The comments were made today about Windows Phone 7 support by Dan Neary, Asia Pacific VP and general manager of Skype.
Currently, Skype supports the bulk of mobile platforms on the market including Android, iPhone, Blackberry and Symbian, but has not made any plans to support Microsoft's upcoming mobile operating system, which, according to one report, will sport a complete redesign and interface and is expected to launch in the next few months.
No support
Neary said the decision not to support the next-generation Windows Mobile 7 smartphones stemmed from a 'lack of user optimisation and partner support' via the Microsoft mobile OS. Skype's client effectively competes with Microsoft's own MSN Messenger chat and video calling software..
Skype also announced that they are working on a specific iPad version of Skype and an update for the upcoming iPhone 4.0 smartphone, which is expected to sport a front video camera - perfect for Skype video chatting. Neary confimed that native 3G support was being worked on for the iPhone, but could not give any dates when it would avaliable.
Video calling
Video is also getting a bit of a makeover at Skype. A multiple party function that allows up to five Skype users to video conference simultaneously has entered the beta stage. Skype are also betting on bigger things from Skype enabled TV's, now available from LG, Samsung and Panasonic.
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| Skype on TV: Samsung's latest LED series includes bundled software and a specialised camera package available via Skype online |
In other Skype developments, the company spoke more about its new line of monthly calling subscriptions including an unlimited landline deal to all Australian landlines for $7.99 a month and a less than stellar mobile offer which provides 60 and 120 minute top-up options starting from $12.99 a month.
Skype for business: monitoring employee use
Skype are also concentrating more on the business front. Skype Manager will give businesses and employers the chance to monitor individual Skype accounts in real time, provide credit top-ups and disable/enable many of Skype's regular features including file sharing and voicemail.