Skype has announced the release of a lite version of Skype, a 'thin' client for Skype that can be downloaded on Android-powered devices, as well as more than 100 other Java-enabled mobile phones.

This launch builds on successful public testing last year and the incorporation of user feedback to an earlier beta version which was only available on a limited number of mobile devices.


The updated beta now makes Skype software broadly available to millions of mobile users worldwide, including for the first time, mobile users in the U.S. The lite version delivers core Skype capabilities including -

 - Make Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world
 - Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups
 - Make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones
 - Receive calls to your online personal phone number on Skype
 - See when your Skype contacts are online/available to chat

The lite version of Skype works wherever mobile phones work, without requiring a WiFi connection. The lite version of Skype uses local air time and a mobile internet connection in order to sign in to Skype, update the contact list, update presence and send/receive calls or messages, so users must have both a calling plan and a data plan on their mobile phone to use it.

The lite version of Skype is currently available for Android devices, which today include the T-Mobile G1, the first Android-powered mobile phone currently available in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is expected to also work on other future Android devices. Android device users can download this beta version of Skype by visiting Android Market.

It also works on more than 100 of the most popular Java-enabled phones from the top five handset manufacturers – LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. For instructions on downloading the lite version of Skype to LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson phones, users can visit www.skype.com/m using the mobile browser on their phone or www.skype.com/go/mobiledownload from a computer. The web page includes a directory of the mobile phones currently supported.

The lite version of Skype is available globally, with the ability to make Skype-to-Skype calls and low cost calls to landlines and mobiles abroad currently available in ten countries - the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, Brazil (Rio and Sao Paolo), Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Australia and New Zealand.

Users will be charged by their mobile operator for local air time and data usage based on the type of calling service and data plan purchased. Charges will not be incurred from Skype when Skype-to-Skype calls are made or instant messages sent to friends on Skype; however national calling rates may apply due to the use of local air time.

Skype will charge its regular rates when landlines and mobiles are called using Skype or when users receive calls on their mobile handset from other Skype users.