Skype Yanks Windows Mobile App From Site

For some unknown reason, Skype is no longer making Skype and Skype Lite available to the Windows Mobile platform. Skype's support page says, "We felt that Skype Lite and Skype for Windows Mobile were not offering the best possible Skype experience." What gives? Updated with explanation from Skype.This is rather fishy. Skype has received a lot of press lately for the capabilities its mobile application offers to the iPhone and other smartphone platforms. On February 17, it announced a major new distribution deal with Verizon Wireless. Starting in late March, Verizon smartphones will be able to download a new Skype application and make voice calls for free (or cheap).

But not WIndows Mobile Phones. For some unexplained reason, Skype decided WinMo users don't need a Skype app any more. Here's a text grab from Skype's FAQ page.

Why can't I download Skype Lite or Skype for Windows Mobile? Unfortunately, Skype Lite - a version of Skype for your mobile phone - and Skype for Windows Mobile are no longer available for download from our site. We've chosen to withdraw Skype Lite and Skype for Windows Mobile because we want to offer our new customers an improved mobile experience - much like the version that has proved so popular on the iPhone, and which is now available on Symbian phones. Our focus is on providing a rich user experience that allows you to enjoy free Skype-to-Skype and low cost calls as easily on the move as you do at your desktop. We felt that Skype Lite and Skype for Windows Mobile were not offering the best possible Skype experience.

Can I still use Skype Lite if I already have it? Yes. People who have already installed Skype Lite can continue to use it throughout 2010. Can I still use Skype for Windows Mobile if I already have it? Yes. People who have already installed Skype for Windows Mobile can of course continue to use it.

Skype finally responded. It's spokesperson said to me in an email, "With the latest version of the Windows Mobile OS (those prior to Windows Phones 7), it's become increasingly challenging for Skype to maintain a mobile app which behaves as our users would expect it to -- making the call come from the earpiece rather than the main speaker, for example. This is one example of a quirk which has become detrimental to the overall mobile Skype experience -- and which are potentially very confusing (or frustrating) for the first time user in particular. And that's why the app has been removed from the site. However, if someone already has downloaded this app, you can carry on using it - we're not disabling them. If that's the case, Skype assumes that the user is aware of its limitations, so they don't want to prevent them from continuing to use it. In addition, whenever Skype can work with a mobile operator to make the mobile Skype app work well - which is what they're doing with Verizon - they'll do just that. Finally, where the company can make downloadable mobile Skype apps truly great, they'll shout from the rooftops."

[Via WMPowerUser.com]