For Skype fans, and more specifically those who lean towards the Windows Phone side of the mobile world, it seems as if the official Skype app has been hanging over our heads for quite some time now. Skype for Windows Phone was first released as a public beta at the end of February this year. Continue reading this article at RedmondPie.com

The tech world was stunned last year when Microsoft shelled out a jaw-dropping $8.5 billion to acquire VoIP telecommunications outfit Skype. While the move itself was a logical one for business expansion, the price shocked many, who couldn't see why the Redmond-based outfit had parted with so much money for a company which wasn't making much of its own

Microsoft and its Windows Phone 7 have a big year ahead of themselves. Google and Apple currently have the mobile space all-but sewn up, and even old stalwarts like BlackBerry are struggling to compete with the new hotness that is iOS and Android.

The nominations are in, and the poll is ready to go! The TUAW Best of 2011 awards are all about you -- the readers -- and what you think is the cream of the crop of Apple or third-party products and software. To vote, select one entry from the top nominations made by readers.