Skype Video Chat Arrives for Windows Smart Phones
Microsoft's test version of its new Skype for Windows Phone app lets you call Skype contacts over 3G, 4G and wi-fi networks. Larry Greenemeier reports
SUBSCRIBE TO 60-Second Tech
Nine months ago, Microsoft announced an $8.5-billion bid to buy Skype, the provider of voice-over-Internet Protocol software and services. The move promised to add an important video chat feature to help handsets running the Windows Phone operating system better compete with FaceTime on the iPhone and Android's Google Talk feature.
But when the move would actually happen has been something of a mystery. At January's Consumer Electronics Show Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer barely even mentioned Skype during his keynote.
Now we know that the wait is almost over. Microsoft just released a test version of its new Skype for Windows Phone app. The free app lets you call Skype contacts over 3G, 4G and wi-fi networks.
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
Of course, as with all software test versions, there's no doubt room for improvement. For example, Skype for Windows is now available only in English. And you can't receive calls unless the app is open and running on your phone. It's likely, though, that most issues will be worked out by April, when the market version of the app should be ready to say hello.
--Larry Greenemeier
[The above text is a transcript of this podcast.]
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
