東西 | dongxi

Source: Skype

Skype finally hit the Android Marketplace early today, to the delight of Android owners around the world… except in China and Japan. The popular VoIP service has already been available on Verizon-based Skype phones due to an exclusive deal between the two companies, but now it’s available across all carriers and phones… well, at least phones running Android 2.1 (Eclair) and up.

Skype delivers on it’s basic functionality – you can now make calls over WiFi, EDGE, GPRS and 3G… that is, if you’re a non-US user.  If you’re in the US, tough luck, you’re limited to calls on WiFi only. Calls to other Skype contacts are free while calls to landline numbers will cost you a few cents per minute. Currently it reigns as the most popular service of its kind, though competitors like Google Talk and Fring are starting to close in, offering much more functionality than Skype, at least on the mobile platform. Another big bummer is the lack of video chat. With a pre-existing install base on PCs, Skype could have easily one-upped its competitors – something even Facetime can’t do yet (as it only works over WiFi).

Despite being the leading VoIP service in the market, Skype has been lagging in innovation and accessibility. The caveats are a disappointment, although as a free app, it’s still worth downloading. It’s at least a step in the right direction, albeit a very slow one.