Skype, the next dimension.
June 18th, 2010 | by Mobile Data Group |Making video calls from a mobile phone to TV sets or computers will be the next frontier for information technology, the head of internet telephony pioneer Skype said Tuesday. Communication is moving from a “hardware-based” industry to one driven by software allowing people to keep in touch using a wider range of devices reported Chief executive Josh Silverman at a technology conference in Singapore.
“It’s about allowing you to communicate whenever, wherever and however you like. At Skype, we envision a world where communication flows like water”.
“The basic idea is that any computing device becomes a communications device with the addition of our software and you can communicate however and wherever you want.”
Skype’s free Internet video and audio calls using desktop and laptop computers have connected millions of people worldwide, from business executives to migrant labourers. Skype offers more sophisticated services to users for a fee, allowing it to generate revenues of 716 million US dollars last year, 30 percent over the previous year.
Currently certain handsets such as Nokia’s N900 smartphone and Apple’s iPhone can make mobile video calls using the system. The company however has developed plans to introduce more platforms such that by next year, eight of the 10 leading personal computer manufacturers in the world will have their products pre-loaded with Skype software before they are shipped.
According to Silverman the ability to make or receive video calls in the comfort of your living room is fast approaching as the firm has also forged partnerships with some of the world’s leading electronics makers to put its software on their products on a high-definition TV.
“The future of communications is an emotional one — technology that helps bring families together, seal business deals, lends a voice and video to remote villages,” he said. “Innovation and technology is only worthwhile if it improves the human condition.”
Skype’s booth at CommunicAsia was among the most popular for visitors, who were allowed to make free video calls. Vice president for the Asia Pacific Dan Neary said 46 percent of mobile broadband users are based in the region and this was likely to grow further. “So clearly, Asia Pacific will be a growth engine for mobile over the next couple of years,” he said.
Silverman reveals the derivative of Skype’s success is all due to its’ simplicity and with little or no cost. Skype last year accounted for 12 percent of the world’s international calling minutes, up from eight percent in 2008.