Skype announced the release of the beta version of Skype 2.2 for Windows Mobile. The new version now supports smartphones powered by Windows Mobile, as well as an increased number of Pocket PCs. The full list comprises more than 120 supported devices.

"Skype for Windows Mobile gives our users more freedom to use Skype on the go and is key to our mobility strategy," said Eric Lagier, Head of Business Development, Mobile. "We've now added support for smartphones and expanded the range of supported Pocket PCs. In fact, over 90 percent of Windows Mobile devices with WiFi can now run Skype software. We're absolutely delighted that millions of more people can have Skype conversations on the move and without a computer in sight."

"Microsoft's Windows Mobile software is well suited to prosumer, feature rich devices," said David McQueen, Principle Analyst at Informa Telecoms and Media. "We estimate that Windows Mobile powered handset sales will continue to be strong in Europe and increase significantly in North America from late 2006. By 2011 it will be the most popular handset OS in that region and Skype is well positioned to shape the market."

The key features of Skype 2.2 for Windows Mobile beta include:

￭ Support for Windows Mobile smartphones and more Pocket PC devices;

￭ Enhanced today screen: presence status, event notification (missed calls, new chat messages and voicemails);

￭ Proxy support: Supports regular HTTP or HTTPS proxies, and authenticating HTTPS/SSL and SOCKS5 proxies;

￭ Skype calling features: Free Skype-to-Skype calls, support for SkypeOut, SkypeIn, voicemail and call forwarding;

￭ User-friendly look and feel: As easy and familiar as using Skype on a computer, the software includes an enhanced SkypeOut dial pad;

￭ One-click Skype access: A Skype icon on the home screen lets users view and call contacts easily;

￭ Multi-person chat: Users can have multichat sessions using animated emoticons. When mobile users are offline, chat messages will automatically update the next time user logs in;

￭ Enhanced contact list: Users can see their contacts avatars and mood messages;

￭ Profile personalization: Users can take a picture with the camera on their mobile device and immediately update their profile.