Stardust Global Ventures

So first the news, then my comments. And the press release is below.

Truphone is keeping with their tradition of innovation and kicking off the new year with a new Skype feature that will allow iPhone and iPod Touch users to make calls and instant message other Skype users. All you need is a Truphone account.

I’ve given Truphone a mixed set of reviews lately. I’m posting this notice early in the day, but Sheryl and I will be speaking with Truphone CEO, Geraldine Wilson later in the evening. We have some questions that need answering, and at this point, I for one, remain a bit skeptical about Truphone’s ability to deliver. And we may throw a curve ball or two Geraldine’s way on the phone, but we promise to play fair. We might play hardball, but fair hardball. Rest assured we’ll post some follow up after that conversation.

This is interesting news to say the least and I’ll be really anxious to see it working on my iPod Touch. Given that nothing from Truphone has worked on my iPod so far, it will make for an interesting test.

TRUPHONE INTRODUCES SKYPE CALLING AND INSTANT MESSAGING TO iPHONE AND iPOD TOUCH APPLICATIONS

London and San Francisco–Jan. 6, 2009—Truphone today debuted the ability to make and receive Skype™ calls and instant messaging (IM) to the entire Skype user base from its iPhone™ and iPod touch™ applications. The service is scheduled to be available to all customers during the week of Jan. 12.

The introduction was made at “ShowStoppers @ Macworld 2009” and will be showcased at the Truphone stand (#3228) at Macworld for the remainder of the week.

This represents one more step toward making Truphone the open “all-in-one conversations hub” for iPhone and iPod touch users.

Truphone customers on both Apple devices can now reach their Skype friends via their Skype IDs. This further expands the universe of people with whom Truphone customers can stay in touch.

Separately, Truphone also announced today the availability of well-known instant-messaging services using the Truphone application on the iPod touch™ and the iPhone™.

“The introduction of Skype calling and instant messaging represents yet another breakthrough for Truphone,” said Geraldine Wilson, Truphone CEO. “What this means for Truphone’s customers is that they can now call or message all their Skype friends using their iPhone or iPod touch. This allows iPhone and iPod touch users to have a choice in how they stay in touch with friends and colleagues around the world—all within the one application.”

Truphone-to-Skype communications are free over the Internet, and iPhone users can also place and receive Skype calls and messages when not in a Wi-Fi-accessible location for the cost of a local call*, using the Truphone Anywhere feature.

* Operator roaming charges will apply if users are abroad.

# # #

Apple and iPod are trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the United States and other countries. iPhone is a trademark of Apple Inc. Skype is a registered trademark of Skype Limited. In the United States and/or other countries.Wi-Fi is a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Truphone is a trademark of Software Cellular Network Ltd. Skype and SkypeIn are trademarks of Skype Limited. All other brands, product names, company names, trademarks and service marks are the properties of their respective owners.

Technorati Tags: Truphone, Skype, Blackberry, iPod Touch, mobility