Luxembourg-based Skype Technologies, an eBay company, and Nokia have partnered to integrate Skype into Nokia devices.
Under the terms of the co-operation, Skype will be integrated into Nokia devices, starting with the Nokia N-series. The Nokia N97 device will be the first to incorporate the Skype experience in the third quarter of 2009.
The Skype experience will be part of the address book of the Nokia N97, enabling presence, seeing when Skype contacts are online, as well as instant messaging. Nokia N97 owners will also be able to use 3G and WLAN to make and receive free Skype-to-Skype voice calls, in addition to Skype calls to landlines and mobile devices.
Scott Durchslag, Chief Operating Officer at Skype, said: 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.
Jose-Luis Martinez, vice president for Nokia N-series, said: With more than 400 million Skype users worldwide, the integration of Skype on Nokia N-series mobile computers is a significant step in bringing converged internet experiences from the desktop to the world’s most advanced mobile computer.
