In order to offer its customers a cheaper communication alternative, Nokia has formed a partnership with Skype. This partnership will allow users to access the internet communication service on a range of Nokia smartphone devices.
The Skype for Symbian application is now available for free on Nokia’s Ovi Store. It will allow consumers to access Skype services via WiFi or a mobile data connection.
For those who are unfamiliar with Skype, it offers users the ability to make free Skype-to-Skype calls anywhere in the world, save money on calls and SMS, send and receive instant messages, share pictures and video files, and see when Skype contacts are online,
Jo Harlow, senior vice president for smartphones, Nokia, commented on the bringing Skype to Nokia’s Symbian platform.
“Symbian enables us to bring smartphones to more and more people and ensures scale for our solutions and compelling services, such as Skype,” said Harlow.
“We’re seeing around 1.5 million downloads a day on Ovi Store now and believe that the Skype client for Nokia smartphones will have wide appeal to Symbian users.”
Russ Shaw, general manager, Mobile at Skype, was very happy to make the Skype service available for even more consumers.
“With Skype for Nokia smartphones, more than 200 million smartphone users worldwide will be able to take the Skype features they love with them on the move,” said Shaw.
“Alongside Skype’s relationships with operators and handset manufacturers worldwide, making Skype available direct to consumers will help millions of users keep in contact with the people that are important to them without worrying about the cost, distance or whether they are away from a computer.”
The Skype for Sybian application will initially be available for the following Nokia touchscreen models: N97, N97 mini, X6, 5800 XpressMusic and 5530.
Compatible non-touch devices include: E72, E71, E63, E51, N96, N95, N95 8GB, N85, N82, N81, N81 8GB, N79, N78, 6220 Classic, 6210 Navigator and 5320.