Apple iPhone users have been waiting a long time for this, and just in time to call up your best friend on New Year's Eve and communicate via video instead of just voice, Skype has delivered video calling to the iPhone. Before now, Skype was only useful for VoIP calling and messaging. Skype video calling is a feature, but it was reserved for the desktop client and select televisions. Now, video calling is where it should be: right beside FaceTime. What's crazy is that somehow Skype has been able to launch this feature over both Wi-Fi and 3G. Other similar apps have usually launched with support for Wi-Fi only, and even Apple's own FaceTime is restricted to use over Wi-Fi.
Skype has stated that video calling made up 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes during the first 6 months of 2010, so it's pretty clear that there's a significant demand for this on the mobile side. Early reports have found that 3G video chatting is spotty, while Wi-Fi video chatting seems pretty solid. The app is free, so why not give it a try and see for yourself?
Skype Brings Video Calling to iPhones
Share the Moments that Matter Most over 3G and WiFi
30 DECEMBER, 2010 – Luxembourg – Skype today announced the new version of its iPhone application that brings video calling to millions of mobile users around the globe over both 3G and WiFi networks. Available to download from the Apple App Store today, the new Skype for iPhone App allows iPhone , iPad and iPod touch owners to make and/or receive free* Skype video calls for the first time. Users can now see their family, friends and colleagues around the world while talking to them. With approximately 25 million concurrent users logged into Skype at any given time**, the new Skype for iPhone makes it easier than ever to share moments wherever you are.
Video calling significantly enhances the user experience of Skype for iPhone, which is one of the top five free iPhone apps in 2010 according to Apple. Now, users can make and receive free Skype-to-Skype calls, call mobiles and landlines around the world at very low rates, and now share more moments together with video on Skype for iPhone.
"With video calling representing approximately 40% of all Skype-to-Skype minutes for the first six months of 2010, our users have been eager to get Skype video calling on their mobile phones," said Neil Stevens, general manager of Skype's consumer business. "By bringing video to mainstream users at their home or work via their desktops, on the go with their mobiles, or into their living room via their TV, Skype has made it possible for millions of people to share video moments wherever they are."
A video call evolves communication beyond transactional experiences to a shared experience where people can share any occasion with others wherever they are. Whether this is a military father watching the birth of his child while deployed abroad, loved ones communicating via sign language or work colleagues collaborating around the globe – the opportunities are endless.
Users can place Skype video calls with their iPhone over both a 3G data connection* or WiFi. The new Skype for iPhone app is compatible with the iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS, and iPod touch 4th generation with i0S 4.0 or above. Video receiving capabilities are available on the iPod touch 3rd generation and iPad. Calls can be made between devices using the new Skype for iPhone app and desktops including Skype for Windows 4.2 and above, Skype for Mac 2.8 and above, Skype for Linux and ASUS Videophone.
The Skype for iPhone application is available for free download from the App Store or at
www.skype.com/go/iphone
