Skype, Nokia to develop novel Internet-calling

Skype and Nokia announced a collaboration to develop a new mobile Skype experience on the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet.

The collaboration builds on the familiarity and richness of desktop Skype and makes it mobile. The N800’s small size and easy wireless connectivity frees Skype users from their desktop, allowing conversations to take place anywhere, as long as there is an available wireless Internet connection. Packed with features such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth phone connectivity, hands-free properties, webcam, media support and messenger keyboard, the Nokia N800 makes Skype conversations captivating experience at home, at work and on the move.

“Skype is the recognized leader of Internet communications with over 136 mln registered users worldwide,” said Ari Virtanen, Vice President, Convergence Products, Nokia. “Nokia’s new N800 Internet Tablet is designed for mobile Internet. Together, we can develop communications devices beyond expectations.”

The first implementation on the Nokia N800 is expected to be made available for download by the end of first half of 2007.

Skype allows unlimited free voice, video and instant messaging communication between users of its software.  It is available in 28 languages and is used in almost every country around the world. Skype is an eBay company and generates revenue through its premium offerings such as making and receiving calls to and from landline and mobile phones, voicemail, call forwarding and personalization including ringtones and avatars.