Put Skype on your iPhone

Stuart Corner
Tuesday, 14 August 2007 07:32

Business IT - Technology

German software company, Shape Services, has announced that  IM+ for Skype, its Safari web application for accessing the Skype ecosystem from mobile devices, is now available for the iPhone.

IM+ for Skype is a mobile application that uses SkypeOut credits for voice communication. For users of Skype Unlimited and Skype Pro plans IM+ is claimed to "enable almost free calling from the mobile device to any PC with Skype or any landline/mobile number."

According to Shape, the iPhone version is designed especially for iPhone's touch screen and "complements the design and interface of Apple's masterpiece." The company claims that a limited time the iPhone version of IM+ for Skype is being offered free of charge.

However, according to its website, the software is still in beta and would-be users are invited to participate in a beta testing round. "The most active testers will be awarded with unlimited license code of the software. Please send your suggestions to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ."

An attempt to download the iPhone version produces a screen that says 'Sorry, but no downloads of IM+ for Skype are available for your device (iPhone) now."

Shape claims that, once installed, users can log on to http://skypeforiphone.com/ using the iPhone's Safari web browser and talk with their Skype contacts or call any landline and mobile via Skype.

"Noticing the public interest for Skype on iPhone, we decided to use our mobile IM and mobile Skype experience and develop an application for them," said Igor Berezovsky, Shape's CEO. He claimed that "It is truly easy and convenient to access and use...No tweaks are necessary."

IM+ for Skype was initially available only for the BlackBerry. Shape announced earlier this year plans to make it available for most mobile phones. It is now available for Windows Mobile Pocket PC, Palm OS, Symbian and J2ME devices. The application is claimed to work in any network and does not require WiFi to access the Internet.

It IM+ Mobile Messenger is claimed to support public and corporate IM systems: MSN/Live Messenger, AIM/iChat, Yahoo!, Jabber, ICQ, Google Talk, MySpace, Skype, Microsoft LCS, Lotus Sametime, Reuters Messaging and Oracle IM on Blackberry RIM, Symbian (S60, Series 80, Series 90 and UIQ), Windows Mobile Pocket PC and Smartphone, J2ME, i-mode, Palm OS, BREW and iPhone.