About Skype

It's now easy to buy Skype Credit in Russia thanks to QIWI Private Cabinets

2009-04-16T05:32:35Z

MOSCOW, April 16, 2009 - Skype today announced that Skype Credit voucher codes are now available to buy from 72.000 QIWI cash-in kiosks across Russia. In response to demand for a convenient payment option in Russia, this makes Skype's paid-for features more accessible to Russian Skype users by providing a familiar and convenient way to buy Skype Credit.

While Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls and instant messaging are free on Skype, users need a little Skype Credit on their account if they want to save money and use Skype to call their friends, family and colleagues on their phones or mobiles. Skype Credit can also be used to purchase other paid features such as Skype's subscriptions or to send SMS's to mobiles.

QIWI Private Cabinet payment system is the first to offer the Skype voucher codes for sale in Russia. They can now be purchased from Russia's biggest cash-in QIWI kiosk chain, in a way that for millions of Russians has become customary to pay for mobile, ISP, cable TV and home utility bills. Users then redeem their voucher code at www.skype.com/voucher to instantly top-up their Skype account. This offers an alternative and easy way to purchase Skype Credit for users who do not have a bank card, and a great way to buy credit for their friends and family too.

"Skype constantly seeks new opportunities to become more accessible and trouble-free for our users," said Enrico Noseda, Skype's Director for European Market Development. "whether it's ease-of-use, being able to use Skype on your mobile phone when on the move, or making payment options simple. To meet the demand for Skype's paid features it is a natural step for Skype to take advantage of the ubiquity of cash-in kiosks and their popularity in Russia".

"Launch of sales of Skype voucher codes through QIWI cash-in kiosks makes the paid features of this very popular software available to its users across Russia", said Andrey Popkov, Executive Director of QIWI Private Cabinet project. "I am sure that QIWI customers will see the value of this new opportunity and will actively use it".

The ability for users to use the QIWI Private Cabinet system is a result of the payment system developed by Skype and Yandex.Money, Skype's long-standing partner in Russia, who has been providing online payment services to Skype users in Russia since December 2006.

About Skype
Skype is software that enables the world's conversations. Millions of individuals and businesses use Skype to make free video and voice calls, send instant messages and share files with other Skype users. Everyday, people everywhere also use Skype to make low-cost calls to landlines and mobiles. Download Skype to your computer or mobile phone at skype.com

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY).

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

About OSMP/QIWI
Founded in 2004, OSPM is now electronic payments market leader, as well as the leading supplier of complex technology solutions for payment receiving points in Russia and abroad.

In foreign countries, OSMP works through its subsidiaries which are created for payment system market development and payments technologies promotion in Ukraine, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia and China. In the future, subsidiaries will be opened in Turkmenia, Kirgizia and some non ex-USSR countries.

In 2008 OSMP launched its retail brand QIWI.

QIWI is a convenient service for day-to-day payments, from mobile communications to communal facilities and bank loans. Through QIWI, customers can buy tickets, pay for e-shops purchases and much more. QIWI, being a multiplatform solution, makes it possible to pay for any services through QIWI terminals and the Internet. With "QIWI personal account" it is possible to schedule payments, receive upcoming payments' notifications, and analyze information about executed payments. Users are also able to save essential information about the beneficiaries of their payments.

Since July 29, 2008 payments system OSMP is part of OE Investments.

Watch the Skype Press Conference from CTIA Wireless 2009 Live

2009-03-31T23:30:00Z

LAS VEGAS, March 31, 2009 - Join us live, beginning at 3:30 PM PDT by visiting here.

Or watch a replay of the video and presentation anytime after 6:00 PM PDT today.

Skype Coming to BlackBerry Smartphones in May

2009-03-31T23:30:00Z

LAS VEGAS, March 31, 2009 - Skype today announced that the lite version of Skype™, a 'thin' Skype client for mobile phones, will soon be available as a free download for BlackBerry® smartphones. A beta version will be available in May for the BlackBerry® Bold™ and BlackBerry® Curve™ smartphones, with support for other BlackBerry smartphones coming later.

The lite version of Skype delivers core Skype capabilities to BlackBerry smartphones, including:

Make Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world
Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups
Make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones
Receive calls to your online number on Skype
See when your Skype contacts are online/available to chat

BlackBerry smartphone users who download Skype can save money on calls to landlines and mobiles abroad, and stay connected with friends and family over Skype. The application works wherever your mobile phone works, without needing a Wi-Fi connection. It uses local air time and a mobile Internet connection to sign in to Skype, update your contact list and presence and to send/receive calls or messages. As a result, you must have both a calling plan and a data plan to use the lite version of Skype.

"With Skype on BlackBerry smartphones, we are making Skype available in the briefcases and purses of BlackBerry users around the world," said Scott Durchslag, COO of Skype. "We have heard loud and clear that our users want Skype on whichever smartphone they choose to use. This fulfills our promise of making Skype available on the major smartphones so consumers and mobile professionals can connect to Skype whenever, wherever and however they choose."

The lite version of Skype will be available to BlackBerry users worldwide. The ability to make calls will be available in 10 countries: Australia, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro & Sao Paulo), Denmark, Estonia, Finland, New Zealand, Poland, Sweden, the United States and the UK. English will be supported first, with additional languages to follow. Those who download the beta version will be able to provide feedback on the application via an online survey.

The lite version of Skype on BlackBerry smartphones is just the latest offering from Skype that allows users to take their Skype conversations with them. Skype recently announced the availability of the Skype for iPhone application, the lite version of Skype for Android-powered devices and more than 100 other Java-enabled mobile phones, as well as a strategic partnership with Nokia. Skype has also released Skype for Windows Mobile, an application that has been downloaded more than 12 million times worldwide. The beta of the lite version of Skype will be available as a free download to BlackBerry smartphone users beginning in May from www.skype.com/m using their BlackBerry® Browser.

*Costs for using the lite version of Skype:
You will be charged by your mobile operator for local air time and data usage based on the type of calling service and data plan you have purchased. Since the lite version of Skype uses a mobile data connection to sign in to Skype, update your contact list, update presence and send/receive messages, you will be charged by your mobile operator for data usage. You will not incur charges from Skype when you make Skype-to-Skype calls or send instant messages to friends on Skype; however national calling rates apply from your mobile operator due to the use of local air time. Skype will charge its regular very low Skype rates when you call landlines and mobiles using Skype or when you receive calls on your mobile handset from other Skype users or people calling your personal online number. We highly recommend getting an unlimited data plan for use with the lite version of Skype. The longer you remain signed in, the more Skype contacts you have, or the more you send and receive instant messages, the more data you will use.

About Skype
Founded in 2003, Skype is revolutionizing the way people communicate around the world. Skype has more than 405 million registered users globally who use Skype software to communicate for free through voice and video calls as well as instant messages. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings, such as calls made to and from landlines and mobiles, voicemail, call forwarding, and SMS. Skype is used in almost every country on Earth, and people have made more than 100 billion minutes worth of free Skype-to-Skype calls. Conversations over Skype can take place on computers, mobile devices and Skype Certified™ hardware. Skype certifies and sells hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners, and works with hundreds of third-party developers who have created plug-ins to extend Skype's functionality.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited. The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.

Skype Available on Apple App Store

2009-03-31T07:00:00Z

Free application enables millions of iPhone and iPod touch users worldwide to take their Skype conversations with them

LAS VEGAS, March 31, 2009 - Skype announced that its highly anticipated application, Skype™ for iPhone, will be available on the Apple App Store beginning today. The app also adds Skype calling and instant messaging to any second generation iPod touch with a compatible headset and microphone.

"Skype software for the iPhone has been the number one request among our users. We are delighted to deliver on this request and put Skype into the pockets of millions of people around the world who are carrying iPhone and iPod touch devices," said Scott Durchslag, Skype's Chief Operating Officer. "Skype for iPhone will open up new ways for more than 400 million Skype users to stay connected and take their Skype conversations with them. Skype for iPhone is an experience that offers the same simplicity, ease-of-use and quality our users have come to expect from Skype, combined with an elegance of design and richness so loved by Apple's many customers worldwide."

The application delivers core Skype capabilities including:

Free Skype-to-Skype calls from any Wi-Fi zone to other Skype users worldwide
Call landline or mobile phones at Skype's great low rates from any Wi-Fi zone
Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups via 3G, Wi-Fi, GPRS or EDGE (whichever is available)
Receive calls to a personal online number on Skype
See when Skype contacts are online/available to IM or talk

Skype for iPhone requires a Wi-Fi connection to make free Skype-to-Skype calls or low-cost Skype calls to mobiles and landlines. Users will not be charged by Skype for making and receiving Skype-to-Skype calls using an iPhone or iPod touch. Skype's normal low rates apply if using Skype to call landlines or mobiles.

The app uses Wi-Fi, 3G, GPRS or EDGE (whichever is available) to sign into Skype, update a contact list, maintain and update presence and send/receive instant messages. Skype recommends an unlimited data usage plan for using Skype over a mobile data connection to avoid being charged by a wireless service provider for 3G, GPRS and EDGE mobile data usage.

Profile pictures of other users in a Skype Contacts list are also visible, making it easy to identify them. In addition, users can update their own Skype profile picture from within the Skype for iPhone app, either by choosing an existing image from a photo album on the device, or by using the camera on the iPhone to take a new photo.

The Skype application for the iPhone or iPod touch will be available for free from Apple's App Store on both devices, or at www.itunes.com/appstore/.

About Skype
Founded in 2003, Skype is revolutionizing the way people communicate around the world. Skype has more than 405 million registered users globally who use Skype software to communicate for free through voice and video calls as well as instant messages. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings, such as calls made to and from landlines and mobiles, voicemail, call forwarding, and SMS. Skype is used in almost every country on Earth, and people have made more than 100 billion minutes worth of free Skype-to-Skype calls. Conversations over Skype can take place on computers, mobile devices and Skype Certified™ hardware. Skype certifies and sells hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners, and works with hundreds of third-party developers who have created plug-ins to extend Skype's functionality.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited. Apple, Mac, iPhone, iPod, and iTunes are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

Skype opens up to corporate SIP communications

2009-03-23T09:00:00Z

New beta program brings Skype voice calling to SIP-based PBX systems

LUXEMBOURG, March 23, 2009 -- Skype today announced the beta version of Skype For SIP for Business users. SIP, short for Session Initiation Protocol, is an open standard and the leading voice over Internet protocol used in businesses telephony networks at millions of locations globally. According to IDC, 438,000 IP PBXes were shipped worldwide in 2008 (Source: IDC, Worldwide IP PBX and Desktop Hardware IP Phone Market Forecast, 2008-2012: Using the PBX as the Foundation of Unified Communications, Doc #210695, February 2008).

Skype For SIP allows SIP PBX owners to benefit from Skype's low cost calls to fixed phones and mobiles around the world, and to receive calls from Skype users directly into their PBX system.

Businesses can now be reached by the community of over 405 million Skype registered users through click-to-call from their business Web sites. The calls will be received through their existing office system at no cost to the customer. At the same time, businesses can benefit from Skype's low-cost global calling rates when placing calls to landlines and mobiles worldwide from devices connected to their PBX systems. In addition, they can choose to purchase online Skype numbers available in over 20 countries to receive calls from business contacts and customers who are using traditional fixed lines or mobile phones.

"The introduction of Skype for SIP is a significant move for Skype and for any communication intensive business around the world," said Stefan Oberg, VP and General Manager of Skype for Business. "It effectively combines the obvious cost savings and reach of Skype with its large user base, with the call handling functionality, statistics and integration capabilities of traditional office PBX systems, providing great economical savings and increased productivity for the modern business."

"Businesses have been waiting for Skype to make a concerted push into the business space for a while," said Rebecca Swensen, IDC's Research Analyst, Enterprise Mobility and IP Communications Services. "Connecting to existing standards-based SIP PBXes is a good way for Skype to start doing so. It will be interesting to see how large companies change their thinking about the deployment of Skype within the network."

Key Features
The beta version of Skype For SIP will enable business users to:

Receive and manage inbound calls from Skype users worldwide on SIP-enabled PBX systems; connecting the company Web site to the PBX system via click-to-call
Place calls with Skype to landlines and mobile phones worldwide from any connected SIP-enabled PBX; reducing costs with Skype's low-cost global rates
Purchase Skype's online numbers, to receive calls to the corporate PBX from landlines or mobile phones
Manage Skype calls using their existing hardware and system applications such as call routing, conferencing, phone menus and voicemail; no additional downloads or training are required

How to participate
The Skype For SIP beta program for business users opens today. SIP users, phone system administrators, developers and service partners are invited to apply at www.skypeforsip.com. Applicants will need to be businesses, have an installed SIP based IP-PBX system, as well as a level of technical competency to configure their own SIP-enabled PBX. The initial beta is available to a limited number of participants.

During the beta period all calls will be charged at standard Skype rates. Further pricing details will be announced when the product is fully launched later this year.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling. Skype for SIP is meant to complement your existing telephone services.

Skype, associated trade marks and logos and the "S" symbol are trade marks of Skype Limited.

New Study Suggests Consumers Want European Lawmakers to Preserve and Protect an Open Internet

2009-03-18T12:00:00Z

Internet companies Dailymotion, eBay, Skype, Google, YouTube, PriceMinister, and Yahoo! today called on the European Parliament to keep the Internet lanes open, pointing to a new study showing that consumers expect Internet Service Providers to allow open, unrestricted access to the Internet.

The European Parliament and EU governments are considering a major telecoms reform package. Certain proposed amendments could erode end-users’ rights by allowing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to limit access to websites or applications, or to prioritise some Internet traffic in favour of their own or their partners' traffic. Parliament is expected to adopt legislation at its second reading in April of this year. (See the European Commission website for details).

International market research firm Synovate polled 944 consumers in France, Germany and the United Kingdom on their Internet needs and service. Commissioned by Google, Skype, and Yahoo!, the firm conducted the study independently, with no influence of the companies on the methodology, interviews or results. Synovate’s survey is available at: http://www.synovate.com/ispconsumerresearch/
.

Synovate presented its study at an event held this morning at the European Parliament and hosted by MEP Karin Riis-Jorgensen. Levi Nietvelt of Europe's consumer organization BEUC and Benoit Tabaka of PriceMinister also spoke. Synovate's key findings include:

An overwhelming 91% of consumers expect their Internet service provider to avoid blocking or limiting their service. This overwhelming majority expects all legitimate websites and applications to receive similar treatment.

Among those who have recently switched ISP, the research shows that gaining access to more advanced services was a key consideration for many online consumers (e.g. watching or downloading movies, making calls online). This suggests strong demand exists if high speed networks are built out allowing Internet companies to innovate and mount new, exciting services. Already, more than two-thirds of respondents regularly use online banking, online shopping, video streaming and various forms of online communication. On average, consumers undertake about 8 different online activities.

Only a minority of 7 to 15 percent would actually consider changing their ISPs, especially if the Internet connection would cost them more. If unable to access certain websites or online services, more than a quarter of users blame the website - even if it is not responsible.

“The study highlights the importance of consumer views and experiences in formulating policy on important topics such as access to online services and websites. Consumers clearly think that they should have access to all legitimate sites and services online. They do not want their access blocked or limited. However, most are unaware that their ISP may be restricting access to such services in any way.” Synovate head Nigel Jackson commented.

Mrs Riis-Jorgensen, who hosted today's event in the European Parliament, comments: “The study shows that the current EU legislative approach relying on transparency for consumers may not be sufficient. If access to certain websites is limited or degraded, consumers may actually not vote with their wallets and switch providers, especially if there's a lack of cheaper Internet access packages. Additional safeguards are necessary that should include a level playing field where an ISP does not favour its own or affiliated services or applications.”

The leading Internet companies urge European lawmakers to ensure that the necessary safeguards exist to protect end-users rights and to preserve the open Internet. “Enabling Europeans to access and distribute the information, services and applications of their choice, using whatever device they want, is central to maintaining and encouraging the innovation that the Internet has become famous for. EU lawmakers should make sure that national authorities have the powers they need to act in cases where traffic management by telecommunication companies constitute unnecessary, discriminatory and/or anti-competitive behaviour.”

Contacts

Synovate

Nigel Jackson, +44 203 059 5231

Companies

Dailymotion: Giuseppe de Martino, +33 1 77 35 11 00
Google: Bill Echickson, +32 475669736
PriceMinister: Benoit Tabaka, +33 1 42 78 88 40
Skype: Paul de Lara, +44 7974 161211
More at: http://share.skype.com/sites/en/2009/03/open_internet.html
Yahoo: Rose Davidson, +44 20 7131 1644

Ms Karin Riis-Jorgensen, Member of the European Parliament, +32 228 45794

Worldwide, consumers still perceive wide gap between their computers and mobile devices; want greater control over mobile experience

2009-03-17T12:57:25Z

Zogby survey of U.S., Japan, Spain and U.K. mobile users shows most do not currently download applications to mobile devices; Skype calls for greater collaboration between carriers, software providers and device makers to assist consumers in embracing next generation of mobile experience

LUXEMBOURG, March 17, 2009 - Skype published data today from a recent Zogby survey showing that most mobile users still perceive a gap between the purpose and controllability of their computers versus their mobile devices. This gap correlates with the finding that the vast majority of mobile users do not yet download applications to their mobile devices. However, the same people expressed a strong desire to be able to choose mobile applications for themselves, and not have their carriers decide what applications they can use. The results also indicated that people will pay more for a device that will allow them to control the applications.

The study surveyed approximately 3,000 mobile users in four markets -- the U.S., U.K., Japan and Spain - between December 2008 and February 2009. Highlights of the findings include:

62% do not yet view their mobile device as an extension of their computer.
Only 23% feel that they have more or the same level of control over their mobile device as they have over their computer.
70% have never downloaded an application to their mobile device.
67% want to be able to choose their mobile applications for themselves, rather than have their carriers choose for them.

Regional Breakout: Spain Leads the Way
When the results are broken out by market, regional differences emerge. In Japan, the U.S. and the U.K., respondents felt the least control over their mobile devices versus personal computers (67 percent, 78 percent, 65 percent, respectively), which correlates to few users downloading applications to their mobile devices (22% in Japan, 26% in the U.S., and 28% in the U.K.)

The results from Spain, however, paint a different picture, one that hints at what happens when mobile consumers are given more control. In that market, more than half of the respondents felt there was no difference or they had more control over their mobile devices (53%) as they have over their computers (46%). Nearly half (47%) view their mobile devices as extensions of their computers. Given these attitudes, it is perhaps not coincidental that nearly half of Spanish mobile users (48%) have downloaded applications to their devices, a much larger percentage than the other markets surveyed. And, a much larger percentage of Spain's mobile users - 50% -- are willing to pay more for a mobile device that allows them to control their applications.

The Age Gap: Younger People Less Likely to View Mobile Devices as Merely Phones
The survey results also indicate that younger adults have a different view of what a mobile device is than their older counterparts. When asked if they view their mobile device as a phone to make calls on, a computer to access the Internet and download applications, or both, younger respondents were less likely to consider their mobile device to be just a phone. For example, in Japan, respondents under 30 were more likely to view mobile devices as a computer, or both (50%) than view them as merely phones (47%), while only 1 in 4 respondents in that market between the ages of 50 and 64 shared a similar view.

"These results show that work could be done to continue to blur the line between the computer and the mobile device, and that advances in new Internet-based services and mobile devices will help drive innovation. Overall, people want the ability to have control over which applications they download and this is consistent with trends in other industries," said Chad Bohnert, VP Marketing and E-Commerce at Zogby International.

"This is a clear call to action for all of us in the communications industry - carriers, device manufacturers, and software companies like Skype - to work together to deliver what the mobile consumer, especially the next generation of device and data plan buyers, obviously want and expect," said Scott Durchslag, Chief Operating Officer of Skype. "Together, we can bring a rich PC-like communications experience to mobile devices - one that combines voice, video, presence, instant messaging, and file sharing. In doing so, consumers win, and so does the industry as it fuels growth in data minutes and revenues."

To answer mobile consumer demand, Skype is focused on delivering more choice, value, and functionality to the billions of mobile devices in the market today. In recent months, Skype now offers mobile applications for a wide range of operating systems, including Android, Windows Mobile, and Java-enabled phones, and is now available on more than 100 devices from LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson. In addition, the 3 Skypephone, available from Hutchison Whampoa's wireless subsidiary 3, has been used to make more than 300 million Skype-to-Skype calls.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trade marks and logos and the "S" symbol are trade marks of Skype Limited.

SpinVox powers first Skype voicemail to text

2009-03-03T09:46:49Z

LONDON and LUXEMBOURG, March 03, 2009 - SpinVox, the global leader in voice to content messaging and Skype, announces the availability of voicemail to text conversion for all Skype voicemail users today. SpinVox conveniently converts voice messages to text in English, Spanish, French and German. The messages are then sent by Skype as an SMS text directly to a designated mobile phone for users to read.

Skype users can now benefit from instant 'visible voicemail', and never miss those important calls from friends or colleagues when they are away from Skype. Recipients of converted voicemail messages can listen to the full voice message by either signing into Skype or by calling their Skype To Go number . As well as being able to receive voicemail as text via SpinVox, Skype users may choose instead to receive voicemail notification via SMS or for free by email.

"Skype is the first internet communications software provider to deploy SpinVox, further reinforcing our position as the only provider of voice to text messaging services which are used daily by millions of people on five continents," says SpinVox co-founder and CEO, Christina Domecq. "Our user base has grown over twenty-fold in the last 12 months and bringing Skype's voicemail subscribers on board will accelerate this trend."

"Using SpinVox gives our users added flexibility and convenience over their Skype voicemails, said Mike Bartlett, director of product strategy at Skype. "As people continue to spend more time on the move and on their mobile devices, people want to take their Skype conversations with them. SpinVox is a great option for our users to save time on checking their Skype voicemail and receive messages immediately sent to their mobile phone."

It's easy for Skype users to set up voicemail to text from their account page, by simply registering a mobile phone number. Each voicemail to text conversion will cost €0.20/ £0.17/ $0.25 plus the cost of sending an SMS at standard low Skype rates. Additional SMS charges - a maximum of 3 - may apply depending on the length of the voicemail message.

All payments are made fuss-free through Skype Credit. Users have a choice to set a limit on the number of voicemail conversions received per day and to receive messages from people only in their contact list to help them manage their Skype credit. An email notification will be sent if that limit is exceeded. For more information please visit http://www.skype.com/go/voicemail-to-text.

About Skype

Founded in 2003, Skype is revolutionizing the way people communicate around the world. Skype has more than 405 million registered users globally who use Skype software to communicate for free through voice and video calls as well as instant messages. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings, such as calls made to and from landlines and mobiles, voicemail, call forwarding, and SMS. Skype is used in almost every country on Earth, and people have made more than 100 billion minutes worth of free Skype-to-Skype calls. Conversations over Skype can take place on computers, mobile devices and Skype Certified™ hardware. Skype certifies and sells hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners, and works with hundreds of third-party developers who have created plug-ins to extend Skype's functionality.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trade marks and logos and the "S" symbol are trade marks of Skype Limited.

About SpinVox

SpinVox® is the world's largest privately-held speech technology company, providing the only voice to text messaging services which are used daily by millions of people and whose user base has grown over twenty-fold in the last 12 months.

Through significant innovations in voice and network technologies which are protected by over 60 patents worldwide, SpinVox has converged the two most natural forms of communication - voice and text - to create the fastest-growing form of messaging: Voice-to-Content™.

SpinVox services are available directly on www.spinvox.com and through leading carriers and through new media, Unified Communications and other service providers globally.

Implemented as a carrier-class hosted network feature, SpinVox is proven to able to easily create value from everyday user behaviour using voice and deliver rapid and easy implementation of low input, sustained high reward services.

At the heart of SpinVox is its ground-breaking Voice Message Conversion System™ (VMCS), which works by combining state-of-the-art speech technologies with a live-learning language process. Developed by the Cambridge, UK- based SpinVox Advanced Speech Group; VMCS now serves users across five continents in English, French, Spanish, German, Portuguese and Italian.

SpinVox is now live with Alltel, Cincinnati Bell, Sasktel, Rogers Wireless, Telus, Telstra, Vodacom South Africa, Vodafone Spain, Movistar Chile, Skype and Livejournal.

Skype and Nokia partner to integrate Skype into Nokia devices

2009-02-17T08:30:00Z

BARCELONA, February 17, 2009 -- Skype and Nokia today announced a partnership that will bring the world's leading Internet communications experience to the Nokia range of mobile computers. Under the terms of the cooperation, Skype™ will be integrated into Nokia devices, starting with the Nokia Nseries. The Nokia N97 flagship device will be the first to incorporate the Skype experience in the 3rd quarter of 2009.

The Skype experience will be part of the address book of the Nokia N97, enabling presence - seeing when Skype contacts are online - as well as instant messaging. Nokia N97 owners around the world will also be able to use 3G and WLAN to easily make and receive free Skype-to-Skype voice calls, in addition to low-cost Skype calls to landlines and mobile devices.

"Making Skype available everywhere through mobile devices is essential to fulfilling our vision of 'enabling the world's conversations'," said Scott Durchslag, Skype's Chief Operating Officer. "Collaborating closely with Nokia to preload and integrate our software onto their devices will benefit the many Nokia customers who already use Skype, as it makes Skype easily accessible and simple to use on the go. It will also bring Skype new users who love Nokia's Symbian S60 experience."

"With more than 400 million Skype users worldwide, the integration of Skype on Nokia Nseries mobile computers is a significant step in bringing converged Internet experiences from the desktop to the world's most advanced mobile computer," said Jose-Luis Martinez, Vice President, Nokia Nseries.

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobility, driving the transformation and growth of the converging Internet and communications industries. We make a wide range of mobile devices with services and software that enable people to experience music, navigation, video, television, imaging, games, business mobility and more. Developing and growing our offering of consumer Internet services, as well as our enterprise solutions and software, is a key area of focus. We also provide equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and can not be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trade marks and logos and the "S" symbol are trade marks of Skype Limited.

All-New Skype Now Available

2009-02-03T14:00:00Z

LUXEMBOURG, February 3, 2009 -- Skype today announced the launch of Skype 4.0 for Windows, the most distinctive new release in the company's five-year history. Thanks to the feedback of tens of thousands of people, the new version offers full-screen video calling, crystal clear call quality and is easier to use than ever before. In addition, Skype users will find all of the features they have come to expect - free voice and video calls to other Skype users, instant messaging, SMS, as well as calls to landlines and mobile devices around the world at very low rates.

Face-to-Face Video Calling
"Video calling has emerged as a very popular way for people to communicate online," said Mike Bartlett, director of product strategy for Skype. "Whether it's saying hello to your daughter at college or reading a book to your child while you're away on business--video calling lets you have the conversations that make a difference and it really feels almost as good as being there."

With the all-new Skype, people can experience the benefits of free face-to-face video calling. It's now easier to start a video call and experience full-screen video, which makes conversations more intimate and engaging.

Additionally, a new built-in bandwidth manager ensures that consumers have the very best Skype video calling experience possible even on a low-bandwidth connection. If you have a fast enough connection (recommended 400 Kb/s or higher), a dual-core processor PC and a Skype Certified High Quality Video webcam, Skype delivers up to 30-frames-per-second High Quality Video.

Improved Call Quality
Call quality is substantially improved in the new version of Skype. The new audio codec achieves wideband audio quality using 50% less bandwidth than previously required. Moreover, it introduces super wideband audio that delivers crystal clear, richer and warmer sound to those using a compatible headset and a high quality broadband connection. The bandwidth manager interacts with the codec to adjust quickly to fluctuating bandwidth conditions to produce the most reliable sound.

Easier Than Ever
Skype now makes it easier to set up your headset, microphone and webcam, so getting started is fast and simple to do in a few steps. The new Conversations Tab makes it easy to keep track of multiple conversations in one place, and you can switch seamlessly to your preferred communication method - free voice and video calls to other Skype users, instant messaging, SMS, as well as calls to landlines and mobile devices at Skype's low rates. In addition, you can choose to use Skype in two different views. Default View has everything neatly contained in a single window or Compact View allows you to resize or put each conversation into separate windows.

"This is just the latest example of how Skype is continuing to innovate and improve its software to deliver an even better voice and video calling experience," said Bartlett. "The combination of feedback from tens of thousands of users over the last two years of development has allowed us to create a truly amazing experience that puts the focus on bringing people closer together even when they are continents apart."

For a more detailed explanation of many other features and improvements or to download Skype 4.0 for Windows visit: http://www.skype.com/go/download.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and can not be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

Skype and IBM collaborate on LotusLive Integration for the Enterprise

2009-01-19T13:45:00Z

Skype voice and video calling to be available for global businesses via IBM Cloud Services

LUXEMBOURG, January 19, 2009 -- Skype today announced it will integrate Skype™ functionality with LotusLive (www.lotuslive.com), IBM's new cloud services which are designed to help individuals build communities to work smarter, more effectively and more efficiently across and beyond their own companies. Skype's voice and video calling will add rich, real-time communications capabilities to LotusLive, making it even easier for enterprises to collaborate in the cloud.

This planned integration, which was previewed at IBM Lotusphere 2009 in Orlando, FL, will join LotusLive collaborative services with Skype Internet communications to create a seamless communications experience for our mutual customers. Employees of companies using LotusLive will be able to use Skype to initiate voice and video calls, simply by clicking on their contacts' Skype names or phone numbers within LotusLive. Future possibilities include the ability to import Skype contact information into IBM cloud services to enhance online collaboration.

"Our relationship with IBM demonstrates how serious Skype is about bringing the benefits of 'anytime, anywhere, any mode' Internet communications to the enterprise environment," said Scott Durchslag, Skype's Chief Operating Officer. "During tough economic times, every business is seeking to cut costs while enhancing competitiveness and we look forward to broader, long-term cooperation between IBM and Skype to help businesses of all sizes around the globe save money, save time, and stay ahead."

"We recognize that communications is an integral component of collaboration in an Internet-enabled world and that many small businesses have already adopted Skype," said Sean Poulley, vice president of online collaboration, IBM Lotus. "This integration will simplify and improve the way businesses interact with their customers and partners."

For more information, please visit www.lotuslive.com. To manage multiple Skype accounts, purchase and allocate Skype Credit or subscriptions, as well as manage calling activity, businesses can also access the Skype for Business Control Panel (BCP), a free web-based tool, at www.skype.biz.

About Skype
Founded in 2003, Skype is revolutionizing the way people communicate around the world. Skype has more than 370 million registered users globally who use Skype software to communicate for free through voice and video calls as well as instant messages. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings, such as calls made to and from landlines and mobiles, voicemail, call forwarding, and SMS. Skype is used in almost every country on Earth, and people have made more than 100 billion minutes worth of free Skype-to-Skype calls. Conversations over Skype can take place on computers, mobile devices and Skype Certified™ hardware. Skype certifies and sells hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners, and works with hundreds of third-party developers who have created plug-ins to extend Skype's functionality.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

First Version of Skype Now Available for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices

2009-01-08T18:45:00Z

First, complete communications client for MIDs supports voice and video calls, IM

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH: HILTON #5121), January 8, 2009 -- Skype today announced the availability of Skype™ 1.0 Beta for Intel-based Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs). This new version of Skype software is the result of working with Intel Corporation to develop a new mobile Skype experience for MIDs based on the Intel® Atom™ processor and Moblin-based Linux OS (www.moblin.org).

MIDs are an emerging category of small, truly mobile consumer devices enabling a rich Internet experience, coupled with the capability to communicate with others, enjoy entertainment, access information, and be productive on the go - all without sacrificing mobility or performance. MIDs typically come with 4"-7" screens, a camera, GPS and WiFi connectivity. Select MIDs also provide WiMax or 3G/4G support for wireless broadband connectivity on-the-go. ABI Research expects 86 million Linux-enabled MIDs to ship by 2013.

Skype 1.0 Beta for MIDs empowers these devices with a rich communications capability through a new, optimized interface which is designed to deliver a great experience and fast, smooth kinetic scrolling support on the touch screen displays of MIDs. The software enables you to make free Skype-to-Skype voice and video calls to anywhere in the world, in addition to cheap calls to landlines and mobiles. It also includes instant messaging, group IM, SMS, call forwarding, voicemail, presence (seeing when your contacts are online) and the ability to receive calls from other Skype users or to your personal online number. MIDs' faster performance and wireless connectivity also enable Skype users to experience an excellent mobile video calling experience.

"Today's introduction of the first, complete Internet communications offering for MIDs bridges the gap between the phone and PC and underscores our vision of 'Skype everywhere' and our commitment to open access," said Scott Durchslag, Skype's Chief Operating Officer. "By supporting WiFi, WiMax, 3G and 4G, this development expands Skype's mobile portfolio and further illustrates the broad accessibility to Skype that we offer on a multitude of mobile devices."

"Mobile Internet Devices enable users to enjoy the full Internet experience and stay connected with their friends and family wherever they go," said Pankaj Kedia, director of global ecosystem programs in the Ultra Mobility Group at Intel Corporation. "Our collaboration with Skype to deliver Skype 1.0 Beta for Mobile Internet Devices based on the Intel® Atom™ processor and Moblin-based Linux OS will provide new ways for users to communicate anywhere, anytime."

Skype is working with Intel to deliver its application software for MIDs through Original Device Manufacturers (ODMs) and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). By offering the Skype software on their devices, device manufacturers can provide consumers with an array of rich internet communications experiences - instant messaging, group IM, voice and video calls - right out of the box.

The Beta version of Skype software for Intel-based MIDs was announced during a press conference this morning and will also be on display at Skype's booth during ShowStoppers@CES 2009 at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel from 6-10 PM PST on Thursday, January 8, 2009.

For more information about Intel Mobile Internet Devices, please visit www.intel.com/products/mid. For more information about Skype 1.0 Beta for Mobile Internet Devices, please visit skype.com.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited. Intel is a trademark of Intel Corporation in the United States and other countries.

Skype Launches on Android Platform and more than 100 Java-Enabled Mobile Phones

2009-01-08T18:45:00Z

Updated Beta version of Skype offered for millions worldwide to load onto their mobile phones

LAS VEGAS (CES BOOTH: HILTON #5121), January 8, 2009 - Skype today announced the release of a lite version of Skype™, a 'thin' client for Skype that can be downloaded on Android-powered devices, as well as more than 100 other Java-enabled mobile phones.

This launch builds on successful public testing last year and the incorporation of user feedback to an earlier beta version which was only available on a limited number of mobile devices. The updated beta now makes Skype software broadly available to millions of mobile users worldwide, including for the first time, mobile users in the U.S. The lite version delivers core Skype capabilities including:

Make Skype-to-Skype calls to other Skype users anywhere in the world
Send/receive instant messages to/from individuals or groups
Make Skype calls at low rates to people on landline or mobile phones
Receive calls to your online personal phone number on Skype
See when your Skype contacts are online/available to chat

By bringing the world's leading Internet communications software to mobile phones, Skype users can save money on calls to landlines and mobiles abroad, and stay connected with friends and family over Skype while on the go. The lite version of Skype works wherever your mobile phone works, without requiring a WiFi connection. The lite version of Skype uses local air time and a mobile internet connection in order to sign in to Skype, update your contact list, update presence and send/receive calls or messages, so you must have both a calling plan and a data plan on your mobile phone to use it.

"Making the Skype experience available for download to Android-powered devices, as well as hundreds of other mobile phones from the world's leading handset manufacturers is a major step forward for Skype," said Scott Durchslag, COO of Skype. "Nearly half the world's population are mobile phone users today and we know that many people who already use Skype want the option to use Skype on their mobile phones. We are committed to working towards our goal of getting Skype into the pockets of the mobile masses."

The lite version of Skype is currently available for Android devices, which today include the T-Mobile G1™, the first Android-powered mobile phone currently available in the United States and the United Kingdom. It is expected to also work on other future Android devices. Android device users can download this beta version of Skype by visiting Android Market.

It also works on more than 100 of the most popular Java-enabled phones from the world's top five handset manufacturers - LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson. For instructions on downloading the lite version of Skype to LG, Motorola, Nokia, Samsung and Sony Ericsson phones, users can visit www.skype.com/m using the mobile browser on their phone or www.skype.com/go/mobiledownload from a computer. The web page includes a directory of the mobile phones currently supported.

The lite version of Skype is available globally, with the ability to make Skype-to-Skype calls and low cost calls to landlines and mobiles abroad currently available in ten countries: the United States, United Kingdom, Poland, Brazil (Rio and Sao Paolo), Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Australia and New Zealand.

*Costs for using the lite version of Skype:
You will be charged by your mobile operator for local air time and data usage based on the type of calling service and data plan you have purchased. Since the lite version of Skype uses a mobile data connection to sign in to Skype, update your contact list, update presence and send/receive messages, you will be charged by your mobile operator for data usage. You will not incur charges from Skype when you make Skype-to-Skype calls or send instant messages to friends on Skype; however national calling rates may apply from your mobile operator due to the use of local air time. Skype will charge its regular very low Skype rates when you call landlines and mobiles using Skype or when you receive calls on your mobile handset from other Skype users or people calling your personal online number. We highly recommend getting an unlimited data plan for use with the lite version of Skype. The longer you remain signed in, the more Skype contacts you have, or the more you send and receive instant messages, the more data you will use.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and cannot be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trademarks and logos and the "S" symbol are trademarks of Skype Limited.

Java and all Java-based marks are a trademark or registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc, in the United States and other countries. G1 and T-Mobile G1 are trademarks of T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac Delivers WiFi Hotspot Access Management & Screen Sharing to Mac Users

2009-01-06T14:52:38Z

New core Skype features debut on Mac platform first

LUXEMBOURG, January 6, 2009 - Skype today released Skype™ 2.8 Beta for Mac, the latest version of its internet communications software for Mac users. This new release, which was first demonstrated during ShowStoppers® at the Macworld Conference & Expo® in San Francisco, contains a number of new Skype features, including Skype Access™ and screen sharing. Both of these features will be built into versions of Skype for other operating systems sometime in 2009.

Skype Access is a worldwide, pay-per-minute WiFi hotspot access service provided by Boingo Wireless® and enabled by Skype. Skype Access allows Skype users to connect to any of the more than 100,000 Boingo WiFi hotspots worldwide - including airports, hotels, cafes and metropolitan hot zones - with a single click, and to pay per minute only for what they use with Skype Credit. Skype Access scans for available WiFi hotspots and presents a pop-up dialogue box displaying the price-per-minute to use the Boingo network using Skype Credit. With Skype Access, you only pay for what you use, and there's no need to fiddle with credit cards or log-in details.

The price to use Skype Access to connect to a Boingo WiFi hotspot is based on a flat, global rate of €0.14/$0.19 per minute (€0.16/$0.22 incl. VAT), which will vary based on currency. There are no connection fees or monthly charges for Skype Access. Boingo's Terms of Service and Acceptable Use Policy apply and access to all Internet services will be provided on a simple, per minute billing basis. You can keep tabs on how much you've spent using Skype Access by signing in to your account on skype.com. When you stop Skype Access, the amount will be deducted from your Skype Credit balance.

"The goal of the major new features in Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac is to makes Skype easier to use everywhere," said Scott Durchslag, Skype's Chief Operating Officer. "Skype Access is perfect for those times when you need to make a few Skype calls or send some instant messages or emails while you're on the go, and screen sharing is a productivity tool that enables collaboration between two parties, regardless of their location."

The new screen sharing function in Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac enables you to show others something you are working on or to explain how to do something. Similar to a Skype video call, it works by capturing, encrypting and transferring the content of your screen in real-time to the person you are sharing your screen with. Once there, the content is decrypted and shown to the other person on their screen. If you are using Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac, you are also able to share your screen with Skype for Windows and Skype for Linux users, but cannot see theirs (yet).

Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac newly incorporates a number of other nice Skype features:

Improved chat management: you can sort chats in the drawer and set priorities to chats
Quick Add: it's now much easier to add people to chats
Mood message chat: see mood message updates from your friends as chat messages
Large profile pictures: just like Skype 4.0 Beta 2 for Windows, you can now use images of up to 256 x 256 pixels
Hidden avatars in incoming contact requests: a small minority of Skype users have profile pictures which others may find unpleasant, and so they're now hidden by default in contact requests
Add notes to contacts: you can add notes to a contact in their profile window - handy for keeping track of who's who.

Skype 2.8 Beta for Mac is available for download at skype.com/go/macosx-beta.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and can not be used for emergency calling.

Boingo, Boingo Wireless, Boingo Mobile, the Boingo Wireless Logo and Don't Just Go. Boingo! are registered trademarks of Boingo Wireless, Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

Skype, associated trade marks and logos and the "S" symbol are trade marks of Skype Limited.

Skype Appoints Lead Roles for Technology and Strategy

2008-12-10T09:00:00Z

LUXEMBOURG, December 10, 2008 — Skype today announced the appointment of Daniel Berg as Chief Technology Officer and Christopher S. Dean as Chief Strategy Officer. Both roles are newly-created and will report into Skype President, Josh Silverman.

As Chief Technology Officer, Daniel Berg is charged with driving and developing Skype’s full range of technologies and products, and enhancing and leveraging the architectural vision of other technology teams. He will have responsibility for growing and maintaining a global research and development team of more than 300 staff, fostering excellence in both execution and innovation. He assumes his role on January 1, 2009.

Christopher S. Dean joins Skype as Chief Strategy Officer, focused on driving Skype’s strategic development. His team will lead global business and corporate development, strategic planning and an incubation function tasked with generating new ideas and developing projects which support Skype’s technology vision and long-term corporate goals. He assumes his role effective immediately.

“The appointment of these pivotal roles for technology and strategy, at a time when many technology companies are cutting back on resources, demonstrates Skype’s commitment to driving forward a vision of technological innovation coupled with the creation of a world-class leadership team,” said Josh Silverman, Skype President. “With the team in place, we are better-placed to scale and develop with the rapid growth and potential of the business, and respond swiftly and dynamically to new opportunities as they arise.”

Mr Berg joins Skype from Sun Microsystems, following 15 years working with technology and exploring new ways to exploit its benefits. Most recently, he was Chief Technology Officer for Sun's Global Sales and Services Division and Vice President of Systems Engineering for Sun's Emerging Markets Region (India, China, Russia, Middle East, Africa and Latin America), roles in which he led the technical strategy and direction of the organization. He also received the title of Distinguished Engineer at Sun, in recognition of his work in multithreading, concurrent programming and Java. A best-selling author, he has written a number of books, including Advanced Techniques for Java Developers and Dot-Com & Beyond: Breakthrough Internet Based Architecture & Methodologies. Prior to Sun, he worked for IBM and Honeywell.

Mr Dean brings over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, specializing in business and corporate development, strategy consulting and start-ups. Most recently he was co-founder of Texada Capital, an investment management firm. Prior to Texada, he spent three and a half years as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development at FaceTime Communications, a leading vendor of security, management and control solutions for instant messaging within the enterprise. Earlier in his career he was Senior Vice President of Business Development at Epoch Partners, EVP eCommerce Services at smartage.com, VP of Marketing at Worlds, Inc. and a Senior Consultant at Regis Mckenna, Inc. He holds a BA in Economics from Vassar College and a MBA from Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

Skype also recently appointed Anne Gillespie as the new Head of Human Resources. Anne spent much of her career with major technology corporations, including Compaq and HP. Prior to joining Skype, she led HR for all of HP’s Global Functions in EMEA. Prior to that, she worked for HP in U.S. Corporate Headquarters supporting the Global Marketing organization and then moved to Switzerland to support Global Operations and IT as HR Director for Europe, Middle East and Africa. Anne holds an MSc in Human Resource Management from Sheffield University and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (FCIPD). She assumed her role on November 10, 2008 and reports into Skype President, Josh Silverman.

About Skype

Founded in 2003, Skype is revolutionizing the way people communicate around the world. Skype has more than 370 million registered users globally who use Skype software to communicate for free through voice and video calls as well as instant messages. Skype generates revenue through its premium offerings, such as calls made to and from landlines and mobiles, voicemail, call forwarding, and SMS. Skype is used in almost every country on Earth, and people have made more than 100 billion minutes worth of free Skype-to-Skype calls. Conversations over Skype can take place on computers, mobile devices and Skype Certified™ hardware. Skype certifies and sells hundreds of hardware products from more than 50 partners, and works with hundreds of third-party developers who have created plug-ins to extend Skype’s functionality.

Skype is an eBay company (NASDAQ: EBAY). Learn more and download Skype at www.skype.com.

Access to a broadband Internet connection is required. Skype is not a replacement for your traditional telephone service and can not be used for emergency calling.

Skype, associated trade marks and logos and the “S” symbol are trade marks of Skype Limited.