Skype has made Skype 3.0 Beta for Windows Mobile available for downloads.

On the main Skype blog, Peter Parkes reports on the new mobile version:

"It includes two great new features: SMS and file transfer. With 3.0 Beta, you can send text messages from your phone at Skype's low rates, and send and receive files with your Skype contacts around the world ."

He notes: "You can send and receive documents on the move. Need to do an impromptu presentation to a potential client? Have a colleague send that 50Mb PowerPoint document straight from the office. Made some edits and want to back it up? Send it back again."

File transfers are secure, even across unsecured WiFi networks.

When you're abroad or at home and in a WiFi zone, the SMS feature helps you avoid mobile roaming charges - you pay only Skype's low SMS rates to send messages. Roaming charges may apply if you're connecting to Skype using a 3G network, so check with your operator before doing so.