Following a short beta period, Microsoft"s Skype app for Windows Phone is ready for prime time. Today the Microsoft Skype Division released the first non-beta version of the application, Skype 1.0, which is available as a free download on the Windows Phone Marketplace.
Derek Snyder, head of mobile product marketing at Skype, announced the release in a posting on the Skype blog. In the post, Snyder stated that Microsoft has "tested and certified" the following Windows Phone devices:
- Nokia Lumia 710
- Nokia Lumia 800
- Nokia Lumia 900
- HTC Titan
- HTC Radar
- Samsung Focus S
- Samsung Focus Flash
While other compatible Windows Phone devices can also run the application, Microsoft has not yet certified them for "best performance." Additionally, Snyder stated Skype is now available for Windows Phone in the following 18 languages: English, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, European Portuguese, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Swedish and Traditional Chinese.
Microsoft first released a beta for Skype on Windows Phone on Feb. 27, promising to release a final, non-beta version of the app in April. Skype for Windows Phone requires a handset running Windows Phone 7.5 (Mango) or higher and can only be utilized on a 4G or 3G connection, or when connected to a WiFi network. If your device meets the criteria, Skype can be downloaded from the Windows Phone Marketplace.