Official Skype App Available in App Store
After much anticipation, the official Skype application is now available in the iTunes App Store. Skype is a very popular Voice-Over-IP (VOIP) and messaging client that allows calls and messages to be sent to other users over the internet. Calls can also be made to those with landline phones with the purchase of credit through Skype.
CNET had some in-depth time with the new release of the iPhone application:
Skype’s screens are well organized and use the iPhone’s ability to add filters, for instance, to sort your contacts alphabetically, or by who’s online. There’s chatting as well, though Skype’s flagship feature is its VoIP calling that’s free to other Skype users and an inexpensive per-minute fee to landlines. Calls on Skype for iPhone work only if you’re in range of a Wi-Fi network, so your call quality will in part be at the mercy and strength of wireless networks nearby–calls will not work over the cell phone network on the iPhone (but chatting will.)
If you’re a heavy Skype user, or have heard all the ranting and raving but never checked it out, now would be a great time to do so. Keep in mind that calls may only be made over WiFi connection and not over cellular connection per Apple’s restrictions. If you get the chance to try out the app, drop a comment and let us know what you think!
Update: A developer friend has confirmed that the iPhone 3.0 OS allows Skype calls to be made over the 3G network.
Skype is available in the iTunes App Store for Free [LINK]
