Quite a few business users of the Nokia E71 have likely wondered why there isn’t an official Skype client available, and I’ve often wondered the same thing. That’s been solved, however, thanks to the Skype Mobile team, who have just announced that the Nokia E71 (among other phones) have been added to the compatible list for the java-based Skype Lite application.
Skype Lite is, again, a java app, which means that it has limited capabilities on your S60-powered E71. However, it works, which is the key. For Skype IM, you can use either WiFi or a 3G data connection, to chat with any of your Skype contacts while on the go. Voice, however, is *not* carried over WiFi or 3G, instead using a callback feature over an existing voice network. That means that while you can use Skype Lite to chat with your contacts without a voice package, you will not be able to call them using this application, unless you have an active voice plan on your E71.
It’s certainly a frustrating limitation, but the ability to chat with your contacts is definitely worth downloading Skype Lite.
You can download Skype Lite here.
There are currently 13 responses
I use fring instead… supports skype and all the other chat protocols, as well as allows for skype calls. It works really well with my E71. I connect through my BT headset and then out through skype.
See no reason to try Skype Lite. Is there one?
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I installed Fring instead of Skype and it works perfecly with Skype,Gtalk,Msn,ICQ contacts..
I have installed fring on my e71 and works perfect.I can chat, call other fring and skype users and send pictures and files also.No need for Skype Lite for me.
I use fring as well. It is not a perfect piece of software, but it does the thing. I was deeply disappointed as I experinced that Skype “mobile client” is not doing the same things as the Skype PC client….
Unlike the previous posters I tried and hated Fring. It decided on its own to auto-import the contact list from my E71 and mangled it in the process. I do not want my Skype and regular contacts mixed, and never figured out how to prevent that from happening in Fring. I am using iSkoot right now, and it works great. Will give Skype Lite a try
Hi Boyan,
The option to show/hide your phonebook contact is in Fring is in the
“options”->”Settings”-> “hide phone contacts”.
Just in case you still want to get back to Fring.
Cheers~
Kudos to Skype for making an application officially less useful than a third-party (Fring) since Skype Lite doesn’t let you make free skype-to-skype calls over wifi. Way to not get why there’s wifi on smartphones these days. Or maybe that’s deliberate to try and increase revenue.
Guys…Guys…Guys. Skype or no skype, fret not. Try NIMBUSS instead. I have been using nimbuss since Oct and am thrilled with the results. It loads up all contacts from skype, gtalk, gchat, msn, icq etc. in a jiffy. It is an all-in-one app and a must have for your E71. Reception is crystal and I even use it with the speaker phone of my E71. NIMBUSS has unshackled me from my chair.
I tried Fring but prefer Nimbuss. Get it from http://www.nimbuss.com
Hope this is helpful. ENJOY!
Tried Skype Lite, the user experience is bad. For example, when typing a message, it goes to another screen, so the conversation is hidden. Fring and Nimbuzz both use inline input. And as beta software, Skype Lite crashed frequently. Only thing I like about it is the status can be changed, unlike Fring.
Hello Guys.
I need a little help.
I just installed a skype lite on my nokia e71x. i connected skype through my wifi, it connects but it keeps on asking me (Allow application to use network and send or receive data?) how should i solve this problem.
I installed this software on my phone for my friend in Australia. He told me to install this software and then he will be able to call me from there…
Right now i don’t know what should i do?
so in order for me to receive calls from my friend from Australia, should i use skype or fring? if skype then how do i disable this feature where it says (Allow application to use network and send or receive data?) over and over.
what are my options?
need help in detail
Thanks in advance.
I don’t usually post on blogs but had to on yours. You have a very easy to read writing style. A lot of people don’t have that touch, they just drone on and on in the most boring way. But not you – thanks! Thanks again!
The full Skype client (not lite) is now available (in beta) for the E71
Get the first beta release here:
http://forum.skype.com/index.php?act=announce&f=249&id=341
- Free skype to skype, free subscription calls – basically the full client (not skype-lite – doesn’t use your voice network at all)
- works over wi-fi or 3g (wi-fi sounds fantastic)
- Unlike Fring, DTMF tones will be recognized, however, this first beta doesn’t let you enter them through the dial pad, you’ll need to use another phone and hold the speaker up to the mic.
- full access to voicemail
- beautiful user interface
- no video calls yet…
FINALLY!!! I’m in travel heaven. The beta is working well for me. Much better sound quality than Fring or Nimbuzz. Once the DTMF is incorporated into the dialpad it’ll mean the E71 will finally be the only gadget I’ll need to carry with me when on the road. The laptop can stay in the carry-on and I won’t need to tote my N800 around. This client along with the GarminXT GPS makes this puppy a swiss-army knife with kick ass battery life
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