Skype Lawsuit Causes Fring To Ditch Skype Support

Supporters and frequent users of the multi-platform mobile chat-client Fring will be disappointed to hear that Skype has threatened the company with legal action unless the company drops support for the Skype chat protocol. In a press release, the company has confirmed that users will no longer be able to use Fring to communicate with their Skype friends, but they’re welcome to invite their Skype friends to join them on Fring. Such a move also comes in the wake of Fring’s mobile video calling being available on the iPhone 4, which should be a popular feature. From the press release, it was stated:

“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” said Avi Shechter, fring’s Co-Founder and CEO “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.” Avi continued, “We believe in communication openness and know that users will continue to vote with their mobile phones – opting for fring’s innovation, clarity, honesty and openness”.