RSSSkype for iPhone launches tomorrow with Wi-Fi calling functionality
By Tim Conneally | Published March 30, 2009, 1:40 PM
Skype, the popular voice, video, and instant messaging chat software parented by eBay is reportedly coming to the iPhone App Store tomorrow as a free download.
When a user's iPhone is connected to a Wi-Fi network, they will be able to use their Skype account to make free Skype-to-Skype voice calls, send instant messages, and make outbound calls to other mobile devices or landlines for a fee.
Just a week ago, Skype 3.0 launched in beta for Windows Mobile. A version for BlackBerry will be released as well in May, and versions for Symbian and Android are expected to follow.
These versions will differ from the commonly-found Skype Lite client, which allows Skype voice calls -- and little else -- to be placed over regular cellular networks. This version has already found its way onto most mobile operating systems.
The Skype for iPhone interface offers five tabs along the bottom of the screen for open chats, chat history, a dialer, "my info," and contact information. The software automatically integrates the phone's address book into its contact list for SkypeOut calls.
Skype will be competing against Truphone, which has been available for the iPhone since last year and offers similar functionality.
hmm, touch compatible?
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|Unless I'm mistaken the touch doesn't have a microphone, does it?
And this app is next to useless on an iPhone when you already have 'free minutes' on the monthly contract, isn't it?
Unless of course you just want to message your friends using it.
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|Like all other apps that utilise iPhone-only features (like Shazam which requires a mic), it will still work if you have a mic connected to the iPod Touch. In fact, that was one of the things that Truphone harped on about (telling users of iPod Touches that they could make phone calls).
And it isn't next to useless cos you can use wifi to make the calls.
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|Actually the 2nd generation ipod touch has a built in microphone, and skype will be compatible with 2nd gen touches. Personally I wont be using it as Ive more than enough free min's included with my price plan, but I can see how this would be good for touch users, giving them the ability to make calls like a iphone if a wifi network is available.
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|Ah right, my bad.
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|'international calls"
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|it looks very good to me, especially with the ability to buy plans for international calling from skype that are dirt cheap and the ability to get skype telephone # that is simililarly cheap. i have a number in a different state in the community where friends and relatives live and they can simply dial a local # to reach me...if i am not home i can forward those calls to me cell phone or office, etc. i am looking forward to this.
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|I am using Skype / Nimbuzz on my Nokia e71 and N95. Well not for local calls inside the US. My family is spread out all over the world. It's nice to make a Video Call via Cellphone. Off course you must have a Cellphone how have also Camera for Video calls. The most Nokia N & E Series have a second camera in front over the screen. For fast speed, yes a Phone must have WiFi and you need access to it.
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