Nimbuzz - J2ME Skype (In and Outbound Calls)
I stumbled across an excellent application for mobile yesterday that I have been getting to grips with on my SonyEricsson K850i.
Nimbuzz allows you to use a multitude of IM protocols to communicate with your friends through mobile. Many previous such applications have been limited to smartphones (S60, UIQ, WiMo etc.) The main attraction for me is that this allows you to make Skype to Skype calls for free using a J2ME client. Fring allowed this also, however the client was limited to smartphone users. EQO also tried the Skype route, however, this required you to have skype running on a PC with the EQO server running through to which your phone connects.
Nimbuzz takes a slightly different approach. It uses a http connection to maintain a buddy list and chat sessions for which ever IM client you wish to use. To then make calls, it will trigger a local call to either a freefone, or local number which will route your call over to the Skype (or whichever) user.
The Nimbuzz website also allows you to create widgets to plugin to your website/Facebook/blog etc.. so that any user can send you a message, call you, send a file, and buzz you. For incoming calls, you must register your mobile number, which the Nimbuzz server will use to route your incoming skype calls.
The main problems with the Nimbuzz application are to do with security and availability. Firstly, you have to supply your account details for the IM clients (similar to meebo) which they store on their servers. The Nimbuzz client then requies a single username/password which connects these accounts. This is also subject to security issues, as loosing your phone will allow your IM clients to be accessed because login details are saved.
Another problem exists when roaming internationally, you will not be able to make Skype calls for free, as I discussed, it will route your outgoing calls via a local phone number instead of data
I am glad I found this software, its a step in the right direction of getting Skype through J2ME. As its still early software, I am sure that future developments will improve some of the current features, and build upon the functionality it currently provides.
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