It's iSkoot not Skype for 3's X-Series

This week’s announced X-Series from 3 also featured Skype among the partners. However, Skype has not completed its own solution for Symbian handsets and the company has chosen iSkoot to deliver a solution to mobile operators. 3 is the first mobile operator to launch this new service and will preload the iSkoot’s Skype-branded solution on Nokia (NYSE: NOK) and Sony Ericsson (NYSE: SNE) handsets.

iSkoot’s client software enables mobile customers to use the Skype service from their handsets anywhere. The iSkoot servers are integrated into the operators’ network so that seamless calling and billing can be offered to their users. Users can make and receive Skype calls from any mobile phone by using the existing cellular voice network. The Skype-enabled phones free Skype users from their PCs and allow them to connect with online contacts from anywhere, at any time.

iSkoot’s features and benefits:

• Use mobile handsets for Skype calls, without the need for PCs, special hardware, mobile broadband or WiFi
• Take your Skype Contact List with you: See who’s online and call them from your mobile phone
• Let your contacts know if you are available by using Skype status icons such as Online, Away, and Not Available
• Users cave money on international calls with SkypeOut

At present, only S60 2nd Edition version of iSkoot’s client is available. However, with the introduction of X-Series from 3, the Symbian v9 (S60 3rd edition and UIQ 3) client will be needed to work on announced Nokia N73 and Sony Ericsson W950i.