Nokia brings Skype to its handsets

In a move likely to strike fear into the hearts of mobile network providers, Nokia has announced it is to pre-install Skype on its phones, starting with the recently-announced N97 smartphone . Outside of Windows Mobile devices, this is the first time full Skype access has been added to mobile phones, throwing up the intriguing concept of being able to make free or low-cost calls over a 3G or Wi-Fi network, but without having the pay your network operator anything above your monthly data subscription. In the midst of a recession, we suspect this isn't something the mobile networks will be enamoured by. But as a customer, it's a seriously big plus, with those free Skype-to-Skype calls and budget calling to a landline or other mobile. All your contacts will be shown on the handset and if you fancy something a little less personal, you can always instant message via Skype too. The N97 will be offered with built-in Skype during the latter half of 2009, with other N-series phones expected to ... (link)