Fring vs. Skype: The mobile chit-chat showdown.
And here we thought “highschool drama” was dead and buried once we left…highschool. But in reality, such things occur in everyday life, even amongst professional adults. Today’s highschool drama spills into the adult world is provided compliments of Fring and Skype. Most notably, Fring has had a lack of Skype support within the app for the last several days. So far, it’s been chalked up to a minor technological problem that would see a quick fix. But today, Fring let the cat out of the bag, outright bashing Skype and calling them out as “cowards” and accusing them of “trying to muzzle the competition”. According to Fring, Skype is blocking Fring (and other 3rd parties) from using Skype’s services. Fightin’ words no less.
Skype’s response is quite the contrary, and accuses Fring of doing the dirty deed and removing Skype support proactively. Skype goes on further to more or less lay blame on Fring’s improper use of Skype’s API’s as the reason for the whole skirmish in the first place. And then it gets all law & order:
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.
Lawyers, lawsuits, and courtrooms — the perfect crescendo to a tech battle. Either way, it’s a bad situation for Fring/Skype users looking to get some mobile chatting action on the cheap in the here and now. Still, the fact that Skype is all of a sudden getting all touchy with 3rd parties and API’s hopefully means they’re going to break they’re exclusivity with Verizon Wireless in the near future. While such things are great for corporate pockets, exclusive deals rarely benefit the consumer.
With this turning into a he-said/she-said ordeal, be sure to stay close as we’ll keep you up to date. Here’s to hoping some pro-consumer products come out of all of this. Thoughts?
