Dan Neary, Skype’s Asia Pacific Vice President, has released news in Sydney today that Skype will not be creating a client for Microsoft’s new mobile operating system, Windows Phone 7, the latest Windows mobile OS.
No exact details have been released as to why the giant VOIP company has decided not to develop a client, but it could be due to a number of factors.
Possible Reasons for Skype’s Decision
There are several potential reasons why Skype might have opted out of developing a client for Windows Phone 7. One possibility is a lack of confidence in the new mobile OS. Despite Microsoft’s strong presence in the software market, Windows Phone 7 was a relatively new entrant in the mobile operating system arena at the time. This could have made Skype hesitant to invest resources into a platform that had not yet proven its market viability.
Another reason could be coding problems using the native code on Windows Phone 7. Developers for this platform were tied to Silverlight and XNA, which might have posed significant challenges for Skype’s development team. Silverlight, primarily used for rich internet applications, and XNA, a framework for game development, may not have been ideal for creating a robust VOIP application like Skype.
Additionally, the lack of multitasking support on Windows Phone 7 could have been a critical factor. Multitasking is essential for VOIP applications, which need to run in the background to receive calls and messages. Without this capability, the user experience would be significantly compromised, making the platform less attractive for Skype.
Impact on Users and the Market
The decision not to support Windows Phone 7 could have had several implications for both users and the market. For users, this meant that they would not have access to one of the most popular VOIP services on their Windows Phone 7 devices. This could have been a significant drawback for those who relied on Skype for both personal and professional communication.
For the market, Skype’s decision might have influenced other developers and companies considering whether to support Windows Phone 7. If a major player like Skype chose not to invest in the platform, it could have raised doubts about the OS’s potential success and longevity. This, in turn, could have affected the adoption rate of Windows Phone 7, making it harder for Microsoft to compete with established players like iOS and Android.
Despite these challenges, Microsoft continued to push forward with Windows Phone 7, introducing updates and new features to attract both users and developers. However, the initial lack of support from major applications like Skype was a hurdle that the company had to overcome.
Via Mobile Crunch Via WMPoweruser
Have a look at our Samsung Omnia 7 Review to see what we thought of Windows Phone 7.
In conclusion, while the exact reasons for Skype’s decision remain unclear, it is evident that a combination of factors likely influenced their choice. Whether it was concerns about the OS’s market potential, technical challenges, or limitations in multitasking, Skype’s absence on Windows Phone 7 was a notable development in the mobile OS landscape. As the industry continues to evolve, the decisions made by key players like Skype will undoubtedly shape the future of mobile communication and technology.
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