to any other Skype user in any part of the world. They can also save money on calls and SMS to other phones abroad and send or receive instant messages to and from individuals or groups.

Sharing pictures, files and videos with friends is also possible with Skype, and it is very easy to import names and numbers from the phone's address book.

Receiving calls to the existing online number and being alerted when skype contacts are online helps users to either call or Instant Message them immediately.

Mobile users with any of Sony Ericsson's (News - Alert) flagship smartphones Satio, Vivaz or Vivaz pro will be able to us Skype anytime and anywhere. All they need is a Wi-Fi or a mobile data connection. Skype is also expected to be available on the Sony Ericsson (News - Alert) Play Now arena towards the end of June, 2010.

Kristian Tear, Executive Vice President and Head of Sales and Marketing at Sony Ericsson was confident of being able to offer a compelling package to customers. He viewed Skype's move as a wonderful opportunity to use a popular and world-class app like Skype in combination with Ericsson's applications and integrated capabilities.

Russ Shaw, General Manager, Mobile at Skype was very pleased to incorporate Skype's features into Sony's smartphones, and said that this move was in the right direction as he was sure that there would be a great demand for Skype in the future.

Mobile users, Shaw said, wanted to keep in touch without bothering about the cost, distance or the absence of a PC. This then would be the next goal---to make Skype available on a wide range of mobile devices by entering into relationships with operators and handset manufacturers.

Although the costs incurred by using Skype was minimal, 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.

Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Skype can be downloaded for free.

Sony Ericsson's strategy is to become the industry leader in mobile Communication Entertainment, through new styles of interaction across the internet and social media. Sony Ericsson offers exciting consumer experiences through innovative and feature rich phones, accessories, content and applications.

In a related news item, Sony Ericsson announced the Sony Ericsson Yend with Walkman, the first full touch Walkman phone which combines music, social networking and communication in one colourful phone. Benefiting from the innovative four corner touch UI debuted on the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini and Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini pro, the Sony Ericsson Yendo with Walkman really brings music to consumers' fingertips.