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Is Google Voice Trying To Starve Out Skype In 2011?

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Despite launching Google Voice within Gmail, Google is still playing second fiddle to the VoIP king (aka Skype).

While Google has yet to launch a full fledged VoIP client of their own (as Google Voice currently lacks a softphone client), the search engine giant has decided to decline charging US users in 2011 for contacting numbers within America.

When we launched calling in Gmail back in August, we wanted it to be easy and affordable, so we made calls to the U.S. and Canada free for the rest of 2010. In the spirit of holiday giving and to help people keep in touch in the new year, we’re extending free calling for all of 2011.

In case you haven’t tried it yet, dialing a phone number works just like a regular phone. Look for “Call phone” at the top of your Gmail chat list and dial a number or enter a contact’s name. (Google Voice Blog)

Currently Skype (as well as other VoIP companies) provide users with unlimited calling through annual premium plans which allow them to call mobile devices or landlines without paying for usage by the minute.

Although Skype does have a few advantages over its smaller rival (multi-video chat, Facebook integration, etc.), competing against a quality free service will be difficult to for Skype, especially considering the fact that Google has very deep pockets.

While Google Voice is obviously sacrificing short term profits for growth, 2011 could be the year that Google dethrones Skype in America, helping the search engine giant compete against the VoIP king later on upon the global stage.

Originally posted on December 20, 2010 @ 4:01 pm

Skype Exits Verizon’s Walled Garden (Android)

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Android fans outside of Verizon’s network no longer have to envy their iPhone and Nokia buddies as Skype is officially available for those who embrace the green robot.

You’ve been asking us for it – and now it’s here. Skype is now available on a wide range of Android phones, so you can save money and stay in touch when you’re out and about. Visit skype.com/m on your phone to download, or read on to find out what’s inside.

With the new app, you can make free Skype-to-Skype calls, and send and receive IMs for free, one-to-one or with a group. You can also call phones at Skype’s great rates – over WiFi or 3G. (Official Skype Blog)

Truthfully it was always puzzling as to why Skype decided to make their app exclusive to Verizon despite the fact that doing so limited their service to between 1/2 and 1/3 of US customers despite Androids global footprint.

Fortunately it seems as if Skype execs have seen the light, as Skype is available on all Android powered devices unless one lives in Japan or China.

Unfortunately if you have a Samsung Galaxy S you are more or less out of luck, but hopefully Skype will be able to rectify this soon (as users are reportedly unable to sing into their Skype accounts.).

Originally posted on October 5, 2010 @ 1:18 pm

Skype Enters Android’s Walled Garden Via KDDI?

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After exiting Verizon’s walled garden earlier on Android (to the celebration of millions everywhere), the VoIP king has announced that a strategic partnership with KDDI, which may not please many Japanese Android fans.

Following the announcement of our partnership with Verizon Wireless earlier this year, we’ve just announced a strategic alliance with KDDI to integrate Skype software across KDDI’s services, starting with its mobile network –au.

au customers will be able to benefit from Skype-to-Skype voice calls which don’t count against their monthly minute allowance*, IM, as well as great value calls to international numbers at Skype’s low rates.

The Skype app for au phones will be ‘always on’ so customers can see their friends’ online status at any time, as well as be able to receive Skype calls and Instant Messages whenever they’re connected. (Official Skype Blog)

Until recently Skype was not available to Japanese and Chinese Android users, an omission that was puzzling until this announcement was made.

While this agreement probably puts some extra cash in Skype’s pocket in the short term, it’s hard to see deals like this will benefit Skype over the long term (despite the fact that KDDI is releasing new Android phones this December).

Fortunately for Skype, Google Voice has yet to focus upon the land of the rising sun. Although if the search engine giant ever decides to expand east, Skype may find its deal with KDDI to be a burden rather than a benefit.

Originally posted on October 18, 2010 @ 1:31 pm

Skype Plus Facebook: Friends Or Frenemies?

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As any geek worth their page rank knows, Skype and Facebook have joined forces in an attempt to make it easier for friends and family to connect with each other via status updates or VoIP.

We’ve integrated the Facebook News Feed and Phonebook into Skype, making it easier to stay connected with the people and communities you care about. We’ve revitalised the look and feel, making voice and video calling, instant messaging, screen sharing and file sharing intuitive and easy to navigate. And you can now bring even more of your family and friends together with the new group video calling feature available in open beta. (Official Skype Blog)

While this geek is extremely happy for the two tech titans finally working together (as it makes it easier to call my friends half way around the world), the alliance seems to be more of a defensive move against their common foe (hint: Google). [Read more…]

Originally posted on October 14, 2010 @ 3:06 pm

Skype Plus Facebook Equals Death To Google Voice?

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With the search engine giant ramping up Google Voice to challenge Skype’s VoIP supremacy, it looks like Skype is looking to align itself with the search king’s nemesis who despises all things Google.

Actually, according to sources close to the situation, Facebook and Skype are poised to announce a significant and wide-ranging partnership that will include integration of SMS, voice chat and Facebook Connect. […]

Facebook’s goal, according to sources: To mesh communications and community more tightly together and add more tools to allow users to do so.

Since it was not going to create an Internet telephony service of its own–kind of like not creating a mobile operating system–Facebook has apparently turned to the Web’s Internet telephony leader. (All Things Digital)

Unless Skype can somehow integrate its video chat service within Facebook chat, I’m highly skeptical whether this deal will help Skype compete against Google Voice’s (as users do not have to pay to own a phone number unlike Skype).

Facebook on the other hand could benefit from this alliance as it would give users a reason to utilize the chat service, especially if they integrate Skype within Facebook’s web interface.

According to All Things Digital Skype’s Facebook feature will be accessible in version 5.0 which is only available for Windows users (sorry Mac fans), although the company is working on a version for iFans in the not-too-distant future.

(Image Credit: All Things Digital)

Originally posted on September 29, 2010 @ 12:46 pm