This one is getting a little complicated. Here is what has happened so far. Last week, the Fring iPhone app was updated allowing iOS 4 users to multitask the app, leaving it running in the background to receive calls and messages. For those using an iPhone 4, it allowed you to make video calls over WiFi and 3G to users on other devices. This was a big step forwards making the front facing camera on the phone be useful for things other than iPhone 4 to iPhone 4 FaceTime calls over WiFi which it was previously restricted to.
Shortly after the updated app went live, Skype support was “temporarily removed” due to an overload of users making use of video calling services. This, according to Fring, was done because they wanted to make Fring more reliable until the infrastructure could be updated.
We now hear that Skype has actually blocked Fring due to issues with misuse of Skype API’s. The full reasons are found over on another Gadgets blog shows that it is API reasons…
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.
So who knows what will happen next. It seems like Fring did remove service to take pressure off the service temporarily, but at the same time they did that it seemed like Skype also blocked access. We are not sure at this point if Skype will return to Fring. Lets hope it does!
Frings response.
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