By using an ordinary phone call for the first stage iSkoot minimises the amount of processing power required on the phone and means there are no data latency issues. However you do still have to pay for the cost of local call, although in many cases this will comes out of the allowance provided by your contract.
iSkoot can also use the Skype Out serviceto call any traditional phone number. While this is not cost effective for local calls it can provide considerable savings when making international calls. In this case the charges will be for the local call plus any assoicated Skype Out costs.
iSkoot uses your phone's data connection to maintain the information on your Skype buddy list and to enable Skype Chat (instant messaging). The only cost incurred for these are the network operator data charges.
iSkoot works in a number of countries around the world (where local numbers are available). The supported countries are listed on the iSkoot website.
iSkoot is available through the More Applications web link on the P1is, but can also be downloaded from the iSkoot website here.
Press release quote:
“To satisfy the demand for our products and offer the best user experience possible, we are working hard to offer fully-integrated solutions. We are very excited to work with Sony Ericsson, whose leading devices and innovation delight their users. iSkoot works on existing mobile networks so that customers can use Skype right out of the box. Making Skype calling ubiquitously accessible is great for users and mobile carriers alike” said Roy Erez, VP of Business Development at iSkoot.
“P1i users will be thrilled to have Skype on the go. We are very excited to have iSkoot enabled on the Sony Ericsson P1i and to be working with the leader in mobile-PC voice communications” said Jan Fredander Product Manager, Sony Ericsson.
iSkoot’s solution supports the Skype Software, and the collaboration between the two companies will offer Sony Ericsson users on any cellular network the ability to make Skype-to-Skype calls on their mobile phone at the same cost as making a local call (depending on mobile user’s call plan, normal airtime and data charges may apply) and receive Skype calls at Skype’s call forwarding rates for mobile numbers. This collaboration benefits Sony Ericsson customers worldwide and also generates value for carriers by bringing incremental minutes onto the mobile networks.