Rumors have been circulating for a few days that Skype is bringing video calling to iPhone. Then it reached a crescendo when Skype created a Facetime like page showing video on mobile but did not specifically mention iPhone or iOS.
The latest Skype iPhone update version 3.0 has made video calling over 3G or WiFi a reality for iPhone users.
With our family in India, we are heavy Skype users and were thrilled when Skype voice calls over 3G was announced. It is going to be fun to be able to connect with family and friends overseas no matter where we are.
Here is the changes in Skype app v3.0
- Make Skype to Skype video calls on WiFi and 3G*
- Call Skype desktop users (Mac OS X or Windows) and other iPhone users.
- Two-way video calls supported on iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch 4th gen.
- Receive only video supported on iPad and iPod touch 3rd gen, with no camera.
- Make video calls in portrait and landscape.
- Skype video calling requires iOS 4.0 or above.
- Additional Data charges may apply
Skype for iPhone works on iOS 4. It is also supported on iPod Touch and iPad.
With Skype adding video calls over 3G, is this going to be the biggest threat to the success of FaceTime even before it caught on?
I am yet to try this as I haven’t had anyone online since this morning. I will let you know my thoughts once I have used it over the weekend.
Plus, here is the complete press release
Skype Brings Video Calling to iPhones
Share the Moments that Matter Most over 3G and WiFi30 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.
Update: Just tried a Skype call with Karthik over 3G (a spot where 3G is a bit crappy) but the video and audio quality was absolutely great! Highly recommend everyone with an iPhone trying it.
Also, even though there is warning that Skype is ‘not supported on modified IOS (read jailbroken)’, it just works fine on my jailbroken iPhone 4.
