Skype implements WISPr for WiFi access
The cat is out of the bag, so I guess I can now disclose that we had a few talks with Skype regarding integration of the Whisher client with the Skype client through an API, which would allow Skype to get its users online at over 150.000 hotspots through payment of a per-minute fee deducted from their credit. Below you can see the mockup of the Skype-branded Mac client (click for a full-size view):
It seems that Skype used some of the ideas we threw around (which is nice to see!), but it would have been even better if we had closed a deal with them of course. In any case, it’s an important step for Skype, as they now allow their users to place cheap calls over commercial hotspots for a flat per-minute fee. Since we launched Whisher 3.0 in early 2008, we targeted the no-monthly-fees user group, those who were occasional WiFi users that would not pay for monthly commitments, so Skype vindicates our vision in this blog post.
For those of you wondering what is happening at Whisher, I can say that there is a very important development that will take place in the next couple of weeks, we just couldn’t disclose it and had to work hard to make it happen, thus the lack of updates during the last few weeks. I now expect the trolls and idiots to start rolling in the comments, have at it – the delete button is very convenient (actually, I think I’m going to start hitting the ‘spam’ button and let Akismet deal with it). If you post thoughtful and/or constructive criticism, and use your real name and email address, I will approve your comment. Those who post annonymous crap, feel free to not even bother.
I gotta say, i’m feeling nothing but hate for the new Skype. No longer can I count on my app to stay docked and well-behaved on the right side of my screen. “default view” seems to be designed to take over half of the monitor and dock on the left. Calling phones and viewing history are no longer tabbed, but are now despicable popup windows. The buddy icons look too similar so it’s difficult to quickly tell if someone is online, or if i’m merely looking at their telephone number entry. STILL CANT INSERT PAUSES IN PHONE NUMBERS. Usability? FAIL. Hate, hate hate hate, hate.
cersonship!
bushtill!!!