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 from LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson. The mobile Skype is a scaled-back version of the PC version of the calling service, and it enables mobile users to make Skype-to-Skype calls, send and receive instant messages from Skype contacts, see when your contacts are online, and make Skype calls to landlines and cell phones for low rates.

The mobile service uses local airtime minutes and data to make the calls, which may disappoint some who wanted to use Skype to make free calls over Wi-Fi.

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

By bringing the world’s leading Internet communications software to mobile phones, Skype users can save money on calls to landlines and mobiles abroad, and stay connected with friends and family over Skype while on the go. The lite version of Skype works wherever your mobile phone works, 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 your contact list, update presence and send/receive calls or messages, so you must have both a calling plan and a data plan on your mobile phone to use it.

“Making the Skype experience available for download to Android-powered devices, as well as hundreds of other mobile phones from the world’s leading handset manufacturers is a major step forward for Skype,” said Scott Durchslag, COO of Skype. “Nearly half the world’s population are mobile phone users today and we know that many people who already use Skype want the option to use Skype on their mobile phones. We are committed to working towards our goal of getting Skype into the pockets of the mobile masses.”

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, and other Java-enabled devices can download it at Skype’s download site.

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