IM+ Crams Skype into a Web App 7
IM+ for Skype from Shape Services now available for Palm webOS. for now, it is a web-based application for the Palm Pre which enables voice and text communication with other Skype users.
There's been a bit of conversation in our forums about the this -- specifically how a web app could enable full Skype functionality. Short answer - it doesn't yet, but we hope that a native version will be in the App Catalog someday. Bulls96 explains it well:
what happens is when their skype rings, when they pick up, skype (or the IM+ service) calls your phone back and you will wait for your phone to ring and only then can you have a conversation.
I think you will have to have skype credits for that.
...In other words, when you initiate a Skype call from the web app, it rings on their end, then rings your phone back. In other words, on top of the purchase price is $9.99, there will be SkypeOut chargers as well.
Text chat over Skype works - though there have been reports of connectivity issues. You can try it for free for 10 days, just visit s4palm.com on your Pre.
7 Comments
So it's basically the iPhone web app? That must've been a lot of work. Rewriting the press release and changing 'iPhone' to 'Palm Pre' in every sentence...
I was hyped when I heard some company was going to bring Skype to the Pre. But this is a total let down. Not even a native app. I use Skype to call people in other countries. So when that happens, I'll just call the Skype To Go number and choose one of the pre-set numbers.
When people call me on my Skype number, my Pre automatically rings. I don't need an app for that. The only useful part is the chat function? We'll if it's not build into synergy I won't even bother. I'll SMS or message on Google chat. I'm hoping Palm will implement Skype and MSN chat in the near future.
It's time for Skype to develop that native app. When they're done there'll be like 1 million Pre users. It's worth it!
I agree bruba...I saw Skype and my spirits were raised. Then, the hammer fell as I saw "web app" and read the details. Why would I want to pay twice to call someone on a Skype web app (pay for my phone minutes + pay for the skype call), when I could just pay once by calling their real phone. Skype is a feature I definitely want and I hope they are in the process of developing a native app. Until they do, I'll pass.
If you think about it you really only need native functionality for games. Webapps that can access phone, email, gps, tilt sensor, ambient light sensor/proximity sensor, contacts, media library can provide all the functionality of a native app.