Skype Hits Windows Phone Marketplace

Skype has released an official client for Windows Phone, with version 1.0 succeeding the beta that was released at Mobile World Congress (MWC) in February.

However, the app needs to be running on a Windows Phone running version 7.5 Mango or above, implying that Tango, a version of Microsoft’s mobile operating system adapted for lower-spec feature phones, will not be supported. At the time publication, Skype had not confirmed whether or not the app would work on Tango phones.

Last Tango

Skype for Windows Phone is available in 18 different languages and will be available on most local Windows Phone Marketplaces within the next 48 hours.

The app features the ability to make free voice and video calls to other Skype users as well as affordable calls to landlines and mobiles using Skype credit over a 4G, 3G or Wi-Fi connection.

Skype says that the feedback from the beta release has helped it improve the app and it has added a number of new features as well as fix some known issues. Users can now make video calls in portrait mode and have access to a range of friend management capabilities.

The caveat is that Mango is required to use the app, which has been tested on a number of handsets, including the Nokia Lumia 710, 800 and 900, the HTC Titan and HTC Radar as well as the Samsung Focus S and Focus S Flash.

Skype, which was acquired by Microsoft for $8.5 billion (£5bn) last July, has already released clients on rival platforms Android and iPhone, with its parent company pledging to release a version for Windows Phone in January.

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