Skype now available for Windows Phone and PS Vita

Skype seems to be everywhere nowadays. From its humble beginnings as PC and Mac software The Microsoft owned VOIP service has definitely become a household name catering to not only computers but also to our Smart devices. Expanding its availability even further, Microsoft has recently announced two versions of app to cater to Windows Phone OS and Sony PlayStation Vita.

In time for the Lumia craze, Skype Version 1.0.0.0 has recently been made available for Windows Phone users via Marketplace. After two months of being a beta version, it is frustrating to know that the app still has a lot crucial loop holes that, IMO, should’ve been addressed given the time it took to release the full version. One of the things I wish was there is the ability to run Skype on the background. I am annoyingly required to sign back in every time I switch to another app and go back to Skype.

Another thing that could be worked out on the next version is the support for Bluetooth headsets. But over-all the app runs smoothly and blended perfectly with the Mango-feel. And although it was said that it will not work on Windows Phone powered devices with lower configuration such as the Lumia 610, Nokia reported that their entry level Lumia will get the VOIP app. I hope that other entry level Windows phone devices will also have a compatible version of Skype.

Following the release of the Windows Phone version of Skype, Microsoft also announced that Sony PlayStation Vita users can download a free version of Skype via PS Store. Interestingly, unlike the WP version of this app, the Vita version allows to run the app in the background. This feature (or the lack of it) made Windows Phone users around the world think and feel that Microsoft could’ve done a better job on the implementation of their own app (Skype) on their own mobile OS (Windows Phone). The app also supports the front and rear cameras of the gaming console.

Skype is being used by people around the world to not only communicate with their loved ones but also for work. It’s good to know that the app is finally available for WP devices. But it seems as though that two months of beta version is still not long enough for developers to come up with a full-featured app for their own mobile OS. This being said, we hope that next release of this app will receive the same treatment as with other versions running on different operating systems. As for the PS Vita version of the app, I think that it will fit in just fine with the gaming device. It is said to be available for download in the next coming days, so keep on checking the PS Store for that.