Skype Mobile with Video coming to Android

Skype is coming to Google Android smartphones in the near future. Right now, only those on Verizon can download the Android Skype app due to a deal with Skype and Verizon [VZ].

We learn today though that this is changing and that Skype will be launching an Android (and BlackBerry) application that will not be restricted to just Verizon, ie, any carrier in the world can be used. The information comes from a chat that Skattertech had with someone at Skype who said the following…

Skype envisions a world where video plays a larger role in the way we communicate. The next generation innovation involving video calling will not be bound to the computer. We’re seeing a proliferation of video calling shared between all kinds of connected devices. It’s on computers (today 1/3 of all calls on Skype happen via video), televisions (Skype bringing video calls to living rooms via Panasonic, Samsung & LG partnership), and it will eventually be coming to mobile devices too. We’re betting big on video, and we intend to set the bar on mobile video calling, and it’s something we’re going to do this year.

We will be bringing a direct to consumer app to the Android marketplace later this year. This application will be available for all consumers globally to download regardless of carriers. (i.e. similar to how we offer the iPhone app today)

Brianna Reynaud, Skype PR

Skype mention that a direct to consumer app is in progress and will be added to the marketplace later this year. Also, video is mentioned in a big way too where the quote says video will not be bound to the computer.

It is unclear at the moment how carriers will handle Skype on their handsets and networks and if most of them will simply cut 3G access off forcing it to be used on a Wireless network. Hopefully some deal can be made with carriers, similar to Verizon, where dataplans are put in place to support these types of calls.