Fring’s mis-use of Skype software was damaging to our brand and reputation
An hour or so ago, Fring reported on their blog that we had blocked their access to Skype. I want to make one thing absolutely clear: this is untrue.
Fring was using Skype software in a way it wasn’t designed to be used – and in a way which is in breach of Skype’s API Terms of Use and End User License Agreement. We’ve been talking with Fring for some time to try to resolve this amicably.
However, over time, Fring’s mis-use of our software was increasingly damaging our brand and reputation with our customers. On Friday, for example, Fring withdrew support for video calls over Skype on iOS 4 without warning, again damaging our brand and disappointing our customers, who have high expectations of the Skype experience.
We actively encourage developers to build products that work with Skype, acting, of course in accordance with our various API licences. At the same time, Skype will rigorously protect our brand and reputation, and those developers that do not comply with our terms will be subject to legal enforcement.
In this case, however, there is no truth to Fring’s claims that Skype has blocked it. Fring made the decision to remove Skype functionality on its own.
spartz commented Monday, Jul 12
Doesn't really excuse the fact that there's now no way to Skype using Android. 
charlesshane commented Monday, Jul 12
When is the official skype app going to support iOS4 features (video chat, Multitasking, and so on). An update would be nice.
carniphage commented Monday, Jul 12
Perhaps if Skype's own software offered call reception, push notification and background operation, customers might be happier.
Skype seems to be damaging its brand without any assistance from Fring.
C.
llsethj commented Monday, Jul 12
Hey Ross.
Why don't you just build video conferencing into Skype mobile? Why let those innovative little twerps at Fring have all the glory?
If the native Skype app for Android had video conferencing, why would people use Fring. Wait, where is the Skype app for Android anyway?
peterparkes commented Monday, Jul 12
@spartz if you’re on Verizon Wireless in the US, you can download our app designed specially for VZW. In other countries, you might like to take a look at Skype To Go numbers.
@charlesshane as soon as we’re ready to release one which lives up to our customers’ high expectations
steve.huether commented Monday, Jul 12
I understand what your saying, but here is the issue: People want to use Skype NOW!!!! Skype takes FOREVER to release updates for their iOS software!! You had a working demo of Skype on iOS 4.0 back when Apple first announced iOS 4.0 yet there STILL hasn't been a release months later. iOS 4.0 has been out almost a month now. Why such huge delays? People just want to use your products NOW!!! Some of us will even put up with a buggy experience to do so. Even once your update comes for iOS 4.0 I'd bet that it will not support video. That will take at least 6-10 months to implement in SkypeTimeline. Do you enjoy being a company that is slow to adopt new technology? Maybe you have gotten to big to be able to respond to the quickly changing world that we live in? In todays ever changing world we expect response times in hours/days not weeks/months. If you can't keep up, don't step up, you'll just die!
And the whole issue with charging for Skype Over 3G? I already pay you for a monthly subscription, now I will have to pay extra to use it on my iPhone over 3G? If its more the $0.25 / month on top of my subscription I will be canceling my account and taking my VOIP usage elsewhere.
Don't get me wrong, I love your products, it just that your support of the iOS devices has been terrible. Even if it will take you forever to add video support to Skype iPhone, at least release an update that takes advantage of iOS features NOW!!!
falveyg commented Monday, Jul 12
To be honest. They wouldn't be able to "damage" your brand if Skype would pull their finger out, stop doing shady deals with networks and release some mobile clients that have the functionality that people need and want. The US/AT&T; market isn't the only one in the world guys.
the_don_reba commented Monday, Jul 12
Here is an idea: how about protecting your brand by making competitive client software?
bigmalletman commented Monday, Jul 12
Well... Skype folks have to understand that 3rd parties creating their own clients that use/interoperate with other networks is a practice that has been around much longer that SKype has existed. No matter how much you may quote your EULs, that is never going to change. That said, users who use such software and aren't happy with it should only change their perception of Skype is Skype is to blame. You can only do so much to protect your reputation.
If you're worried about your reputation, you'll have to do more to make it easier to create effective 3rd party access.
bigmalletman commented Monday, Jul 12
Thank my stars I have a phone (the Nokia N900) that doesn't charge me airtime for using Skype. It lets me make REAL Skype-to-Skype and Skype-to-Phone calls over Wifi and 3G. As it should be!
spartz commented Monday, Jul 12
Skype To Go is no option since my country's not supported. When does the deal with Verizon end and will you release an Android app for all Skype users?
I think Skype's finding itself on a slippery slope... because the trend is mobile and I don't think Skype is adjusting well :-\
jan_polet commented Monday, Jul 12
What's up with removing the Windows Mobile version?
Not being able to use Skype on the HTC HD2, one of the best WM devices ever, is damaging enough. It sucks big time.
Now this 'thing' with Fring, is making it even worse.
What were you all at Skype and Fring thinking?
I guess it's about money and not about the users.
#FAIL!!
wjimenez5271 commented Monday, Jul 12
I just posted this on Fring's blog in response to their announcement...I think this sums it up:
While I understand how this can be frustrating to the team at Fring, as their business model at the moment is heavily dependent on Skype’s infrastructure, I think a little bit of respect is due to the UK enterprise. As a start-up Fring needs to recognize their position as a 3rd party application and accept the risks that such accompanies such. I really think that Fring has a good product, don’t mis-understand, but their commitment to open mobile communications seems to be less of the issue, and the bigger issue seems to be the financial impact it has on the Tel Aviv startup. Open standards and communication are important and people want them, but no appreciates these causes being used as a mask for personal financial gain (and there is nothing wrong with financial gain, but just don’t pretend it is something else).
Fring’s investment and R&D; were very limited in comparison (key word here, I am not diminishing their efforts) to the investment in technology and infrastructure that Skype has made and continues to make. Fring has been able to reap tremendous benefits from this, so there needs to be a little more humility and respect where it is due.
Another thing that should be taken into account is Skype’s Response:
http://blogs.skype.com/en/2010/07/fring.html
geemoneysmith commented Monday, Jul 12
One question for you Robert Miller & the Skype team, where is your Android app for people who are not in the USA and not on the Verizon network?..... Okay, there is none. So Fring takes up the task and fills the gap, then this happens? I'm not convinced.
Also, how does Fring disabling their Skype support a few days ago, damage your reputation?? Reading comprehension goes a long way. It clearly shows that, THE MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF SKYPE TRAFFIC ON FRING WAS BRINGING DOWN THEIR INFRASTRUCTURE. Guess what Skype, PEOPLE WANT TO SKYPE ON THEIR NON-Verizon HANDSETS!!!
WHO WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT OF THAT!?!? /sarcasm
Skype, you have been in the game for a long time now but yet you're always slow to market with your services. Who knows when we can expect video calls over iPhone, let alone an Android app? Fring, to me, seems like some recent upstart company yet with the resources they have, they can have a new device supported and/or new APIs implemented at the flip of a hat (maybe because they're actually committed). Yet a company like yourself, a bigger and long-established company, can't even get to the point to make an announcement about services/updates/etc until way after the fact.
You need to start listening to your customers. They want Skype for Android AND Blackberry, since 2 years ago!!! Instead of wasting time trying to "amicably" work things out with Fring, how about your release your apps to the rest of the world? I'm sure the majority of people use Fring for Skype so if you released your own app, there wouldn't be a problem... but the fact that you kill off the competition but yet offer nothing is even worse.
Sad day Skype, very sad day.
maddog2727 commented Monday, Jul 12
Ok...so someone asks if you are going to release an android app, and this is your reply: "as soon as we’re ready to release one which lives up to our customers’ high expectations"
Yes...you have one. Only on Verizon, which you referenced earlier in the comments. So apparently only the Verizon app - the one you gave them exclusive right to of course from some monetary compensation - is good enough for them but not the rest of the world?
Somehow, I'm not buying that line.
sbonev commented Monday, Jul 12
so, now as you have dropped the support for windows mobile devices how are we supposed to use your software on our phones??? probably we should switch to another im.
the truth is that fring at least was developing something useful and working, and you do nothing!
cswallow01 commented Monday, Jul 12
I again must concur with the above posts... I don't know what is taking so long to release the Android and iOS clients with multitasking??? Why is development working at a glacial pace for these apps? They should've already been released, Skype!!!!!!!
You all have very little excuse for the iOS platform not having an multitasking release by now!!!
So you all wanna screw other services with, advanced features you all refuse to provide???
If you all keep this crap up, the day Google relaunches Gizmo 5 is the day I drop-kick Skype without so much as a goodbye handshake!!!
costanzo98031 commented Monday, Jul 12
"Fring’s mis-use of our software was increasingly damaging our brand and reputation with our customers.".... Come on - Let's focus on delivering an updated product that supports iOS4 and not taking steps which will be seen as uncompetitive towards Fring by blocking access to Skype's APIs!
Personally, Skype should replace David Ponsford. He doesn't deliver on customer expectations and fails to communicate on the progress. This only leads to distrust within the Skype community and flares anger among your customers . If Skype is truly genuine about their reputation they should realize stating "coming soon" and delaying promised updates only causes a lot of negativity. FYI, it's not just this blog!
It's clear David is not on top of the mobile Skype project he leads. It's very disappointing to watch other leading and highly visible companies release updates to keep up with customer expectations.
In my opinion, the world needs companies like Fring... Though their software is not a perfect product; they are working hard to fill a gap left by Skype. Customers want cross platform support, they also want updated features to take full advantage of their new hardware. Skype should take note and start listening to their customer.
aeon1618 commented Monday, Jul 12
I really don't care what happened, all I know is that as of now there is no viable way to use Skype on my non-verizon Android devices. Yes, that is plural for work we use Skype all the time on our devices.
On one hand with the Gizmo5 thing thing looming, I can see why it may not be worth it, but on the other hand it's not here yet so why not get Android users hooked on Skype before the 100lb gorilla shows up?
joseph_engo commented Monday, Jul 12
The only thing damaging Skype's brand is the outrageously slow update speed of its own software. Well, that and calling out a 3rd party developer publicly like this. The number of features missing for the iPhone is staggering.
Come on, we *still* don't have push notifications for chat. Its been over a year since Apple added support for it. What about FaceTime ? Last I read you had no interest in supporting it. Where is the background support for iOS4 ?
lkamache commented Monday, Jul 12
All this would be solved if Skype had already released their version optimized for IOS 4 with support for backgrounding.
peter.a.daly commented Monday, Jul 12
Skype - Please read the messages here. YOU are damaging your own reputation. Skype for Android on Verizon is a joke....no wifi support!? Uses Verizon minutes!?
Skype on Android was the first thing I considered for calling home on a recent trip to Europe, until I read that all the functionality I needed would be non-functional over wi-fi only connectivity.
Yes Skype, you have a PR problem. Yes Skype, you have loyal users who are getting angry with you. No Skype, Fring is not the problem. You are the problem, and your users are screaming loud and clear what we value and what you need to do. Communications like this indicate you have no respect for the needs of your customers, and we (with good reason) are not happy with you.
mshres commented Monday, Jul 12
Robert and Peter,
As a paying Skype customer, I am very much disappointed with Skype. It took you months to come up with 3G calling. Fring beat you to fairly on video calling. I am pretty much sure that it will take months for you to come out with video calling. I have no doubts about it. If you are going to take months to release video calls, you should have at least refrained from showing with your buddy Mr. Jobs to whole world. If it was not ready and was not going to be ready for months, why in the world would you show it to the world?
Looking at your statement, you mentioned that they were violating user agreements. If that was the case, why in the world did you not block it on day one? You are liaing by saying that you are not blocking it. If you are not blocking it then why don't you say, they can go ahead and use it? I firmly believe you are the one who is blocking it.
I am disappointed with your lies time and again. 3G, Multitasking, Video and now this. You all are liars. Nothing more.
steeevieee commented Monday, Jul 12
I'm disappointed that someone from Skype hasn't been a little more responsive to these comments; looks like only the fifth comment is from a company man.
The users are obviously crying out for a Skype client for Android which is feature-rich and widely accessible. The client obviously exists but isn't widely accessible. Therefore, Skype has hoisted itself by it's own petard by what appears to be childish name-calling against Fring.
If they want to stop the damage to their reputation, they can either release the client we all want without restrictions, or some clean as to why they can't/won't. And they should do it quickly, before this PR mess turns into a disaster
rkrazdan commented Monday, Jul 12
Dear Skype,
Perhaps you have been persuaded by the service providers to "Fall in Line" because they want to make even more money. Perhaps you have disabled your video capability for that very same reason. I remember that Skype used to work just fine on windows mobile 6.0 on phones with dual camera capability, and then suddenly, their was pressure from service providers(Sprint, Verizon, ATT, TMobile, you pick) and you guys removed the video capabilities.
I see a repetitive pattern, you seem to want to do the right thing but you curb to capitalism which is starting to feel a lot like a dictatorship at the hands of these companies.
I think that Skype is trying to work out a plan that allows the service providers to charge their customers for the Skype VOIP or video capability and remove that free service from the customers. It's a shame that Skype may consider doing this, or allowing for their product to be licensed like that. I think this is why Skype has pulled the proverbial plug on that capability. Really Skype, I hope that's not the case. I hope that you are working to complete, build, or fix the Skype iOS, android, and windows mobile platform application so that customers can use your product for free like the millions of users that currently can on their desktops, which hasn't affected your servers.
Think well the decisions you make, and who you choose to share your bed with.
Respectfully,
RKRazdan
achimlenderink commented Monday, Jul 12
(not writing in my mother-tongue!)
Skype: This is ridiculous. I am using Skype (Android/Win-PC/Linux-PC) because there are 3rd-Party Programs able to use it (even in an awkward way). This Not-Cooperation with fring and the fact that you issue a working Android-app just for one network in one Country (or is it more?) makes clear: You have the possibility and you will not give it to everyone. On top of that is, as far as i know, you (your program) rely technically on hardware/software resources of your customers and users. And you make money out of it.
So then speak out loud that this is a money decision and don't blabber about API/EULA-issues. Thats hipocritical. That proves the point from above: Bad PR. Because it's obvious.
And the talking about releasing something, when it's good enough. Poor Verizon. When they read this they know now, that they use some inferior app, which isn't up to customers expectations and they surely paid their amount. Or you just simply lie to all these people reading commenting you blog (by the way: by how i understand it: All users of your product!!!)
My job would be in great danger if i would work and communicate like that.
Hope you arrange smth with fring or bring a decent Android-App at last. This is damaging your reputation not fring's. So as we say in Germany: You are shooting your own knee 
cop1mast3r commented Monday, Jul 12
That's still not an excuse for the fact that the Symbian client doesn't work on the I8910 while fring does. (Or should I say did?)
mrshelby commented Monday, Jul 12
So how much of this is related to your deal with Verizon? Skype has intentionally shunned many long term users such as myself in order to get a one time payday with a national carrier.
I use and Android phone on a network not labeled Verizon because their shady billing and horrible customer service has burned too many people I know yet in order to use Skype now I have to move to Verizon.
Skype will lose a customer from this deal before Verizon gains one.
sbbeebe commented Monday, Jul 12
Not much to add to the above comments, other than I hope someone at Skype is listening. Innovation in VOIP seems to be coming from anywhere and everywhere, except from Skype.
s.fox8 commented Monday, Jul 12
I find it extremely sad that Skype even DARES to try to ignore the outcry in these comments now that they see their "loyal customers" are no longer on their side. One reply that completely tries to circumvent its way around the question does not cut it. I'm literally appalled.
You know what's ruining your brand and reputation? YOURSELVES. Your support for iOS4 is a joke. Your support for Android is a joke. You don't even have an Android app out for the Android users who are not on Verizon (aka the REST of the Android-using world). You claim it's not up to standards? Well your Verizon exclusive app surely must be up to standards, unless you would like to admit that you're screwing them over as well.
Now you're trying to screw Fring over for providing customers with what they need WHEN they need it because you can't (for whatever reason) do it yourselves. You make a great product but you are shooting yourselves in the foot with your lackluster support and your shady backalley deals.
Well guess what Skype. You're offering one of two choices: Switch to Verizon for a below average mobile Skype experience, or stop paying for Skype. Guess which one costs me less money. Bingo.
grcarvalho commented Monday, Jul 12
Skype is starting to smell like ICQ... it was a marvelous piece of software on it's time, but now nobody want's it...
I was very happy when i was able to use skype on my iPhone first time, but even with updates the bugz are still there... simple things like be able to see the profile of another user never worked.
I think that Skype is not a company made of 5 guys working at someone`s garage, and also is not a company full of people taking care of the roof of theyr offices. So instead of explaining why the other 3rd party guys can do one thing or not, why don't you just take care of your image with your very own customers.
If they are running to other clients, this means that you guys are failing in keep yours running fast, full featured and using low resources.
fugugaipan commented Monday, Jul 12
As a subscriber and user of Skype's service, I would have to disagree with the statement that Fring was damaging Skype's image, it was actually improving it by actually supplying an updated client on multiple platforms, including Android. While there is an official Skype Android client it's only available to US customers on Verizon which leaves the rest of us without access to it natively.
While skype in numbers do exist the service is a regression of technology. It leaves you having to look up a contact, write down the number off you phone, to then call a different number and then manually use the number instead of just dialing direct, which of course is the real point of having a skype number in the first place.
If Skype had a product that filled the same niche as Fring in using the Skype service did then there would be at least a foundation for an argument on the point, but until then Skype is just cutting off direct service from customers.
fractalsphere commented Monday, Jul 12
Exactly what portion of Skypes Terms of Use and End User License Agreement is Fring violating? The way I see it, they're helping to spread your products name by providing a functionality you have not yet provided to your customer base.
I am on an Android phone (HTC Evo) and Sprint. If Skype had an android application, I would use it exclusively, but as it is, I don't want to move to Verizon to use Skype on my phone. Fring is building in functionality to many other services and clients, Skype was simply the stand-out of the group because it enabled the video-calling.
As a result of Fring doing this I was using Skype MORE than I had in the past. And I'm sure I wasn't the only one. I'm not sure how more users and more use of your service is in any way damaging to your name or product.
If Skype cannot or will not provide this functionality on its own, or in cooperation with another company, my video-calling business and usage will go elsewhere.
Skype - look at the trend, I think video-calling is finally in the mainstream - don't wreck your chances to get in on the ground floor of the new video-mobile market.
igzekyativ commented Monday, Jul 12
"... Fring reported on their blog that we had blocked their access to Skype. I want to make one thing absolutely clear: this is untrue."
then why can I not use Skype on Fring?!
F U Skype... completely dissappointed
amuskena commented Monday, Jul 12
Now I can't use fring on my Nokia E65 (where Fring worked perfectly), as it is not supported by Skype application, thank you very much...
aim-kai commented Monday, Jul 12
Let's face the facts. Skype used to be innovative... not any more.
Skype broke its promise to keep SKYPE-SKYPE talks gratis (vide: 3G).
Fring was developing at faster pace was more easy to use. It took ages to wait for conference calls altough others already offered that. SKYPE on android? No kidding.
Skype used to be fighter for better user experience - not any longer. I'm npt going to cry just switch to better programs. However in my view SKYPE has no right to fight for Network Neutrality as it is contrary to company's behaviour.
igzekyativ commented Monday, Jul 12
i have an evo 4g and now my phone has lost so much of its use for me.. i am so freakin angry.. does verizon even have a phone on the market that even has a front facing camera so that people can video chat?! get the skype app on more than just verizon's android phones please
s_vilaysack commented Monday, Jul 12
No how about the Skype team actually create an android app instead of blaming Fring. If you want the customer to fully experience skype then do it yourself and not from a 3rd Party.
martinokp commented Monday, Jul 12
What sort of marketing decision is it to have a crippled Skype App only on Verizon Wireless only? No front facing camera phones on the Verizon network. No ability for Skype to phone numbers for subscribers that have a monthly fee like me.
Skype is simply damaging its brand by itself.
Just so you know, Google is working on mobile video calling. Remember Gizmo? It will soon be released and Skype will be history when that happens.
evefavretto commented Monday, Jul 12
Skype can be used in Android and iOS devices via Nimbuzz. I don't know if Nimbuzz has videocalling, but voice and chat works.
felipe.alfaro commented Monday, Jul 12
Just release a fully-featured Android application and forget about Fring.
darkpeace0 commented Monday, Jul 12
What a bunch of crying babies. Wake up people, you live and breath in a free-marketing society where businesses make decisions on supply and demand and ultimately profitability. There are some exceptions, like google where they make "SOOO" much of their money on advertising they put out many "gratis" applications and services, however I guarantee that if they see a major drop in revenue / profits, some of those FREE services we all enjoy will become paid for.
I digress, point is.. Skype did not remove this, .. Skype's Quote : "Fring made the decision to remove Skype functionality on its own." translates to : "Oh S#!t, this video feature overloaded our network... let's blaim skype!!"
Skype, you're doing a great job, keep up the good work!
jespersp commented Monday, Jul 12
I guess it's time for fring to introduce support for video calling to gtalk. Problem solved - then we can avoid skype all together..
me3ngr commented Monday, Jul 12
I have really been disappointed with Skype's work on mobile devices starting with Windows Mobile and not ending with the Android but going to the iPhone. Maybe if you stayed competitive with the latest needs of the Mobile Industry applications like fring won't be ruining your image. And just for the record you are the one ruining your own image by forgetting the users want features, and you can't provide them... to make matters worst you block the work of people who DO provide them.
Take a page from your users book, and consider this comment and all of the comments above it.
Sincerely,
AG
rlescaille commented Monday, Jul 12
If anything, Fring HELPED your brand reputation because they helped you sustain market share as the industry standard video conferencing client. While you are penciling deals with big telcos and forgetting about your core customer, third parties are having to use your API to do what you should already have done. Sadly this is another nail in the coffin. I used to use Skype for a lot of business meetings but now we mostly use Google. Skype 4.0 is nothing but bloatware and I don't even sign in anymore because I'm sick of spammers sending me messages.
As soon as Google releases their version of GTalk video for Android, there won't be a reason for Skype to exist for many of us. Combine that with Google Voice and it's hard to justify bloatware versus an integrated Google solution.
Sorry guys, but as a brand marketer myself, it's quite obvious where the fault lies.
kurtdelanoy commented Monday, Jul 12
FU!! Now there is no skype for for my htc evo. I'm pissed at skype now so this is damaging your brand not Fring. I was a skype fan so I don't care if skype has an android app or if fring has it but now we have nothing, thanks a lot!
emil_c2ho5oh_n2o commented Monday, Jul 12
OMG is what I am going to say! Fring is actually helping you because you support like 10 phones and do nothing about it! Awesome phones like Samsung Omnia HD still doesn't support your s***y software and it's year old now... And not only this phone! Fring is actually helping you, using your services! This way you are only going to lose your users!
mauswaerter commented Monday, Jul 12
I JUST had my first mobile video conversations between Germany and Singapore with myself standing near the banks of the river Rhine while watching a befriended family - with their young son waving into the camera - enjoying the sunlight 10,000 km away. They live on the brink of a rainforst nature reserve. AND NOW? Black screen, lame excuses! THANK YOU, SKYPE! Where is YOUR video support for Symbian S60 v3 (via NOKIA N95 8GB)? "The non touchscreen version is not updated". *Great*. Are you a North Korean company or simply asleep? The North Korean variant is supported by the fact that you seem to harm others for harm's sake while having got stuck in inaptness and ineptness yourself. Sorry to say ...
emil_c2ho5oh_n2o commented Monday, Jul 12
I don't se ANY positiv respond?! I think skype owes appologies to their users and Fring!
seanelliottchapman commented Monday, Jul 12
@ rlescaille: rlescaille you are so correct. Skype has certainly lost the connection with their core customers. If it wasn't for Fring, I would have never used skype again.
Listen to this reality check for you Skype:
During the 12 hours or so that Fring had the Skype video chatting for the iphone, I had 7 new users create and download skype on their PC's. Think about how many other people did that awell. I had family members who had no interest in setting up accounts finally create one so I could talk to them on my iphone. And your claiming this hurt your reputation?
Take a look at the big picture, they did nothing but help you.
But as for now, I'm done with Skype
martijnpolman commented Monday, Jul 12
Skype is working towards a model where on top of your data plan they will charge you for video calling over 3G, Fring was offering this function for free and was in the way of that model. Now Skype has found a good excuse to block Fring and can continue to work towards that model.
leaverx commented Monday, Jul 12
This is disgusting.
Skype, which has had 2 years to develop a simple application for the world's largest growing mobile platform, has done what? Provided a non-wifi, minutes charging application for 10% of the world's Android population. Over all this time, we've gotten only a single update, that a skype app for Android was "coming soon".
I don't expect anything perfect, heck I was very impressed with the iPhone app, I just don't see why it's so hard to deliver. I got skype so I could make cheap calls from outside home with my cellphone. Now I can't even do that. I think Skype is the one damaging it's reputation and has been for a long time by not providing support for their own services. The Android options, Fring and Nimbuzz are buggy, non responsive, slow and often don't connect calls, but at least they make an effort and allow for Skype use sometimes, that's more than I can say for Skype itself.
mike.galicki commented Monday, Jul 12
My wife actually was excited about Fring using Skype video that she downloaded it for her 3GS and now its gone forever it seems with the only solution to dump skype and use facetime with an iphone 4 upgrade.
If you think this execution is bad, delayed, lacking.. You should see Skypes involvement with Skype on the TV. As you know in 2010 Skype got into Panasonic and Samsung TV's. Go over to the Skype on your TV blog and read how awesome it is.
Skype on TV only will only do video to Windows Machines running Skype 4.2. No Mac, No Linux. And if you want anything better than 640x480, you better have two 2010 model TV's with a Skype camera. (How many families and friends have both at both ends?) Getting answers or support from skype is basically shoved off to the TV manufactures themselves. PeterParks@skype tries what he can.. but its a slow faucet of information.
fastiepl commented Monday, Jul 12
Sorry but We will have to look for an alternative for skype now, I was payin for a mobile call etc to skype but not anymore cuz skype is acting stupid blocking fring to use its service,
leaverx commented Monday, Jul 12
Oh and btw Skype, how does "Fring... is in breach of Skype’s API Terms of Use and End User License Agreement" and "and those developers that do not comply with our terms will be subject to legal enforcement." Not sound like blocking to you.
Fring whilst they did originally withdraw their service themselves, now state that they cannot bring it back, even though they have the capacity as they are afraid of legal action from Skype. It does sound like there is some truth in their statement.
timj_moore commented Monday, Jul 12
about time people realised there are other voip options than skype anyway. Most modern Nokia smartphones have built into the OS support for any sip based voip service. This is industry standard and doesn't rely on 3rd party or proprietary software. Indsustry standard voip hardware is available too and no need for bloated p2p protocols, plus sip is recognised and prioritised by industry standard routers the world over. All skype ever has going for it is the brand. The implementation would be far better if it was open and standard.
lariothepsy commented Monday, Jul 12
Read the about 100+ comments here and 100 more in engadget. 95% of them say - "Fringe is good, Skype is sh**".
Skype says - we don't care.
I say- as soon as a proper voip competitor goes online, I am deleting this account and jumping ships. I really hope that Fringe will be part of that new service I am going to use.
Skype, you lost a few million customers in the long term, congratulations.
drtrmiller commented Monday, Jul 12
STFU Robert! Sure it's asinine that Fring didn't have the resources to properly execute what it tried doing, but what's even worse is that Skype doesn't provide its users the necessary tools (read: mobile apps) to get the job done in the first place! That's a pathetic reality you've created for yourselves, only to cry wolf when that 3rd party can't maintain the resources to offer what consumers want, and what you refuse to provide!
jschoeck commented Monday, Jul 12
I'm very unhappy that I can no longer use Skype properly by way of the Fring software - which is much better than Skype's iPhone app.
Please restore Fring's API access right away!
jedivulcan commented Monday, Jul 12
Eh... Skype is trying to control its service and by every desperate measure possible. They sell you a service but dicate the functionality of the service depending on the platform and frown upon users otherwise. Segmentation and discrimination rather than innovation. They're sort of the Adobe of VoIP.
The Windows client is by far the pathfinder as far as features go... everything else is just barebones.
Mac version is barren. Linux version's behind Mac or on par. The PSP version is no frills... the iPhone version is bare... no word on an iPad update to fix the UI since it's basically the iPhone version.
There's no technical reason why Skype couldn't enable video calls over WiFi and follow suit with Apple's current stance with FaceTime.
I have a feeling once Google makes Google Voice a true VoIP client rather than an intermediate service.. game over, Skype.
davidgbrookes commented Monday, Jul 12
Skype that is a funny statement you make.
Fring has not damaged your reputation you do that all by yourselves.
Fring showed the world you can run video on mobile phones. It showed that you can run Skype in the background and use iOS4.
All Skype does is send out spin and nothing of value to the CUSTOMERS. In 5 years time Skype will disappear as it doesn’t offer service to customers. Nor does it listen to customers.
STOP WRITING SPIN AND START WRITING APPS THAT WORK!
mcse4macs commented Monday, Jul 12
I can't believe Mr. Miller associated his name and photo with that post. The entire merketing model of Skype has been that "Skype-to-Skype calls are free". Now it's "Skype-to-Skype calls are free (except over 3G where we will charge you even though you already pay the actual company providing the 3G service, and even though it's none of our business where you get the bandwidth from)". Charging for the app to cover development could even make sense, but charging based on which method of bandwidth I choose to use is crazy. Fring side-stepped your 3G charge plan and suddenly have violated your terms. Hummmm.
robert.kennedy76 commented Monday, Jul 12
To all the people that ask where the skype is for non-verizon people I must remind you that skype mobile for Verizon is devoid of any functionality that would make it useful for the majority of users. You cannot make calls within the US via wifi and calls using 3g still use your verizon minutes. Thus, it is really only useful for skype to skype calls.
Anyway, I honestly feel duped by the fact that I recently purchased a year long skype subscription, and now I have no reason to use it at all. Fring was the absolute only reason I did business with Skype, and by Skype being disabled I now have 360 or so days remaining on a Skype subscription that is useless to me.
The only way that I see that you might imagine Fring to be damaging to your brand is that people might associate Skype with the ability to have the functionality on their phone that they want...that being the ability to make calls via wifi, and the ability to not use up their mobile minutes. Now, what is truly damaging to the Skype brand is the taking away of those features from users that depend on them.
daniel.cardozo commented Monday, Jul 12
Android is spreading like wild fire all over the world, but we the android users don't have a skype official client.
If skype continues not to release an official client, and to block third parties from doing it, it will be driven irrelevant by competition.
mattrog commented Monday, Jul 12
SO DISAPPOINTED THAT I CANT USE SKYPE ON MY HTC DROID INCREDIBLE IN WIFI MODE. I HAD A FIX VIA FRING, BUT THAT IS GONE NOW. CAN'T WE JUST ALL GET ALONG?
krantix commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Make a decent app and people will choose yours over the alternatives.
The skype iphone app is slow and provides little functionality.
paulohlp commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Look I really like skype services and I use fring a lot, so please reconsider. This way you keep this consumer happy.
a1astudio commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Skype doesn't want to release anything (info, apps etc) except their legal team to denounce fring. Customers are frustrated, dismayed and confused and they feel abandoned by a $2B company who is sitting on their hands except wanting to make sure that no one damages their "brand and reputation". That's what their working on...making sure that no one damages their brand and reputation...forget about informing customers as to what is going on...and forget about working on any apps...this is their first release since the 6/21 when they announced "ios4 update was coming soon". I'm surprised they are not running 50 million dollars in commercials to "protect their brand and reputation" like BP because their garbage is spewing out onto cyberspace.
wicker808 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Since everyone else is complaining, I think I will complain too: while you guys are mulling over an Android app, how about updating your Linux client? It hasn't been upgraded in forever and could really use some love. I mean, you've already done the hard part (protocols, infrastructure), how hard can it possibly be to ship a decent program?
lukesleeman commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Ok, so you blocked Fring - their Andriod client was pretty poor and often crashed. Just one question - what am I supposed to use to access skype on Andriod now? Where is my offical "Skype experience" of which I have so many high expectations?
Better a buggy client than none at all. Thanks skype ...
rkent.uog commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Reviewing my account shows that I have given Skype over $500 of my money over the past couple years, but if they don't take consideration of their Android customers, and revisit their threat to charge people for calls over 3G 
I will soon be taking my business elsewhere.
* - How does 3G cost them any more money than any other data connection? I have paid for that data bandwidth on my own, and frankly they are breaking a written promise that skype-to-skype calls will always be free -
danielviverridae commented Tuesday, Jul 13
"Fring made the decision to remove Skype functionality on its own." is a bit hard to believe, as its unique Skype video calling support is… Was pretty much the backbone to Fring's success. Removing Skype support would make no sense at all, business wise.
And there are quite many consumers out there with lesser phones than the ones running iOS and Android, which all, as of this day, lack the video calling functionality with Skype. You've left your clients out in the cold.
kiptower1 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
so why dont skype tell us why it really happened I.E, in the UK
"THREE" have a big hand in SKYPE , but no one wants to say how much
the other UK networks block skype e.g, T-Mobile ( which orange have joined up with ) only allow call from an Android mobile to other Skye users , but skype users cannot call T-Mobile skype users , now wait a min , when you call another skype user from the handset it charges a local call. BUT only if you sign up for web and walk max , which T-Mobile will forget to tell you and its £19 a month extra plus the local call everytime you ring , I belive the same problem is with 02 and Vodaphone , so Fring went down and many started using Nimbuzz, but as from Monday ( yesterday ) Nimbuzz wont accept calls from other skype users to a handset on t-mobile using Skype with the Nimbuzz interface , but you can call from the handset but the calls keep dropping as soon as you connect
come on Skype time a few truths were told who is pulling who's strings and who is blocking what , the main networks hate what "THREE" were offering or is "THREE" pulling strings on the other networks
so disgusted I sent both my new HTC Desire's back to T-Mobile todaqy and cancelled the contracts by throwing the Sale Of Goods Act @ them "NOT FIT FOR THE PURPOSE" because part of the features will not work e.g, part of the internet , they claimed it would work with skype and the fact its WIFI will only work with older G series routers, oh and for those on TMobile in the UK
maybe TMOBILE would like to tell the truth about the Desire and its WIFI that does not work with N type routers , and the excuses from HTC it MAY work when anderoid 2.2 is released sometime MAYBE in the UK.
maybe its a sham to start charging for all calls
haruhb commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I've been a user and loyal customer of skype for over six years. Oh, how I've been patient- but Android support never surfaced, despite their promises. The only reason I've held on has been Fring's support, which has now- and I'd say it's likely we can all thank skype and their friends over at the telcos for this- evaporated. Poof! There goes my monetary support for you, skype. Not a yen more.
teckseen commented Tuesday, Jul 13
i'm a loyal paying customer until now. Will be looking for other options. Gizmo5 looks promising
lq101mickey commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Skype you need to get your act together this would be a good chance for you to take the lead in this field. Video calling on 3G plus to any desktop on the planet, thats true integration. But you seem so far behind with the mobile market. AT&T; are trying to workout how to monetise facetime. Meanwhile fring is making your platform fly.
Like i said you've not got a good app in the mobile market hence fring. Fring have a linux client they just need to bring out the PC/OS X
May be you don't care about the video market since you have no revenue from it.
I know i don't use your service calling much cheaper and better call quality options.
I guess time will tell.
derekling commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Hello skype, since I have to log into my skype account to post this message, you know who I am, how long I have been using skype and exactly how much my company and I spend each month on skypein, skypeout, skype subscriptions etc. Just want to let you know that yeah, I am an Andriod user who has been logging in via Fring and yeah, I was counting on skype for communication on a business trip yesterday when the service was stop. And yeah, I am piss and will consider switching to another service. But then again, my company and I are small potatoes compared to your millions of users. I just want to let you know that at least one of your loyal customer is severely affected and is piss.
deathspal commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Do you hear that Skype it is your costumer base outraged that you wouldn't want them to have as many ways to access your service as posible... Oh and do you hear the rest ya open standards like SIP and FaceTime arguing how to carve you up... Better get smart or get ready to get out of the way. The Blood is in the water and mobile video conferencing is here and to the standard with the broadest platform support will go the spoils....
listening2urheart commented Tuesday, Jul 13
This is absolutely disgraceful, just because you are one of the best VOIP operator does not mean that you will start acting like a selfish cat. Get over it skype, first of all your Devs are so SLOW in updating apps for the mobile platform, particularly for an iPhone.
On 8th of April, during the Sneak-Peak of iOS your chief was cheering on that 'We have developed this app in just 5 days'. Bullshit... who cares, now its been 3 months since that preview, where the hell is your update? Come on guys, stop being so backward. Fring, despite of being a small company is so dedicated that they generally update their app within a few weeks to get it compatible with new OS.
Who cares of you are bringing Skype to bedrooms via TV...not a big deal, you will create an app and will forget to update that as well....
Today you are in Monopoly, so enjoy it.... I bet you, one company will come and will knock you off one day!!! MIND MY WORDS!!!
politicalslug commented Tuesday, Jul 13
What a load of crap. Skype is damaging Skype's reputation. Skype was offered the chance to demo their VOIP app for iOS4 almost four months ago and it's still not available in the AppStore. Even that lameduck version only supported Voice, which no promise whatsoever of videochatting. Companies like Fring make Skype into a usable experience. Someone should fire the moron executive that allowed this letter to be published, and their salary and bonuses should be reinvested in Skype coming out with an iOS app that supports both voice (like we saw four months ago) and video, and both over 3G. If Skype can't handle it, someone else should. Your service is a joke and your tactics are even worse. Good day!
yonubear commented Tuesday, Jul 13
how about a skpe app for windows mobile so that those of us can actually enjoy the full range of your service
odoketa commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I would agree with many of the posters here that none of us really care about Fring, but all of us want to know why there's no Skype app for our phones. Maybe if you were serving your customers we wouldn't be so up in arms about your little spat.
aldov33 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
i don't now what tell true, but one is sure skype must work with fring! Team of skype can't make on good software for mobile phones in this moment from fring. Skype for symbian is full tragedy.
eranm13 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Regardless of how is right and who is wrong in this debate - one thing is obvious: having Fring without Skype will HURT BOTH COMPANIES. Personally, it was the main way I used Skype and it seems to me that I may very well be leaving Skype if the service will not return. Not to mention I will definitely not recommend any of my friends to use Skype now - as you are obviously not stable!
People want their instant messaging networks to be in one place! That includes Skype!
You should fix this issue as fast as you can!
wvcachi commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Want to leave Skype, but don't see any viable competitors? Here's what I'm doing:
- Google Voice account linked to Gizmo5 account (you can find someone's Gizmo5 to buy for cheap - it's worth it).
- Set up your Gizmo5 as SIP in fring
- For outgoing calls, put a shortcut to the Google Voice mobile site ('older version') on your homescreen for outgoing calls
- for incoming calls, fring will push all of them to you.
- You now have 100% free mobile VoIP. No Skype needed.
- Use fring for non-Skype video chat. Get friends on there too, and soon Skype will be an afterthought.
pslaplace commented Tuesday, Jul 13
So, now that Skype has been pulled from Fring, this basically leaves people with Android devices without any video call support. Yes, I am a Verizon subscriber and can download the Skype app, but it still does not support video calls. What's the point of downloading the Skype app if I can make free SIP calls using other apps, calls which don't necessitate the receiving party to download any apps? (unlike Skype)
nerdtalker commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Skype, this move of yours is retarded.
You keep saying that Fring violated terms of the API - could you please point out what parts of the API were violated? Thus far, the only reasons you've given were that Fring's implementation of video calling didn't "scale." I seem to recall Skype's own service failing hard at P2P scaling a while back, causing some massive internet meltdown. Perhaps you should be a bit more tolerant when people using the API discover massive attention for your services.
Moreover, where are the Skype applications that allow mobile video calling from iOS 4 to Android to WebOS to BlackBerry to Maemo/MeeGo? You guys are awfully effective at pulling the rug out from under people using APIs, but awful slow at implementing features on your own. The Skype application on iOS remains a buggy, somewhat glitchy experience. Where's that background-enabled, video call supporting software you guys have?
Oh wait.
Innovate fast, or become obsolete. I hope Fring comes up with something of its own, because even though you guys are dominating the VoIP market, video calling is here. Get it implemented before summer is out, or someone else will, and I'll certainly be first in line to wave goodbye.
Where's that conference call video chat feature you promised for the desktop months ago anyhow?
rentingba commented Tuesday, Jul 13
This is sad, but in the end its all about money. Skype sold out to verizon and will soon sell out to the other carriers. they want to charge per minute for using skype video, skype over 3g and skype over wifi. They arent telling you this but by not allowing you to do any of those things its pretty obvious.
fring was allowing people to go around skypes ban on these three functions. so skype banned them.
I have been currently looking at alternatives that have unlimited international calling and an Android APP. im happy to say ive found two options.
the first and probably the best ( it has always been better than skype just a little more expensive ) is Vonage, but it costs like $ 26 bucks a month but it includes 60 countries. Only hitch is you need to sign a one year contract, so not the best option, but for business users its great.
the second option is truphone, they have a pretty nice app and they give you about 10 minutes of free credit to check out the call quality. I tried making some calls and the quality was much better than skype on my wifi phone and skype on fring ( which is better than skype on my wifi phone ). It costs $ 17 bucks a month and includes 38 countries.
skype quality isnt as good as either of these two options, it costs $ 14 bucks a month and includes 40 countries. they were never the best but they had a loyal cult following among the young tech savvy crowd and that grew into a real international following, now it looks like the want to capitalize and sell us off piecemeal to the big carriers for profit
if skype doesnt make nice with fring or they dont come out with an app comparable to either truphone, fring or vonage with 3g wifi and video calling by the end of the month i am cancelling my subscription and signing up with truphone.
damn, three years and this is how im repaid.
Google, where are you when we need you ? I must be honest, i wasnt planning on dropping skype even if you came out with a real competitor, mostly out of loyalty. I like you and im a loyal chrome and android user but skype came first 
. But now is your chance, skype just squandered all the love i had for them. come out with a great app and a reasonable unlimited plan that allows for skype out video via wifi and 3g and my monthly plan is yours.
etsspets1983 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
You guys at Skype are beating the nails into your own coffin, you are losing the support of the community. Already people are looking for someone to back, and Fring is way better to back then you corporate backstabbers. Btw that wide smile avatar is not helping Robert.
techsoldaten commented Tuesday, Jul 13
The problem with all you people complaining about mobile phone support for Skype is that you bought iPhones in the first place. Don't complain about skype having to play in Apple's walled garden, that's where you chose to plant your seeds and it's not their fault if the sun don't shine in the spot you picked.
I run Meebo on my iPhone and it runs the Skype application for Linux natively. While it lacks the fruity navigation options of the iOS, it's worth it not having to put up with all of Apple's BS. I like the tiny screen much better than the craptastic innerfaces those people push on the world.
Fring sucks btw and is run by media whores with no respect for their user base. If it was me I would fire back by publicizing some of the vulnerabilities those bozos never seem to getting around to patching. Like, I am mad to be hearing they shut off access to Skype instead of fixing their client, and I wonder how people would feel about things if a couple 0-days suddenly started circulating and eating up all their social mediaz.
brinito commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Dear Skype service provider.... i'm a user of your serivice and I already have SkypeOut credit but now i can not use it in my mobile device, that is the main reason that i had for buying the skypeout credit and be able to use it on the way (from my mobile phone) when i travel outside my country.
Today i'm out of my country and your decition to disable the service for FRING is stopping me to use the credit i have payed for..... how can I get refounds for it?
bostjan.peterca commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Oh, you did not block the fring skype service, they have pulled it out temporarily for themselves for performance reasons. You have just used the opportunity and forbidden them to reconnect it back, when they have resolved the problem. Funny thing you don't mention that particular detail.
Blocking. They say potato, you say potato.
In the end you have effectively prevented fring from providing further integration with skype.
Nice spin, btw.
ricferrer commented Tuesday, Jul 13
they are only "damaging" your brand because they are trying harder to bring innovation and new features into a number of platforms than skype ever has. Stop being so lazy and release better apps and no other company would have the opportunity to "damage" your brand.
BTW you may have not directly blocked fring, but if you send them some bulldog lawyers with legal threats, you leave them no choice but to stop supporting the service, thus effectively blocking them from using it. Meaning, this blog post is a lame attempt to do some damage control. The sad thing is that skype still comes out looking pretty bad.
I stopped using the skype app a long time ago because it was buggy and lacked most features that had been on fring for a long-long time. How hard can it really be. I don't think that fring has more resources than skype, but they still manage to bring more and better features to a great number of platforms in a fraction of the time skype needs.
The only real innovation that skype has ever brought was the protocol, which BTW was developed pre-2003. Aside from that, we have only seen small steps forward (better quality, buggy screensharing), but nothing really mind blowing. Even the Mac OS X version is buggy for god's sake!!!!
Skype should really get their act together and stop bullying smaller companies just because they pose a threat. Start making better products, it looks better than trying to stop those who do. People use fring because of push notifications, video, and the fact that it keeps working when the phone goes to sleep, all very basic things that skype doesn't seem to figure out. It's time for me to look for another service; I don't want to support a company with such a lame corporate attitude that has been lagging behind in innovation for some years anyways. The only "lock-in" is that the userbase is huge, but it's nothing xmpp/jingle or even asterisk can't offer in the future.
ricferrer commented Tuesday, Jul 13
....and don't get me started with the shady deals with operators to charge over 3G!!
krampfbein commented Tuesday, Jul 13
could somebody in the US please sue Skype for their behavior and business practices? as a european customer i can't really do that but I increasingly feel INSULTED by their LACK OF APTITUDE and DISREGARD FOR CUSTOMERS!
why?
1) no iOS 4 support for weeks now
2) no Android app (hey, GUESS WHAT: we don't have verizon over here!!!!)
3) shady US deals with no regard to the rest of the world
4) stupidity (see the whole fring thing)
what has happened to this once great company??
listening2urheart commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Wow.... I have never seen the whole community backfiring on someone like this. Skype would definitely regret over this.... Good on you guys!!
stuart.hargreaves1 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
If you pulled your fingers out and actually got your own software working for your paying customers, this wouldn't be a problem.
Push notification, multitasking, video calling... if you can't get it working, we'll go elsewhere. There are plenty of options available.
florian.jug commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I once was a big Skype fan. Without Skype I would not have survived my distant relationship that turned to be a close one
Unfortunately it seems that someone at Skype is doing a bad job. I hate to say that, but you guys at Skype are killing your past success and I doubt that many people will use Skype some years from now.
I claim that the reason for most of us to use Fring is simply that the official tool sucks, and I guess that's your fault...
Shame on you Skype-team, shame on you...
florian.jug commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I once was a big Skype fan. Without Skype I would not have survived my distant relationship that turned to be a close one
Unfortunately it seems that someone at Skype is doing a bad job. I hate to say that, but you guys at Skype are killing your past success and I doubt that many people will use Skype some years from now.
I claim that the reason for most of us to use Fring is simply that the official tool sucks, and I guess that's your fault...
Shame on you Skype-team, shame on you...
ngskypecall commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Skype's official client app for Symbian came out in 2010. That's right: 2010. Version 1.0 was made available in Feb of 2010. No video calls. No conference call. No instant messaging during a call.
But, hey, I was happier. There were now two competitive alternatives: Skype's official client and Fring, with the later having video calls over Skype.
Now Skype pulled the plug on Fring. And why? Because they "mis-use of [Skype's] software". Pathetic.
I think this is the beginning of the end for Skype. It starts by an once innovating company being unable/unwilling to develop their technology (a laggard) and then alienating their user base (read: "customer base").
Great move, Skype. You've now given the chance -- and a mighty good chance at that -- to competitors. All they need to do is: develop for multi-platforms equally and stay clear of the idiocy of charging for 3G access.
gabrieldov commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Disapointing is that there's still no Skype for Android!!!
That's a HUUGGGEEE disapointment. And now I and many Android users are without any decent Skype solution to spend our bucks on VoIP.
Fring was the only decent solution and was making good name for Skype with Android users. You were analyzing the empty part of the glass - I'm looking into the full part of it. At least they considered us.
Looking forwards for a Skype add-on to Android presto!
ajitjaokar commented Tuesday, Jul 13
My comments as per my blog below:
In a nutshell, the discussion is not really about open or close IMHO but rather about video and QOS for video. See also Google's usage of flash vs HTML5 i.e. video needs to use special considerations esp on the network side. The worst thing we can do is - lose the customer user experience. As Fring found out - it will stress the network and degrade the customer experience. comments welcome kind rgds Ajit
Person to person video calling: Skype, Fring, Apple and YouTube ..
http://www.opengardensblog.futuretext.com/archives/2010/07/person-to-person-video-calling-skype-fring-apple-and-youtube.html
oleurud84 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Genail, very good decision. And now as use Skype in Android?
I am very satisfied of that Skype exists, but as you are late so much time in extracting software, Fring is necessary!!
Anyhow, I don´t understand why there isn´t android application.
gazzaasewell commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I'm more of an IM man than VOIP and now have no way of using Skype IM on my HTC Desire. Another Android app "Nimbuzz" that works very similarly to fring is currently dead on the Skype front also. Am I correct in saying Nimbuzz "decided" to pull their Skype connectivity also, just like you say Fring did.
Bit of a coincidence isn't it?
gmhossain commented Tuesday, Jul 13
This is horrible!!! Skype, are you kidding? Are you protecting your brand or kicking out your own customers? I have been a paid customer of Skype for more than a year. In my Nexus One, Fring was the only way to make call using my SkypeOut account. Now, that option is gone, do you expect Android users like me to continue with Skype subscription?
renato_laporte commented Tuesday, Jul 13
And what about we android users? Or what about iPhone users who wants a better voip app with more functionalities and that really works?
jerryprague commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Fring finally gave you the perfect opportunity to do what you've no doubt wanted to do for a long time, and that is drop the one service that YOU should be delivering on your own, namely, the ability to do on the road what you can do from your home, which is simply to use your internet data plan to call people.
What difference should it make if one uses one's data plan which is already paid for at home or away from home? What should you care what device or where I make a call from, if I have already paid Skype for this with my monthly USA plan??? I could carry my laptop around with me-major pain-and make free calls from a wifi zone-but why should I not be allowed-on the same data plan with my carrier-to simply use my smartphone to do this???
In protest, I have cancelled my Skype paid account and will surely find some way to do this on my own.
Shame on you Skype, we look up to you, you should value your customers and reputation more!!!
felipe.alfaro.solana commented Tuesday, Jul 13
From: http://www.felipe-alfaro.org/blog/2010/07/13/skype-voip-and-proprietary-solutions/
This post is mostly a rant about Skype, the current state of VoIP solutions and proprietary solutions.
For quite a while I've owned an Android device. I don't like proprietary solutions that force the customer into another's hidden agenda. I don't like proprietary solutions that change licensing or pricing unidirectionally without consensus. And I don't like proprietary solutions that server a monitory instead of a majority. I use Skype because I make lot of calls to land lines in other countries. I haven't been able to find any other VoIP provider that is easy to use and supports multiple devices (the only one close to this is Google Voice, but Google Voice is not yet available outside the US). They have PC software and software for iPhone and iPad, with little or no restrictions. But I am still waiting on Skype to release a native Android application for it (besides the existing one that only works on a very limited set of devices in the Verizon US wireless network).
I tried to come up with a non-imaginative, reliable solution to this. I tried Fring, but Fring does not support Skype anymore. I also tried Nimbuzz but Skype support does not work at all on Android Froyo (2.2). So the next natural thing to try was SIPdroid and SIP for Skype. Unfortunately, and contributing to my overall disappointment, SIP for Skype does not support subscriptions and, additionally, you have to run a business. Using SIP for Skype requires buying a channel subscription to allow for outbound calls (you will need as many channel subscriptions as simultaneous outbound calls you want to support), but channels do not support subscriptions, like unlimited calls to landlines, and they have their own credit line. When a Skype user places a call over SIP, the credit is withdrawn directly from the channel, and not from the user's credit (the SIP credentials used are the channel's not the user's). Hence, even if the Skype user has a subscription plan, call to landlines will still have a variable cost.
Why does Skype limit support to Verizon US wireless network? Verizon Wireless states they have 70.8 million customers. The global wireless market, according to a research topped at 3.3 billion subscribers by the end of 2007. That means that Verizon was roughly 2.15% of the total mobile market at that time. Even if Android market share in the US is just a mere 9% according to Nielsen, it means there are lots of customers that are not on Verizon but using Android and still are incapable of using Skype.
So please, Skype, release Skype for Android now, with no artificial limitations based on some murky, strange and obscure requirements from the Telcos. And stop blaming other's like Fring. No one else but Skype is damaging the Skype brand for not supporting all platforms, unrestrictedly. Remember that Skype makes money because of its customers, and not anyone else. Serving your customers should be Skype's only mission.
misterfloris commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Idiot situation. Skype does NOT support all platforms and walks on the hand of inferior phone provider Jobs who doesn’t doe his job either. It is a lousy excuse considering that an iPhone 3G does not have a cam to support video calling and that NOBODY in the world actually has a working iPhone4. In addition to that Fring provides a skype solution on phones NOT supported by Skype. (Why is my cam on my Nokia E90 not supported by Skype???)
Hence the situation: Kiss and make up guys. Calling names is not helpful and does not support the interest of both your user groups!
Skype should not even consider to charge for 3G. A by-pass will come to that anyway and it is none of their business wether I am calling by 3G or on Wi-Fi. In a global moving world of communication I consider this to be stupid and does not lead to LONGTERM interest of neither your companies nor your users. I have no problem contributing by paying for using the app, when the fee is very moderate. I am already paying big bugs to the providers for my mobile internet charges (I don’t live in a country where you can buy of your internet for 10 bucks/month).
So both Skype and Fring, stop with emotional mud throwing, shit has hit your fan and you might become very impopular by your fans and in the end… they make your company run, not your quarrel
Keep it simple, kiss up in stead of f*cking eachother in a bad way. If I wanted to see that I’d rather look at porn!
saleh.26 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
God Skype's employees talk too much with no action. I'm really getting tired of them. Does anybody "work" in this company?
Here's a little advice for you Mr. Silverman, you really should change the company's name to Blogpe since all your 500 employees come everyday only to blog.
jhaygood86 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
The exclusive deal with VZW in the USA is a dealbreaker for me, since I don't have VZW, and can't afford VZW. I have T-Mobile USA with 3 phones, all smartphones with unlimited data, unlimited texting, and 750 minutes for $125.00 on T-Mobile USA. No way I can afford the equivalent on VZW. So I guess I'm not allowed to use Skype on my cellphone now?
aaron.roydhouse commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Fring damaging your brand?? What a disingenuous piece of press-release spin @robertmiller. @jerryprague said it best: "Shame on you Skype, we look up to you, you should value your customers and reputation more!!!"
Fring may be a tin-pot limpet on Skype's side, but they are trying to do what Skype refuses to do; provide services to customers.
I've used Skype for many years, use plenty of the paid services, and wish it only well. But the last couple of years everything from client development to customer service seems to have fallen off a cliff.
You play the walled-garden model, but your garden is neglected; Your Linux client is abandon-ware, The PC client gets less and less usable with every version, and Android client non-existent and late to market. The competition your proprietary clients and deliberately limited API's prevent are causing your own offerings to atrophy. Skype is great, but also fast becoming the Compuserve of VOIP.
Customer service is near non-existent. Ok, that's low cost, but you also abuse your customers. If a customers credit card expires, you steal the remaining value in their customer subscriptions and make them pay again with their new card. (Just surf the forums for the many pissed-off paying customer that has happened to.) Credit transfers you used to be able to with the business dashboard are disabled without notice or warning, leaving credit stranded. Just thoughtless actions.
As you say yourself, you have been hassling Fring for a long time, looks like you've succeeded in wiping them out. Now we can use your official Android service offering instead; oh that's right you don't have one.
Shame on you Skype.
duca_mkr commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I tried using the skype mobile application but found that Fring worked alot better. If you want me to keep spending my $$$$$ with you guys you'd better make a mobile app that works!! I think you guys shot yourself in the foot and I am already searching for an alternative to Skype and won't hesitate in taking my $$$$ somewhere else as soon as possible.
robertlogger commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Problem is, Fring was the only working application for Skype on my Nokia N78. I hope Fring will start a desktopversion. Maybe, we Fringusers may use Skype again.....
xofer- commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Skype is a coward. When will you release the SkypeNet api that you promised 5 years ago:
http://blogs.skype.com/devzone/2005/08/skype_opens_im_and_presence_to_1.html
I realize that this promise was made because you peed in your pants hearing the Google Talk announcement and then ditched the plan when Google did not throw enough weight behind the Talk feature to threaten you. But a promise is a promise.
a.d.am commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Whatever Skype! just because you dont have the talent to bring video conferencing to the masses doesnt mean you should be blocking others. "fring wasnt using the API the way it was intended." Really?? Because it seems like when I was videoing my family from my Evo to their desktop it worked just fine. Android OS is years old at this point and you STILL dont have an app for all the handsets. You are making a wrong move here.
thejagal commented Tuesday, Jul 13
SKYPE FOR BLACKBERRY!!!!
Fringe was one possiblity to use skype on BB... When do we get a skype app for Blackberry?
lachancp commented Tuesday, Jul 13
@Skype: You guys are smoking the crack if you didn't know that Fring BROUGHT you customers. Right now the best business steps for you are in the following order if you want to keep customers and make $$$money$$$:
1. Allow Fring to use your Skype access to keep your CURRENT and soon to be future customers HAPPY!
2. Release your client (even if only voice) as soon as possible to ALL Android platforms. Many Fring/Skype customers will install and USE mobile Skype!
3. Develop and release your video enhanced Skype client for ALL mobile users. Many more Fring/Skype customers will install and USE mobile Skype!
*Important note: keep your PC client user fees EXACTLY the same as your mobile client user fees.
If you follow these basic, simple steps; you will keep your current customers, bring in many NEW customers, and become a MUCH larger company making MUCH more $$$money$$$.
Ultimately, it is your choice, but right now you have a PR nightmare on your hands, so what are you going to do about it?
evilgeenius commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I can't wait until a competitor, hopefully google, brings out a decent voip + video service. Most of my friends feel the same.
peterthefatman commented Tuesday, Jul 13
@ Skype: your issue ist not called "misuse" of something, it's called frustration! You maybe want fring to crawl at your feet and say that Skype is the best messaging service ever seen... anyway, let me tell you 2 things: 1) If you didn't start this mess, nobody had to compare fring and Skype in some particular situations; now that you forced us to do so, Skype on Symbian is way slower than fring and it seems that their software solution is simply running better on Nokia E series... just ask fring how to do it. 2) You might want to know what the german users are thinking about Skype, you better get someone who can translate, have a gallon of coffee and don't get nervous about the blog postings. Don't expect much happiness about the fact that you banned fring!
krazeedave38 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Hmm- honestly the lack of IP use on verizon made using skype while I was on a mission trip to Haiti USELESS. FRING was the only way I was able to communicate with my daughter in the US. The misuse of skype's API?? Really sounds like a smokescreen, more detail is needed before I don't call baloney sandwich on you. Skype mobile on verizon is cell phone based not IP, and the whole video aspect didnt matter to me, now I have no voice of IP with skype to use. Fring is uninstalled but skype mobile will not be replacing it. I pray some decent voice over IP comes out. Either verizon is strangle holding you or all the talk about freedom was before you were bought out. not sure, dont really care just very disappointed. The open nature of linux, android os etc are what makes it strong. The regulatory nature of microsoft, apple the US gov't are all what makes them inefficient and cumbersome to deal with. Apple has current cool factor so it will sell until other 'cooler' options prevail. The same will be for skype, when other better freer apps are present it will diminish into obscurity. (can anyone say real player...)
ultimatelydistracted commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Dear Skype,
If you haven't noticed, there is a huge market desire for a mobile VOIP service which can be used over both wireless and WiFi networks. There is also a growing market desire for openness, as evident by Google's success. There is massive amounts of money to be made if you would acknowledge just ONE of these market forces. If you're not going to develop a viable mobile VOIP with video for mobile devices in a reasonable time frame, then embrace openness and let someone else do it.
Personally, I think Fring video calling was crap on my EVO, even over WiFi. Fairly unusable. However, I don't think you should disallow their continued development and improvement on your network, because unlike you, they aren't ignoring the customer. If you continue to go the route of Apple, and necessitate and fuel the success of a more open competitor, you will not survive like Apple has. After all, Apple makes an incredible product that is difficult to beat... where as I've found a simple browser-plugin with Gmail to be just as usable as, and often more reliable than, your software. Do you really want to make them try?
guillermolococo commented Tuesday, Jul 13
To be sincery, I hate this "divide & conquer" IM propietary networks.
I will move to XMPP. Is far much better
Facebook -> 500 million users
gMail /Google -> 200 million users
ovi.com /Nokia -> 90 million users
Gmx.com .es -> 15 million users
vKontakte.ru -> 75 million users
+ more companies.
Skype nor MSN nor Yahoo can succeed over XMPP.
Skype removal is a good point to improve XMPP network.
Fragmentation in IM is not a good point and eventually if this continue, will lead us to a caos.
Best regards.
ps: Think twice !
atropo.it commented Tuesday, Jul 13
"Thanks", skype now I don't have video call, thank a lot. Fring work greatly on my symbian mobile, but on my pc I use Skype. Skype have to apologize to its custmers!
josephryanross commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I'm sorry, but skype does a lot more "damage" to its own brand than fring will ever do.
Fring made skype relevant. If skype doesn't get its finger out of its ass it will just become irrelevant to all the other VOIP companies in the world.
josephryanross commented Tuesday, Jul 13
this will all become irrelevant when google releases VOIP for google voice.
then skype will have no brand at all so no one can damage it!
demetrevalaris commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Cut the crap and allow fring to use skype. You are going to loose all your customers in the end!
jaznarem commented Tuesday, Jul 13
If the native iOS app would support all the features that Fring offers I could even understand this. But a big company like Skype with an awful iOS application shutting down an amazing iOS application from a small company like Fring, is just way too embarrassing.
You should be ashamed of yourself, Skype team.
pajafumo commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I agree, skype is to limited on mobil devices and is not the best software to talk or chat or have all contacts integrated on just one amazing app. Get skype work with fring.
You should be ashamed of yourself.
wayne_may commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Skype, pull your finger out of your a** and support both the Android and iOS platforms... Fring beat you to the punch, and I think you are butt hurt about it.
I would use Skype over Fring anythime... but currently Fring DOES support my needs.
Oh, and anybody who wants to use Skype on Android, its easy: Find someone with a Verizon phone, and copy their APK - It works!
crankmosh commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Hey Skype and Robert, let me let you in on a secret... it's the secret that you are damaging your own reputation by not putting out software that people actually want, you are not the only game in town anymore...
YOU ARE DIEING!!! (Like a dinosaur)
Goodnight...
arnowiththeburningshoes commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Surprisingly, many seem to believe that video calls started with Skype and Apple. Maybe that is part of the reason for this little war. I made video calls from mobile to mobile or PC since two years, via 3G or WiFi, using tivi. Fring was great since it offered the only full-featured solution for Nokia/Symbian OS phones when it came to video calls to Skype subscribers. As from now, Skype is dead for me.
orthopteroid commented Tuesday, Jul 13
I recently purchased an N900 phone - that comes with a skype video conferencing capable client. It is awesome with the screen-side camera and the back-side popout stand. Skype for mobile is here with the N900. If is isn't available for iphone/blackberry it could just be a problem apple/rim....
wilsonhlacerda commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Just a simple YES/NO question to Skype:
Is this somehow related to the current Skype connectivity problems in Nimbuzz?
( ) YES
( ) NO
Please check the correct answer!
arammanuk commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Very angry! The best solutions will be if fring developed the PC. Client. And then we can complettly switch to fringe. Shame on you Skype!!!
arifnadeem7 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
hahahaaha, skype app on any supported mobile phone doesn't even have a dial pad to dial extension numbers, one cannot even send dtmf tones which is a basic thing in any telephone call, and you people expect ios 4 support and other shit, I truly believe that skype is trying to commercialize its services and damaging its reputation, skype please start developing something that appeals to your customers and then start blogging your shitty comments, fring is far too better, I would turn my back on you people in 1 month if you don't release a new version with atleast something new in it and I expect you people to integrate a keypad with valid dtmf tones in mobile app, which should have been done ages ago.
fiveofakind- commented Tuesday, Jul 13
Bad move Skype...
You seem to don't give a s**t about continued development for other operating systems and gadgets, and in turn, you're shafting your customers and partners.
Can't you guys figure out that people need Skype on their mobilie phones and gadgets rather than a PC?
Now, mark my words: Google Voice (Gizmo5) will screw you guys for good.
blsub6 commented Tuesday, Jul 13
It seems that Skype is more concerned about making a little money than giving their users a great user experience.
If you want to give your consumers a great experience, release a competing product (Android app, iPhone app update with vid calling, multitasking, bluetooth support) and release it for free, because everything else that comes close is free as well.
I beg both you and Fring to put aside your hurt feelings and restore Skype support in Fring for now. It was a great experience for the few hours it was working. Heck, if you really want to shaft Fring for going around your API agreement, release an amazing app that does all of the aforementioned and nobody will use Fring anymore!!
omid.afshari commented Tuesday, Jul 13
you lie, the truth is that Skype want much money from Fring, and Fring is free for customers and small company that can not pay as much money as Skype want. I think that Fring is not always think only for money same Skype.
jessehutchkins commented Wednesday, Jul 14
I think, everybody repsponsible for the block of use on Fring , of skype should die and burn in hell, there's hundreds of Cancer patients overseas that contact others overseas for confort and company and all their last dreams just vanish, BOTH companies are awful, I really , really hope....that developers create new application, to send all these hearthless GREEDY assholes of Skype and Fring to hell!. block me if you want you know is ALL about money. Die all and burn in hell for these, I haven't seen my patient for three days now. Wish you ...the worse.
kevincromarty commented Wednesday, Jul 14
As an Unlimited World subscriber paying $26.95 per quarter with an online number too, you have until 8/25 to get an Android VOIP application out. Otherwise I'm off. Your brand and reputation are pretty much done as far as I'm concerned.
firepilot451 commented Wednesday, Jul 14
I was an avid Skype user and paying customer (despite the horrible software and non-existent customer service), but now I will be looking for any alternative on a daily basis. I am not sure that Skype holds any value for me anymore. I'm ready to pull the plug now...
firepilot451 commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Oh yes, I almost forgot: @ Mrshelby - So true! I actually left Verizon for Sprint because of the Evo 4G and because of Verizon's ridiculous pricing. I was with Verizon for 7 years or so. It was a big decision for me, but I'm so glad that I did it now. I look forward to the demise of Verizon, and now Skype for being in bed with them.
plmiranda commented Wednesday, Jul 14
The only reason this is happening, is because Skype became a Giant and lost their startup / innovative spirit. Instead of innovating, skype is doing the opposite, in this case they are pressing a small company that just made what (mobile) skype user is asking for years: video calls on Skype + integration with other voips...
Don't take me wrong, Skype has lots of merit... but right now, all come from the past...
Android? how the heck it doesn't exist yet? (unbelievable)
Windows mobile? you can't even download skype anymore... suddenly a wm user that had for instance changed it's phone to a new one (or reset to factory), goes to skype.com and there is no way of installing it again how the hell this makes sense to this press release B.S. about "skype reputation" ???
Take a look at the mobile version of Skype on iPhone, which is probably their best bet (since they stopped Wmobile and no Android), the version its outdated, it doesn't support video calls, multitasking, and many more features like push, etc.
Video calls for instance, they already have the technology since years ago, but it's their option not to enable it on the mobile apps... why? not sure, but probably the answer has lots of money involved...
regards !
Fring on the other hand, in a very quick way figured out how to provide video calls to it's users, and
hmshsieh commented Wednesday, Jul 14
With all seriousness, this is insane. though I do not use my personal Skype account that much, I sure as hell use a lot on my company account. Now that there is no Skype for WM and no Android support, I guess we will just let the company account run out and start with something else.
As much as iPhone is a hit in the US, it is less popular in other areas (I am from Asia), and both WM and Andriod are just much of a hit as iPhone (for example, 70% of my 113 company phones are WM and the rest is Android; iPhone is 0%). Without any support to WM and Android now, it means that we may need to look at other alternatives.
I guess this is the price to pay when you volunteer to become a tool for Apple in exchange for the the use of FaceTime technology. I sincerely hope this is worth it in the long run.
lucci.la commented Wednesday, Jul 14
just give us , to your users , video calls into Skype mobile for a large range of phones , not only for N900 , and all we'll be with you.
if we'll not have it from you , we'll have to find other ways from other IM companies .
g_i_wang commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Let me get this straight--You didn't block Fring, you simply told them they were "in breach of Skype’s API Terms of Use and End User License Agreement."
So, in essence, Fring can no longer enable their Skype support, because you told them so. Sounds like blocking to me. But then what do I know? Maybe a lawyer could define the difference for us.
What I don't understand is, how is Fring's temporary reduction of Skype support to free up their own network capacity damaging your brand? When they did that, sure, the people who were disappointed were Skype users, but they were also Fring users. And they were not disappointed with you, they were disappointed with Fring. That did absolutely nothing to hurt your brand, as far as I could tell.
And if you want your customers, who "have high expectations of the Skype experience," to not be disappointed with you, how 'bout releasing your own mobile apps that are at least as good as what Fring had offered?
ramon.parada commented Wednesday, Jul 14
You got a problem with the mis-usability of your software. Thank you Fring for brining VoIP calls to my phone.
swishy.fresh commented Wednesday, Jul 14
I'm really disappointed in Skype right now. I've been a paying customer for years... pre-pay, unlimited world subscriptions, numerous skype handsets for my mac. And they can't grace me with an android application. At the same time as feeding me the most patronising line I think I've ever heard in a corporate environment...
"When we make one that lives up to our customers high standards"
You know what, I'm out... bye. No more. You lost me.. and I will make it my business to never recommend Skype amongst my peers again.
rsouthgate commented Wednesday, Jul 14
It is sad that only a couple of years back skype would have been seen as the fresh new company fighting the incumbent telcos with a brand new proposition and now you are the incumbent acting just like one would expect. Don't you have a PR department that vets these sort of comments? With one post you have just permanently damaged your brand value.
"Fring...again damaging our brand and disappointing our customers, who have high expectations of the Skype experience."
Innovation doesn't disappoint. Discouraging it does.
bigi_pa commented Wednesday, Jul 14
when will skypre release a mobile app that at least offers the same service fring does? Skype is shooting itself in both feet by not having any app available at this moment for any phoen except Iphone 3g(s). Even if i have to pay for the app, i wouldn't mind.
Going to try Nimbuzz now, hope that works . . .
As i understand the situation correctly, skype wants more money from fring. How come skype didn't hire developers to come up with a solution close to or even better than what fring offers? Get them from fring and offer them a pay increase of at least 20% more than what they get now, and within a month you can release your own mobile app!!
Shame on you only cashing in, and not being innovative, even by getting the innovative people from the "competition".
zvonko_9a6ww commented Wednesday, Jul 14
This action will surely dissappoint lot of Skype mobile users and damage your own reputation.
Problem is, Skype software for mobile phones is buggy and battery killer. Fring is offering a good program which I can run on my phone 24 hours a day with acceptable energy consumption. I think the real problem is that fring is offering integration of variety of voip providers. Why are you so affraid of competition ?
I want to have Google talk, Icq, etc... inclunding Skype on my phone, but I cannot run 10 programs on my phone from various vendors.
Well, if I must choose between only one (Skype) and variety of others - my choice is clear. Bye.
agriffiths.skype commented Wednesday, Jul 14
This blog post is a giant load of crap! Fring's "misuse of your brand name", dropping video support for iOS4, was only due to their network being bogged down because of massive use and demand.......because Skype has no working video chat for iphone or Android, for that matter. Fring fully intended to bring the service back online when their network was beefed up to support the traffic. Anyone with half a brain can realize that Fring would not just drop Skype for such trivial reasons, being the major part of their service for four years. It is you, sir, and the people at your company, who have damaged the name of Skype by not having any functioning software on the iphone or Android.
Your claims are utter non-sense.
geddart commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Excluding fring would be ok if YOU guys had a service that gives us the same experience (how about better!?!) BUT YOU HAVE NO ALTERNATIVE. This is ridiculous. Unless your attitude changes I will try to avoid skype.
svega85 commented Wednesday, Jul 14
not sure what happened, but yall should try to work things out, fring was a great app when I had other phones, and if a lot of people can't use you're service on their phones, you will lose the money of a lot of paying customers.
davidws commented Wednesday, Jul 14
While I give you credit for setting the standart in Voip, creating excellent codecs etc.
I can't believe that an organization like Skype, worth billions of dollars, recently nominated as world's largest international calling carrier (Skype accounts for 12% of all international calling minutes) is so slow to act and innovate. The iPhone app sucks, the android one doesn't exist. For 1 hour a month you should pull your corporate thumb out of your ass and dedicate some time to who's taken Skype to the stars: YOUR FUCKING USERS!
nicolasdecam commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Skype, you have nobody to blame for this... Your damaging your own brand by not innovating. The iOS app should have been released the day iOS came out. Stop blaming another company that did what you had too do!!
equinger commented Wednesday, Jul 14
why are you guys doing this? Fring's aggregation is useful to you ... video calling will be a commodity in no time and you KNOW google is situated to pounce w/ THEIR user volume and loyalty, google talk, and google voice applications. If you force people to CHOOSE you as you worry about how Fring is hurting your brand (thumbing your nose at an ally), my bet is that people will just use google talk and msn on an aggregator ... where the rest of their friends are.
lbr3akr commented Wednesday, Jul 14
After a few comments i stopped reading. I'm also not sure if you read this, but I'll give it a try. You see, many people are really angry about what happened. Doesn't matter whos guilty. Enough people before me said what they are thinking whats wrong. I want to say something else:
Think about, why you got as big as you are?
Before you, there were enough Instant Messengers... but
You brought Voice over IP to the Users. This was good.
You extended that with Video. That was also good.
You brought as one of the less a native client to Linux. Also that was good.
In fact you've done a few things others overslept.
But now you are oversleeping the "Zeitgeist"
When you don't get back to your past innovative power, Skype will end up as a google brand or more worse.
Think about, do something, it would be sad when you are forgotten in a few years.
Regards
Ghost
farrukhn commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Because you have blocked skype on fring I had to install skype on my mobile phone (Nokia E51). I think you have to consited this as your achievement, but I offer you to make this experiment and compare both applications. I hope you will understand why YOUR consumers prefer fring to skype on mobile. Fring is by far more convinient and reliable, and this is not just habit. Here are few points of why fring is better than skype mobile: everytime while changing connection on the phone sky disconnect and I have to manualy switch it on by selecting new connection (this makes skype completely unreliable), before chatting special text window opens and only after that you enter text, while talking on the skype mobile the phone keypad goes to guard and you cannot end call by pressing red button, no way to switch on speakerphone. There are much more unconviniences of skype mobile and think if really "fring misuse of your brand name" of your own rough application misuse of your brand name! I think your brand name is being build by your attention to your consumers and not by your relations with competitor.
gabor.tabi commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Nothing damaged the Skype brand more, than the debacle you put yourselves into.
Fring was not perfect, but it was there. I use Skype a lot, and many of my contacts are also on Skype. I use Skype to make phone calls. Implementing your own protocol on an open platform such as Android is not rocket science, Fring has shown us that it can be done.
If you do not get your act together quickly (and I mean yesterday!), then you will lose customers using Android. It might not look like a lot now, but it is a growing platform, with a lot of tech-savvy people. Do you really want to piss us all off and lose us for good?
Verizon is a local company. There is life outside of the US. There are users outside of the US, who are very frustrated by the way you fathead dicks have been handling this issue, and how you have been playing hard to get on Android overall. Selling out to Verizon is gut churning in itself. Not releasing an application for the whole world because of this little bondage game you're playing with big business is a huge shot in the foot.
ahamlinman commented Wednesday, Jul 14
I am on Verizon and can confirm that the Skype mobile app is absolutely pathetic compared to Fring. Audio quality is horrible, no WiFi support, no video support, etc. In the words of Fring, I'm "voting with my mobile phone" and refusing to download and use Skype Mobile.
asenath83 commented Wednesday, Jul 14
As many people have said, Skype is damaging their own reputation without any help from other companies.
Whether it is continued issues with the client software, the abysmal product quality for anything that isn't a Windows PC or... you know... the lack of an UP TO DATE FAQ and useful support. I for one will most certainly not put any amount of money into my Skype account anymore.
I very much agree though, with Google entering the business, Skype has not so funny times ahead unless they update their products and services according to people's demands. And I bet HD webcam support was most certainly NOT one of the top user requests!
kabatelecom1 commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Fring is very good application. Sometime, i use nimbuzz but i prefer fring. I hope that skype will reconnect fring.
keiffus commented Wednesday, Jul 14
I am fed up with Skype! As an iOS user, I have had to wait for updates that should have taken weeks, not months to arrive. You even had the audacity to join Steve Jobs on stage at WWDC '10 stating and iOS 4 compatible update would occur, and over a month later that hasn't happened. Instead I hear excuses and threats to charge me if I use your service over 3G (which you haven't explained why or how much you will be charging for this feature). So when you claim that fring violated your terms of service, your customers don't believe you since you have been lying to us for months and stringing us along. The comments above prove this. I will be shopping around for a replacement for my Skype subscription shortly. I am sick of the stalling and sick of your lame excuses!
pslaplace commented Wednesday, Jul 14
I've been reading comments around the news, web, and blogosphere and, almost without exception, Skype is being excoriated by users and hi-tech writers alike for the way in which they've handled the Fring debacle. Skype, people are seriously beginning to doubt your honesty and yet this is met with......more accusations? When Google releases an app that includes video calling over Google Voice (and it's only a matter of time), Skype will be toast. I really don't understand the way in which you've decided to handle this. You're arrogance is becoming quite obvious.
pslaplace commented Wednesday, Jul 14
I've been reading comments around the news, web, and blogosphere and, almost without exception, Skype is being excoriated by users and hi-tech writers alike for the way in which they've handled the Fring debacle. Skype, people are seriously beginning to doubt your honesty and yet this is met with......more accusations? When Google releases an app that includes video calling over Google Voice (and it's only a matter of time), Skype will be toast. I really don't understand the way in which you've decided to handle this. You're arrogance is becoming quite obvious. No one wants to deal with a company that shows only disdain for its customer base.
edoardo.odorico commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Hear this:
I have a nokia 5800.
Skype official app doesn't work, it crashs, it's slow and when it works it doesn't work at all (call doesn't appear, messages appear and then disappear)
Fring works, with voice calls, with video calls, with messages.
I use skype beacuse I have my IM accounts all toghether in Fring. If Skype doesn't work, I say bye skype from my mobile.
This is a stupid move. Don't you? Think again. Why GoogleTalk works? Why Msn Network work? just think about that. Don't say useless excuse.
Thanks, Good Job
giuseppe_mauro commented Wednesday, Jul 14
I think you're very ridicoulou in blocking fring....
I'm going to uninstall skype from all my (and my parents') pcs and mobiles!!!!!
I'm very disappointed with you!!!
Fring rulez
tsiguel commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Judging by the state of conversation, the officials are not making constructive response; every point criticized has not been given any attention, the answers look like automatically generated.
The thing is, if Skype's mobile users are a big share of its customers, they will suffer from that decision, but so far I can only see just under 200 comments with 42 million of users daily? It is sad but we cannot do anything
Skype said big f**k you to all the mobile users, I am truly disappointed with the company;
Anyhow, its time to wait for Google's responce
fritzthecatt commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Howdy,my account name is 'fritzthecatt'.Upon trying to use my skype account today, I noticed that it states that my "Skype Pro subscription" will expire today as my payment has failed...Yet my account balance (Credit) is $11.92 !!! What is wrong... where is the problem??? I don't understand...ALSO each time I went to phone a number today,a notice kept popping up stating that "SKYPE" had incurred a problem and had to close !!?? What is going on...have I done something incorrect ?? How do we resolve this situation ?? I would appreciate you prompt handleing of this matter!! In Advance,Thank-You
zeyusdotcom commented Wednesday, Jul 14
Skype, you are a joke,
I cannot make skypeout calls from my Samsung I8910 now.
I spent money doing this...
And I used skype to skype calls to talk with my family + coworkers.
No problems though, I'm sure I'll have very little trouble convincing friends, family, and colleagues to switch over to google talk
Until then I'm stuck with skype, but it wont take long....
wilsonhlacerda commented Wednesday, Jul 14
[b]@peterparkes[/b]
Thanks for your reply. I did that already both on Nimbuzz official forum and I'm also waiting Nimbuzz reply. You can check there my question under same nickname as here (I'm not posting the link in order to not have this comment censored like the previous one I had).
BUT, as it is a Skype+Nimbuzz problem it's obvious that we, Skype+Nimbuzz users , want to hear clear answers from BOTH Skype AND Nimbuzz. I believe both Skype and Nimbuzz want to offer a great Skype+Nimbuzz experience to their users. Don't you agree with that?
I'm still waiting for Skype answer to my simple YES/NO question. Just as I'm waiting for Nimbuzz's one. I'm sure BOTH Skype and Nimbuzz are professional companies and cares about their customers, that's why I'm still waiting. I am not wrong, am I?
pathabisohn commented Thursday, Jul 15
Wow I loved Skype. I brag about it to all my friends. One of the reason i bought the new iphone 4g was because of the promise of a new and improved functionality by adding push notifications. Instead I get a message that skype isn't supported. When i go to your sight you seem to focus on the android phones. What a bait and switch. What happened?
iwmack commented Thursday, Jul 15
I must say, I think Skype's strategy in relation to Android, is utter folly. The company may rue the day it decided to pursue a strategy of selective exclusivity in the midst of such flux in the market.
Google's OS is expanding at a fantastic rate. The current situation is an open invitation to a smart, fast moving alternate system.
Skype will rely on its current popularity - assuming that users will return with gratitude when their universal Android app eventually appears.
But mobile IS the game now - and in that field, none of the VOIP services is too big to fail.
iPhone users are already being seduced by the very attractive Facetime.
We have yet to learn fully the nature of Steve Jobs' 'open standards' promise.
Users may not take much persuading to switch to a new, slick desktop application if it can deliver quality interoperability with mobile.
With the ubiquity of iOS devices - the draw of being able to communicate with all your iPhone friends may quickly outweigh the inconvenience of not being able to reach a few Skype contacts.
Which brings us back to Fring. The relationship may not be going so well with Skype at the moment - but who is to say they will not suddenly make use of the Apple 'open standards' to create a nice way of connecting those devices.
Meanwhile Skype is occupied nurturing its relationship with one carried in one country, and assuming users will hang on until it is good and ready.
I think the tide is stronger than that - and there is a real risk of getting washed away.
iwmack commented Thursday, Jul 15
I must say, I think Skype's strategy in relation to Android, is utter folly. The company may rue the day it decided to pursue a strategy of selective exclusivity in the midst of such flux in the market.
Google's OS is expanding at a fantastic rate. The current situation is an open invitation to a smart, fast moving alternate system.
Skype will rely on its current popularity - assuming that users will return with gratitude when their universal Android app eventually appears.
But mobile IS the game now - and in that field, none of the VOIP services is too big to fail.
iPhone users are already being seduced by the very attractive Facetime.
We have yet to learn fully the nature of Steve Jobs' 'open standards' promise.
Users may not take much persuading to switch to a new, slick desktop application if it can deliver quality interoperability with mobile.
With the ubiquity of iOS devices - the draw of being able to communicate with all your iPhone friends may quickly outweigh the inconvenience of not being able to reach a few Skype contacts.
Which brings us back to Fring. The relationship may not be going so well with Skype at the moment - but who is to say they will not suddenly make use of the Apple 'open standards' to create a nice way of connecting those devices.
Meanwhile Skype is occupied nurturing its relationship with one carried in one country, and assuming users will hang on until it is good and ready.
I think the tide is stronger than that - and there is a real risk of getting washed away.
wilsonhlacerda commented Thursday, Jul 15
And now......is Skype hacked????
Skype's Biggest Secret Revealed:
www DOT enrupt DOT com/index.php/2010/07/07/skype-biggest-secret-revealed
Really reversed engineered or a hoax? We'll probably know soon.