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Skype Threatens Fring, Fring Drops Skype Support

Jul 12, 2010, 8:49 AM by Eric M. Zeman
updated Jul 12, 2010, 10:25 AM

Fring today announced that its mobile phone application will no longer support Skype. Fring was forced to make the decision after Skype threatened Fring with legal action following the release of the Fring application for iOS4 devices. Users of the Fring application will no longer be able to connect with their Skype contacts, though they can still invite Skype users to switch to Fring. Fring said Skype moved to block Fring from accessing its service. In a prepared statement, Avi Shechter, fring’s Co-Founder and CEO, said, "We are disappointed that Skype, who once championed the cause of openness, is now attempting to muzzle competition, even to the detriment of its own users. We apologize to our users for the impact of Skype's bullying and we will be happy to reconnect with Skype once Skype reverses their decision." Fring says its application still supports real-time video chat over 3G or Wi-Fi for iOS4, Android, and Symbian devices. Skype later offered its own statement on the matter and said that it didn't block Fring. A spokesperson for Skype told Phone Scoop in an email, "Skype has been in discussions with Fring regarding our belief that Fring is breaching our API Terms of Use and End User Licence Agreement. Skype is disappointed that an amicable resolution was not possible but Fring's decision to withdraw Skype functionality immediately was of its own choice. Skype encourages developers to build products that work with Skype in accordance with our various API licences. However, Skype will rigorously protect its brand and reputation and those companies that do not comply with our terms will be subject to enforcement."

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Comments

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This forum is closed.

bluecoyote

Jul 12, 2010, 11:30 PM

Apparently Skype sued Fring because Fring was crap.

Take of this what you want, but the official statement from Skype wasn't that Fring was using Skype's protocol, but Fring was so crappy with its Skype support that they felt it was 'damaging' their reputation.
🤣

bluecoyote

Fring is crap.

...

flip mode

Jul 12, 2010, 10:07 PM

pfffft

I don't see what the big deal is. I loved video chat on my G1. Skype should be kissing Fring's butt and saying thank you because Skype was too slow to advance the cause of mobile video chat. I don't see it as piggy backing and how many apps are there that gain access to aim,yahoo,msn, skype but Fring gets picked on. Not cool.

Daniel Dc5

Jul 12, 2010, 1:38 PM

Perfect Example!!!

When Fring was only on the Android they never had any problems with Skype, now when the Iphone got it they got into a fight and had to cancel there connections with one another? Wow thanks a lot Apple once again Fu&king up things for cell phone users with your selfish locked down ways. That is another good reason to have Android because you never have anyone on your back telling you anything about your phone or what you put on it and what you cant.GOOGLE FOR THE WIN!!!!

bluecoyote

1) This is an issue purely between Fring and Skype

2) Apple approved the new Fring App. Apple didn't reject it at all.

3) They took/are taking Skype functionality from the Android version too. that's right.

Hrm... Why is every Andr...
(continues)

...

muchdrama

Jul 12, 2010, 8:36 PM

It's not 'bullying'...

...it's an attempt on Skype's part to keep another competitor from piggy-backing off its success.

I'd have done the same thing if I were Skype.

bluecoyote

Jul 12, 2010, 10:08 AM

Legitimacy

So did Skype have reasonable grounds to sue? That seriously makes me question the legitimacy of the service, even though it's unfortunate.

vzwINCRED

i concur

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