Here's the deal. When BlackBerry 10 launches later this year, it's critically important that there is no major app gap on the platform. We don't need 500,000 apps (of which 400,000 are crapps), but we do need to have all the major ones there in good functioning order.

Two of the biggies that we still do not have confirmation on are Netflix and Skype. CrackBerry Nation has been very vocal in wanting these two services on the PlayBook/BB10. Heck, we've even done an email petition campaign to the CEO of Skype.

There are lots of good theories as to why Skype and Netflix are not committed to BB10 yet (will save those for another post), but a few days ago RIM's VP of Developer Relations Alec Saunders took to twitter in addressing a question which clarified that it's not RIM holding up the Netflix train. If Netflix asked... RIM would have a team of BlackBerry developers at Netflix's door within 24 hours to get the app built. I'm sure the same would hold true for Skype.

So Netflix... and Skype... let's get with it here and confirm you're coming to BlackBerry 10. Just do it.. or else I'm going to have to start getting desperate and sacrifice myself for the cause . And that's blood (and bad PR) that you don't want on your hands. CrackBerry Kevin to go on a Hunger Strike for Skype and Netflix?? You know I would do it. Don't make me.

Today is the day we send our emails to Skype's CEO!

If you're like the thousands of BlackBerry PlayBook owners, you've probably been dying to have Skype. The PlayBook is the perfect platform for Skype -- 7" size is super portable and with both front and back cameras it couldn't be a better fit. The native Video Chat is ok, but it doesn't go beyond other PlayBook owners. While some people think RIM is to blame for not getting these apps, it's really the companies themselves that say yay or nay when it comes to getting apps on a platform. Having Skype on the PlayBook would be pure awesome sauce and a head start to having it ready to roll on BlackBerry 10 phones later this year. We thought we were soooo close at CES 2011 when we saw this screen at RIM's booth, but no such luck.

Forums member zethaaron has started an email petition to let the Skype CEO and Vice President know that we want Skype on the BlackBerry PlayBook. It's been in planning for a week or so, and today (February 1st) is the day to take action! All you need to do is send an email letting them know that we want it and we want it now!! Full details (including a pre-formatted email) can be found in this forum thread. So if you want to see Skype on the PlayBook, do your part and send a quick email. It only takes a minute and could lead to big things. Lets unleash the power of the CrackBerry Nation!!

Full details on the Skype Petition and Email Campaign

If you all thought Steve Ballmer showing up during the keynote at BlackBerry World was a little crazy, maybe -- just maybe, there was a little bit more to it then we all realized at the time. No, Microsoft hasn't announced they're making a bid to purchase Research In Motion but -- they have however, according to some rumors floating around made a bid to purchase Skype for $7 billion.

As we know it right now, Skype has really never had much of an impact on the BlackBerry world considering their app is a Verizon exclusive and despite having announced it in the past as being made available for all, that has never actually come to light. If these rumors turn out to be true and the deal gets locked down, it could break the Verizon exclusivity and hopefully bring Skype to not only BlackBerry smartphones but to the BlackBerry PlayBook as well. We'll have to sit back and watch it all unfold but, fun to ponder the ideas while we wait that's for sure.

Update: Looks like it is a done deal, as reported by All Things D. Press release suggested for tomorrow morning.

Source: WSJ; via Android Central

Skype is one of the best ways to reach out to people for free or cheap. From your desktop or laptop you can enjoy free VoIP or Videos calls between Skype members. You can even get into group video calling. But what if you find yourself without a computer? Armed with your BlackBerry, you can still keep in contact by using the IM+ Talk application. Through IM+ talk, you unlock some of the features that make Skype so useful. Free and Cheap VoIP calls, instant messaging and file sharing between members; you are never too far away from those important to you (whether you can admit they are or not).  Let’s check out what IM+ Talk has to offer.

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Skype Mobile for Verizon released yesterday, and while not the greatest client for BlackBerry, it does get the job done. You can view all of your Skype contacts, as well and IM and make calls through your device. Depending on who or where you are calling, the charges vary, but Verizon has created a decent FAQ page that pretty much explains how it all breaks down. You can also check out some how-to videos on the page that will help with setting up and getting around the app. Check out the video above for a quick look at what Skype Mobile has to offer.

• More information on Skype Mobile from Verizon >>

As we already know, Skype Mobile has been rolled out to Verizon Wireless users at this point. The application is being pushed out to devices this morning to make for easy downloading. But now that it is here, we kind of have to wonder what exactly this means for Skype on BlackBerry as a whole. Its been quite a while since Skype made the initial announcement of their intentions to arrive on the BlackBerry platform and in a way, they kind of have really made good on that news. However, I'm quite certain an exclusive deal with Verizon wasn't exactly how BlackBerry users envisioned when Skype released their very limited beta.

So what exactly happened? Was the beta testing phase abruptly stopped and seemingly shut down due to a deal made with Verizon? Could this be part of the reason no one at Skype wanted to answer direct questions about when exactly Skype was coming to BlackBerry? Sure seems that way as I see it. In any case we certainly don't have and likely never will have any answers as to what the future holds for Skype on BlackBerry. But we can still hope that Skype will do right in the long run and make the app available to all BlackBerry users. In the meantime, any Verizon users now using Skype? Let us know in the comments what you think of the service on your device.

• Verizon Users Can Click Here For More Information About The Skype Mobile App>>

It really hasn't been any secret that Skype was coming to Verizon. We just didn't know exactly when it was coming. The announcement today from Skype and Verizon has shed some light on the when portion. Starting tomorrow, Verizon users will be able to get their Skype on with quite a few devices. Intially, for BlackBerry users the app will work on BlackBerry Storm 9530, Storm2 9550, Curve 8330, Curve 8530, 8830 World Edition and Tour 9630 smartphones. Some features listed below:

• make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to anyone else on Skype around the globe
• send and receive unlimited instant messages with other people on Skype
• call international phone numbers at low rates

Skype-to-Skype calls will not be charged against your monthly minute allowances or data plans. Verizon Wireless customers can visit www.skype.com to purchase Skype Credit to make Skype Out calls and make calls to international landline or mobile numbers.

• Check Out The Skype Blog Posting For More Details>>

Yesterday Kevin posted a video from the Skype booth and couldn't get a definite answer as to when exactly a Skype client for BlackBerry was coming. Well just one day later, Verizon has announced that it has partnered with Skype and will be bringing a client to a number of its smartphones in March. It appears that the app will work on Big Red's 3G smartphones with data plans, and will include the Storm, Storm2, 8330, 8530, 8830 and Tour 9630. Features include:

• Make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to any Skype user around the globe on America's most reliable wireless network;
  
• Call international phone numbers at competitive Skype Out calling rates;
  
• Send and receive instant messages to other Skype users; and
  
• Remain always connected with the ability to see friends' online presence.

The service will be available starting next month, and you can be sure Verizon users will be rejoicing. Do you think it will land on other carriers as well? Drop a comment and let us know. For more, check out verizonwireless.com/skypemobile. Full press release after the jump.

• More information on Skype Mobile >> 

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I know a lot of BlackBerry users out there have been waiting for Skype to drop their official BlackBerry client. Thinking back, it was March 2009 when word surfaced that a client would be coming and at the time it was supposed to be available only a few months later. Here we are, now into 2010, and we're still waiting for it. As I walked passed the Skype booth I fired up the camera and grabbed a quick update. The word? Not what I was hoping for. I got the good 'ole It's in the works, it's an important platform for us, keep waiting answer.

But hey, at least we know it will show up one day. In the meantime, you can still check out IM+ for Skype by Shape Services. Bla1ze did an updated review of it recently - you can check it out to see his take on where they're at with it.

A few days ago Shape Services released an updated version of their IM+ Skype applicationt, this time around touting its offerings of free WiFi calling from your BlackBerry utilizing Skype. Given in the past applications like this have used a SkypeOut/SkypeIn call back feature users often found that while the calls were free, they were also using their minutes up when placing these calls. Not exactly my definition of free. I wanted true WiFi calling. No carrier connection just WiFi, which is what SHAPE claimed with this.

Quite honestly, it seems as though the BlackBerry platform is among the last to see this type of offering arrive. The iPhone has plenty of applications that can make use of VoIP and even the official Skype app for it, allows WiFi calling. Heck, I don't even have a SIM card in my iPhone and it still works for calls. Android is no exception there either, the Android marketplace has many apps in it that act the same way. Over time, I have heard many reasons as to why BlackBerry couldn't make use of this feature. Everything from it's a hardware issue right down to it being a security issue. All of which just sounded like rather half-arsed excuses to me. Here is a quick look at SHAPE services IM+ Skype offering, their latest offering promises free WiFi calling over VoIP and I put it to the test.

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