The Internet phone service giant Skype, recently acquired by
Microsoft, launched an application on Apple’s App Store that lets users
access WiFi hotspots around the world and pay with Skype Credit. Aimed
at travelers abroad and those who always want Internet access, the free
app’s connection rates start at $0.06 cents a minute. The service is
available for the iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch (running iOS 4.1 or above
with multitasking) at more than 1 million WiFi hotspots around the
world, including hotels, airports, train stations, convention centers,
bars and restaurants. There are no limits on the amount of data a user
can upload or download, the company noted in a release.
“Skype WiFi is great for travelers all over the world: It's a
must-have app, for your iPhone or iPad whether you're on a business
trip or enjoying holidays abroad. Skype WiFi offers you a
cost-effective and easy way to get online with an iPod Touch, iPhone or
iPad,” the company wrote in a blog post. “Paying on a per-minute basis
for WiFi Internet access is great when you're abroad as you can avoid
data roaming charges when you update Facebook, send a tweet, make a
Skype call or upload photos.”
Skype recently launched a free application geared for the iPad,
which is currently available via the App Store, and includes features
such as the ability to make video calls with the front and back cameras
and instant message contacts. For the iPad version of the application,
users need enough room for the 16.3MB download, which requires iOS 4.0
or later.
The company launched the original Skype application for iPhones in
2009, and was one of the top five free iPhone applications in 2010
according to Apple. The service lets users choose a pay-as-you-go
account with Skype Credit, or get a monthly subscription and send text
messages to mobile phones for low rates. An SMS (Short Message Service)
text message can be sent by opening a contact and selecting “Send SMS”
or by opening the dial pad, typing in the number you wish to reach and
then typing your message.
A few weeks ago, Skype rolled out the beta version of the Skype
Support Network, an online community where customers can learn about
Skype from experts, find answers and share information through
topic-specific discussion forums. The community is available through
Skype.com, and starting this week, is also available from Skype's
Facebook account page.
As wireless Internet networks expand and consumers increasingly
adopt mobile devices for their Web-access capabilities, Skype continues
to expand its presence on Internet-connected devices, including
handsets and tablets running Google’s Android operating system. In
June, Skype released an updated version of its Skype for Android
application, Skype for Android 2.0. With the new version, users will be
able to make and receive free one-to-one video calls over Skype between
their Android phone and other Skype contacts on the iPhone, Mac,
Windows PCs as well as TVs.
Enterprise Mobility News & Reviews 
