Android Fring no longer has Skype functionality?

I use Fring because some of my contacts (mostly family) won't use anything besides MSN messenger but most of my friends are hip to the Skype and don't do Messenger. Then of course there's GTalk. I like one app to manage it all.

Fring is accusing Skype of blocking access (and certainly I've noticed sometimes the Skype contact list doesn't load, or takes forever to load, or requires a few incantations and a dash of eye of newt to load). I wonder whether they intend for Skype to soon be available only through an official Skype app.

Article:
http://www.wirelessweek.com/News/201...obile-Content/

(PS - is it good or bad form to include the text of the article? I'd always thought bad, but it does save people a click. Happy to remove the quote below if requested.)

Fring Accuses Skype of Blocking
Posted In: Mobile Content | Skype | FirstNews

By Andrew Berg
Monday, July 12, 2010

Fring, the mobile communications and social networking aggregator, says that VoIP provider Skype is blocking all interconnectivity between the two services. But Skype says it's not to blame.

According to a press release from fring, it is "being forced to stop its four years of Skype interconnectivity following threat of legal action."

The news comes just days after fring announced that a new version of its iPhone app had been approved at the App Store. The new app allows users to make video calls over 3G, something the Skype iPhone app still lacks. Fring calls the move by Skype "anti-competitive ambush."

Fring went so far as to call Skype "cowards" in a blog post on the company's website:

"They are afraid of open mobile communication. Cowards.

Needless to say, we are very disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness, is now trying to muzzle competition, even at the expense of its own users.

We're sorry for the inconvenience Skype has caused you."

Skype says fring is the one causing the inconvenience.

An official statement from Skype said that "Skype is disappointed that an amicable resolution was not possible but Fring's decision to withdraw Skype functionality immediately was of its own choice." The statement goes on to say that Skype encourages developers to build products that work with Skype APIs but that it will "rigorously protect its brand and reputation and those companies that do not comply with our terms will be subject to enforcement."

Skype and fring do compete in the same market, as both companies offer VoIP, IM and video calling services. Skype recently released a new iPhone app that will bring changes to the service come the end of the year. While Skype-to-Skype calling will remain free, users will be asked to pay if they want to make Skype calls to cell phones or landlines over 3G using the iPhone app. Pricing details for this feature are yet to be announced, as price testing is ongoing.

I think I read that Fringe is now officially dropping Skype support due to the threat of a lawsuit from the latter . Skype is being pretty strange about all this certainly.

This was disappointing to me as well, but Skype is supposed to have an Android app for all (not just Verizon) sometime this year. Hope it's soon.

Just thought I'd post an update. Received this by email today:

Hello fringsters,
As you may have noticed, Skype has blocked fring. We are very sorry for any inconvenience this Skype policy has unfairly caused you.

As loyal fring users, you deserve an explanation: Last week, following the surge in fring video calling traffic, fring service to Skype was temporarily reduced . Unfortunately, Skype and their legal team demanded not to restore your connectivity to Skype via fring.

Needless to say, we are very disappointed that Skype is now trying to muzzle competition, even at the expense of its own users.

While we regret Skype's decision to block fring, we are committed to continuing to provide you with market-leading innovation, to keep you in touch with your friends, wherever they are.

On fring you can freely use the best mobile over internet communication like video calling, calls and chat anywhere (3G/4G/WiFi) on any advanced Smartphone.

So, if you are frustrated like us with communication barriers, and are just looking for a fun and easy way to stay in touch with your friends on the go, tell them about fring and
invite your friends to join fring here


We appreciate your support and look forward to continuing to provide you with great mobile innovations.

Let freedom fring!

the fringTEAM.