Skype for S60 phones allows you to make free calls using a 3G or WiFi connection. It also lets you call phones with Skype credit, as well as allowing you to receive calls on your online number, send instant messages, share files, take part in group conversations, and more.
How it works
Using Skype on your phone is very easy. Once launched, the program gives you all sorts of warnings to notify you that it will be using your mobile internet connection. Then it's just a case of signing in with your regular Skype account details to get started.
Your contacts will all be imported and displayed in the main window, and you get the option to add these to your phonebook if you like. To call a person, just tap on their name and hit 'Call'. The call quality in our tests was excellent, and as long as your connection is stable you shouldn't experience any drop outs.
Once you've established a conversation, you can do the kind of things you would do with the desktop version of Skype. The text chat feature is quick and easy, including a range of emoticons, copy and paste support, and the ability to add other people to the chat.
Advanced features of Skype
Skype keeps a record of all your text conversations, as well as logging your call history, voicemails and files exchanged. You can view this information at any time just by clicking the 'History' button from the well-organized main menu.
There are a few settings you can tinker around with that help you personalize your Skype experience. For instance, you can choose to enable or disable the Mood message prompt, activate audio notifications, and show or hide phonebook contacts. There's even an option for forwarding calls to another number.
If you're expecting a fully-fledged version of Skype that has all the features of the PC or Mac version of the program then you'll be a little disappointed. There's no video conferencing or games, for example, and there are no tools for organizing your contacts into categories.
Overall though, this Beta release of Skype for S60 offers everything you'd expect from a mobile version of this great app - it's easy to use, it's fun, and it's free!
