14 DAY TRIAL // Skype and Nokia announced today a partnership meant to deliver one of the leading Internet communications experience on the Nokia series of mobile handsets. According to the new agreement the two have signed, Skype will get integrated onto Nokia devices starting with the company's Nseries of mobile phones.
The first Nokia device to include the Skype experience will be the Finnish mobile phone maker's Nokia N97 flagship handheld, which is expected to surface in the third quarter of the year. Skype will be incorporated in the address book of the Nokia N97, providing users with both presence (they are informed when their Skype contacts are online) and instant messaging.
In addition, all Nokia N97 owners around the globe will benefit from the performance of 3G networks and WLAN, which will offer them easy options to make and receive free Skype-to-Skype voice calls, while also allowing them to make low-cost Skype calls to landlines and mobile devices.
“Making Skype available everywhere through mobile devices is essential to fulfilling our vision of ‘enabling the world’s conversations’,” said Scott Durchslag, Skype’s Chief Operating Officer. “Collaborating closely with Nokia to preload and integrate our software onto their devices will benefit the many Nokia customers who already use Skype, as it makes Skype easily accessible and simple to use on the go. It will also bring Skype new users who love Nokia’s Symbian S60 experience.”
“With more than 400 million Skype users worldwide, the integration of Skype on Nokia Nseries mobile computers is a significant step in bringing converged Internet experiences from the desktop to the world’s most advanced mobile computer,” said Jose-Luis Martinez, Vice President, Nokia Nseries.
As many of you might already know, Skype enables users to make conversations on computers and mobile devices, as well as on Skype Certified hardware. The new deal with Skype fits into Nokia's plan to widen its offering of consumer Internet services, as well as enterprise solutions and software.