Ovi Store Welcomes Skype

Users of Symbian-based smartphones will now be privy to VoIP via Skype's service. Skype and Nokia jointly released Skype for Symbian, a Skype client for Nokia smartphones based on the Symbian platform. The free application can now be downloaded from the Ovi Store or directly from the Skype Web site.

According to a press release, Skype for Symbian enables Skype to be used over either a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection (GPRS, EDGE, 3G).

"With Skype for Nokia smartphones, more than 200 million smartphone users worldwide will be able to take the Skype features they love with them on the move," said Russ Shaw, Skype's general manager of mobile, in a statement.

Skype and Verizon Wireless recently made news when they announced a joint project at Mobile World Congress that allows Verizon customers to place Skype calls over Verizon's network.

Skype has yet to release an app for the iPhone but says one is in the works.