Skype Finally Arrives On Microsoft Phones 151
judgecorp writes "Skype has finally delivered version 1.0 of Skype for Windows Phone, bringing support for its parent Microsoft's mobile platform up to the level of that enjoyed by rivals Android and iPhone. from the article: 'Skype for Windows Phone is available in 18 different languages and will be available on most local Windows Phone Marketplaces within the next 48 hours.
The app features the ability to make free voice and video calls to other Skype users as well as affordable calls to landlines and mobiles using Skype credit over a 4G, 3G or Wi-Fi connection.'"
Re:Finally arrives? No, not really... still broken (Score:5, Informative)
Still behind iOS and Android (Score:5, Informative)
The app still doesn't do basic stuff that the Skype app on Android does fine, like being able to receive calls when the app is not active. From what I read, this is a limitation of the platform. I really don't understand the glowing reviews for the Lumia 900 and the relentless praise for Windows Phone 7, in glowing reviews like this one: http://techcrunch.com/2012/04/15/nokia-lumia-900-review-this-ones-a-no-brainer/ [techcrunch.com]
It seems people can't stop making excuses for WP7, just because it's different to iOS and Android. It doesn't support dual core processors and resolutions higher than 800x480, and now it looks like no current phone will get an upgrade to Windows Phone 8, which is even worse than Android fragmentation issues. And it sounds like a repeat the HTC HD2 story, the HD2 was never upgraded to Windows 7 despite having the hardware to support it. It comes with a childish and uncustomizable homescreen. The applications screen consists of one long scrolling list that becomes a pain once you have a few apps installed. It was clever when it came out, but as Joshua Topolsky said for WP7 it's time we stopped giving it a pass.
Re:Purpose? (Score:2, Informative)
Re:Finally arrives? No, not really... still broken (Score:4, Informative)
The stupid part is Windows 8 is going to implement a similarly retarded scheme for Metro apps. When they're not in the foreground they're suspended. So tough luck if you were using a video conferencing or VOIP app or a multiplayer game and you want to check an email in the middle of it. Because if you do then you'll probably terminate your session when you step away from it. Multitasking is so yesterday.
Re:Finally arrives? No, not really... still broken (Score:5, Informative)
Just as in iOS, Metro apps can do background tasks via specific APIs to support it (such as music playback). Apps have to be specifically written to support background execution/behaviors, and there are certainly limits on what can be done (but, for instance, downloads can complete, music can play back, etc). By default, Metro apps are suspended when they're no longer foreground... just like iOS.
Android has battery issues from multitasking apps. iOS and WP7 attempt to mitigate the battery problems and provide much longer battery life by limiting background processing to only those things that absolutely need it, and then manaing those things in an intelligent, energy-conserving way.
Re:Still behind iOS and Android (Score:2, Informative)
How are WP7 phones "too expensive"? On contract, there somewhere between free and $99... singnificantly cheaper than most Android and all iOS phones on average.
And WP7 has many features the other's lack, helping to make up for some of the features it lacks that others have. It's a trade-off, and individuals can decide what set of functionality is really important to them.
Re:Finally arrives? No, not really... still broken (Score:5, Informative)
You're missing the point.
"WinMo" is not just a damanged brand, it legitimately sucks and people avoid it because of its history.
"WP7" is a different beast all together, is very good, and should not in any way be associated with "WinMo". It's NOT the same thing. There is zero app compatibility or UI experience in common between the two.
Your laziness in using correct terminology notwithstanding.
Re:Finally arrives? No, not really... still broken (Score:3, Informative)