Skype Bans Service Use via Fring iPhone App

Fring was quite happy to announce improvements with its cross-platform, VoIP communications app, but Skype came along and burst their bubble, forcing the company to limit the use of Skype through its application. Skype is now preventing Fring users from accessing its network, and is even threatening to sue, according to 9to5mac.

“For 4 years we have led mobile communication innovation, most recently with video calling on any advanced Smartphone and network,” reads a Fring blog post entitled “Skype Cowardly Blocks fring.”

Now that fring expanded capacity to support the huge demand for video calling for all users, Skype has blocked us from doing so,” the post continues. “They are afraid of open mobile communication. Cowards.” Fring’s blog adds: “Needless to say, we are very disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness is now trying to muzzle competition, even at the expense of its own users.” The developer apologizes for any inconvenience Skype may have caused, and assures customers that the company will continue to provide them with “the best mobile internet communication experiences that you deserve, with or without Skype.”

“The new fring version with free video calls, calls, live chat is available on any advanced smartphone, over any mobile operator, over your preferred internet connection (3G, 4G, WiFi) from the fring website here and app stores,” the post adds. Softpedia readers can download the iOS version from the iTunes App Store immediately using the link below. Fring for iOS requires an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, and iOS version 3.0 or later.

Download Fring for iOS (Free)

The newest version of the application brings 2-way video on iPhone (with iOS 4) over both 3G and WiFi; multitasking support, “so you can keep fring open in the background, even as you use other iPhone services/apps;” a new Social Stream which chronologically streams all your twitter, facebook, chats and call updates, all in one place;  and a Smarter address book, for managing buddy lists, and merging contacts in a more organized way.