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Windows Mobile Skype & Skype Lite apps withdrawn
Ben Woods
Skype is no longer offering its free VoIP app to users of the Windows Mobile operating system
If you already use Skype for Windows Mobile your existing app will continue to function
Published on Feb 26, 2010
The Skype for Windows Mobile app has been pulled by the Luxembourg-based VoIP giant over concerns with its performance.
In a statement on the Skype website Peter Parkes explains:
“As part of our continual review of our mobile range, we’ve decided to make a few changes to our lineup. Skype Lite and Skype for Windows Phones are no longer available for download. This isn’t a decision we’ve taken lightly, but the reason is simple. Neither of these apps offered a great Skype experience.”
Parkes says that Skype Lite isn't widely supported and in places that it is, often fails to provide actual free calls as it necessitates using up standard network minutes.
The technical challenge of providing a uniform and fully functioning app across an install base as diverse as Windows Mobile is seemingly just a little too challending without the help of an operator. A partnership is already underway in the US to provide Verizon's 91-million customers with the service.
Fear not, if you've already got Skype for Windows Mobile and are happy with its performance then it will continue to work.
