Fring, a popular messaging client for iPhone, Android, and other mobile platforms, is known for the wide range of messaging clients it offers and recently even allowed iPhone 4 users to video chat over 3G. Due to legal threats, however, Fring has been forced to pull Skype support from its app. There's been no explanation from Skype on the situation, but I'm sure we'll hear from them at some point in the future. Until then, Fring's CEO Avi Shechter had this to say:
"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"
Fring definitely has to be feeling burned by this situation, especially with the popularity of Skype. Perhaps in order to build support and convince Skype to reverse their decision, Fring has added the word "Banned!" to the Skype logo on its website, as seen above. Considering it says right on the Fring site that the app "uses the Skype™ API but is not endorsed or certified by Skype," it seems that Skype had every right to block Fring. Still, I'm sure there are many users upset by Skype's decision, and I bet this won't be the last we hear on the situation.
Via MobileBurn
- Log in to post comments