Skype for Android But Galaxy S Out In Cold?

By Charlie Brown

  • Skype App designed for Android 2.1 or above
  • Teething problems for Galaxy S unless running Froyo 2.2
  • Free Skype-to-Skype over Wifi

Skype today announced the release of Skype for Android, however, I have discovered that it will not run on my Galaxy S unless I run Froyo 2.2, which I am not. Skype are aware of the problem, as their PR company admitted when I mentioned it to them. “[I] believe there are some problems with that device and Skype are looking to address these in the future,” the spokesperson said.

Despite that, the PR blurb does say that it is “built for smartphones running Android OS version 2.1 or above. With this latest release, the majority of smartphone users globally will now be able to experience the benefits of Skype on the move using either a WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G) Skype for Android is downloadable for free from the Android Market or consumers can visit www.skype.com/m to find out more details about how to get the application.

That glitch aside, features include:

  • The ability to make free Skype-to-Skype calls over WiFi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G) to other Skype users anywhere in the world using Skype’s SILK codec for CD-like audio quality
  • Make low rate Skype calls to landline or mobile phones
  • Send and receive instant messages to one or a group of friends on Skype 
  • Synchronise contacts between Skype and the native address book and after synchronisation place Skype calls directly from the native address book.
  • See when Skype contacts are online and available to call or chat
  • Import names and numbers to the Skype application from the native address book • Receive calls on their Skype online number

Skype for Android supports the following languages: Brazilian Portuguese, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Swedish, Polish, Russian, Simplified Chinese & Traditional Chinese.