To get it to work, you need to enable "full keyboard" in portrate mode, and use the 'p' 'q' and 'space' keys to select the menu items. It also will only work in "compatibility mode" So go to "options / advanced options / applications / skype " and select "enable compatibility mode". When I signed in, it asked me if I wanted to download the updated version. This version gave me an error and didn't work, still here's the link if you want to play with it. It is an OTA link for the blackberry browser. It did NOT work on my phone, but it's there if you want it.
To get it to work, you need to enable "full keyboard" in portrate mode, and use the 'p' 'q' and 'space' keys to select the menu items. It also will only work in "compatibility mode" So go to "options / advanced options / applications / skype " and select "enable compatibility mode". When I signed in, it asked me if I wanted to download the updated version. This version gave me an error and didn't work, still here's the link if you want to play with it. It is an OTA link for the blackberry browser. It did NOT work on my phone, but it's there if you want it.
I got the "beta" in the OP working on my Storm. Well, I got as far as signing into my account. I was about to try the test Skype call when I found out that this app doesn't make VoIP calls. It's what Skype calls a Lite client, which means calls are routed via your cell network. That means you'll be using your voice minutes. Of course, you'll also need a data connection for the app to connect to Skype's server. I'm sure this is Skype's concession to the mobile carriers so that revenue isn't lost as a result of customers using VoIP (instead of cellular) to make calls. You can read all about the details at Skype's mobile page.
This is unsurprising. iSkoot worked the same way. I think this is for several reasons
- as you say, the carriers would not be best pleased to see their revenues limited to $20 data plans when all the calls became routed over the data plan. The result would be to put the price of data up enormously.
- it is doubtful that the Skype network could handle the entire cellular call load as would happen when every smartphone owner downloaded and used Skype instead of regular calling.
- if this happened, carriers would simply block Skype from working as some of them do with tethering unless you pay more.
I have used my laptop with Windows Skype whilst tethering via a BlackBerry and it works fine.
I use skype as my regular phone, i.e. no landline... Its pretty good, but I see no reason to use it on a Blackberry if you are going to pay with your cell minutes. What's the point?